THE stimulating effect of Csaba Laszlo's arrival at Tynecastle was cited by Hearts today as they confirmed season ticket sales have now broken the 10,000 barrier.
Supporters appear to be backing the Hungarian's arrival as head coach by securing their seats in anticipation of the forthcoming SPL campaign.
Laszlo has presided over just two friendly outings to date – a draw with Glentoran and a defeat to Dunfe
rmline – but has been particularly vocal in his intentions for Hearts.
And, according to Hearts, his plans have seemingly re-invigorated many fans and led to an uplift in season ticket sales beyond the 10,000 mark.
A club spokesperson said: "We are naturally delighted to have secured a manager with the ambition and experience of Csaba Laszlo and it appears that the supporters are also welcoming the appointment.
"The rate of new season ticket sales is up and we have broken through the 10,000 mark with another three weeks before the start of the season.
"This shows us that supporters are responding to Csaba's call that everyone with a passion for Hearts sticks together.
"With the new manager in place, some of our brightest young talent signed on new contracts and what is likely to be a packed Tynecastle once again, we are all looking forward to the new season with optimism."
Laszlo welcomed Ugandan international midfielder David Obua to Edinburgh yesterday in the hope of persuading him to join Hearts. He has already declared his intention to keep captain Christophe Berra and winger Andy Driver in place for the new season despite interest from
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley respectively.
He is also keen to embrace the vision of Vladimir Romanov, Hearts' majority shareholder, that talent emerging from the club's youth academy be promoted to the first team to augment other experienced players.
"Like any new manager he's going to need time and people are willing to judge him when the league season starts," said Derek Watson, chairman of the Hearts Supporters' Trust. "Friendlies are all very well but it's still early days. Everyone will assess how he gets on over the next couple of months, that's the attitude of most people I've spoken to.
"Everybody has been impressed by the new manager's communication and his thoughts on the game. We hope that will continue and people are obviously showing faith in the appointment."
One of Laszlo's predecessors at Hearts has returned to football following a six-month absence from the game. Valdas Ivanauskas, head coach at Tynecastle from June 2006 until March 2007, has signed a short-term contract as coach of Lithuanian second division club FK Banga Gargzdai.
Ivanauskas is hopeful of making a sufficient impression with Banga to attract interest from more illustrious clubs.
SEASON tickets for Hearts are available by phoning 0871 663 1874, purchasing online at www.heartsfc.co.uk or in person at the Tynecastle Ticket Centre.
The full article contains 492 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
