BY ALAN TEMPLE – CCP_Sport
SATURDAY is D-Day in Hearts’ bid to get Tynecastle Park ready for the visit of Partick Thistle, with manager Craig Levein revealing that even youth players have pitched in to ensure the new main stand is brought up to code.
City of Edinburgh Council officials took almost four hours carrying out a third inspection of the £14 million structure on Friday morning but once again failed to issue the necessary safety certificate.
However, it is understood that builders have rectified many of the concerns flagged up during the first visit on Monday and Hearts owner Ann Budge was pleased with the feedback she received.
Having been heartened by the progress, Budge scheduled construction staff to work through the night yesterday – as they did on Monday and Wednesday evening – in the hope they can get the job done.
The council will carry out a final inspection at Noon on Saturday, with Hearts hopeful they will finally get the green light for the fixture to go ahead.
If it is another fail, Budge will bite the bullet and contact Partick Thistle and the Scottish Professional Football League to formally request a postponement.
“We’ve come a long way,” said Levein. “I was down on Thursday and I thought it looked good. Even the [Hearts] kids were down putting numbers on seats!
“We have basically planned for the game going ahead at Tynecastle, so we are hopeful that will be the case.”
In a lengthy statement released on the Hearts website last night which acknowledged that the area around the structure was still largely ‘a building site’, Budge expressed confidence that the game will go ahead.
“I know every Hearts supporter, and indeed every Partick Thistle supporter, is awaiting the announcement that will confirm or otherwise, whether our upcoming game can be played at Tynecastle Park on Sunday, 19 November,” wrote Budge.
“I cannot, at this time, definitively say ‘yes’ but I can say that every indication points to the game going ahead.
“If, for whatever reason, this does not happen, it will not be for the want of trying. Club Staff, Construction Workers and Council Officials have all worked tirelessly to make this happen. If it can be done, it will be!
“Thank you once again for your patience and understanding while we move forward with our development plans.”
