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theonlywayisup
10-12-2012, 05:34 PM
Doubt if it will be as busy as last year's! Anyone else going?

Mikey
10-12-2012, 05:39 PM
Bucking with tradition........ The manager is going :greengrin

We'll have updates later folks.

down-the-slope
10-12-2012, 05:57 PM
Bucking with tradition........ The manager is going :greengrin

We'll have updates later folks.

Someone must have the date wrong...or Hibs have missed making the press release about vacancy.....










































:wink:

Jamesie
10-12-2012, 06:02 PM
Doubt if it will be as busy as last year's! Anyone else going?

Not sure if the change of venue to the West stand suggests a higher or lower expected turnout based on the number of proxies received. I will be there.

hibeemikey21
10-12-2012, 06:02 PM
Doubt if it will be as busy as last year's! Anyone else going?

I hope the guys with the "Petrie out" pillowcase will be back.

Hard-hitting stuff.

CentreLine
10-12-2012, 06:58 PM
I hope the guys with the "Petrie out" pillowcase will be back.

Hard-hitting stuff.

No! No sign of him

mim
10-12-2012, 07:08 PM
Is this the thread being used for the updates? (so I can subscribe and use i-spy)

Part/Time Supporter
10-12-2012, 08:02 PM
https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin

re Rangers


Hibs did what it thought was right with regards RFC. Increased gates for Hibs a positive, central funding not as bad as could have been.

re income / attendance


Sustained improvement needed to raise attendances. If club can't grow income, only route is to cut costs. Significant drop off in season tickets from 2 yrs ago. Hopeful that half season tickets will sell well. Stewardship of club is in hands of board of directors, future of the club is in the hands of the support.

re transfer market:


PF on loans: think 3 players want to stay. RP says parent clubs have own agendas. Loan contracts last well into Jan. PF on scouting: 1 scout apptd so far, 2 more being sought. More focus on Sco, looking at Eng/abroad for young players to develop.

re O'Connor


RP confirms PF emptied GOC due to attitude. Says GOC has to take responsibility for way he conducts life. Not club's responsibility for how GOC conducts life. Club tried to help, made some progress up to Xmas but fell away after.

hibee92
10-12-2012, 08:03 PM
www.twitter.com/p_mcpartlin (http://www.twitter.com/p_mcpartlin) giving updates. Read from bottom to top.



3m (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin/status/278226706354012161) Patrick McPartlin ‏@p_mcpartlin (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin)
PF on scouting: 1 scout apptd so far, 2 more being sought. More focus on Sco, looking at Eng/abroad for young players to develop #hibsagm (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23hibsagm&src=hash)

6m (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin/status/278225982014488577) Patrick McPartlin ‏@p_mcpartlin (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin)
(2/2) not club's responsibility for how GOC conducts life. Club tried to help, made some progress up to Xmas but fell away after. #hibsagm (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23hibsagm&src=hash)

8m (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin/status/278225451284054017) Patrick McPartlin ‏@p_mcpartlin (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin)
RP confirms PF emptied GOC due to attitude. Says GOC has to take responsibility for way he conducts life. (1/2) #hibsagm (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23hibsagm&src=hash)

11m (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin/status/278224694195388416) Patrick McPartlin ‏@p_mcpartlin (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin)
PF on loans: think 3 players want to stay. RP says parent clubs have own agendas. Loan contracts last well into Jan #hibsagm (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23hibsagm&src=hash)

13m (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin/status/278224233123942402) Patrick McPartlin ‏@p_mcpartlin (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin)
RP positive about SPL proposals, reckons split to middle 8 could be exciting. Fan says it would be like 2 different seasons #hibsagm (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23hibsagm&src=hash)

17m (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin/status/278223269595865088) Patrick McPartlin ‏@p_mcpartlin (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin)
Q on financial impact of RFC: Increased gates for Hibs a positive, central funding not as bad as could have been. #hibsagm (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23hibsagm&src=hash)

21m (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin/status/278222258684694528) Patrick McPartlin ‏@p_mcpartlin (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin)
RP: Stewardship of club is in hands of board of directors, future of the club is in the hands of the support. #hibsagm (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23hibsagm&src=hash)

22m (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin/status/278221894036107264) Patrick McPartlin ‏@p_mcpartlin (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin)
(Apologies for the Hibs-centric tweets at the moment. Won't be long)

