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Pretty Boy
07-06-2014, 06:06 PM
Sorry a bit late but been out and about today. Also apologies for the length but a lot was covered.

I'll start by saying I feel massively more optimistic now than I did at 9AM this morning. I was really impressed with LD, she answered every question thrown at her and didn't try to dodge anything, if she did sidestep anything she was honest about doing so.

The meeting opened with a welcome from Bryan Houston.

He stated he was there first and foremost as a Hibs fan, that Working Together existed to make things better. He said he was as devastated, angry, frustrated and ashamed about the situation as anyone. He said it was now vital everyone redoubled their efforts to regenerate the club and the situation strengthens the need for an initiative like WT. He was glad to see an expanded group in attendance but sad it had to be in a crisis. He acknowledged the media had commented on the poor comms between club and support, no one at ER will defend that. WT exists in part to improve that although there have been faltering steps along the way.

There was then an objection stating the PR at Hibs is dreadful.

Bryan said that he acknowledged this and one of the founding purposes of WT was to address this. He then said the main purpose of the meeting was to introduce Leeann, the club is delighted she is on board, it has been a long time in the planning and she is the right person to bring back a proper Chief Executive model. She is the person to make change happen.

Gordon MacKay of WT then spoke:

He said support activism was vital. It is important as the club business model needs to be less corporate. We as supporters aren't customers. We are stakeholders, custodians and in many ways part owners of the club. We don't simply want engagement, we want involvement. He was encouraged Leeann had such a background. He stated we have to respect the history, traditions and values of the club. We as a group and a support want to offer the club our talents, skills and ideas. Most importantly we want the club to succeed.

There was then a run round of the table for introductions.

Part 2 to follow.

Pretty Boy
07-06-2014, 06:32 PM
Part 2:

Leeann introduced herself to the meting. She said she has been involved in football for 6 and a half years at Motherwell. She then explained a bit about the timeline to her appointment. She was 1st approached about 2 and a half months ago when we were 7th in the league, she was keen to point out she was not brought in due to the decline and plans were already in place before relegation was really a serious possibility. She is very aware it is a difficult time, she understand the situation and realises how embarrassing it is. She then said that the reality is that we are now where we are and we need to get out of the Championship. We need a solid football and non football plan going forward and the club needs a rebuild from the bottom up. She acknowledged the great infrastructure (on of the best she has ever seen) but said we need to compete on the park. She knows it won't always be easy and there are going to be restrictions because of the situation we are in. She said the football plan starts with the 1st team but that must link with the academy, the whole club must link together. We must make the most of the facilities we have. We have come out of the EOS League because Leeann thought we were carrying too many players. We have to move in a direction where we use our resources better. She ideally would like to see a 1st team player for every position, an under 20/back up for each position and a youth player for each position. We finished last season with 51 players, she would like to see this cut to about 38. She wants to see us recruit the best young players, that means there will be tough calls to make, some that might seem harsh. She then said she is looking forward to focussing om football.

A question was then asked about who decided to release the young players who have already gone?

She answered it is always unfortunate to see players released, the coaches have known for sometime who they had in mind to go. She stressed she felt it was important we help released youngsters find other pathways whether that be further education or perhaps utilise the Spartans link (which she described as the worst kept secret in Edinburgh). She said every young player would know their future by June 16th. She used Spartans as an example of a great community club and said she sees it as an excellent pathway to allow us 1st pick of the best youngsters. She admitted there are many tough football decisions to be made and she won't get them all right, there will be many decisions made quickly because we are in a poor place.

Mike Reilly then asked if she was making these decisions?

Leeann answered that the coaches have made these decisions over a period of time regarding youngsters. Sadly due to the situation 1 or 2 might have had to go we would like to have kept. Ultimately it is the decision of James McDonagh and Bill Hedry about youngsters futures. She said there will be a new appointment this week at the academy. She was asked if this was George Craig and answered it was (the 2nd worst kept secret in Edinburgh!).

She was aksed is his wage was being paid for by releasing a youngster?

