Where we are at

[truehibernian]

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Absolutely, I agree with that but right now we have supporters staying away and we need to get them back. We need to address their concerns.
Normally we average about 2000 less supporters than Hearts per game, just now its about 6000. They are also chucking in about 1.5m a year on top. Unless we start to close this gap again then we will struggle to match them on the pitch.

They've done brilliantly on the pitch and have to be commended.

But don't be fooled by their false economy. Their club nearly liquidated and died. Their fans again have to be applauded for rallying the way they did.

But they have huge huge decisions to make in future regards infrastructure which AB hinted at mid season and also when opposition fans damaged the ground.

I predict some very tricky financial decisions for Hearts in the next 2 years off the field. Which in turn will affect on the field.

[blackpoolhibs]

I know a bloke who says he won't be back until Petrie's gone, but thats not really true because he will be at the Semi Final. I have been once this season, and will only probably be at 3 or 4 games at most before the end of the season.

Speaking for myself, i have found other things to do with my money, and have got out the habit. And i put that entirely down to Petrie and the way he has run the club.

How many more people out there are like me, folk who would buy a season ticket, folk who went most weeks?

That man may still be at the club, and he's not stopping me return, but he is the reason i no longer put Hibs first before all other leisure activities.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

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You need to smile a bit more......

They bought loads of seasons because they were about to go bust. They bought into the FOH idea because they were about to go bust.

It always amazes me how many Hibs fans cannae see that. If that had been us the same would've happened. The annoying thing is they are being looked on as a success, if every club could jetison their debt for next to f all they'd be delighted. Most clubs wouldnae need to pump their creditors for what they tramps did either.

[Sir David Gray]

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Not just aimed at you but at anybody who is still holding out for Petrie to leave - do you think that we would be in a better position right now if Petrie had left last year?

He should have left about four or five years ago, although I'm not someone who has stayed away due to his continued presence.

[tamig]

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Seems an odd time to write an article like that. HOH and Buyhibs are quiet/dead in the water so why mention them? I appreciate there's still a big petrie out sentiment amongst the support (it would be my preference) but FFS leave it till the summer now surely. Nothing should distract from the aims of promotion and beating falkirk in the semi.

Lol. It's the Record ffs. When do they ever write a positive story about us?

[SunshineOnLeith]

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If you call yourself a Hibby and genuinely want to see the club survive and even thrive get yourself out there, buy a season ticket and buy shares if you can afford it.

GGTTH

Garbage.

The price of season tickets is such that if you'll miss a few games throughout the season, it doesn't represent value regardless of whether you can afford it. Having priority for buying tickets etc is pretty meaningless as, with the exception of a derby at Tynecastle when we think we might get a result, everyone who wants a ticket for a Hibs game can generally get one, including cup finals.

As for buying shares, I think the appetite for fan ownership has been grossly overstated by a vocal minority, amplified by Hearts' situation. Personally, I've got no interest in fan ownership, and would only get involved in dire circumstances, such as happended across the city. The slow uptake of HSL suggests I'm far from alone in this view.

Neither of these opinions give me any less of a right to "call myself a Hibby", nor do they suggest I don't want Hibs to survive - what a nonsense suggestion.

[NAE NOOKIE]

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Garbage.

The price of season tickets is such that if you'll miss a few games throughout the season, it doesn't represent value regardless of whether you can afford it. Having priority for buying tickets etc is pretty meaningless as, with the exception of a derby at Tynecastle when we think we might get a result, everyone who wants a ticket for a Hibs game can generally get one, including cup finals.

As for buying shares, I think the appetite for fan ownership has been grossly overstated by a vocal minority, amplified by Hearts' situation. Personally, I've got no interest in fan ownership, and would only get involved in dire circumstances, such as happended across the city. The slow uptake of HSL suggests I'm far from alone in this view.

Neither of these opinions give me any less of a right to "call myself a Hibby", nor do they suggest I don't want Hibs to survive - what a nonsense suggestion.

Well .... The club don't see it as "garbage" SOL .... Their projected budget for every season depends on ST sales and though walk ups are obviously of equal value in financial terms, getting the money up front is better for the club. As for the points system .. you are probably right ... I cant remember expressing an opinion either way.

Shares........ Well in my opinion I cant see why someone wouldn't want to own a small piece of their club if they can afford it, irrespective of their view on fan ownership .... especially if the money will benefit the club as well.

I didn't say not buying a season ticket or shares meant folk didn't have the right to call themselves a Hibby. I said if they called themselves a Hibby they should get out there and buy a ST or shares, if they could afford it .... not the same thing mate, perhaps you should get a sticking plaster over that raw nerve.