24m (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin/status/278221560408584192) Patrick McPartlin ‏@p_mcpartlin (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin)
RP: significant drop off in season tickets from 2 yrs ago. Hopeful that half season tickets will sell well. #hibsagm (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23hibsagm&src=hash)

26m (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin/status/278220936560390144) Patrick McPartlin ‏@p_mcpartlin (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin)
RP: sustained improvement needed to raise attendances. If club can't grow income, only route is to cut costs #hibsagm (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23hibsagm&src=hash)

28m (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin/status/278220328256278529) Patrick McPartlin ‏@p_mcpartlin (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin)
Petrie: Hibs did what it thought was right with regards RFC. #hibsagm (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23hibsagm&src=hash)

hibee92
10-12-2012, 08:04 PM
https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin

re Rangers



re income / attendance



re transfer market:



re O'Connor

Just beat me haha

Part/Time Supporter
10-12-2012, 08:08 PM
http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/20121210/agm_2262950_3006149

Calderwood:


The poor performances on the pitch in the early part of last Season resulted in lower attendances and lower levels of income. This followed a difficult summer in which Colin Calderwood was linked with two jobs in England. When neither of the moves happened, Colin failed to convince supporters of his long term ambitions for Hibernian Football Club and Season Tickets suffered.

After a credible draw at Celtic Park at the end of October, Colin Calderwood left the Club following an ignominious defeat at home to Dunfermline Athletic in front of 9,531 supporters.

The way things worked out, the appointment of Colin Calderwood was not a good one. Mistakes were made. As Chairman, I take responsibility for that. I am sorry that we have all had to endure two seasons of under-achievement and decline.

Fenlon:


After a thorough recruitment process, Pat Fenlon was appointed the Manager on 25 November 2011. He faced a tough task to turn around the Club's playing fortunes. Pat completed the Club's home SPL programme on 7 May 2012 with a return match against Dunfermline Athletic, this time in front of 15,281 supporters. The team won 4-0 to secure the Club's status in the top flight of Scottish football - which should never have been put in doubt.

That progress and the Club's re-engagement with supporters suffered a severe blow with defeat in the William Hill Scottish Cup final on 19 May. The Club apologised to supporters for the manner of that defeat in the aftermath of the game.

Some people had mixed emotions when the fourth round draw for this Season's Scottish Cup paired last Season's finalists. Pat Fenlon and the team were delighted to have the opportunity, so quickly to atone in small measure for the events of last May. We look forward to the fifth round tie against either Aberdeen or Motherwell.

Rangers:


The deep disappointment of May was compounded by major uncertainty over the summer months regarding the finances of the SPL following the insolvency of Rangers. New TV contracts were eventually negotiated with Sky and ESPN and approved by the SPL clubs on 3 August, the day before the start of the Season. The worst fears of financial meltdown were avoided.

Rumours of the financial position of Rangers had been circulating for some months but it was still a jolt to Scottish and European football when Rangers finally went into administration on 14 February. It took four months of twists and turns, deals and no deals, before the Rangers' CVA was voted down by HMRC on 14 June.

Having run out of money, the Administrators immediately sold the assets to the consortium led by Charles Green, which had the effect of putting Rangers outside football. By selling Ibrox Stadium and splitting it from the club's membership of the SFA and the SPL, Rangers had lost its ability to play football in Scotland or, indeed, anywhere in the world.

It took four months to put Rangers outside football. It took Scottish football just six weeks to find a place for the Rangers' Newco.

Your Club did what it thought was right at every step of the process. The rest, they say is history.

Attendance:


The number of home supporters attending Easter Road Stadium has grown slowly, game by game since the start of the Season - 9,024 Hibernian supporters attended the first home game of the Season whereas there were 10,136 Hibernian supporters in Easter Road Stadium at the last home SPL league match against Aberdeen.

And some 13,000 Hibernian supporters were here for the fourth round tie in the William Hill Scottish Cup.

It would be nice to think that those 13,000 supporters will return here at 3pm on Saturday for our SPL clash against Motherwell - or that we might achieve a modern day record attendance at 3pm on Saturday 29 December. The Celtic game has not been moved for TV. The only way you can see the match against the league leaders is by being here in the Stadium.

Growing the attendances by Hibernian supporters is our core strategy. We are asking supporters to do what you do best - support the team at home matches. If we cannot do that, and if we cannot grow our income, then the only route to get back to break even will be to make substantial reductions in costs. The Club is asking shareholders, supporters and everyone connected with the Club to play your part in getting back to where we all want it to be.

