ANN BUDGE, the Hearts owner, is pleased with "exceptional" season-ticket sales after the Tynecastle club announced they have broken through the 8000 barrier in under three weeks.

The club's exit from administration, the prospect of a mouth-watering SPFL Championship battle against Rangers and Hibernian and the signings of Morgaro Gomis, James Keatings, Soufian El Hassnaoui, Alim Ozturk and Neil Alexander have seen a wave of optimism lap over supporters ahead of the new campaign.

And that has been reflected in impressive sales figures.

"That is great news for the club," she said. "We all hope, of course, that as many as possible of our current season ticket holders will renew."

Meanwhile, Lee Currie, the former Hibs youngster, is training with the squad in a bid to win a contract.