With Ann Budge voicing her support for Hearts manager Craig Levein, some fans are beginning to wonder when his Tynecastle reign will end.
The Jambos owner has released a statement clocking in at over 1300 words long, addressing ‘genuine’ fans and the media criticism of the club’s manager.
She says Levein has the full backing of the board, but just how is that possible? Have they watched Hearts at all over the last year?
They are in a bad way and now it seems like what many people think is the root of the problem will be staying put.
People can’t be blamed for thinking Levein is indispensable
Budge has tried to make it clear that Levein isn’t in a bombproof position at Hearts. Given their form over the last year, you can hardly blame people for thinking otherwise.
28 points since last October, no league wins since March, 67 different players used over Levein’s reign, 27 defeats against the sides in the top six last term, 14 points out of the last 60.
There are plenty of stats out there that show how bad things are at Tynecastle, yet Budge seems to accept that it’s not cause for change?
Ian Cathro, Robbie Neilson and many, many more Hearts managers were forced out the club for less. Why is Levein still in Gorgie on that basis alone?
A disconnect with the fans
Hearts fans are as loyal as they come. They have put up with mediocre football, poor signings, the lot. Despite this, they’re always back in Gorgie every other week for more.
This statement might just be enough for fans to call it a day for now. The current feeling at the club was on full display when an angry crowd gathered in protest against Levein following the Motherwell game.
Fans are beginning to feel alienated. They question why the club’s hierarchy can’t see what they see week in, week out. Change has to happen for Hearts to avoid another collision course with the Championship.
Levein isn’t getting anything out of this Hearts squad. It’s never nice to see someone lose their job, but he is running the Gorgie club into the ground at the minute.
Most Hearts fans won’t be able to read Budge’s statement without a feeling of total despair. They’ve suffered setbacks under Levein, but this perhaps is the biggest of them all.
It’s an acceptance of mediocrity, a disheartening message that doesn’t show any signs of encouragement. The situation is a full blown mess and Hearts fans deserve better.