Hearts are pleading with supporters for emergency backing to avoid the prospect of being forced into administration.

“There is, as we issue this note, a real risk that Heart of Midlothian Football Club could possibly play its last game next Saturday, 17 November against St Mirren," said a statement from the club.

"This isn't a bluff, this isn't scaremongering, this is reality. Without your help now, we could be entering the final days of the club's existence.

"There are limited options for the board of directors to take to avoid the catastrophic consequences that a funding shortfall would mean for the club.

"In a footballing sense alone Hearts will suffer an immediate 17-point penalty.

"This would just be the start of a painful process that will affect every one of us and could lead to far more damaging actions that threaten the very existence of the club.”

The latest matter is unrelated to a $2.68 million tax bill the club are contesting and is believed to be for unpaid PAYE and VAT with the club having eight days to pay before the winding up order will be enforced by the court.

The club are currently under a transfer embargo having failed to pay six players and manager John McGlynn on time for the past two months.

McGowan’s brother Dylan is also at the club with both having just six months left on their contracts at Tynecastle.

Ryan rejected a contract extension earlier in the season which his agent Lou Sticca described as “demeaning.”