The Club has approximately 8,000 Season Ticket holders which is up on the number for last season despite the severe economic conditions facing every household. The Club is grateful to those supporters who rallied to the call in the summer to find additional Season Ticket Holders. In the main, it was existing Season Ticket Holders who bought the additional tickets or who bought Kicks for Kids tickets to help those less fortunate than themselves get access to Easter Road Stadium.

We know that there are still a significant number of individuals and families who had Season Tickets in 2010 and 2011 but who are not Season Ticket Holders today. Hopefully the Half Season Ticket offering will add to the number of Season Ticket Holders in the second half of the Season.

Members of the Lets Work Together group made telephone calls to lapsed Season Ticket Holders as part of the drive for renewals in the summer and their calls were appreciated by all who received them. The "Let's Work Together Group" is a supporter led initiative formed over the summer and drawn from right across the Hibernian Family. Members of the Lets Work Together Group meet with staff on a regular basis to discuss ways in which the Club can improve. They have come forward with a range of good ideas to foster greater collaboration between Club and supporters. This is a small beginning which we hope will develop over the coming weeks and months for the benefit of the Club.

Part/Time Supporter
10-12-2012, 08:10 PM
The Hibernian Community Foundation continues to make a difference in our communities:
468 learners have attended the Hibernian Learning Centre in the last two years
88 Football Fans In Training have lost almost 6 metres round their waists and 216 Kg in weight
67% of all participants in Fit For Work have gone on to employment or further education
Over 45 players with learning disabilities have been coached by our U20 Academy players
And numerous young people have participated in a number of community coaching initiatives



Reconstruction


The landscape of Scottish football is changing. The SPL spent two years developing a strategy for all of Scottish football. At the end of the day, the SPL could not win over 11 of its 12 clubs let alone the clubs which are members of other leagues. However, discussions are now being pursued in earnest between the SPL and the SFL under the auspices of the Scottish FA. There are two options which have been put forward in recent weeks:

The SFL has suggested that the SPL and the SFL could be merged into one league for all 42 clubs organised into a top division of 16 clubs; a middle division of 10 clubs; and a bottom division of 16 clubs. That has merit, but on its own does not deal with the top clubs suffering a 20% drop in the number of games going from 38 league games per season in the current set up to 30 games per season in a 16 team league.

The SPL has suggested that the 42 clubs could be organised into a top tier of 24 clubs with the remaining 18 clubs (currently SFL Division 2 and 3 clubs) organised in a manner that they think is best for them - either on their own or with clubs drawn from the Highland League; the East of Scotland League; and the South of Scotland league. The top 24 clubs would be organised into two groups of 12 clubs for the first half of the Season. They would play each other home and away, giving each club 22 fixtures in this first phase of the League which would run through to the New Year fixtures. Then, following a Winter Break, the second phase would consist of three groups of 8 clubs. This gives a further 14 fixtures per club and a total of 36 matches for the Season. Having a Top 8 continues the theme of 'best v best' with the top clubs playing for the Championship and for European places. The Middle 8 - possibly known as the 'Play Off 8" - would comprise the bottom 4 clubs from the top 12 and the top 4 clubs from the bottom 12. These 8 clubs would start on zero points and over 14 matches and would play for promotion and relegation. This means that up to four clubs could be relegated and up to four clubs could be promoted in each Season. The Bottom 8 clubs would play to avoid relegation and play offs which could lead to relegation from the tier containing the top 24 clubs in Scotland.

Both plans call for a change in the financial distribution model to reduce the huge financial difference which exists at present between the bottom of the SPL and the top of the SFL. A softer financial landing takes away the threat to the very survival of a club through relegation.

Neither plan is being advanced as a mechanism to provide for the accelerated promotion of Rangers.

There have been constructive discussions of late and more discussions are planned for the weeks ahead. Your Club will continue to play its part in these discussions at the top table of Scottish football.

Summary


Ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, there have been significant changes at your Club - not just on the pitch but also behind the scenes and in the senior management of the Club. I should like to thank every member of staff for their hard work and dedication to the Club. Some of it is supporter facing but most of it is behind the scenes. They are the unsung heroes who help make your Club what it is today.

I would also like to thank Pat Fenlon for accepting the post of Manager at a particularly challenging time and for attacking the task of rebuilding the squad with conviction. Pat himself will tell you that it is still work in progress as we approach the January Transfer Window.

