Hearts hosted their 116th AGM at a packed Gorgie suite on Thursday and the club’s directors enjoyed a straightforward meeting.
Following the club’s recent on and off the pitch success, the shareholders inside the room were all happy with the direction of the Jambos. Hearts chair Ann Budge and chief executive Andrew McKinlay did most of the talking at the top table, while millionaire benefactor James Anderson was also present.
In the first in person AGM since the pandemic, Budge was also given a round of applause for her part in taking Hearts out of administration in 2014 after the Jambos became fans owned last August. Hearts director Gerry Mallon’s appointment to the board following his appointment as the Foundation of Hearts new chairman was also ratified by shareholders as Budge, McKinlay and sporting director Joe Savage faced up to shareholders and covered a range of topics. Here are Record Sport's five takeaways from the big meeting.
Recipe for success
Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay made it clear he wants the club to be challenging for third every year. The Hearts chief pointed out they have only finished in that spot in successive years once in his lifetime. McKinlay also wants success in both the Scottish and League Cups.
Euro windfall revealed
Hearts chair Ann Budge revealed that Hearts brought in an extra £5million on the back of their Europa Conference League group stage run – but £2million of that went out on expenses – including boosting the squad. Budge said: “Our success in Europe was fantastic for a number of reasons, not just the extra £5million but it also gave fans and supporters some of the best European trips we’ve had in recent memory.”
Playing hardball
Hearts made it clear that Kye Rowles would not be sold on the cheap. The Australia defender impressed in playing every minute of the Socceroos’ four games at the World Cup. Sporting director Joe Savage said: “We won’t welcome bids but if anyone does come for him they will have to pay top dollar to get him out. He’s a top player who has played at a World Cup now. He’s our player and teams need to realise that.”
In the green
Ann Budge said Hearts were in a good place to withstand the financial pressures of the current economic challenges across the world. Hearts are backed by the FoH handing over £1.5million in donations every year, while benefactor James Anderson gave £4 million last year.
Signings incoming
Hearts sporting director Joe Savage admitted that Hearts planned to be busy during the January transfer market, with money available for boss Robbie Neilson to spend. Hearts have already been linked with former Jambos favourite Callum Paterson, who is in the final six months of his deal at Sheffield Wednesday.
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