The Ibrox icon has high hopes for the money that set to flood into Scottish football this summer
Graeme Souness
Bullish Graeme Souness reckons ALL of Scottish football will benefit from Rangers’ looming takeover.
And he reckons the same goes for Tony Bloom’s involvement at Hearts – in what could be a seismic summer in the Premiership.
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises are set to take charge at Ibrox as they usher in a new era – with big changes also expected in Gorgie.
Brighton & Hove Albion owner Bloom has offered to pump almost £10million into Hearts for a 29 per cent stake in the club.
The Foundation of Hearts – the club’s majority shareholders after Ann Budge signed over her shares to the group – will consult with the Seagulls supremo over the proposal.
And Souness reckons the involvement of English sides like Brighton and Leeds United – who are owned by the San Francisco 49ers investment wing – will see the Scottish game emerge as the real winner.
Writing for The Daily Mail, Souness said: “The prospect of Brighton owner Tony Bloom buying into Hearts can only be good for Scottish football.
“Here is a guy who seems to have got the infrastructure right over the past decade in finding a method to recruit well and finding real talent to compete at the top level.
“Hearts last won a trophy in 2012 and, if I was a fan I’d be hoping to see what talents could be loaned out from Brighton.
“If this happens, it’s going to improve the competition. After all, isn’t getting the best 11 players on the pitch what football is all about?
Brighton owner Tony Bloom wants to invest in Hearts
“Though I risk upsetting the Hibernian supporters, Hearts are the third-best supported club in Scotland, averaging just over 18,000, so he would be buying into a club with a very passionate support.
“And living in Edinburgh is no hardship. It’s a fabulous city.
“Similarly with Rangers, and the potential investment from the 49ers Group who own Leeds, I believe tapping into the know-how from people who have made steps up in English football can only improve Scotland’s competition.”
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