Heart of Midlothian chairman Calum Paterson called for “greater transparency and consistency around key decisions in Scottish football” while speaking to club media to mark his first year in the post. He also discussed Hearts' title run-in, investment talks at Tynecastle and the search for a new chief executive.
Title run-in and fixture dispute
Hearts topped the Premiership table for 250 days but finished two points behind Celtic after a final-day defeat in Glasgow. Lawrence Shankland struck first for Hearts before Celtic won 3-1 with two late goals.
Paterson said: “The final week was difficult on a number of fronts.”
Paterson said: “Among other things we were disappointed by the unprecedented decision that as the team leading the league at the time of the split had to play our final game away from home.”
The SPFL explained its scheduling in April, with Celtic due three home matches post-split to Hearts' two. City derbies are ruled out on the final day for public safety reasons, which meant the league body was unable to have both Glasgow or Edinburgh sides play at home on the final two fixture dates.
Safety concerns after the match
The match ended with a pitch invasion from home fans and a hasty exit for Hearts, who expressed safety fears.
Paterson said: “The circumstances at the end of that game were, from our perspective, completely unacceptable.”
Paterson said: “We took advice and made our concerns very clear to the football authorities. Standing back from it all we'd like to see greater transparency and consistency around key decisions in Scottish football.”
Paterson said: “Standards and processes matter, particularly at important points in the season and there's room for improvement.”
Communication and next steps
Paterson said the club's communication in the aftermath should have been clearer.
Paterson said: “The supporters should know that we did everything we could to stand up for Hearts and we haven't forgotten what happened last season.”
Paterson said: “Our focus now has to be on putting Hearts in the best position for this season and beyond and communicating better along the way.”
Investment talks and CEO search
Paterson said Hearts have had some discussions about increased investment at Tynecastle and that those discussions are going well. Brighton owner Tony Bloom is a high-profile investor at Tynecastle.
Paterson said: “We've had some discussions and those are going well.”
Paterson said: “I don't want to get ahead of them but if they do conclude successfully, that would be another positive step for Hearts.”
Paterson said: “The purpose would be to build a stronger football club fundamentally and to ensure we have resources in place to pursue our ambitions.”
Paterson said: “At the same time we're continuing to develop a player trading model which we expect to become an increasingly important contributor to the club's long term financial sustainability.”
On the search for a new chief executive to replace Andrew McKinlay, who departed in August, Paterson said there are “very strong candidates in the process”.