Today, we find ourselves near the top end of the most competitive league in recent years. We are 1 point away from second place; but there are just 5 points covering the six teams vying for a top six position alongside Celtic. With 27 points from 17 games; we are just 6 points short of our total points haul for the whole of last Season.

The stewardship of your Club is in the hands of the Board of Directors. The future of your Club is in the hands of the supporters who help in a real and tangible way by attending matches either on a seasonal basis or as walk up supporters. Our plea is a simple one - if you can, please attend matches at Easter Road Stadium to support your team!

Everyone wants Hibernian to be all that it can be, with success on the pitch, influence off it and making a difference in our communities.

hibee92
10-12-2012, 08:15 PM
Patrick McPartlin ‏@p_mcpartlin (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin) Agm over, no surprises or unexpected news. Usual overall message from RP regarding fans' supporting club and planning for future. #hibsagm (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23hibsagm&src=hash)

Collapse (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin/status/278230872216449024)

Reply (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin#)
Retweet (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin#)
Favorite (https://twitter.com/p_mcpartlin#)

Onceinawhile
10-12-2012, 08:23 PM
Who askec if Sir Tom Farmer was going to put money in? It's an agm tradition that goes back longer than sacking the gaffer

Jamesie
10-12-2012, 08:33 PM
All very amicable compared to last year!

Viva_Palmeiras
10-12-2012, 08:42 PM
Thanks once again for the coverage guys.

So were all the questions submitted in advance - presumably some taken from
The floor?

Did STF make comment?

Was there a decent turnout?

lyonhibs
10-12-2012, 08:46 PM
That all sounds rather realistic, positive and forward facing :confused:

I'm no' having it. Where were the hecklers and the "Hibs For the Future" members or whatever the micro-pressure group that wanted Petrie/Farmer oot was called.

CropleyWasGod
10-12-2012, 09:02 PM
Thanks once again for the coverage guys.

So were all the questions submitted in advance - presumably some taken from
The floor?

Did STF make comment?

Was there a decent turnout?

All of the questions were taken from the floor.

STF took no part, other than to sit on the guy who normally asks him to put money in.

greenginger
10-12-2012, 09:09 PM
I liked two little add-ons from Rod,

To shareholders , " you have copies of the Accounts which are of course not qualified in any way ".


and " all our creditors are of course paid in full when debts fall due "

I wonder if any of the press picked up on his little digs. :wink:

SneakersO'Toole
10-12-2012, 09:25 PM
It was like afternoon tea at Eton compared to last years heated exchanges.

Nothing too compelling to report. The clearest thing for me to take away tonight is that the most important man employed by Hibernian is Pat Fenlon. No question.

This guy is setting the theme, changing the mindset and moving this club forward in more ways than one.

He is critical to our progress. In Fenlon we trust.

Mikey
10-12-2012, 09:36 PM
I took full notes of the Q&A session although a lot of it has been covered already. The main part of the AGM will be covered separately by another hisb.net user. Hopefully :greengrin

There were no questions asked when Jamie Marwick spoke about the accounts.

Full Q&A session...........

Q - How much is the absence of Rangers costing the club.
A - Central revenues are down, but not as much as predicted. The club's strategy is to get as many Hibs fans coming along to home games as possible. No specific figure was given when answering this question.

Q - Regarding the proposed split of 3 leagues of 8, wouldn't Hibs fans think that the league is over if the club is in the middle 8?
A - All 3 sections are seen to have their own attractions and would result in more meaningful games. Hibs would see themselves as a top 8 team although Rod did qualify that by saying that they wouldn't have been a top 8 team last season. If the club was in the 2nd group of 8 there would be very important games that would decide the relegation places and it's been shown in the past that competitive games are a good environment for clubs. The 15k+ crowd at the home game against Dunfermline towards the end of last season was cited as an example.

Q - What is the clubs view on other clubs in the SPL not paying their bills and not paying their players?
A - SPL rules were changed in the summer to ensure that sanctions can be applied to clubs. Moving forward, UEFA is ensuring that clubs are forced to live within their means. The SPL is doing what it can to make clubs viable and not have boom and bust phases. (At no point during this question was any club named !!).

Q - A 2 part question.... (1) Can we have an update on where we are with Griffiths, Claros and McGivern (2) As was suggested in the press during the summer, did RP try to cut a deal that would have resulted in Rangers remaining in the SPL?
A - (1) PF is keen to keep all 3 players and the players are keen to stay, but the final decision lies with their clubs. All 3 clubs have been contacted but it's a slow process. All 3 players are contracted at Hibs until at least mid January so it won't be a case of them leaving on 1st January. (2) As 2nd vice president at the SFA Rod was involved throughout the process. All options were looked at re Rangers and this was just one of the measures reported by the press.


