HEARTS have warned 'walk-up' fans they face missing out on eagerly anticipated matches with Hibernian and Rangers after the club passed the 12,000 mark in season-ticket sales.

Supporters have thrown their weight behind Ann Budge's new regime since the millionaire businesswoman helped to bring the club out of administration in June.

The high number of sales means Robbie Neilson's team are on course to run out to a full home end for every match at Tynecastle in the coming campaign and fans have now been told the only way to guarantee themselves a seat for the high-profile games against Rangers and Hibs is by purchasing a season ticket.

"Though our supporters will no doubt be aware of this, we feel it is important to reiterate that there will be very limited availability for Hibs and Rangers games at Tynecastle, with only season ticket holders guaranteed a seat to watch Robbie and the boys in action."