Gary Mackay is intrigued by Brighton owner Tony Bloom’s investment interest in Hearts, but believes fans would face a “really difficult decision” over granting a minority stake in the club.
Hearts are in talks with the 54-year-old Englishman over a multi-million-pound deal to utilise the entrepreneur’s analytical company for player recruitment.
The fact Mackay’s former Hearts team-mate David Weir works under Bloom as Brighton’s technical director gives the 60-year-old reassurance that the mooted deal may be worth pursuing.
“I think we have to be open-minded about it,” said Mackay, who is Hearts’ record appearance holder.
“There are various pros and cons for me but the one big pro is that Davie Weir is down at Brighton and somebody that both myself and Gary Locke know well. I have huge respect for Davie and what his club have done.
“Brighton’s credibility as a well-run club is second to none so that gives you a bit reassurance. In principle, because of the Davie Weir connection and because of the club it is and how well they have punched above their weight for so many years under Tony Bloom, I am quite enthusiastic about it.”
Mackay feels there are still plenty of questions that will need to be answered before Jambos supporters – who effectively own the club through the 8,000-strong Foundation of Hearts – can fully get behind it.
“When you look at Moises Caicedo, who came into Brighton for £4m and was moved on for nearly £100m, you think how does that model work for Hearts?” said Mackay.
“What will we be able to spend within this deal because we don’t have £4m to take a chance on a player like Brighton do? Will we still be bringing players in for next to nothing and then looking to make £4-5m in a watered-down version of what Brighton are doing?
“What expectations will Tony Bloom have from this deal? Are they wanting anything out of this deal or are they just thinking Davie Weir knows the club, Heart of Midlothian are a brilliantly-run football club?
“I think it’s great they’ve identified Hearts but to sell a stake in the club, although I wouldn’t mind sitting with a board of directors to discuss it, I wouldn’t want to be the one that had to make the ultimate decision because it would be a really difficult decision to make.”