More to follow............

CropleyWasGod
10-12-2012, 09:41 PM
I took full notes of the Q&A session although a lot of it has been covered already. The main part of the AGM will be covered separately by another hisb.net user. Hopefully :greengrin

There were no questions asked when Jamie Marwick spoke about the accounts.

Full Q&A session...........

Q - How much is the absence of Rangers costing the club.
A - Central revenues are down, but not as much as predicted. The club's strategy is to get as many Hibs fans coming along to home games as possible. No specific figure was given when answering this question.

...........

To be fair, I didn't expect a specific number. He answered it in just the way I expected, indeed I was encouraged by how positive it was.

theonlywayisup
10-12-2012, 09:47 PM
After a few financial questions to Petrie, I liked the point made by one guy directed to Pat. It went something like "I would like to thank Pat Fenlon for attending the AGM.......it's been a while since we have had a manager at one of these...."

Good laugh by all. Well done sir!

Yes, atmosphere was different from last year.

Also liked Petrie's comment in reply to a point made about it being daft to penalize Hertz for non-payment of wages by giving them a signing ban outwith the transfer window. It was something like "my thoughts, too!!!!".

Mikey
10-12-2012, 09:47 PM
Q - Is there justification for the SPL and SFL to continue as two bodies?
A - The SPL has tried to come up with a pyramid system (as per Henry McLeish's proposals) but it's seen as impractical. In RP's view there should be one body in charge of the professional game and one body in charge of grass roots football. The important thing is to get the structure right.

Q - What changes has PF brought in re scouting?
A - Dave Henderson has been brought in and 2 new scouts are in the process of being recruited. The club is now watching more games in Scotland in the hope that more players like Paul Cairney can be identified. He also wants to increase the amount of scouting in Europe.

Q - Garry O'Connor was at the last 2 home games, why is the club offering him hospitality?
A - Garry attended the games as a fan. He is no longer at the club as per the manager's decision. Hibs tried to help him last season but it became more difficult after Christmas and that resulted in the manager deciding not to offer a contract.

Q - The SPL made very negative comments about Scottish Football during the summer. Has Neil Doncaster been reigned in?
A - ND is very positive about the SPL and works very hard. RP doesn't think that these comments were ND's, more a case of that's what was reported. Sky and ESPN were "persuaded" to continue showing Scottish football at the same level of funding. ND deserves credit for the work he does.

Q - Does the manager have January targets and does that depend on players leaving first?
A - PF said that he would probably have to move players on before he could bring any new ones in. He's aware that the defence needs to be strengthened. He has some players on the radar if any of the 3 loan players return to their clubs.


More to follow............

Mikey
10-12-2012, 09:58 PM
Q - What's the manager's view about youth football in Scottish football?
A - The 14+ age groups is different from what he's used to in Ireland in the it's a less competitive environment here. There are some very good youth players in Scotland and he feels that we can tend to be over critical of some younger players in Scotland. He wants to see Hibs developing more top players.

Q - What changes are needed at Hibs to keep up with the likes of Kilmarnock who have 12 Scotland level youth players?
A - PF said that all coaches are responsible for improving our youth players, from the manager down. He is looking to change some of the structure in the academy and also change the way youth players are recruited. The objective id to get fringe players into the team but the initial priority is to improve the first team as quickly as possible. RP added that the club is putting more focus into youth players getting into the first team over a number of years. The club is trying to attain a 4 star status for the academy and that depends on the facilities and how successful the club has been at bringing through youth players.

The next point was a general observation, not a question....

The club recently stated that we need home gates of 12,000 to help the finances. In Tony Mowbray's day it was 11,00 and he achieved that by playing football on the deck. can we get back to playing that way?

Q - PF has made some changes, such as painting the away dressing room green. What other changes does he plan?
A - PF said he has other things planned but didn't want to be specific. Some changes are also planned at the training centre. He said that we need to improve and grow the club and that the bond between the club and the fans was returning.


That's yer lot folks!

andrew70
10-12-2012, 10:04 PM
Admins please merge if you'd like:


Hibs AGM
Eighteen75 suite, West Stand, Easter Road

In attendance: Rod Petrie, Bruce Langham, Amanda Jones, Brian Houston, Gary O’ Hagan and Jamie Marwick. PR David Forsyth chaired the Q&A. Sir Tom Farmer was also in attendance.