She said no one has to leave to bring him in. We can use what we have better. It was her judgement we needed someone to oversee recruitment of young players, this was crucial. She said no one is really doing that at the moment and the fact we only have 3 paid scouts at ER is completely unacceptable/

Bryan asked people to remember LD was just in the door so maybe couldn't answer every question fully.

Leeann was asked is she saw TB, MM and SM as the right people to link the 1st team and a youth set up?

She answered she was meeting TB next week. She has met him informally before and then again last week but emotions were obviously running high so they agreed to take a few days before meeting again. TBs family had gone on holiday without him and he has gone to join them. She said she can't answer the question asked until she meets him properly.

Is TB going to World Cup?

She can't speak for him but she doesn't believe so.. She asked him last week and he said he won't be.

Part 3 to follow.

Pretty Boy
07-06-2014, 06:46 PM
Leeann was asked in her short time what 3 things had surprised her both negatively and positively about the club?

She said she hope it would come out during the discussions.

She was asked if the depth of feelings about the situation surprised her?

She said no. Football is part of all our lives, it is something we consume. She accepted why every single fan was disenchanted (she acknowledge that was nowhere near strong enough a word). She said she was on board to make a change and she would do that. She accepted people would say it was too latee but she is here now and she wasn't ready for the job 2 years ago. She said she was confident and optimistic about the future, she understands the game, she knows it will be a challenge to flip some people opinion but she said she wasn't John Boyles puppet, She isn't Rod Petries puppet, she is nobodies puppet.

A question was asked about inductions for new players, an introduction to Hibs and what we are all about, our history etc/

Leeann didn't disagree this was necessary. She said we need a stronger recruitment policy from under 9s to the 1st team. Players must understand the size of the club, the expectations and the pressure. She said she felt a disconnect between the stadium and the training facility, she doesn't know why but she will help us get past that. As the league developed we needed 3 point and couldn't get that, why? Why couldn't we get over the line? She felt part of that was the disconnect she mentioned. How do we fix that? What's wrong with Hibs?

She was asked if we had become too much of a corporate entity and not a football club?

Yes. There are benefits of having a level of corporate structure but we have to be a football club. We must communicate better, must be better at dispelling myth and rumour, must get the truth and good news out asap.

A point was made that the PR has been woeful. Rod had made glib statements, never puts himself in front of the camera, his 5 year plan was like the recipe for Irn Bru, only 2 people know about it. This must be addressed.

This was backed up by another saying the statement after relegation was a disgrace, Rod is a toxic brand and has messed up the club.

Leeann said she was happy to take that on board and talk about Rod Petrie but would prefer to wait until the end.

It was said that she and the club must be aware of the strength of feeling. Leeann acknowledge this.

Pretty Boy
07-06-2014, 07:00 PM
Leeann was asked about our policy on loan players going forward. Too many don't identify with the club and haven't been good enough.

She said they do have a role but we must recruit our own players better. We have been known for years for bringing through young players like Steven Fletcher and Scott Brown. She said we need a succession plan so good players are replaced by good players from within. She reiterated loan players have a role but accepted they cost without always offering value. She went on to say this feeds into the recruitment are. There will be a full review of recruitment from top to bottom with George Craig. We must recruit not just the right players but the right type of person/ All new players will have social media lessons directly with Leeann. She is sick of bad publicity about Hibs, she won't tolerate any more embarrassments.

Leeann was asked if she had an induction and what her interview entailed?

She answered she felt she had interviewed the club. She has been told about the club, read about it but it doesn't matter what she reads or is told she has to, and wants to, experience it.

Yours truly then asked about what we are doing to make sure we don't lose a generation of young fans/ With increased competition fromm England and abroad how are we engaging youngsters?

Leeann said when she took over at Motherwell they had 2200 ST holders, minimal incentives for young fans and limited old fashioned community football. She made a strategic decision to offer STs as the best value way to support the team. She implemented various ST deals to get more kids in including tickets for grandparents to take 2 grandchildren for equivalent of £5 a game. When she left Motherwell had 4500 ST holders which she thinks is about the best they can get. She said we must offer value for STs especially for kids, we must work out how to get young fans interested. She said that in youth football being played today there would be less than 100 kids wearing Hibs strips, at Motherwell there would be over 800. We must improve on that front and this is where Spartans will play a role again.

