By Andrew Warshaw
June 24 – Former Scottish Rugby Union chief executive Gordon McKie is emerging as a possible saviour for Heart of Midlothian, the stricken Scottish Premier League club that has been plunged into administration with debts of £25m. McKie, who was involved in an unsuccessful attempt to take over Rangers last summer, has met with Hearts administrators with a view to a consortium of five or six investors buying the Edinburgh club.
Reports have also suggested Hearts fans are also preparing their own takeover from former owner Vladimir Romanov whose Lithuanian companies have collapsed.
Unable to pay their bills, including players’ salaries and tax demands, Hearts were placed in administration last week and docked 15 points for the start of next season.
“Given my background in rugby and sport I know what I’m doing,” said McKie. “The people around me are reputable, credible and wealthy and have Hearts’ best interests at heart because most of them are Hearts supporters. Not all, but most. Hearts have been part of their life and they are dismayed at what they hear and what they read.
“These guys keep good company. They are like-minded souls who haven’t enjoyed reading and hearing about what has happened at Tynecastle in recent times.”
McKie, who has also worked at the Hong Kong Football Association, added: “The guys behind me are not doing it to make money, that’s the truth. Football clubs don’t make money. I know that sounds twee, but they are genuinely doing it because they want to save Hearts.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734832974labto1734832974ofdlr1734832974owedi1734832974sni@w1734832974ahsra1734832974w.wer1734832974dna1734832974