'It was an easy decision' - Shankland on staying at Heartspublished at 17:27 3 July
17:27 3 July
Image source, SNS
Lawrence Shankland says "honesty" with head coach Derek McInnes was "the most important thing" as he weighed up his options over the summer before making the "easy decision" to resign for Hearts.
The Scotland striker ended months of speculation by signing a three-year deal with the Tynecastle club and he says he's "happy with the decision".
"We were just talking throughout, keeping in contact and being honest with each other," Shankland told media. "I think that's the most important thing.
"As long as I was honest in my situation I think both sides were happy to see how things went.
"I was always keen to keep that door open for myself and it was important for me that the manager was happy to do that for me as well.
"Because of the situation I was in, when he came in the door, the contract was coming to an end and he understood where I was at as well.
"That was important and the honesty between us worked out in the end.
"When it came to making the decision, it was an easy one to get my head around."
'Shankland & Bloom deals show Hearts mean business'published at 17:06 3 July
17:06 3 July
Brian McLauchlin BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNS
So, after 18 months of 'will he or will he not' sign a new deal, Lawrence Shankland has - finally - agreed to remain at Hearts.
And it's the news every Hearts fan was looking for. Their talisman striker and captain is back to lead the line for the new campaign.
By his own high standards, last season was a major disappointment for the 29-year-old. Only nine goals in total for the season, but five of those came very late on.
The constant media questioning on whether he would leave the club must have been lingering on his mind and had an impact on his form.
In the close-season, however, Shankland has had time to think.
In between getting married and a short holiday, it became evident his family made it clear they wanted to remain in Scotland with Tynecastle by far the preferred choice.
In those 18 months, he has played under three different managers with Steven Naismith and Neil Critchley both shown the door with Liam Fox, who has also left the club, standing in as interim head coach in these periods.
It cannot be overstated the influence Derek McInnes has had in making this deal happen.
From the minute he stepped in the door at Tynecastle, re-signing Shankland was the top priority for the new manager.
When Shankland is on form there are few, if any, better strikers in Scotland and this news, along with the Tony Bloom deal being concluded last week is an indication that Hearts mean business.
And the Hearts fans will once again turn out at Tynecastle, probably now with more expectation than hope, that the new season will be a successful one.
Have your say as Shankland stayspublished at 16:30 3 July
16:30 3 July
At long last, the speculation is over, Lawrence Shankland is staying at Hearts.
The Scotland striker has penned a three-year deal with the Jambos having met up with Derek McInnes' side out in Spain yesterday.
It's been the saga of the summer, but the end has been written.
St Mirren and Hearts play out draw in pre-season friendlypublished at 10:47 3 July
10:47 3 July
Image source, SNS
Beni Baningime's deflected goal cancelled out Evan Mooney's early strike as Hearts and St Mirren drew in a pre-season friendly out in Spain.
Both sides were heavily-rotated in the "incredible heat", with Buddies boss Stephen Robinson adding it was "a good workout against a very strong Hearts side".
Mooney, 17, opened the scoring 13 minutes into the affair, finishing off the move he started with a slammed finish by Zander Clark.
Baningime lost possession for the Buddies goal, but the Hearts midfielder made up for his mistake when he let fly from distance.
A wicked deflection off Alex Iacovitti wrong-footed new signing Ryan Mullen in goal, leaving him with no chance.
St Mirren's Conor McMenamin thought he had the winner when the ball was in the back of the net, but the offside flag denied him.
Hearts move forward with Shankland alternatives - gossippublished at 08:28 2 July
Barry: Budge should be held in the highest esteem by every loyal Hearts supporter, as without her intervention we wouldn't have a club to support. I sincerely hope that the board will announce an appropriate recognition of Ann's invaluable contribution to the long-term future of our club, for which we supporters will be forever grateful.
Calum: Despite some lows, she's done some great work for the club in 12 years and has now pushed the Tony Bloom's investment through, which will help us so much in building for the future. Perfect high for her to leave on.
Iain: We won nothing while Budge was in charge. That's the bottom line. She appointed multiple unsuccessful managers who were frequently sacked due to a variety of failings that should have been obvious. Relegated more than once. Last season was a debacle, and she's turned a profit on her own money while at the club. Won't be missed by many.
David: The timing of this announcement is really good. As we move into a new era for the club, we need fresh blood and new enthusiasm. It can't be overstated how important the role Budge has played in securing our future and just as importantly - the values and behaviours she has instilled in the club. Good luck Ann and thank you for everything you've done for Hearts.
Jim: Great for our club, between her and the Foundation of Hearts there wouldn't be a club. They should name one of the stands after her, a legend who only made one mistake but we can't get it right all the time. Well done, Ann.