Leeann then spoke abut the Community Foundation. She said what she saw on paper didn't impress her but since seeing it at close had she feels they do a good job with what Hibs have provided for them. She wants Hibs to devote more to this and to expand community football. George Craig will make sure we have facilities to do so, we will have a community academy, kids from nursery age upwards will be involved. This provides an avenue for progress through the ranks to an elite academy which will be an invaluable source of players. Again she said this is why the Spartans initiative is huge, we will invest in youth and young people. We will get young people to games and she will make sure we have a proper community area in the stadium. She said this is essentially easy stuff to achieve and we will focus on it.

Pretty Boy
07-06-2014, 07:09 PM
Will there be a reduction in ST prices?

Leeann asked what ST holders wanted. She knows some may want refunds, discounts etc. She acknowledged it was important so said she wanted to devote longer to it later and hear our views.

A point was made going back to the Communty Foundation that not enough was being done. It was like banging a head against a brick wall. People want to help the club but need to know how they can. It was pointed out Leith Links had raised over £8000 in a short time and this proved people can and will help if given the chance.

Leeann said compared to Motherwell the foundation must do more. It has to be about helping the wider community. That could be helping people get back into work or training, football can be used to bring people together and help people. The club can literally change lives by brining people in and helping them. We want to be, and must be, a community club. Easter Road must be used better. The example she gave as that the Fit Fans group are using the learning centre in the South Stand as a changing room. As of next week Leeann will have someone greet them at the door of the West and allow them to use the 1st team changing rooms. She said she had asked why little things like that hadn't been done before.

She accepted there wasn't enough connection between fans and club, we need a fresh approach, get youngsters involved, use the stadium more, she said things like this will happen very quickly and the only restrictions will be availability of facilities and what each group wants. Easter Road should never be empty, seeing the stadium, players and management is a very powerful tool for engaging people.

Pretty Boy
07-06-2014, 07:27 PM
Leeann was told whilst it may not feel like it she is amongst friends at the meeting and at Hibs. It was always going to be a difficult meeting and Road Petrie was the elephant in the room. She was told the meeting represented a majority of the Hibs support in some guise and if she operates in a truthful manner she will reengage the fans. The dishonest relationship with Rod had been good for neither us the fans or Rod himself. We want to build a relationship with her. She was asked how she saw her relationship with us?

She said she was positive about it. She then said at Motherwell the Supporters Trust and Supporters Association refused to meet or work with each other. She tried without success to bring about a relationship so set up her own group which became the Well Society. Around 12-20 people met monthly to discuss issues and ideas and the environment helped bring sides together. She is glad something like that is already in place at Hibs.

The point was made that the only side not represented at meetings either today or previously was the football side

Leeann acknowledged this as a fair point.

It was then said the most important thing was that the fans wanted a relationship with the club, we want to continue meetings. Could relegation be the best thing to happen from that point of view? It will see an end to the days of kidology and a more honest future.

Leeann said she understood the point being made but couldn't accept relegation didn't feel like a good thing. She was recruited before such a situation and wanted out of it quickly. She said she would have handpicked Hibs if she had the choice of any club to come to. She saw it as a great opportune ity and a real challenge. She feels she left Motherwell in better shape than she found them and would never have left if it wasn't for such a great opportunity. She said people must remember her reputation is on the line as well, she will make some mistakes but bear with her and she will get it right.

She was asked to define her leadership style?

She said she believed there had to be a strong leader to make decisions. There is a need for consensus but success at Motherwell was because John Boyle had complete faith in here. She said at Motherwell she had to put up with accusations of being Boyls stooge and it took time to prove she was her own person but ultimately she succeeded. She wants to do the same at Hibs. We need a strong leader and she will be that, she will live or die by her decisions and if things don't improve it is her responsibility not Rod Petries. She is in charge.

She said a football plan will be written down and available to see, it will link with a non football plan. She can't gurantee everything will be rosy but she will do her best. She was chose for her style, directness and openness. She will improves communication strategy and accepts she needs to be open about the clubs policies. The media department will be restructured accordingly.

It was said from the floor the club must be more can do as opposed to can't do.