Amdist the background of a bright green Hibs badge, perhaps illuminating the brighter feeling around the club compared with 12 months ago, Rod Petrie conducted business in a concise and considerate manner without the need for technical visual aids and over-elaborate speeches or presentation.

Petrie opened by saying Scottish Football had “abated” the fears that the summer had brought and this was behind the reasoning of holding the AGM two months on from its regular date. The thinking behind it was to allow a full analysis of progress both on and off the field.

Petrie thanked Fyfe Hyland and Scott Lindsay for all their hard work and contribution…wishing them well in future endeavours.
Grateful to all the “Loyal and Hard Working” staff, board of directors and behind the scenes, for the way they have “stepped up to the plate”.

Formally the AGM was opened at 7.10pm to receive and adopt the financial statement.

Disappointing season resulted in a £957k loss.
Operating loss increased by 80k was helped by a reduction, of some 700k, in staff costs.

2011/12 turnover fell by around 1%. Increasing turnover is the most important factor. The Turnover to wages ratio is at an acceptable level of 60%.

Revenue did not cover losses. The club requires to grow revenue level while also maintaining a tight control over other operating costs.

100k net player revenue was lowest the club have received in over 5 years.

In conclusion:

Another tough year financially, club is ‘financially robust’ and remains in place to pay outstanding mortgages when due.

Net assets reduced due to loss
Net debt up due to loss
Debt offset by long term working capital
Debt, essentially, made up of 3 mortgages


The club and its board of directors look forward to future challenges in a positive manner.
No questions were asked by the floor and the AGM was declared closed with No other ordinary business to undertake.


- - - - - - - - - - - -


Petrie stated that this was only the 2nd loss in 8 years and didn’t want to make it a hat-trick in this current financial year.

Last year poor performances and the situation created by Colin Calderwood and the board led to Season Ticket sales falling and in general poor attendances.

The chairman took “responsibility” and apologised for the two years of “decline”

8531 supporters took in Calderwood’s last game in charge at ER in the same fixture - versus Dunfermline - back in May 15281 Hibs supporters were in attendance to see Pat Fenlon’s side secure safety. A position that this club ‘should never be in’

That progress and supporter re-engagement suffered post cup final defeat and the manager and playing squad were delighted at being given the chance to atone slightly in the 4th round just past.

The board and manager alike realise that it will take a sustained run of results and good performances to maintain supporter numbers. Attendances are growing slowly; 9024 Hibs supporters attended the first SPL game of the season while 10136 home fans were in the ground against Aberdeen. Indeed some 13k were in ER against Hearts in the recent cup game.

The club are hoping for a record attendance in the upcoming match versus celtic, in a match which will not be televised and will stay at its Saturday 3pm Kick off time. THE ONLY WAY TO SEE THIS GAME IS AT EASTER ROAD.

The core strategy of the club is to grow our support and maintin the levels. If we cannot do that then the club would require substantial reductions in costs. Club have approx. 8k season ticket holders which is up on last seasons figure and Petrie is “grateful” to those who responded to the clubs rallying call in the summer. In the main it was existing season ticket holders who purchased more through various schemes such as Kick for Kids.

There is still a “significant amount” of supporters lost and the club are hoping half Seasons start to make a difference.

Petrie spoke highly of groups such as Lets Work Together and the Hibernian Community Foundation helping to foster “greater collaboration between the club and its supporters”.

SPL Changes:

Its hard enough to win over 11/12 club in the SPL ‘never mind other clubs under other memberships’ opened Petrie before moving on and explaining the two systems being spoken about at this time.

Setup one: 16/10/16 has its own merit but does not deal with the clubs losing almost 20% of games that they play under the current system.

Setup two: 24/18 2 groups of 12 to the new year before splitting in to 3 groups of 8 and playing a further 14 games.

Both plans call for change between the relationship of the SPL and SFL. Neither plan is being designed to accelerate the promotion of Rangers.


In conclusion

Significant changes on the pitch and behind the scenes
Thanks everyone for their hard work and dedication to make the club what “it is today”
Rebuilding the squad with “conviction”
In whats been the most competitive league for years we are only 6pts off last seasons total
Stewardship is in the hands of the directors
The future of the club is in the hands of the supporters
‘If you can attend, please attend…’

The club will continue to work hard to be a success on the pitch and be an important part of the local community.

