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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Tony Bloom sends Rangers & Celtic warning amid Hearts arrival

Hearts can 'disrupt the pattern of domination in Scottish football,' insists new investor Tony Bloom.

In a warning to Rangers and Celtic, the Brighton owner wants to see Hearts mix it with the best in Scotland following the conclusion of his £9.86m stake purchase in the Tynecastle club.

Bloom has acquired 29 percent of the Gorgie side. This was put to a vote by the Foundation of Hearts, who own the club. It passed at a recent EGM.

James Franks has been freshly appointed to the Hearts board as Bloom's representative. 

Bloom told Sky Sports: "I am absolutely thrilled to be investing in Hearts.

"I firmly believe in the club's ability to disrupt the pattern of domination of Scottish football which has been in place for far too long.

"This great club has a bright future and I look forward to seeing that unfold in the months and years ahead.

"The appointment of James as my representative on the board underlines the importance I attach to my investment in the club.

"James has been a trusted associate of mine for many years and I believe that his wealth of experience in the football industry and strong business acumen will be a tremendous asset to the board and to the club."

Franks added: "I am honoured to become a board member at Hearts.

"From my first visit to Tynecastle in March 2024 as the initial step in the investment process, it was obvious to me just how special the club is.

"All of my subsequent visits and my interactions with the management team at the club and with the Foundation of Hearts have strengthened that feeling and I'm proud now to call myself a Jambo.

"I welcome the opportunity to play my part in an exciting new chapter in the history of this wonderful club."

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