Heart of Midlothian FC has hailed today's decision by the City of Edinburgh Council's Economic Development Committee to approve the findings of the club's stadium development report.

The joint study with the Council looked into the potential redevelopment of Tynecastle as well as the possibility of alternative stadium developments on the west side of the Capital.

The report identified a number of difficulties should the club remain at Tynecastle and recommended research be undertaken into whether the setting up of a brand new, purpose-built community stadium would be viable and sustainable.

With the EDC approving the recommendations, Hearts will now embark on the next phase of the process as the club continues to investigate the possibility of relocating away from Tynecastle.

Welcoming today's decision, Hearts director Vitalijus Vasiliauskas said: "This is very good news as it is the culmination of 12 months of hard work by a lot of people and represents a major step forward in our attempt to find a long-term solution for the future home of the club.

"We are grateful for the support the Council can provide and as the leaders of the project we look forward to playing a prominent role in the next stage of the process.

"This will involve bringing on board globally-recognised advisers with huge expertise in their relevant fields.

"The consultants' report found that Tynecastle does not offer a practical long-term development option for Hearts.

"It is our belief, however, that Scotland's capital city would benefit hugely from a community stadium and that this can be a viable and sustainable facility. We will now treat, as a matter of priority, identifying such a site."

A survey carried out by Hearts on supporters' views should the club have to relocate showed that over 80 per cent of those who responded would accept a stadium move within five miles of Tynecastle, with approaching 70 per cent preferring a site on the west side of the city.

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On HeartsTV today, an exclusive interview with Stephen Elliott plus all the goals from the weekend win over Dunfermline.