Mikey
10-12-2012, 10:07 PM
There was a more informal opportunity to ask the board questions after the AGM. I took the chance to ask Rod when the football authorities would catch up with Hearts and do something about them playing players they can't pay.

In classic Rod style, it was a bit of a non answer :greengrin He said that the SPL has brought in new rules to stop this sort of thing and when I pointed out that they had got round it and continue to play these players he nodded in agreement without giving anything away!! He was asked by one of the others there if Hearts were getting an easy ride because the SPL doesn't want them to drop out of the league and he said that that wasn't the case.

Anyone else got any snippets to pass on from this part of the evening?

cocopops1875
10-12-2012, 10:16 PM
Q - What's the manager's view about youth football in Scottish football?
A - The 14+ age groups is different from what he's used to in Ireland in the it's a less competitive environment here. There are some very good youth players in Scotland and he feels that we can tend to be over critical of some younger players in Scotland. He wants to see Hibs developing more top players.

Q - What changes are needed at Hibs to keep up with the likes of Kilmarnock who have 12 Scotland level youth players?
A - PF said that all coaches are responsible for improving our youth players, from the manager down. He is looking to change some of the structure in the academy and also change the way youth players are recruited. The objective id to get fringe players into the team but the initial priority is to improve the first team as quickly as possible. RP added that the club is putting more focus into youth players getting into the first team over a number of years. The club is trying to attain a 4 star status for the academy and that depends on the facilities and how successful the club has been at bringing through youth players.

The next point was a general observation, not a question....

The club recently stated that we need home gates of 12,000 to help the finances. In Tony Mowbray's day it was 11,00 and he achieved that by playing football on the deck. can we get back to playing that way?

Q - PF has made some changes, such as painting the away dressing room green. What other changes does he plan?
A - PF said he has other things planned but didn't want to be specific. Some changes are also planned at the training centre. He said that we need to improve and grow the club and that the bong between the club and the fans was returning.


That's yer lot folks!
This should help chill everyone out :smokin

Mikey
10-12-2012, 10:18 PM
This should help chill everyone out :smokin

:tee hee:

JoeT_WasTheBest
10-12-2012, 10:24 PM
After a few financial questions to Petrie, I liked the point made by one guy directed to Pat. It went something like "I would like to thank Pat Fenlon for attending the AGM.......it's been a while since we have had a manager at one of these...."

Good laugh by all. Well done sir!

Yes, atmosphere was different from last year.

Also liked Petrie's comment in reply to a point made about it being daft to penalize Hertz for non-payment of wages by giving them a signing ban outwith the transfer window. It was something like "my thoughts, too!!!!".

I thank you! I try my best....

Pretty Boy
10-12-2012, 10:26 PM
Thanks for the updates guys. Interesting reading and seems far more positive than recent years.

Baldy Foghorn
10-12-2012, 10:26 PM
:tee hee:

Think the Chairman's message was clear, we need OUR fans to do their bit by backing the Club....Let's hope more SPL wins, and a Cup run, can entice any waiverers back....

Baldy Foghorn
10-12-2012, 10:29 PM
Thanks for the updates guys. Interesting reading and seems far more positive than recent years.

It certainly was. After two years of dross on the park, PF appreciates we are still a work in progress. We are far from being the finished article, but we are going in the right direction. Every time I hear PF talk, I like his mentality more and more. He knows what he wants, and he knows the supporter's deserve better....He will try his hardest in his role, and I am 100% behind him....

Leithenhibby
10-12-2012, 11:30 PM
Thanks for the updates :aok:

Such a change to get good-ish news this year and plenty "feel good factor" :wink:

--------
10-12-2012, 11:33 PM
Thanks to everyone for the information. It all sounds very positive compared to last year.

I agree 100% that Pat Fenlon is the guy at the heart of what has happened and (hopefully) will continue to happen at Easter Road since Calderwood left.

I've only spoken to him once, but IMO he's a very intelligent, focussed and committed manager who knows exactly what's wrong and has a set of very good ideas about how to put it right. What you see is what you get, I'd say. I really hope he stays beyond his present contract.

One way we could sort out our finances - get Rod into a poker game with the other SPL chairmen. By daybreak I'd reckon Hibs would own the SPL. :wink:

Gatecrasher
11-12-2012, 07:04 AM
Thanks again for all the updates.

down-the-slope
11-12-2012, 09:49 AM
One bit I found interesting (others may have been aware) is that the club as no overdraft facility. It relies on keeping 'cash at hand' to cover eventualities. That is pretty healthy position given the way banks are dealing with other businesses, let alone businesses who core activity is football.

