The winds of change continue to sweep through Heart of Midlothian FC with Ann Budge revealing she is stepping down as its chair later this year.
The 77-year-old has been at the helm of the Edinburgh club since 2014 when she bought the majority shareholding from administrators BDO in the wake of Vladimir Romanov’s chaotic time as owner.
“This is something I have thought long and hard about,” she said in a club statement.
“Having discussed this with the board, I feel now is the right time to confirm that I intend to step down later this year.
“When I first got involved with the Foundation of Hearts in 2013, I could not have envisaged the journey it would take me on.
“Initially, the aim was to stabilise the club before even thinking of growth. Now, 12 years later, as I look at where the club stands, I can allow myself to feel a sense of pride at what we have achieved.”
Budge will step down at the Hearts annual general meeting in December, the news coming just days after Tony Bloom’s investment of £9.86 million in exchange for 29% of non-voting rights was completed.
The Brighton owner insists Hearts can “disrupt” Scottish football, with new head coach Derek McInnes set to kick off his first season in charge in a matter of weeks.
Foundation of Hearts chairman Gerry Mallon said: “Ann will leave a remarkable legacy when she departs the club and we are extremely fortunate to have had 12 years of her knowledge and experience at the helm of Hearts.
“In particular, her participation during the birth of the Foundation of Hearts can never be downplayed. Neither can the instrumental role she played in saving the club from the abyss and taking it back up to the top end of Scottish football.”
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