BLOOD DONOR

Fans know once Hearts is in you, it never leaves... it's why a handful of players gave cash back in dire straits

- RYAN STEVENSON

IT'S hard to believe it has been a decade since I was moved so much by one kid plundering his piggy bank in a bid to help keep his beloved Hearts afloat.

Back in 2013 during administration, a story came out this wee guy had donated all of his coppers, which amounted to around £6. It had a profound impact on me.

With the news this week the club have posted a record £20.8million turnover for the 2022-23 campaign in their latest financial accounts, I can let a few secrets out from a time when the Jambos were on the financial brink.

There were a handful of players who paid a monthly direct debit during that time when there was a real fear the institution would go to the wall, myself included. Boys like Danny Wilson and Jamie MacDonald had money taken off them every month and it went straight into the club.