At the club’s AGM, Ann Budge and Andrew McKinlay fielded questions from irate Hearts fans, defending Steven Naismith from claims of ‘horrific’ football.
The Gorgie club’s chair and CEO met shareholders in the Gorgie Suite at Tynecastle, which came at a time when fans had conflicting feelings about manager Naismith and performances on the pitch. He was elected Premiership manager of the month for November, and the Jambos will finish third if they win their game in hand, but subsequent defeats to Rangers and, most notably, Aberdeen have dampened the optimism that had begun to return.
One shareholder had a spiky question for the directors, asking: “Are the board happy with the management team? The football on the pitch is horrific.”
Budge responded by assuring the fan that Naismith ‘wasn’t the cheap or easy option,’ while McKinlay said, “We understand the strength of feeling around it, and we take that on board.”
More disgruntled floor questions poured in, and one fan, who still supports Naismith, claimed he is ‘totally dissatisfied’ by what he sees on a Saturday. The fan’s comment was received with cheers, and he went on to ask why the board believes Naismith can turn things around.
McKinlay answered, saying, “I base it on the fact that we did have a four-game unbeaten streak.” Steven is the current manager of the month. You can laugh about it, but it is true. Steven and Robbie are football enthusiasts. They’re both aware that it’s a numbers game. ‘I understand why you took that decision,’ Robbie replied to me. Steven understands it as well. I can’t say everything is perfect going to be brilliant. I understand your frustrations.”
“One of the things Steven talks about a lot is mentality,” Budge continued. He highlights the importance of the players’ mentality. Something doesn’t quite work for them on the big stage. I am confident that Steven and his management team are doing all possible to achieve success on the pitch.”
There was hilarity in the room though when another fan responded: “It would help if they passed the ball forward.”
Budge was also questioned about Michael Stewart’s statements that the club was ‘infected with failure’ – a fan questioning why Robbie Neilson had been replaced by a rookie in Naismith. “I know how much flak we got for giving Robbie Neilson the job and then bringing him back,” Budge added. “I’m proud of giving people the chance to make things work their way.”
“Despite suggestions that we as a board don’t give enough importance to footballing outcomes, I and we are in absolute no doubt that performance and results of the men’s first team are fundamentally important to everything we do as a club.”
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