Ann Budge, also known as the "Queen of Hearts," has left an indelible mark on Edinburgh's footballing landscape with her tireless efforts to save Heart of Midlothian FC from extinction. Her legacy is not just about saving the club but also about rebuilding it into a thriving and sustainable organization.
Budge's commitment to the club was evident when she pledged Β£2.5 million of her own money to rescue the club from administration in 2014. This act of selflessness set the tone for her tenure, which has been marked by significant improvements in infrastructure and fan ownership.
Under Budge's leadership, Hearts won the Scottish Championship title following their relegation from the top-flight, a testament to her ability to build a winning team. The construction of a new main stand at Tynecastle Park, as well as the establishment of a hotel and memorial garden, are other notable achievements that have transformed the club's infrastructure.
Budge has always been driven by a passion for football and a desire to do things properly. She has instilled these values in her team, which is now sitting atop the Scottish Premiership. The recent deal with Tony Bloom has given Hearts access to more resources and expertise, setting the stage for potential future success.
As Budge steps down as chair, she leaves behind a club that is vastly different from the one she inherited. While it's impossible to replicate her exact legacy, there are signs that the club is poised for greater success in the years to come.
Budge herself has taken a pragmatic approach to her departure, acknowledging that it's time for others to take the reins and drive the team forward. In a tongue-in-cheek remark, she joked about leaving a new lawnmower on the pitch, highlighting the significant progress made by the club during her tenure.
As Budge transitions into an honorary president role, she will undoubtedly remain a key figure in Hearts' history. Her commitment to the club and its values has inspired countless fans, players, and staff alike. While it's uncertain what the future holds for Hearts, one thing is clear: Ann Budge will always be remembered as a champion of the "Queen of Hearts."
Budge's commitment to the club was evident when she pledged Β£2.5 million of her own money to rescue the club from administration in 2014. This act of selflessness set the tone for her tenure, which has been marked by significant improvements in infrastructure and fan ownership.
Under Budge's leadership, Hearts won the Scottish Championship title following their relegation from the top-flight, a testament to her ability to build a winning team. The construction of a new main stand at Tynecastle Park, as well as the establishment of a hotel and memorial garden, are other notable achievements that have transformed the club's infrastructure.
Budge has always been driven by a passion for football and a desire to do things properly. She has instilled these values in her team, which is now sitting atop the Scottish Premiership. The recent deal with Tony Bloom has given Hearts access to more resources and expertise, setting the stage for potential future success.
As Budge steps down as chair, she leaves behind a club that is vastly different from the one she inherited. While it's impossible to replicate her exact legacy, there are signs that the club is poised for greater success in the years to come.
Budge herself has taken a pragmatic approach to her departure, acknowledging that it's time for others to take the reins and drive the team forward. In a tongue-in-cheek remark, she joked about leaving a new lawnmower on the pitch, highlighting the significant progress made by the club during her tenure.
As Budge transitions into an honorary president role, she will undoubtedly remain a key figure in Hearts' history. Her commitment to the club and its values has inspired countless fans, players, and staff alike. While it's uncertain what the future holds for Hearts, one thing is clear: Ann Budge will always be remembered as a champion of the "Queen of Hearts."
. She thinks saving a football club from extinction makes her some kind of hero? Newsflash: it's just business, and she was lucky to have some rich friends who were willing to bail her out. And don't even get me started on the Β£2.5 million she threw at the problem β that's not selflessness, that's just a PR stunt 
. And what about all the other clubs in Scotland? Why should Hearts be getting all this attention while they're still struggling to make ends meet? It's just not fair 
οΈ. Budge might have her moment in the sun, but I'm sure she'll be forgotten once the next big thing comes along 
I'm so sad she's leaving, but I think she left the club in an amazing state. 
The new main stand and hotel are going to make Tynecastle Park one of the best stadiums in Scotland! 
And did you see that video of her saying goodbye? 
"leaving a lawnmower on the pitch" is the best thing I've seen all week! 
That takes a lot of guts and dedication. And now, with Tony Bloom coming in, they're going to be a force to be reckoned with! 
I'm so grateful she was a part of the Hearts family during her time as chair. 
tony bloom's deal might give hearts more resources, but let's see if they can handle the pressure 
She's been such an instrumental figure in saving the club from extinction and rebuilding it into a thriving organization. I mean, who else would have put their own Β£2.5 million on the line to rescue the club? 
. I'm worried about the club's financials now they're not having her Β£2.5 million rescue fund 
. Can't say it's bad news, but those fans are in for a bumpy ride 
she took a club on the brink of collapse and turned it into a sustainable org with a ton of heart 
, but i trust that the new team will keep her legacy going 
. I've no doubt that she'll stay on as an honorary president and keep an eye on things from afar - the Queen of Hearts will always be remembered for her tireless efforts to save the club 
... anyway, I think it's awesome that Ann Budge is stepping down as chair after all she's done for Heart of Midlothian FC. I mean, Β£2.5 million from her own pocket in 2014? That's some serious dedication 
I'm glad she's staying on as an honorary president though, that's just classy 
. It's nice to see a passionate fan like Budge still holding out for what's best for the club.
. I mean, 2.5 million her own money to save the club? That's insane 
. You gotta respect Ann Budge for putting her heart and soul into saving Hearts from extinction 
, can't wait to see it in action. She's leaving on a high note, but I'm sure the team will stay on track with the right people at the helm 
Interesting how she kept putting her own money into the club when things were tough. And now the new deal with Tony Bloom is gonna bring more resources and expertise to the team. Can't wait to see what they achieve next season! 