Gary Locke is looking forward to Saturday's game against St Mirren and is unconcerned over speculation that Hearts financial position will hamper his rebuilding plans for next season. Locke is sticking to the 'I look after the football side of thing' line in response to questions over the clubs future. Hearts are said to be about £25million in debt, with £15million of that owed to Lithuanian bank Ukio Bankas which faces a bankruptcy hearing today. The club posted a statement which claimed they are doing everything it can to "trade normally" while insisting that "the club is completely up to date with player salaries and taxes and the club continues to head towards operational self-sustainability."Manager Locke said: "I'm sure the directors will let us know if anything happens. We've been told, hopefully, everything will be fine for next season so I can only go on that. I'm trying to build a team for next season and I'm pretty sure a lot of players out there would love to come here. I don't think the threat of administration will be bothering any of our potential targets. The first thing I ask them is if they want to come and play for Hearts and if they tell me that then hopefully we can get one or two signed up, no matter what's happening off the pitch. The best thing for everyone at the club would be for things to get sorted out off the pitch. As I've said since I took the job, the club isn't out of the woods and are still in a precarious position. But my sole focus is on the football, other questions are for the directors. I'm here as first team manager and all I can concentrate on is football matters."
Source: ScottishFitba
Source: FOOTYMAD