Leeann said any misunderstandings due to communication are gone. She will micromanage in the short to medium term until she gets things right as she wants them. We need to readjust, structures will change, commercial team will be pushed harder, she knows Hibs are a hard sell at the moment but she belives she can get enthusiasm growing.

Pretty Boy
07-06-2014, 07:41 PM
Did Motherwell have a supporter liason? Will Hibs have one?

She said at Motherwell it was straightforward as the Well society was set up to eventually take control of the club. However they were their own entity, independent of the club and had their own elections, directors, trustees etc. They wanted to get more involved and now had 2 members on the Motherwell board. She said the 2 people have a real role at the club and wasn't a fan of supporters on the board as a box ticking exercise. They must have a real role. Everyone, fans, board etc need to agree how things should be.

It was then said that youngsters are the lifeblood of the club, there had been school tours in the past but they had become fragmented, no interaction with the high school near East Mains and that hearts have done more than Hibs in this area and that was upsetting, we need to do more to get youngsters involved.

Leeann agreed, She made sure Motherwell engaged from nursery onwards and will do the same at Hibs, we must provide good quality opportunities, have a curriculum for excellence and communicate better with schools both locally and further afield.

Apoint was made about Swansea having a policy fro m youths to 1st team. Why do we have such a disconnect between how academy teams play and the 1st team? Are you happy with this?

Leeann said there 100% must be a club philosophy, when we recruit anyone they must fit that philosophy, we need a plan that makes sense and involves continuity.

What's your football philosophy?

Like most I love fast flowing pressing football. Everybody likes that.

Whats is the budget situation/ We must get back up ASAP.

Leeann asked the questioner is he knew how a football budget worked? She then said we will spend what we generate, we are still operating as a Premiership club with our costs. Should we cut the legs off that? There ultimately has to be a balance of affordability but that balance is we have to get out of the league we are in. The football budget will be smaller but will be used better, less players but better players. ST sales must be pushed and will be, we will generate other revenue streams. We will give ourselves the best opportunity of promotion without jeopardising the club. I have a budget in mind, I have plans and we will use our revenue wisely.

The point was made that good players bring fans back, Under Tony Mowbray the quality of player brought fans back.

Leeann said there is a process. The evidence is there of what happens when clubs spend what thye don't have. She said there will be a clear football plan and we can build a team well capable of promotion with the budget we will have.

It's all about Rod next so stay tuned......

Pretty Boy
07-06-2014, 08:06 PM
Leeann said it was time to address the elephant in the room.

She asked how many believed Rod should resign. Most hands were raised.

She said we had to accept many were culpable for the situation we are in. Rod is as responsible as anyone but not solely so. She accept the situation is fracturing the support.

She then asked after what had been said so far who believed she was now running the club? Again most hands were raised.

It was then asked what Rods role now entails/ And asked if she was aware people wouldn't believe Rod isn't involved.

Leeann said it is up to her to walk the walk. Rod can speak for himself if he chooses to do so. She asked for the opportunity to do her job and said we must get away from the current paralysis of the club, she said she can only do her best to demonstrate she is in charge. She said Rod IS NOT involved in the day to day running of the club now. She is delaing with sponsors, players, managers and more. With regards to Rods role she said there is a process in which she takes plans and ideas to the board. She said you only do this if you think it will be successful.

Have you made it clear you will be off if you don't get your way?

Bryan asked we leave that there as it was a difficult question for Leeann.

Leeann was asked if she will hide behind PR?

NO, absolutely not, I won 't hide behind website statements. She said she will register on hibs.net and the bounce under her own name and engage fans directly.

When you make decisions and it goes to board level does Rod make a decision or have a veto?

Rod has no veto. He has a vote like every other board member in every other company but no final decision.

Bryan then said as a non exec boar member he could make that a bit clearer. He said the board act in what they see as the best interests of the football club Rod as chairman has a vote like everyone else and as Chairman has a casting vote in event of a tie, that is the case on almost all boards. It's unlikely this situation arises. In theory Rod and STF could overturn a board decision by sacking the whole board but again this is unlikely. Technically he has the same rights as other non exec directors.

