Hibs fans share scepticism

Hibs have spent much on developing Easter Road

Hibernian could face an uphill battle to convince their fans that sharing a ground with Edinburgh rivals Hearts is the way forward.

Hearts supporters recognise that their club have no choice to move as their Tynecastle ground is short of the length now required to play in European competition.

But some Hibs fans see no benefit to their club, despite the successful ground-sharing enjoyed by the likes of Milan giants AC and Inter.

Ricky Reginia, who bills himself as the unofficial Hibs historian, told BBC Sport: "I am a traditionalist and I am totally against it."

He was responding to Monday's announcement that the two clubs are considering moving to a new £20m, 20,000-seat stadium on the outskirts of Scotland's capital city.

By moving to Straiton, Heart of Midlothian would be moving into Midlothian Hearts supporters' chief Robin Beath

"Hibs' home ground is Easter Road and that's where I want them to stay," said Reginia.

"We had all this before in the 90s and the fans were totally against it then."

The two clubs believe that, by selling the land presently occupied by their grounds, Tynecastle in the west and Easter Road in the east, they could solve their rising debt problems.

"I don't see how it will save Hibs money," countered Reginia.

"They have already spent a fortune on Easter Road and are one stand short of having a superb stadium."

Capital clubs plan groundshare

The project would be formulated in conjunction with the local authorities, but Reginia believes that Edinburgh City Council culture and leisure chief Steve Cardownie may not have Hibs' best interests at heart.

"We all know where his allegiances lie," he said. "And I only see this benefitting Hearts."

But John Campbell, of hibs.net, said: "Assuming all things benefit the club financially and investment comes to the team rather than servicing the debt, this is the way forward.

Tynecastle is not long enough for Uefa regulations

"It is going to come as a major shock to a lot of people and, if I had any choice at all as a Hibs fan, I'd like to stay where I am.

"But the writing is on the wall in terms of what is happening right across Scottish football financially.

"I suspect this will not go down well with large numbers of fans on both sides of Edinburgh.

"But I hope, once the dust settles, we will start to look at it subjectively."

Hearts supporters' chief Robin Beath added: "Leaving Tynecastle will be a wrench, but we have to go.

"It happens in Milan and, by moving to Straiton, Heart of Midlothian would be moving into Midlothian."