[Steve20]

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Hibs are paying the price for three terrible managerial appointments and the climate of Scottish football in the last decade - Petrie has gone beyond his expiry date and did so when Calderwood was not allowed to go to Forest. Calderwood, Fenlon and Butcher have effectively scared people away because the product was so poor, so negative and so industrial in footballing terms. We were a football graveyard for journeymen footballers.

After Mixu the club should have taken on someone who had experience with working with youth football - that is always going to be a successful route for a club our size to go down.

Around the time of Calderwood (and before), Aberdeen were investing heavily in both time and money in getting a 'four corner' scouting system and training set up established - Hibs, despite coming out of a very fruitful period where we had made millions, didn't consolidate on that system - Hearts at the time were paying unaffordable salaries to their youths, Celtic too.......Hibs stagnated at that level. In truth we never replaced both Parks (John and Donald).

Not saying 'told you so' but I recall a post I made seasons ago stating we should go all out to get Leeann Dempster as she had energy, verve and above all real positivity - the club was in a lull and was one which simply tolerated mediocrity. I'm glad we did, she's been absolutely superb.

Here we are, in a league we don't want to be in, but deserve to be in because of previous mismanagement - but in a few short months the club seems to be revitalised and we are heading in the right direction. I still think there will be twists and turns and some great results and some stinkers (this season). Our manager is still raw and niave but is certainly someone we all rate and respect and the fans seem to be fully behind him and the coaching team. He has recognised that the fans want excitement and want to see a brand of football that entertains. The off field stuff has been excellent and the season ticket campaign has to be commended for being a terrific piece of work.

I've a feeling Stephen Thompson may be picking up the phone to Rod in a few weeks and asking him how he dealt with all the flak - as Dundee United are like Hibs circa 2007......losing their talent for big bucks and now in a position where the results are faltering and the blame culture will kick in.

Being honest - I don't think we will get promotion this season. For me, Butcher and Fenlon left the club in tatters, unconsciously supported by Rod - he took his hands off the wheel and let them go with it. All three share the blame.

But even lack of promotion for me is not failure this season - because the blueprint is in place and fans will return. The product is better. The place is far more positive. I also think we will make the SC final - however again I think we will face Celtic and fall short.

If that's how it pans out, after the 'near death' last season post Hamilton - a quarter final v full strength Dundee Utd only settled on pens which we were a kick away from winning, a (possible) final in the Scottish Cup, top 4 in the league with play-offs, and really decent football throughout - that for me is strong progress from where we were.

I know that my post is a mix of positive and negative (in saying we will not get promotion), but for me this is realistic - and I'm really encouraged at the youth set up and what we have coming through - because they will get that chance

Good post. A lot of it made sense, although not getting promoted this season would count as failure imo. Another season in this league would be terrible and I think we'd see attendances drop even more.

[Mr White]

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Lol. It's the Record ffs. When do they ever write a positive story about us?

It's in the record but it's a blog by hibs fan jamie Montgomery.

[tamig]

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It's in the record but it's a blog by hibs fan jamie Montgomery.

Ah sorry. I never read the article so apologies for that. I'll take a look later.

[AndyM_1875]

Call me cynical but the fans who say they're staying away because of Rod are just making excuses. When he does eventually leave for a blazer at Hampden these same fans will find some other excuse not to go - it's too cold, the pies are lukewarm, the team is rubbish, canny be bothered etc etc etc.

You either go and watch a team you claim to support or you don't. That's it.

[Ozyhibby]

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Call me cynical but the fans who say they're staying away because of Rod are just making excuses. When he does eventually leave for a blazer at Hampden these same fans will find some other excuse not to go - it's too cold, the pies are lukewarm, the team is rubbish, canny be bothered etc etc etc.

You either go and watch a team you claim to support or you don't. That's it.

Your correct but we need to take all the excuses away to grow as a club, especially the 'team is rubbish' one.

[Smartie]

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Hibs are paying the price for three terrible managerial appointments and the climate of Scottish football in the last decade - Petrie has gone beyond his expiry date and did so when Calderwood was not allowed to go to Forest. Calderwood, Fenlon and Butcher have effectively scared people away because the product was so poor, so negative and so industrial in footballing terms. We were a football graveyard for journeymen footballers.

After Mixu the club should have taken on someone who had experience with working with youth football - that is always going to be a successful route for a club our size to go down.

