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Big surge in ticket sales lifts Hearts



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Published Date: 06 May 2008
By BARRY ANDERSON
HEARTS today reported encouraging progress in season ticket sales with over 7000 renewals processed so far, a figure equal to the same stage of last year's renewal phase.
The club sold a record number of season tickets on Friday and the surge continued over the weekend with supporters showing their backing ahead of the 2008/09 campaign.

The total number of renewals is now almost identical to last year's initial pha
se of season ticket sales, and Hearts have confirmed that season tickets are available at discounted prices until next Monday, May 12, at 1pm.

Tynecastle currently has 13,500 season ticket holders amongst its 17,200 capacity.

Managing director Campbell Ogilvie is particularly heartened by the response from supporters as the club prepare for both managerial and squad restructuring this summer.

Ogilvie said: "We are absolutely delighted with season ticket sales. Our supporters recognise that everyone at Tynecastle is working to create a very positive future for Hearts.

"Next season is a vitally important season in the club's history – we're all very aware of that. Supporters are choosing to back the team, and back the team early. That's a fantastic vote of confidence in what we are trying to achieve.

"For supporters who are still considering whether or not to renew seats I'd like to draw their attention to the interview director Sergejus Fedotovas gave on the website a couple of weeks ago.

"We are all determined to give Hearts supporters the success that they deserve. We've all had a taste, and we want more – we all do. We won't stop until we've achieved much more."

Season tickets are available both online at www.heartsfc.co.uk or by calling 0871 663 1874 (option 1) 24 hours a day.

Over-the-counter sales are also available from the Tynecastle ticket centre which is open Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm, Saturday from 9.30am until 3pm and 4.45pm until 5.30pm, and on Sunday from 11am until 2pm.

Season tickets can also be renewed at the club's CityStore in Edinburgh's St James Shopping Centre.





The full article contains 352 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 06 May 2008 11:24 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Heart of Midlothian FC
 
1

SirSerg',

06/05/2008 11:44:42
Ogilvie said: "We are absolutely delighted with season ticket sales. Our supporters recognise that everyone at Tynecastle is working to create a very positive future for Hearts."

Yes. Last night showed HoM have great future ahead of them.

Can those punters who've already purchased claim a refund under the Trade Descriptions Act 2002?
2

Indie Rep Kid,

06/05/2008 11:53:08
#1 Serg: First for All the Hearts Stories

Buying a ticket, Serg? You may as well.
3

capy,

edinburgh 06/05/2008 11:58:18
did romanov send the boys round. there was nothing last night to suggest next season is going to be any better. and as for pinella i wish i got half his wages for doing nothing.no team no manager no stand no new season ticket !! got that of my chest.
4

THE BPRENTICE,

06/05/2008 12:00:42
without a real manager we need to pay at the gate as a unified force. communication is poor and the respect for the third largest support in the country is non-existent.
5

victorian,

06/05/2008 12:05:23
na it must be some mistake or a great big fat lie. i thought it was commonly accepted knowledge that nobody would buy a season ticket for nest season.

perhaps there are many more people than first thought who are capable of making up their own minds about things, rather than having to rely on the constant stream of wild claims which descend on us.

well done to the 7000. there will be plenty more.
6

Al.Cosgrove,

06/05/2008 12:09:38
I don't believe that 7000 season tickets have been sold. Surely this is another PR stunt by the club.

A not dissimilar stunt to the January 1st statement about the appointment of a new manager.

Sorry. I don't believe a word that the club says.
7

Jim W,

06/05/2008 12:19:20
7000 fools and their money! The only way Hearts will ever stand a chance of being returned to normal is for the supporters to start making their feelings known to the owner.

Unfortunately so far it's been a case of "Silence of the Yams."

How much longer will sensible fans sit back and accept the spin?
8

GrahamL,

06/05/2008 12:32:14
Get in quick guys, we might manage to sell out all the season tickets before Vlad appoints a new manager! Then he's bound to bring in a big name, give them full authority, and money to spend. Isn't he?
9

Matty boy,

06/05/2008 12:40:43
6# - totally agree with you. It's very hard to beleive 7000 have been sold. I know there are a lot of fans who will say "support the club through thick and thin etc etc" but when we all keep renewing our season tickets, we are basically saying that Romanov can do whatever the f*ck he wants and it won't matter one jot. Until the club has a normal structure with some stability and romanov starts coming good with some of his 'promises', why should we trust him. I know as good as the next hearts fan how hard it will be not to go to games on a saturday. But theres nothing else we can do. I for one at the end of my tether with this tube
10

CBJambo,

06/05/2008 13:00:38
A question to the GENUINE Hearts posters on here... 'Who out of you has renewed their ST?' I myself have not... not because I have no intention of doing so... more I can't be bothered pandering to Vlad's wishes.

