Tony Bloom to Hearts latest as Brighton owner gets green light from fans with next steps revealed
Jambos saw one of Bloom's other clubs claim a sensational league title triumph over the weekend
BLOOMIN' GOOD DEAL Tony Bloom to Hearts latest as Brighton owner gets green light from fans with next steps revealed
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HEARTS fans have emphatically backed Tony Bloom's investment proposal.
The Brighton owner made an offer of £9.86million for a 29% shareholding in the Gorgie club.
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Hearts fans have overwhelmingly voted to back Tony Bloom's investment proposal
Credit: PA
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The Brighton owner is seeking a 29% shareholding at Tynecastle
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Bloom would be entitled to a seat on the board at Hearts
Credit: Reuters
Current Jambos owners the Foundation of Hearts put the proposition to their members, with Bloom requiring a simple majority from votes cast.
With 70% of the organisation's 8,000-strong ownership responding, more than 98% backed Bloom's proposal.
The vote marks a major step towards the Brighton chairman becoming a minor shareholder at Hearts.
The club will now hold an Extraordinary General Meeting to officially approve the investment, which must then be ratified by the Scottish FA.
Bloom will be entitled to a place on the club's board but is expected to select someone to sit on his behalf.
Hearts fans will no doubt have been interested to see Union Saint-Gilloise clinch their first Belgian top-flight title in 90 years on Sunday.
Bloom is also an investor and minority shareholder in the new Belgian First Division champions.
They use the same Starlizard analytics already being used at Tynecastle.
In a letter to Foundation of Hearts members, chairman Gerry Mallon said: "A total of 6,208 votes were cast, with 6,112 voting in favour and 96 voting against.
"Clearly it is a huge majority in favour and this demonstrates - once again - the passion the Foundation of Hearts members have for the club and their determination to see it move forward and reap the benefits of the financial investment.
Can Hearts overtake Rangers with the help of Tony Bloom's £10m investment?
"We have a wonderful opportunity now, I believe, to begin to tackle the challenge of becoming a major disruptor of the long-standing status quo in Scottish football.
"It will take time, but we have never been better placed to reach that position.
"Tony Bloom's decision to invest in Hearts was very much founded on the many benefits he saw at Tynecastle through the club being in fan ownership, not least its financial security through the level of our pledging.
"What a moment to increase our membership and drive forward together."
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