It was pointed out most felt sorry for Leeann and the situation she was in. It was asked that Bryan reported back the strength of feeling to STF and Rod. He acknowledged this was a reasonable request.

It was said that with Rod at the club it would be difficult to get some fans back with Rod there.

Leeann asked why we thought she had been employed/ ( someone suggested as a new fall guy).

Leeann said she thought it was because they genuinely wanted to see a change in the club.

It was asked if this was a new 5 year plan?

Leeann said no and she thought that was an unnecessary cheap jibe.

An apology was made and it was said unfortunately many are currently cynical and people need to know the plans going forward.

Leeann said she was putting it on the table that she is running the football club, people have to accept that, she is happy to meet and debate anyone 1 on 1 who doesn't believe her and she will demonstrate she is now in charge. She wants and needs to start thinking about football. She believes we are in a league with 3 strong competitors ( Hearts, The Rangers and Falkirk) and she wants to focus all her energy on football. She isn't sidestepping th issue but she also has a football club to prepare.

At this point a representative of the Emerald Branch walked out as he wasn't happy to engage if RP was still involved.

Bryan was asked if Rod has ever overruled the board?

No, not that I can recall in my 2 years here.

Does that mean Rod is surrounding himself with yes men?

Bryan said he would take all feedback to the board and how the whole board operates, they are happy to make changes.

Mike Reilly then said Mixu resigned because of poor ST sales and he didn't want to hold the club back, Rod should do the same and so should some of the board. he said he bought into what Leeann was saying but there is a deep seated feeling that Rod should go, if he does we can start pleading with lapsed ST holders to return and supporters will come back. Every time we have been let down we have come again and supported when we are needed. We support you but believe Rod has to go.

Leeann said she understood what had been said and would influence what she was brought in to do at the club which was everything.

Gordon MacKay said he believed Leeann was an autonomous CEO but was dismayed why this hadn't been done sooner. The last 2 years has been dysfunctional and that everyone wants to help sort things out. The board must change, we had learned the hard way about dysfunction. If a project manager fails then the manager takes the consequences, an honest decision must be made.

I'm off for dinner more to follow shortly.

Pretty Boy
07-06-2014, 08:59 PM
Right very last part.

Leeann said we have a football plan and a non football plan, a plan for the future will be made cohesively. She won't sidestep the issues but she also won't apologise for focussing on football and all that goes with that. She wants to meet again soon and continue a partnership with fans. She admitted she doesn't have all the answers but will try her best to find them. She is 100% focussed on a winning football team. That is her priority.

She was asked if she had control of player contracts, signing policy etc.

Her answer 1 million % my decision!

Regarding ST question:

A suggestion was made to reduce ST prices for those who haven't already renewed to £270 (approx. £15 a game) and give those who have renewed an option for discount for next season or an option to donate to Leith Links, Kicks for Kids etc. It was pointed out Hearts and Rangers as of yet have no ST pricing available, Falkirk charge £325, Raith £250 and Livi £200.

It was decided the club will look at this.

Will there be a loyalty scheme?

Leeann said she doesn't want to argue about value of a supporter but there has to be a collective decision.

Someone said Hearts loyalty scheme was a good example.

Could an IT system be looked at, why hasn't this been done before.

Bryan then wrapped up by saying he would look at a loyalty scheme. He thanked Leeann for engaging directly so soon after taking the job and with some tough questions, sooner we meet again the bette. We are all feeling the pain and that is reflected in the division but hoped we had addressed some of that.

Pretty Boy
07-06-2014, 09:08 PM
Just a few personal points from me.

1st I was very impressed with LD as I said. She seems a very strong person and answered everything thrown at her, she also took no nonsense and disagreed on occasion when she had to. I also managed to grab a few minutes with her before and after the meeting, obviously I won't disclose what she said but I find her very honest and engaging. She gets it.

I was also lucky enough to get a few minutes with David Forsyth and Bryan Houston. Again I won't disclose what was said but they were also both genuinely upset by what has happened to Hibs and I got the feeling David was quite hurt by some of what has been said about him, I think we as fans would sometimes do well to remember that even people involved in football have feelings too.

All in all I'm much more optimistic about the future than I was this morning. The club is changing and will change imo and it will happen quickly.