I'll renew... but at the last moment possible... then again... with news like Pinilla resigning... I may not, don't like the thought of helping fund his lazy arsed lifestyle!

So... 'Who's renewed?!'
11

Big T,

06/05/2008 13:04:23
Desperation sets in!!!

ST sales have been a disaster and they know it.

I've been a ST holder for 30 years - NO new Manager - NO ST!!!! End of!!!

And there are thousands like me!
12

Pedantic,

Edinburgh City Centre 06/05/2008 13:07:35
10 CBJ,

All those in our group have renewed, and that's 12 of us. It was never in question.

Despite the obvious misgivings at the club, I've had a season ticket in many past years to watch worse teams than the one we have on the park right now.
13

Al.Cosgrove,

06/05/2008 13:07:46
I didn't renew last season and have no intention of buying another for next season, even if a manager is appointed.

A new manager. I shudder at the mere thought.
14

victorian,

06/05/2008 13:19:22
#10, i haven't yet but will be.

15

SirSerg',

06/05/2008 13:27:07
#14 victor,

Make sure you get the club to supply you with a fixture list, vic. I would hate you to miss-out on a Pinilla appearance.



16

Jam Tarts 1874,

On the Rebound 06/05/2008 13:37:27
#7. If you say so, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
17

Indie Rep Kid,

06/05/2008 13:39:27
#15 Got YOUR ticket yet, Serg?
18

Forrest,

Livingston 06/05/2008 13:40:15
I have
19

Catholic Jambo,

Edin 06/05/2008 13:52:20
#10 All 8 of my relations who attend renewed after giving carefull consideration /debate to the current options.

Came to the conclusion that there was no other sensible option.

CONCLUSION: relatively small/short term investment in the ONLY current option available to us. We all have reservations(serious reservations) about continuid interference undermining our progress but live in hope that VR genuinally recognises the error of his ways.

HHGH

20

Johnny Jambo,

06/05/2008 13:52:40
#12 I dont think renewing ST or not is about players on the park, yes there have been some poor Hearts teams in the past and there will be again I am sure, however my protetations are against the regime not the players. I know we should support our team through thick and thin (I will continue to do so, but there are more ways than buying a ST), but this board and management take the cake and I already relinquished my ST last season and will not think about another until we get some truth out of Tynecastle about the future and some actions to prove the statements.
21

busbyfh,

06/05/2008 13:52:56
No manager no season ticket..........................
and you ought to see my daughter's face when I said we possibly would not be going back at all as Vlad would not keep his word.
Talk about feeling guilty.
22

Jam Bow,

LA 06/05/2008 13:53:30
I find it very hard to believe that, whatever the real number is, it's almost identical to the same number at the same stage of last year. I mean, how much bizarre behaviour can Hearts fans tolerate? Surely the shenanigans at Tynecastle over the last 12 months, not to mention the vastly inferior standard of play and league position have had some effect.

I would very much like to see some evidence to back up the claim.

One other thought, how come Hearts are willing to talk to the EEN about season ticket sales when they won't talk to them about anything else?

If the figures are genuine, I despair for my fellow jambos. The 6,000 on the waiting list 2 years ago evaporated over the 2006/07 season due to all that was going on. I find it impossible to believe that, what was left, was approximately 13,000 fans willing to, not only forgive, but accept all the crap that was thrown at us in season 2007/08 as well and still come back for more.

Let me out, let me out.....
23

GrahamH,

Edinburgh 06/05/2008 14:26:05
In answer to a couple above, I for one after 20 years of season tickets have not renewed.

victorian surprises me, dissatisfied with the team but getting season ticket now which will only allow Romanov to sit back for another season and do little.

I know a season ticket is only pennies, but if enough don't take them up, then is at least some pressure on Romanov to get the manager in.


24

LionheartFodithman,

06/05/2008 14:33:07
#22
The story about season tickets has been pulled straight from the official website.

