'Hearts should name stand after legend Budge'

BBC News

01-07-2025

Two announcements within seven days have indicated a changing of the guard at Heart of Midlothian.Last week, an extraordinary meeting of the fan-led majority shareholder group rubber stamped Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom's £9.86m deal to buy a 29% stake in the Scottish Premiership club.This week, Edinburgh businesswoman Ann Budge, who had been instrumental in attracting the investment, announced she would be standing down as club chair at their December annual meeting - nearly 12 years after leading the club out of a financial abyss.As Bloom threw down a challenge to Celtic and Rangers by vowing to "disrupt the pattern of domination which has been in place for far too long", Budge suggested "I have done what I set out to achieve".But what will her legacy be?
'Budge pivotal in driving club forward'
"Pivotal" is a word that features regularly in Hearts' media release announcing that Budge's winter departure.For her role, working with the Foundation of Hearts and with the backing of the club's fans, in rescuing the club from financial adversity and enabling them to exit administration in 2014.And in "driving Hearts forward" and their "resurgence" in the last decade."Under her leadership, and with the financial backing of fans, sponsors and benefactors - once again proud to be associated with Hearts - the club has reestablished itself both on and off the pitch," they stated."We have seen the delivery of a number of major infrastructure projects, including the museum, the memorial garden, a new state-of-the-art pitch and, of course, the magnificent new Main Stand, incorporating the Tynecastle Park Hotel."Hearts also point to "substantial investment in facilities" the "redevelopment of our youth academy" and of her being "totally committed" to the women's team.Hearts say they have "also reaffirmed its position as a community champion" under Budge.Hearts finished third three times during Budge's tenure, but while the appointment of Robbie Neilson as team boss proved astute, experiments with the youthful Ian Cathro, Daniel Stendel, Steven Naismith and Neil Critchley proved shortlived, while even the return of former Scotland boss Craig Levein was not so fruitful, with relegation coming in 2020.The 77-year-old has taken more of a back seat since the appointment of Andrew McKinlay as chief executive and then Graeme Jones as sporting director.However, pivotal also describes her role in securing the tie-up with Bloom and his Jamestown Analytics recruitment company.
'Without Ann, there would be no Hearts'
Asked for their views on Budge's pending departure and tenure, some bemoaned the lack of silverware, but most view her as a saviour of the club who should be remembered fondly.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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.