Onwards and upwards.

Jonnyboy
07-06-2014, 09:09 PM
Can we really trust a man who refers to his tea as "dinner"?

Not all all, silver service I believe :greengrin


Brilliant stuff PB. Thanks for all of that.

I'm disappointed in the lack of respect for LD shown by the guy who walked out. If he was there to represent his branch he should have stayed until the end so he could report back accurately. He effectively denied his branch the right to one of the things that people are protesting about, ie. direct communication with the club.

:agree: I have to admit ignorance and say I've not heard of the Emerald Branch before :dunno:

matty_f
07-06-2014, 09:09 PM
Should point out that it was baldy foghorn who asked for a show of hands to see who thought Petrie should resign, rather than Leeann asking.
Leeann asked for a show of hands to see who felt she had full autonomy and almost everyone raised their hands (save for a couple who said their hands were "half up").

banchoryhibs
07-06-2014, 09:10 PM
Many thanks PB - there's a lot to think about.

LD comes across as genuine and honest - I sincerely hope that she will deliver as well.

scuttle
07-06-2014, 09:12 PM
Fascinating read that
Superb effort in typing that up PB

brisbanehibs
07-06-2014, 09:13 PM
Thanks to PB for typing this up and to everyone for showing some leadership and getting involved on behalf of the support. Great work and reasons to be optimistic here.

Sent from my SM-P605 using Tapatalk

Brightside
07-06-2014, 09:13 PM
Having already purchased Sts for next season I'd rather they were kept as is. We need to get back up and the best way to do that is to give the CEO the best budget to do that. If it means we end up signing a championship player rather than a div3 player it can only be a good thing.

ekhibee
07-06-2014, 09:13 PM
Leeann said it was time to address the elephant in the room.

She asked how many believed Rod should resign. Most hands were raised.

She said we had to accept many were culpable for the situation we are in. Rod is as responsible as anyone but not solely so. She accept the situation is fracturing the support.

She then asked after what had been said so far who believed she was now running the club? Again most hands were raised.

It was then asked what Rods role now entails/ And asked if she was aware people wouldn't believe Rod isn't involved.

Leeann said it is up to her to walk the walk. Rod can speak for himself if he chooses to do so. She asked for the opportunity to do her job and said we must get away from the current paralysis of the club, she said she can only do her best to demonstrate she is in charge. She said Rod IS NOT involved in the day to day running of the club now. She is delaing with sponsors, players, managers and more. With regards to Rods role she said there is a process in which she takes plans and ideas to the board. She said you only do this if you think it will be successful.

Have you made it clear you will be off if you don't get your way?

Bryan asked we leave that there as it was a difficult question for Leeann.

Leeann was asked if she will hide behind PR?

NO, absolutely not, I won 't hide behind website statements. She said she will register on hibs.net and the bounce under her own name and engage fans directly.

When you make decisions and it goes to board level does Rod make a decision or have a veto?

Rod has no veto. He has a vote like every other board member in every other company but no final decision.

Bryan then said as a non exec boar member he could make that a bit clearer. He said the board act in what they see as the best interests of the football club Rod as chairman has a vote like everyone else and as Chairman has a casting vote in event of a tie, that is the case on almost all boards. It's unlikely this situation arises. In theory Rod and STF could overturn a board decision by sacking the whole board but again this is unlikely. Technically he has the same rights as other non exec directors.

It was pointed out most felt sorry for Leeann and the situation she was in. It was asked that Bryan reported back the strength of feeling to STF and Rod. He acknowledged this was a reasonable request.

It was said that with Rod at the club it would be difficult to get some fans back with Rod there.

Leeann asked why we thought she had been employed/ ( someone suggested as a new fall guy).

Leeann said she thought it was because they genuinely wanted to see a change in the club.

It was asked if this was a new 5 year plan?

Leeann said no and she thought that was an unnecessary cheap jibe.

An apology was made and it was said unfortunately many are currently cynical and people need to know the plans going forward.

Leeann said she was putting it on the table that she is running the football club, people have to accept that, she is happy to meet and debate anyone 1 on 1 who doesn't believe her and she will demonstrate she is now in charge. She wants and needs to start thinking about football. She believes we are in a league with 3 strong competitors ( Hearts, The Rangers and Falkirk) and she wants to focus all her energy on football. She isn't sidestepping th issue but she also has a football club to prepare.

