Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian Owner Ann Budge's "rejuvenation of the Edinburgh club continues apace," according to Paul Forsyth of the LONDON TIMES. When it comes to redeveloping Tynecastle, as it pledged to do at last week’s annual general meeting, "it would be remiss" of the club not to consider a standing area. Instead of seeking to fulfill its potential by finding a dreaded "greenfield site" on the outskirts of town, Hearts promised to remain in the ground where it has lived since 1886. Like much of what the club does these days, it is a plan that recognizes the importance of its supporters, "who backed the club during the descent into administration." It acknowledges that "nothing builds a more sustainable future than a happy club, with happy fans, who are given what they want in the comfort of their own community." What many fans want "is an opportunity to watch football on their feet, as they did in the past." They "would appreciate a safe standing area, where they can shout and sing and ramp up the atmosphere without creating the kind of congestion that made it necessary to demolish the terraces of old." Celtic is "already leading the way." Since the rules on all-seater stadia in Scotland’s top flight were relaxed four years ago, the Glasgow club has been granted permission "to introduce a standing section at the start of next season." In fact, the standing area will comprise "rail seats," which are locked in an upright position. Should they be required -- in a European match, for example -- "they can easily be unfolded." They cost about three times as much to install as a traditional plastic seat, "but are more durable, accommodate more supporters and, in turn, allow clubs to consider a more imaginative price structure."
By offering cheaper tickets, Hearts "would engage a section of the public hitherto priced out of the game." The club "might attract new supporters." It "would certainly please existing ones." If it also adds to the atmosphere of a ground "already lauded as one of the best in Scotland, so much the better" (LONDON TIMES, 12/7).