Ryan: Absolutely phenomenal person, chairperson and Hearts legend. Up there with the greats. No matter what anyone may say, this woman saved Hearts and without her we would no longer have a club. Thank you, Ann.
Iain: Ann you have over the years displayed a courage and conviction to not only save the club but to provide us with a stadium that is the envy of all. The facilities here are fabulous. Thanks for all you have done.
Fiona: We can't thank Budge enough for what she has done at Hearts, our very existence is all down to Ann, she is the reason the Foundation of Hearts is in existence. Thank you so much, Ann.
Alan: The club should rename the main stand as 'The Ann Budge Stand'. This gesture would leave a lasting legacy to the woman, without whom, the club would not be in existence.
Keith: Every single Hearts fan should be thankful for what Ann has done for Hearts. She was the one that stepped up and put the money in when Hearts were in the abyss. She will be remembered as a legend and the saviour of Hearts. Thank you, Ann.
JD: In a sea full of sharks, Ann captained the good ship Hearts through stormy seas and into a safe harbour. We are forever grateful and forever blessed with her steadfastness and integrity.
Sandy: Queen Ann has been simply wonderful for Hearts. I am just sad she wasn't in post when we won anything of note. The new main stand should be named after her - it's the right thing to do!
'Rovers give trial to Drysdale after Hearts exit' - gossippublished at 08:43 1 July
08:43 1 July
Raith Rovers are giving a trial to 19-year-old defender Ethan Drysdale, who has been freed by Hearts. (The Courier), external
Which Premiership players will be free agents on 1 July?published at 16:02 30 June
16:02 30 June
Image source, SNS
Image caption,
Scotland internationals Greg Taylor (left), Lawrence Shankland (centre) & Allan Campbell (right) are all set to become free agents
BBC Sport has taken a look at which players will be free agents on 1 July.
The majority of major football leagues run from late summer to late spring, with pre-season in June and July. Therefore, contracts across most divisions typically expire at 23:59 on 30 June each year.
Those whose contracts are expiring but have already agreed transfers to new clubs are not included, as they will not become free agents.
Some Scottish Premiership contracts expire on 31 May rather than 30 June - the below players either already are or will become free agents.
Aberdeen: Tom Ritchie
Celtic: Greg Taylor
Dundee: Scott Fraser, Antonio Portales, Joe Shaughnessy
Dundee United: David Babunksi, Allan Campbell, Lewis Moult, Bryan Mwangi
Falkirk: N/A
Hearts: Jorge Grant, Barrie McKay, Lawrence Shankland
Motherwell: Moses Ebiye, Harry Paton, Dominic Thompson, Davor Zdravkovski
Rangers: Adam Devine, Tom Lawrence, Ianis Hagi
St. Mirren: Dennis Adeniran, Elvis Bwomono
'Budge brought financial stability to Hearts'published at 09:54 30 June
09:54 30 June
Brian McLauchlin BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNS
Eleven years since taking over the reigns at Tynecastle, it has been announced that Ann Budge will step down as Hearts chair in December.
The 77-year-old Edinburgh-born entrepreneur was successful in buying the majority shareholding from administrators in 2014 after Hearts suffered huge debts left behind by former owner Vladimir Romanov.
Along with the Foundation of Hearts, Budge brought financial stability to the club.
And, although relegation came in season 2019-20, when the campaign was cut short due to the Covid pandemic, fans continued to back Hearts at Tynecastle.
Off the pitch, Hearts now boast a hotel within the grounds of the stadium, with Budge being a major influence in attracting wealthy philanthropists to invest in the club.
Most recently, she played a pivotal role in securing the near £10m investment in Hearts from Brighton owner Tony Bloom, who in return received a 29% shareholding in the Tynecastle club.
Foundation of Hearts chairman Gerry Mallon says Budge will forever be remembered for her role, along with the fans group, in "saving the club from the abyss".
Hearts fans, how do you feel about this news? And how will you remember Budge's time at the club? Send us your thoughts.
'Shankland has interest from England and Saudi' - gossippublished at 08:34 30 June
08:34 30 June
Lawrence Shankland has interest from clubs in England and Saudi Arabia, but Hearts retain a line of communication with the out-of-contract Scotland striker while determined not to increase their offer, which would make the 29-year-old their highest-paid player. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes says Stuart Findlay, who was on loan with him at Kilmarnock, gives him multiple qualities in one defender following the 29-year-old's season-long switch from Oxford United. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
'End of Shankland saga is nigh, but how will it unfold?'published at 16:28 29 June
16:28 29 June
Image source, SNS
Another day, another - kinda - update on the Lawrence Shankland story...
As we all know by now, Derek McInnes' squad have headed out to Spain for a warm-weather training camp and the Scotland striker is not with them.
However, according to Hearts Standard editor Joel Sked, the offer of a contract from the Tynecastle club is still there and his future remains "in the balance".
