Hearts will start the season with a Scottish Professional Football League penalty of 15 points to overcome before they can even think of avoiding the bottom slot. There is also the possibility of further punishment following the club being cited by the SFA's Compliance Officer for going into administration. This double whammy is giving the players an incentive to deliver on the field, the only place they can make a difference. Midfielder Jason Holt insists the squad are up for the test though, starting with their opening game against St Johnstone away on 3 August. Holt said: "Minus 15 to start with is not fazing us at all. We really believe that we can get out of this situation and we are really up for the challenge".While the players are up for the challenge on the field, the fans continue to show that they are up for the off-field challenges in terms of hard cash. The administrators set a challenge of selling more season tickets to provide working capital as they strive to save the club. Hearts fans have responded and are on course to sell 10,000 season tickets by the end of the week. Holt admits he has been impressed by the response of the fans as Hearts battle for their future. He went on: "What the fans have been doing has been amazing. It's brilliant for the club and it can only bode well. The funds they have raised are fantastic so as players we just need to thank them. The fans were really, really positive about the funds that they are raising, and so are we. I think it's great what they are doing and long may it continue."
Source: ScottishFitba
Source: FOOTYMAD