Also was very pointedly noted we 'met all liabilities when they fell due' :greengrin

Main feeling I have is that we are 'leaner & fitter' as a club, and having Rod back being 'hands on' combined with Pats lack of tolerance of those who's attitude is not to his liking, means they have the potential to become a formidable Chairman / manager team that will never be called 'soft'


Now having a manger who has spent the limited resources better than any in my almost 30 years of watching the team - the negative is we can't attract the 2/2500 extra to ER that would allow progression to be made. Things are so pared back that if we can't get the income (crowds) up then the cuts needed will be evident on the pitch (unless someone wants a contracted player for a big fee)

The Voice Of Reason
11-12-2012, 11:06 AM
Thanks for the updates folks :aok:

In Petrie We Trust. Get yourselves along to Easter Road as much as possible if you can people, starting with Saturday against Motherwell :agree:

:flag: :flag:

HIBS TILL WE DIE.

silverhibee
11-12-2012, 11:47 AM
Thanks for the updates folks :aok:

In Petrie We Trust. Get yourselves along to Easter Road as much as possible if you can people, starting with Saturday against Motherwell :agree:

:flag: :flag:

HIBS TILL WE DIE.


:agree:

And if you are a Hibs fan and in BTG you will be allowed to just jump the queue and order your drinks. :cb

Monts
11-12-2012, 11:56 AM
Not a direct AGM point, but it came up in one of the answers from RP..

Whats the benefit to hibs of having a 4 star rated academy?
Obviously the players coming through it are a benefit, but in the answer it seemed to imply that the rating itself would be desirable.

CropleyWasGod
11-12-2012, 12:15 PM
Not a direct AGM point, but it came up in one of the answers from RP..

Whats the benefit to hibs of having a 4 star rated academy?
Obviously the players coming through it are a benefit, but in the answer it seemed to imply that the rating itself would be desirable.

I think the rating would be an extra selling-point in attracting young players.

Beefster
11-12-2012, 12:18 PM
:agree:

And if you are a Hibs fan and in BTG you will be allowed to just jump the queue and order your drinks. :cb

You really need to get over this.

Jack
11-12-2012, 12:48 PM
One bit I found interesting (others may have been aware) is that the club as no overdraft facility. It relies on keeping 'cash at hand' to cover eventualities. That is pretty healthy position given the way banks are dealing with other businesses, let alone businesses who core activity is football.

Also was very pointedly noted we 'met all liabilities when they fell due' :greengrin

Main feeling I have is that we are 'leaner & fitter' as a club, and having Rod back being 'hands on' combined with Pats lack of tolerance of those who's attitude is not to his liking, means they have the potential to become a formidable Chairman / manager team that will never be called 'soft'


Now having a manger who has spent the limited resources better than any in my almost 30 years of watching the team - the negative is we can't attract the 2/2500 extra to ER that would allow progression to be made. Things are so pared back that if we can't get the income (crowds) up then the cuts needed will be evident on the pitch (unless someone wants a contracted player for a big fee)

I think they may have gone too far.


Not a direct AGM point, but it came up in one of the answers from RP..

Whats the benefit to hibs of having a 4 star rated academy?
Obviously the players coming through it are a benefit, but in the answer it seemed to imply that the rating itself would be desirable.

The gist I got for the 4 star rated academy wasn’t that it was just about facilities but the outcomes in terms of players, quality players and how far they progress in the game beyond the academy.

Obviously if we have quality players then Hibs will benefit both while they are here and the cash when they go, although RP was keen to play that down as being less important. However there's recognition of having someone like Fletcher coming through the ranks and on to EPL and international level too.

Who wouldn't want to come to a club that has the highest accreditaion a Scottish club can have?

down-the-slope
11-12-2012, 05:38 PM
I think they may have gone too far.





Jack I probably agree with that - mainly in the back office stuff tickets / shop (hopefully being rectified by the new signing from John Lewis :greengrin)

However can you imagine the reaction if there had not been dramatic cuts when the player budget was under such pressure...

There IS no fat left to trim - so either income goes up or the new dawn might be plunged back into darkness

danhibees1875
12-12-2012, 12:58 AM
Thanks for the updates everyone. :aok: