Tony Bloom has insisted Hearts can “disrupt” the dominance of Scottish football enjoyed by Celtic and Rangers.
The Brighton owner has invested £9.86 million in the Edinburgh club and in exchange has received 29 per cent of non-voting rights.
The Gorgie outfit has not won silverware since 2012, and failed to make the top six last season but Bloom was in bullish mood after the completion of the investment process.
“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,” he said.
With Aberdeen the last club outside of the Old Firm to take the league title back in season 1984-85, the dominance referred to by Bloom will be difficult to crack.
Former owner Vladimir Romanov raised eyebrows after making similarly bold statements some 20 years ago after he took charge.
Although Hearts did split the Glasgow giants when finishing second in 2005-06, they couldn’t take that extra step. Time will tell if Bloom’s confidence is misplaced.
“This great club has a bright future and I look forward to seeing that unfold in the months and years ahead,” added Bloom, who is entitled to one seat on the Tynecastle board as a non-executive director, appointing close associate James Franks to the role on his behalf.
Bloom’s shares will not affect the Foundation of Hearts’ 75.1 per cent voting rights.
A statement issued by Hearts read: “Heart of Midlothian is delighted to confirm that the process for Tony Bloom’s investment in the club is now complete. Tony has invested £9.86m into Hearts for which he has received a 29 per cent stake in the club in non-voting shares.
“The club would like to formally welcome Tony to the Hearts family and looks forward to working with him in forging a long and successful relationship.”
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