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Melbourne Heart fans will head along to Harry Kewell’s final match on Saturday not knowing whether they’re farewelling their team as well.
Heart cannot make the finals, making their Saturday date with Western Sydney their last game of the season before a Manchester City-backed renovation of the club.
If they don’t win on Saturday Heart will finish as the league’s bottom club.
A name change to Melbourne City – not confirmed by the club but backed up by a trademark application – and a switch to the sky blue of their Mancunian parent club are on the cards.
Without any firm decisions made, at least not publicly, Heart’s most passionate fans have been left unsure and plan to again protest a potential switch at the game.
The “Yarraside” and “Red and White Unite” fan group has been one of the most vocal against the switch, with banners and chants aimed at the club’s new hierarchy.
On Saturday, 2500 printed signs saying “Keep Melbourne Red and White” will be distributed amongst the crowd following an online crowdfunding campaign.
It’s a pickle for Heart’s new owners, who hope to massively grow the club’s popularity in the future.
Heart average just 7,000 fans to each home match not including the Melbourne derby.
But club suits should enjoy a bumper crowd on Saturday to farewell Australian football royalty.
Kewell has not shown his best form or fitness for Heart since making his return to the A-League at the start of the season but has been embraced by the club.
Named captain by John Aloisi, Kewell is often cited as a major influence both on and off the field by Heart players.
His last goal for the club came as a substitute in the Melbourne derby, capping a spectacular 4-0 win over Victory, his former club.
Kewell has not played since announcing his retirement two weeks ago, ending his career against the side that represents his birthplace, Western Sydney.
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