Around the time of Calderwood (and before), Aberdeen were investing heavily in both time and money in getting a 'four corner' scouting system and training set up established - Hibs, despite coming out of a very fruitful period where we had made millions, didn't consolidate on that system - Hearts at the time were paying unaffordable salaries to their youths, Celtic too.......Hibs stagnated at that level. In truth we never replaced both Parks (John and Donald).

Not saying 'told you so' but I recall a post I made seasons ago stating we should go all out to get Leeann Dempster as she had energy, verve and above all real positivity - the club was in a lull and was one which simply tolerated mediocrity. I'm glad we did, she's been absolutely superb.

Here we are, in a league we don't want to be in, but deserve to be in because of previous mismanagement - but in a few short months the club seems to be revitalised and we are heading in the right direction. I still think there will be twists and turns and some great results and some stinkers (this season). Our manager is still raw and niave but is certainly someone we all rate and respect and the fans seem to be fully behind him and the coaching team. He has recognised that the fans want excitement and want to see a brand of football that entertains. The off field stuff has been excellent and the season ticket campaign has to be commended for being a terrific piece of work.

I've a feeling Stephen Thompson may be picking up the phone to Rod in a few weeks and asking him how he dealt with all the flak - as Dundee United are like Hibs circa 2007......losing their talent for big bucks and now in a position where the results are faltering and the blame culture will kick in.

Being honest - I don't think we will get promotion this season. For me, Butcher and Fenlon left the club in tatters, unconsciously supported by Rod - he took his hands off the wheel and let them go with it. All three share the blame.

But even lack of promotion for me is not failure this season - because the blueprint is in place and fans will return. The product is better. The place is far more positive. I also think we will make the SC final - however again I think we will face Celtic and fall short.

If that's how it pans out, after the 'near death' last season post Hamilton - a quarter final v full strength Dundee Utd only settled on pens which we were a kick away from winning, a (possible) final in the Scottish Cup, top 4 in the league with play-offs, and really decent football throughout - that for me is strong progress from where we were.

I know that my post is a mix of positive and negative (in saying we will not get promotion), but for me this is realistic - and I'm really encouraged at the youth set up and what we have coming through - because they will get that chance

Excellent post and pretty much how I see it (except I expect us to sneak up by the skin of our teeth).

The only bit that I disagree with is the bit about the successor to Mixu. Yogi actually had decent coaching credentials and a good reputation for bringing through youngsters at Falkirk. He was a rookie though and was bound to make mistakes, mistakes that we (the fans) were unlikely to let him get away with.

That for me was the spell when Petrie did most damage. It is all purely rumour but our player recruitment "policy" at that time seemed to be a shambles. We would miss out on 1st choice targets, sign also-rans and any old trialist that was kicking around and sell our best player on transfer deadline day. I think that all of this had Petrie's grubby paw prints all over it, and it would have happened regardless who the manager was.

Chuck in the fact that we have always been charged top dollar for tickets to watch a club in decline and it was a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately we always chose to blame the manager for this decline, the atmosphere at ER was terrible for years and the constant replacement of players with inferior ones was only going to go one way.

Your point about United is an excellent one - I fear for them right now and it is hard to see what they can do to stop the inevitable slide.

The contrast between last summer onwards and prior to that is staggering. Surely the least a senior football club can expect is to have decent cover for each position on the park? But look at the dearth of right-backs, strikers and wingers at various times over the previous 5-6 years.

I've never been one for the "never going back" talk. And now, to be honest, I'm relatively relaxed about the idea of Petrie being there. Because he is not doing jobs that he is not cut out to do and we have some of the best people we possibly could doing them, i.e. Dempster and Stubbs leading his back room staff.

I understand those who don't go because they've list the habit. I think that that is a genuinely honest reason not to go. But those who give it the Petrie nonsense are imo kidding themselves, and are pointlessly harming the club because a deep-seated grudge based on things that have happened in the past.

We need to rise above it and move on.

[Leithenhibby]

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Your correct but we need to take all the excuses away to grow as a club, especially the 'team is rubbish' one.

It's a big opportunity to have a say in our club, the way forward IMO...

http://www.hiberniansupporters.co.uk/

[AndyM_1875]

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Your correct but we need to take all the excuses away to grow as a club, especially the 'team is rubbish' one.

The excuses are just excuses and most of them are just rubbish.
It's annoying hearing this stuff when some people can't get to matches for a variety of reasons such as work, distance, cost , they play a sport, or family commitments. Reasons that are to be totally respected.