I hope the figures are true BUT.....
25

Johnny Jambo,

06/05/2008 14:34:40
#24 Any old garbage can be put on the Official website though.
26

Prof,

06/05/2008 14:39:23
#23 Couldn't agree more. Last night was the final straw. My main moans:
Under contract we have two highly paid layabouts-Beslija, Pinilla.
Kingston has played less than half of the season.
Now we have three bomb scares at full back.
Elliot and Mole are simply not good enough.
Effort and committment is non existent.
27

Johnny Jambo,

06/05/2008 14:43:24
#26 Prof- I agree with all except perhaps the last sentence because at this time of season in the Bottom 6 who really needs to give effort andcommitment, we would expect it as fans but they, as players, will not give it.
28

Prof,

06/05/2008 14:47:55
#27 In which case we should be given refunds and the players should have their wages docked. I also think some players deserve a good kick up the erse/in the nuts.
29

Johnny Jambo,

06/05/2008 14:51:58
#28 Prof - Now there I am in complete agreement mate
30

Johnny Jambo,

06/05/2008 14:55:16
Prof - what about this for an approach. Romanov commits to Hearts to the extent that when the team loses he gives the ST holders a refund for that match.
31

Albert Kidd's 86 allstars,

Melbourne 06/05/2008 15:19:05
Speaking from outside the box, it never made any difference to me how Hibs weredoing when i lived in Embra I always renewed. In fact my last season ticket was for the first division.
I for one take my hat off to Hearts fans willing to buy a ST to show support in such uncertain times. Shows a real love for your side no matter what, and I just cant argue with that...
32

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

06/05/2008 16:12:26
#31 Ditto. I started watching Hearts when they were in the 1st Div. Since when was buying a season ticket dependent on promises from the club? Going along to a game is a big part of many people's lives no matter how the team is doing or who's in charge. Supporting a football club doesn't make sense; if it did there would be no lower league clubs at all - everyone would support the teams who win things.
33

Johnny Jambo,

06/05/2008 16:20:02
#32 I admire your loyalty, however I feel that the time has come for us to hit Romanov where it hurts, I supported Hearts from a long time before the first division, well the old first division that was and I had a season ticket up until the end of last season but just because I gave up my ST in protest at Rmaon I can still support the team.
34

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

06/05/2008 16:36:12
Personally I think this season is not the time to do it. If no manager turns up, etc, next season for sure.

This season is crucial though. We need sponsors and backers for the stand project, not to mention approval from the cooncil. Plus we need to attract a manager.

On the playing side, we need a goalie, two full-backs an experienced centre back and two strikers who know where the goal is. Season ticket money helps with all of this and I think is a better way to call Romanov's bluff than withdrawing that income.

But then I'm in the camp who doesn't believe for a second that his only interest is in fleecing the club.
35

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

06/05/2008 16:39:55
Basically, by withdrawing ST money we give Romanov an excuse to either walk or do nothing.
36

Maroon tinted glasses,

06/05/2008 16:52:46
#35 i agree, lets not wind up the "mad murdoch" for the time being as he really has no affection for the club and could drop us like a hot tattie whenever he wants. I wish to start a knew campaign called

"support the badge not the vadge"

And if he wont come up with the goods next season then it would be time for singing

"vladimir romanov, why dont you just f**k off"

37

Faws Edinburgh,

06/05/2008 16:53:56
7,000 a nice round estimate exceding 3,872 saturday
38

TommyTommy,

06/05/2008 17:03:06
And the money wings its way to Lithuania to keep Vlad in the lifestyle he is becoming used to.

He has already pocketed £20 million and run up debt in Hearts name

A man who likes spending your money.
39

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

06/05/2008 17:05:20
#38 Special needs class just finished?
40

Jim W,

06/05/2008 17:19:40
#16 Sssssshhhhhhhh. Why bother taking your head out of the sand to come up with that reply.

If Hearts continue on the track they are, and there's no evidence to suggest otherwise other than hot air, then the likes of you will be wholly culpable for your inaction.
41

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

06/05/2008 18:05:38
#40 Actually you couldn't be more wrong. You and other Hibs fans believe that Romanov is in Hearts for a quick buck and wants to sell the ground for flats. You think he has no intention of keeping promises such as building a stand and appointing a manager. You think he is a liar and money launderer.

If you are right, Hearts fans not buying season tickets plays into his hands and gives him a perfect excuse not to do the things he says he will. Therefore you should be pleased Jambos can see the bigger picture and that buying STs is the best way to call his bluff.
42

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

06/05/2008 18:19:14
#40 As for "inaction", did you boycott Hibs when they were mismanaged all the way down to the 1st Division?

Did you boycott them when they were mismanaged into 16m of debt? Hibs fans only got their finger out when Mercer came on the scene and enabled them to unite against a common enemy. There is a school of thought, even among Hibs fans, that Mercer's actions saved Hibs because things were very bleak at that stage.