"It seems like it's business as usual, the contract is on the table for Lawrence Shankland - a contract which would still make him the highest paid player at the club," Sked told BBC Sportsound.
"I have no problem with him holding out to see if there are options.
"I think it's still in the balance, but at the very end stage where, one way or another, something has to be done."
Hearts kick off their season on 12 July against Dunfermline in the League Cup group stage, so it's safe to say time is ticking.
"Hearts will need someone to replace him if he doesn't stay," Sked added.
"I get why they're trying to wait as long as possible because I think trying to replace Shankland will be very, very difficult.
"I don't think it will be much more of a saga, I think we're coming to the end of it, which is needed for all parties."
Hearts midfielder Tait returns to Livi on loanpublished at 20:26 27 June
20:26 27 June
Image source, SNS
Image caption,
Macaulay Tait played 23 times for Livingston last season
Hearts midfielder Macaulay Tait has returned to Livingston for a second loan spell after helping the West Lothian side to promotion last season.
The 19-year-old signed for Livingston in January and played 23 times as they reclaimed their top-flight status via the play-offs.
He will link up with David Martindale's side again in the Scottish Premiership on a season-long deal during which Hearts say he will "continue his development".
'No club has tried to challenge Old Firm in this way'published at 12:10 26 June
Norrie: This man is a greatly serious investor who will push us to achieve great things over the coming seasons. I can't wait for the season to get going and finally see Hearts become glorious once again.
Andy: I'm sure there is lots to look forward to, from not only his investment, but the positivity, enthusiasm and ambition he brings with it. It might not happen overnight, but the journey has at least started.
Steven: Absolutely massive for Hearts. This will only be the start, Bloom is a serious football investor and someone who will really take the club forward. All the blocks are now in place to maximise the club's potential. Football minds on the board, proper manager in place, finance to bring in better quality players. Great news for Hearts.
Johnnie: Could this work? Let's see. No other club in Scotland has attempted to challenge the Old Firm's dominance in this way before. While I don't like the thought of becoming Brighton's 'wee team', we could benefit from some young Premier League talent. This guy seems to know what he's doing, the Foundation of Hearts is still in charge. What's to lose? Let's enjoy the ride. At least it'll be interesting.
Alexander: I voted against his investment, but now he's here we need to use all his expertise and resources. I am keen it's Derek McInnes and not Bloom or Andrew McKinlay that has the last word on transfer targets.
Richard: The money itself isn't a game-changer, as that would take higher sums fed in consistently. What we can gain will depend on what doors Bloom will open for us and what resources he will be minded to send our way. If he puts little energy into it we'll just keep doing what we've been doing and keep getting what we've been getting. If he's driven to improve our thinking and actions as a club then it's really him who could say what that direction is. But change involves letting some things go too, we might have to be prepared for that.
Callum: Potentially a game-changer for us and Scottish football. I'm excited but will temper my expectations over a five-year period before we are realistically and consistently disrupting the Old Firm.
Livingston keen on Tait return - gossippublished at 08:23 26 June
08:23 26 June
Livingston are keen on a return for Hearts midfielder Macaulay Tait, 19, following his successful loan last season, but there is also interest from Dundee, Falkirk and St Johnstone. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external
Bloom nominates 'trusted associate' to join Hearts boardpublished at 10:59 25 June
10:59 25 June
Image source, Getty Images
As part of Tony Bloom's investment, he has nominated consultant James Franks to join the Hearts board as a non-executive director.
Franks has worked as part of the Brighton owner's other football ventures at Belgium's Union Saint-Gilloise and Australia's Melbourne Victory.
Bloom says the appointment of Franks "underlines the importance" he attaches to his investment at Tynecastle.
"James has been a trusted associate of mine for many years," Bloom adds.
"I believe his wealth of experience in the football industry and strong business acumen will be a tremendous asset to the board and to the club."
Meanwhile, Franks is "honoured" to be joining the board of a "special" club.
"From my first visit to Tynecastle in March 2024 as the initial step in the investment process, it was obvious to me just how special the club is," he says.
"All of my subsequent visits and my interactions with the management team at the club and with the Foundation of Hearts have strengthened that feeling.
"I'm proud now to call myself a Jambo. I welcome the opportunity to play my part in an exciting new chapter in the history of this wonderful club."
Bloom's Hearts investment complete - tell us your viewspublished at 10:37 25 June
The Brighton owner has injected almost £10m into the club and has received a 29% stake in non-voting shares.
"I firmly believe in the club's ability to disrupt the pattern of domination of Scottish football, which has been in place for far too long," Bloom says.
An eye-catching quote from the 55-year-old. Hearts fans, what do you make of that? And where can your side go from here?
Image source, SNS
