What does it take to be a true superfan? For Colin Brown, it means flying 10,000 miles and spending over £2,400—all for the chance to witness history. This Hearts supporter has left his home in Sydney, Australia, to be in Edinburgh as his beloved club chases the Scottish Premiership title, a feat that would end a 66-year drought.
The stakes couldn't be higher. If Hearts beat Falkirk tonight and Celtic lose to Motherwell, the Jam Tarts will clinch the title. If not, it all comes down to a dramatic final showdown in Glasgow on Saturday. Either way, it's a moment that hasn't happened in over four decades: a team outside the Old Firm winning the league.
Brown's journey began with a spark. "As soon as Landry Kabore put that third goal in, I turned to my wife and said, 'I've got to be there,'" he recalls. The 55-year-old didn't hesitate, booking A$4,500 worth of flights after a crucial win. He doesn't even have his own ticket—his dad and brother kindly loaned him the family season ticket. But that hasn't dampened his spirit. "I'll be there," he told BBC Radio Scotland.
This season has been nothing short of remarkable for Hearts. Just a year ago, they finished seventh, a staggering 42 points behind champions Celtic. Now, with 77 points—the highest ever for a non-Old Firm team in Premiership history—they're on the brink of glory. For Brown, it's personal. "Apart from the birth of my children, this is the biggest thing," he says. "Hearts are my club, and it's the one thing that will never change."
The last time Hearts came this close was in 1986, when a heartbreaking loss to Dundee handed the trophy to Celtic. But there's no nervousness for this superfan. "I am supremely confident," Brown declares. "We are going to do this. It's done."
For fans like Colin, every mile flown and every penny spent is a testament to the unbreakable bond between a supporter and their club. Whether you're in the stands or cheering from afar, this is what the beautiful game is all about.
