Heart of Midlothian

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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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.

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

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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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."

Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland looks set to leave Hearts after protracted talks over a new contract broke down. (Daily Mail), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

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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".

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We asked for your views after Tony Bloom completed his £10m investment in Hearts and vowed to "disrupt the pattern of domination" in Scottish football.

Here's what some of you said:

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 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

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

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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."

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Tony Bloom's investment into Hearts is complete.

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?

Send us your thoughts

Kazakhstan winger Islam Chesnokov has signed a pre-contract agreement with Heart of Midlothian, who are now in talks with Tobol Kostanay over a transfer fee, but the Kazakh club are reluctant to allow the 25-year-old to leave before his deal with them expires at the end of October. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

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Derek McInnes admits Hearts have "still got some doubts" about goalkeeper Craig Gordon being fit for the start of the season.

The Scotland goalkeeper, 42, signed a one-year contract extension for the upcoming season but missed the last three games of last campaign due to a shoulder injury.

Gordon has been awarded a testimonial game against his former club Sunderland on 26 July and McInnes said he "has his eyes on that".

Hearts' League Cup group-stage campaign kicks off on 12 July against Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Dunfermline but the head coach confirmed the shotstopper "certainly won't be fit" for that.

"I think he's got eyes on trying to be ready for his testimonial game," McInnes said. "He certainly won't be fit for the League Cup games.

"I chatted with Craig (on Monday), he seems confident that it's going the right way. But whether it can be progressed enough before the start of the campaign, I think we've still got some doubts about that."

With Gordon injured, fellow Scotland international Zander Clark will have an early chance to try to re-establish himself as Hearts number one this summer.

"In terms of every position, whoever's fit and available gives themselves the best chance to go and make that position their own," said McInnes. "I'm just looking for my goalkeepers to provide that real healthy competition and make it difficult for me."

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Nigerian forward Uchenna Ogundu is set to stay in Turkey following transfer interest from various European clubs, including Hearts (Edinburgh Evening News), external.

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Heart of Midlothian look set to lose out to Alanyaspor in the fight for Uchenna Ogundu after holding talks with the 19-year-old Sanliurfaspor striker and making an offer. (Daily Record), external

Read Monday's gossip column in full.

Kevin Nisbet, who was on loan to Aberdeen from Millwall last season, is not a target for Hearts, with head coach Derek McInnes hopeful of convincing fellow Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland to stay at Tynecastle Park. (Hearts Standard), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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We asked for your views on Hearts' Scottish Premiership fixtures and how they will be faring after 10 games.

Here's what some of you said:

Ronnie: Can't see us losing any of the first six games to be fair, think we can be good on the road this season and hopefully we take it to the Glasgow teams.

Sam: Looking at the opening 10 fixtures, there's no reason why Hearts shouldn't be within the top four with the recruitment over the summer they have done already. Looking at how the new manager is building a squad and creating a new feel around Tynecastle, I have no doubts this could be an interesting season for Hearts fans.

John: Expect Hearts to be at least third after 10 games. Much will depend on how the new arrivals settle in and who is left from the season past. Got to be picking up more wins at home, including against Celtic and Rangers. Pressure on the new manager and all the background facilities to start way better than last season.

Dave: The fixture list is the fixture list, but why oh why can't we have a traditional start to the season and all games kick off at 15:00 on a Saturday? As a Jambo season ticket holder and living in Inverness, this Monday night nonsense is not the best start and sours it a bit for me, personally. As for Hearts' start to the season, it has to be better than the last one, and I'm sure it will be. I don't think Derek McInnes will muck about if players are not up to the mark from the start.

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Derek McInnes says Hearts is the "best option" for Lawrence Shankland but admits a decision on the striker's future needs to be made "sooner rather than later".

The out-of-contract captain has been offered "a really strong option" to remain at Tynecastle and has yet to accept.

After netting 59 goals in his first two seasons with Hearts, Scotland striker Shankland netted just nine last season, but new boss McInnes is keen to keep the 29-year-old.

"I'm in constant dialogue with Lawrence, spoke to his agents as well several times through the last few weeks, but Lawrence has obviously got a lot to consider," he told Sky Sports.

"We think we're a really strong option for him, whether we're the best option in Lawrence's eyes we've got to wait and see.

"But there'll come a point really that we need to draw a line under it and Lawrence has got to look at looking after him and I've got to look after Hearts.

"Hopefully we can find a solution because he is a player that I think can really thrive with us at Hearts.

"He's shown in the time here how important he is and you try and not let players like that leave without putting up the best fight you can and we're in the fight for him.

"I believe we're a really strong option for Lawrence, I believe we're the best option for him at this moment, he's got the World Cup to try and get involved in at the end of next season.

"There are loads of reasons why Lawrence could see this as a good option for him. Hopefully we're his best option and at the minute we're in the fight to keep him."

When asked if he and Hearts have given the striker a deadline, McInnes replied: "I always feel deadlines are not always healthy and sometimes can be a bit antagonistic.

"There's been enough conversations with Lawrence.

"There'll come a point where he has to move on and try and secure his future and likewise, I need to make sure we secure our squad going forward but we're not at that stage yet.

"But, sooner rather than later really, we need to try and get that resolved because I want clarity in what I'm dealing with and I'm sure Lawrence is wanting clarity on his future as well."

Opta have crunched the numbers to rank the difficulty of each Scottish Premiership club's first four fixtures of the 2025-26 season.

According to their data model, St Mirren have the toughest start, followed by two clubs helmed by new managers, Dundee and Motherwell.

As for the easiest, Hibernian and capital rivals Hearts should got off to a flier, right?

Take a look below to see where your side places...

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Aside from the first game of the season against Aberdeen, all dates are subject to change as a result of broadcast and other requirements.

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See Hearts' full fixture list here

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The first Edinburgh derby of the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season will take place on Saturday, 4 October. Derek McInnes' side welcome Hibernian to Tynecastle for a 15:00 BST kick-off.

Hearts' first trip to Easter Road in the league is set to be a festive cracker on Saturday, 27 December at 12:30.

One week before that, Hearts host Rangers in their final league outing before Christmas and the Tynecastle men round off 2025 with a trip to newly-promoted Falkirk.

The final derby of the pre-split season is pencilled in for Wednesday, 11 February at 19:45 in Gorgie.

Hearts complete the pre-split campaign at home to Motherwell on Saturday, 11 April.

Looking at the fixture list, where do you think Hearts will be after 10 games? Have your say here.