Our club is changing in every way imaginable for the better. We will return to the top flight of Scottish football sooner rather than later so what is open to cynicism is someone who sits in an Edinburgh boozer on a Saturday afternoon blethering on about how they're a huge Hibs fan but won't go cos of Petrie. That's just drivel IMHO.

[Thecat23]

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Hibs are paying the price for three terrible managerial appointments and the climate of Scottish football in the last decade - Petrie has gone beyond his expiry date and did so when Calderwood was not allowed to go to Forest. Calderwood, Fenlon and Butcher have effectively scared people away because the product was so poor, so negative and so industrial in footballing terms. We were a football graveyard for journeymen footballers.

After Mixu the club should have taken on someone who had experience with working with youth football - that is always going to be a successful route for a club our size to go down.

Around the time of Calderwood (and before), Aberdeen were investing heavily in both time and money in getting a 'four corner' scouting system and training set up established - Hibs, despite coming out of a very fruitful period where we had made millions, didn't consolidate on that system - Hearts at the time were paying unaffordable salaries to their youths, Celtic too.......Hibs stagnated at that level. In truth we never replaced both Parks (John and Donald).

Not saying 'told you so' but I recall a post I made seasons ago stating we should go all out to get Leeann Dempster as she had energy, verve and above all real positivity - the club was in a lull and was one which simply tolerated mediocrity. I'm glad we did, she's been absolutely superb.

Here we are, in a league we don't want to be in, but deserve to be in because of previous mismanagement - but in a few short months the club seems to be revitalised and we are heading in the right direction. I still think there will be twists and turns and some great results and some stinkers (this season). Our manager is still raw and niave but is certainly someone we all rate and respect and the fans seem to be fully behind him and the coaching team. He has recognised that the fans want excitement and want to see a brand of football that entertains. The off field stuff has been excellent and the season ticket campaign has to be commended for being a terrific piece of work.

I've a feeling Stephen Thompson may be picking up the phone to Rod in a few weeks and asking him how he dealt with all the flak - as Dundee United are like Hibs circa 2007......losing their talent for big bucks and now in a position where the results are faltering and the blame culture will kick in.

Being honest - I don't think we will get promotion this season. For me, Butcher and Fenlon left the club in tatters, unconsciously supported by Rod - he took his hands off the wheel and let them go with it. All three share the blame.

But even lack of promotion for me is not failure this season - because the blueprint is in place and fans will return. The product is better. The place is far more positive. I also think we will make the SC final - however again I think we will face Celtic and fall short.

If that's how it pans out, after the 'near death' last season post Hamilton - a quarter final v full strength Dundee Utd only settled on pens which we were a kick away from winning, a (possible) final in the Scottish Cup, top 4 in the league with play-offs, and really decent football throughout - that for me is strong progress from where we were.

I know that my post is a mix of positive and negative (in saying we will not get promotion), but for me this is realistic - and I'm really encouraged at the youth set up and what we have coming through - because they will get that chance

One of the best posts I've read on Hibs .net in a long time!

[Betty Boop]

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When a business starts to blame its customers for staying away then it really is in trouble.
If Hibs want to entice these customers back then we need to address their concerns.

Couldn't agree more.

[ancient hibee]

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Garbage.

The price of season tickets is such that if you'll miss a few games throughout the season, it doesn't represent value regardless of whether you can afford it. Having priority for buying tickets etc is pretty meaningless as, with the exception of a derby at Tynecastle when we think we might get a result, everyone who wants a ticket for a Hibs game can generally get one, including cup finals.

As for buying shares, I think the appetite for fan ownership has been grossly overstated by a vocal minority, amplified by Hearts' situation. Personally, I've got no interest in fan ownership, and would only get involved in dire circumstances, such as happended across the city. The slow uptake of HSL suggests I'm far from alone in this view.

Neither of these opinions give me any less of a right to "call myself a Hibby", nor do they suggest I don't want Hibs to survive - what a nonsense suggestion.

The point about season ticket purchase is that it gives the buyer a reasonable discount but more importantly allows the football side to make decisions about players because they know how much income has come in.That is why I encourage everyone who can afford it to do it.

The good thing about the share issue is that the money doesn't go to existing shareholders but is treated as income.I'm sure you're right that there isn't the interest that all the arguments would have made you think there was.I think that many people just wanted a change of ownership-preferably a sugar daddy.That doesn't stop it being a good idea.As far as Hearts are concerned it'll be interesting to see how that scheme goes once the money has to go to Mrs.Budge to buy her out rather than to provide working capital as it does just now.