At this point a representative of the Emerald Branch walked out as he wasn't happy to engage if RP was still involved.

Bryan was asked if Rod has ever overruled the board?

No, not that I can recall in my 2 years here.

Does that mean Rod is surrounding himself with yes men?

Bryan said he would take all feedback to the board and how the whole board operates, they are happy to make changes.

Mike Reilly then said Mixu resigned because of poor ST sales and he didn't want to hold the club back, Rod should do the same and so should some of the board. he said he bought into what Leeann was saying but there is a deep seated feeling that Rod should go, if he does we can start pleading with lapsed ST holders to return and supporters will come back. Every time we have been let down we have come again and supported when we are needed. We support you but believe Rod has to go.

Leeann said she understood what had been said and would influence what she was brought in to do at the club which was everything.

Gordon MacKay said he believed Leeann was an autonomous CEO but was dismayed why this hadn't been done sooner. The last 2 years has been dysfunctional and that everyone wants to help sort things out. The board must change, we had learned the hard way about dysfunction. If a project manager fails then the manager takes the consequences, an honest decision must be made.

I'm off for dinner more to follow shortly.
First of all many thanks to Pretty Boy for the detailed posts, it was a fascinating read and there was a lot of work went into that mate, well done. I've been impressed with what Leeann Dempster has said, and if she is able to implement all her ideas she deserves a hell of a lot of credit. One very small thing though, she emphasized quite a bit of stuff regarding the Community aspect of Hibs. I think this might be a lot more challenging for her at Hibs than it would have been at Motherwell, which is a one team town. In Edinburgh there's 2 major teams, and often in the past Hearts would be ahead of us that way, going round the schools, handing out free tickets and signing autographs before Hibs eventually got round to doing something similar. I've never been able to make my mind out if this is directly the fault of Petrie, but lets face it, our PR, for years, has sucked. This, IMO is where the fans can help, because if she's true to her word and engages with them, they can make valid points regarding how to improve community relations, particularly at schools. In a way she could, herself, be a very good selling point. She had a great record at Motherwell and this could be used, not just by her but by anybody else acting on behalf of the club, to help promote the product within the community, to help promote Hibs as a club with a forward thinking attitude, ready to take on board suggestions that might take them forward. Unfortunately, we still have Petrie, and as long as he's there, convincing people that it is a new beginning might prove a whole lot harder. Just my opinion of course.

FranckSuzy
07-06-2014, 09:17 PM
First of all many thanks to Pretty Boy for the detailed posts, it was a fascinating read and there was a lot of work went into that mate, well done. I've been impressed with what Leeann Dempster has said, and if she is able to implement all her ideas she deserves a hell of a lot of credit. One very small thing though, she emphasized quite a bit of stuff regarding the Community aspect of Hibs. I think this might be a lot more challenging for her at Hibs than it would have been at Motherwell, which is a one team town. In Edinburgh there's 2 major teams, and often in the past Hearts would be ahead of us that way, going round the schools, handing out free tickets and signing autographs before Hibs eventually got round to doing something similar. I've never been able to make my mind out if this is directly the fault of Petrie, but lets face it, our PR, for years, has sucked. This, IMO is where the fans can help, because if she's true to her word and engages with them, they can make valid points regarding how to improve community relations, particularly at schools. In a way she could, herself, be a very good selling point. She had a great record at Motherwell and this could be used, not just by her but by anybody else acting on behalf of the club, to help promote the product within the community, to help promote Hibs as a club with a forward thinking attitude, ready to take on board suggestions that might take them forward. Unfortunately, we still have Petrie, and as long as he's there, convincing people that it is a new beginning might prove a whole lot harder. Just my opinion of course.

I agree with just about everything you say but Motherwell have to compete with many locals following one of the Old Firm. LD spoke of Motherwell having to reach out as far as Ayrshire to increase the uptake of children's tickets.

Www1875hfc
07-06-2014, 09:17 PM
Enjoyed reading that to be honest.
Thanks very much PB for typing aw that oot.