Hibs fans have been paying the same ticket money as Hearts fans over the last 20 years or so, but it's fair to say we've had a lot more for our money.
43

victorian,

06/05/2008 18:20:12
#41, correct. there are no guarantees that the act of not renewing season tickets will not result in an even worse situation. the logic in not renewing and paying at the gate instead is perfectly valid for what it is worth but it doesn't guarantee the desired response from romanov.

at the moment i still think that the potential pitfalls to not renewing outweigh the likely resultant benefits.

the theory that has been spouted about season ticket renewing fans making themselves culpable for any future bad news for hearts is deeply flawed and is simply emotive, mischief making nonsense.
44

Away down In Gorgie (2),

06/05/2008 18:56:49
31#

Log onto kickback and see the abuse people get for buying a ST. Knobends like Freewheelin Jambo, Rudi, Jammy T, JamieJ29 - ringpieces who don't even support their team.

I always buy a ST - and will also do so. I support my team through good and bad. As a Hearts fans I have certainly see more bad.

45

Toast,

06/05/2008 20:02:33
Vlad must be laughing himself silly,7000 muppets and counting.
46

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

06/05/2008 21:42:42
#45. Let's see... in 25 years going to Hearts games I've enjoyed more European campaigns than fans of any other non-OF clubs during the same period, including narrowly losing out to Bayern in the UEFA QFs and becoming the first Scottish team to make the UEFA cup group stage, and seen a few stonking wins against Basle, Bordeaux, Althletico Madrid and Bologna thrown in. I've seen two SC wins and been to a few more finals. Been second in the league twice and never seen my team relegated, and only finished outside the top six once.

Hibs fans, on the other hand, over the same period, have not given their fans nearly as much in return despite having a similar fanbase and resources,

And we've been paying the same ticket prices all that time. Who are the muppets again?
47

Denis Law,

Kaunas 06/05/2008 21:44:57

#2 Yawn. It is boring. You only write simple short sentence to criticize other poster. Why not get education and write constructive comment?
48

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

06/05/2008 21:45:41
Of course forgot to mention dominating the Edinburgh derby for much of that time, too? Sorry. Again - the muppets are.... ?
49

Denis Law,

Kaunas 06/05/2008 21:47:01

TheProf will write that this is non story.

Do all season ticket members enter hat for prize competition draw to decide who is next Head Coach? Maybe Frail will buy season ticket?
50

Denis Law,

Kaunas 06/05/2008 21:48:29

TheProf will write that this is non story.

Do all season ticket members enter hat for prize competition draw to decide who is next Head Coach? Maybe Frail will buy season ticket?
51

SirSerg',

06/05/2008 22:34:17
Labas Denis

Prof comes over as a bit of a cock socket and is best ignored.

Victor and his cohorts are same!!
52

SAME RULES APPLY !!!,

06/05/2008 22:59:55
#46
"Let's see... in 25 years going to Hearts games I've enjoyed more European campaigns than fans of any other non-OF clubs during the same period, including narrowly losing out to Bayern in the UEFA QFs and becoming the first Scottish team to make the UEFA cup group stage"

Conveniently forgetting Aberdeen '83 winning Cup Winners cup & Super Cup 25 years ago and also Dundee Utd getting to a final in '87.

But if it makes you feel superior then what is the harm.

Big club?
53

Jim W,

06/05/2008 23:06:52
#42 I might have done were my leanings of a green Edinburgh persuasion.

I do seem to recall though that the Hibs support also spoke out against moving to Straiton with Hearts.

It just strikes me that too many of the Hearts fanbase have resignedly accepted that they are on a rollercoaster with no way of getting off until Mr Romanov says so. Meanwhile he continues to promise the earth and deliver little.

The past is just that, the past - memories. It can however be learned from. The present is now. As a Scottish football fan I don't want to see a strong challenging Heart of Midlothian FC as just a memory.

I genuinely fear that if the Hearts support don't act them sometime in the not too distant future that may well be the case. God forbid.
54

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

07/05/2008 00:35:00
#52 Hardly being superior, just pointing out I feel I've had value for money throughout my Hearts-following career and resent being called a muppet or sheep for continuing to follow my team. I'm more than happy with the return on my investment in supporting the club over the years.

My point was that Hibs, with similar resources, have delivered far less for the same ticket money. Hibess should ask why that is instead of obsessing over Hearts (another sign of their feelings of inferiority).

In terms of Europe, my point stands. D Utd are rarely in Europe these days, same for Aberdeen during my time watching football. Hearts had, until last season, but are likely still to have contributed the most points to our coefficient outside the OF. (I like knowing these things).
55

,

07/05/2008 09:44:11
Comment Removed By Administrator
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