:aok:

DaveF
07-06-2014, 09:19 PM
Apologies to everyone who posted thank you's to PB and other comments - I have moved them elsewhere in my efforts to let all PB's posts flow in order but when I moved them back the bl00dy forum put them back in the original positions making the whole thing unreadable again :grr:

If any Admin is looking in who knows what they are doing could help, feel free :greengrin

ronaldo7
07-06-2014, 09:21 PM
Thanks for the update PB. Appreciated:greengrin

Scouse Hibee
07-06-2014, 09:22 PM
A very informative report, well done PB :top marks

147lothian
07-06-2014, 09:23 PM
My opinion also, I don't think there will be any new beginning until petrie goes!

Peevemor
07-06-2014, 09:25 PM
My opinion also, I don't think there will be any new beginning until petrie goes!

Huuuuuuuuuge surprise !

neil7908
07-06-2014, 09:25 PM
Cheers for that, some really interesting stuff on there. She seems like the real deal - will be keen to see what comes out of the conversation with Butcher next week

NadeAteMyLunch!
07-06-2014, 09:25 PM
She seems an extremely intelligent woman. She will know this has been building for years. She may not have officially registered on here yet but I'm pretty certain she will have been keeping a close eye on a number of threads. She'll know

Pretty Boy
07-06-2014, 09:27 PM
She seems an extremely intelligent woman. She will know this has been building for years. She may not have officially registered on here yet but I'm pretty certain she will have been keeping a close eye on a number of threads. She'll know

She most definitely knows what is going in here.

Can't remember the exact context but she made a little joke about reading something on here tonight that she hadn't said.

AlbertK86
07-06-2014, 09:28 PM
Well done PB good updates mate

Peevemor
07-06-2014, 09:29 PM
She seems an extremely intelligent woman. She will know this has been building for years. She may not have officially registered on here yet but I'm pretty certain she will have been keeping a close eye on a number of threads. She'll know

I suspect that the club already posts on here. I reckon it's Saorsa. :agree: :greengrin: :wink:

NadeAteMyLunch!
07-06-2014, 09:30 PM
Can't quote on my phone. Cheers for updates PB and I'm glad she's keeping an eye on things on here. Sounds a lot like she just gets what's going on. I have a lot of faith in her.
Sort us out please Leeann(if you read this) :-)

One Day Soon
07-06-2014, 09:31 PM
Good job PB and thanks for all the hard work and keeping everyone informed.

For me Leanne's comments are a giant game on. She clearly knows which way is up and I think she is just the right blend of being experienced, determined and energetic. I also think her gender will work well in her favour.

We have no way of forcing Rod Petrie off the Board other than buying the club - and we don't have the money for that. I'm not convinced that really matters now though. In fact I now think that any energy directed at the Petrie issue is going to be an unnecessary distraction. If Leanne is as good as her word in respect of her authority and her openness to help and ideas then I think all our energy should go into that.

As an aside I had a lengthy discussion yesterday with someone who works inside the club. Their view was very interesting. Basically it boiled down to; Leanne is a complete new broom and everything about her is different - personality, working practices, vision, presence and focus, a whole bunch of really simple things that have not been done in past years are already being discussed and people inside the club are either very excited that she's getting a grip early or very worried that they are part of the problem.

Frankly, all good.

trev the hat
07-06-2014, 09:34 PM
Posted this earlier but think it's gone so here -

Huge thanks PB for the notes. Top work :aok:

http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/competitions/scottish-football/9341381/dempster%27s-plea-to-fans

Peevemor
07-06-2014, 09:36 PM
Did anyone ask her if she understands the offside rule? :duck:

Itsnoteasy
07-06-2014, 09:48 PM
Just a few personal points from me.

1st I was very impressed with LD as I said. She seems a very strong person and answered everything thrown at her, she also took no nonsense and disagreed on occasion when she had to. I also managed to grab a few minutes with her before and after the meeting, obviously I won't disclose what she said but I find her very honest and engaging. She gets it.

I was also lucky enough to get a few minutes with David Forsyth and Bryan Houston. Again I won't disclose what was said but they were also both genuinely upset by what has happened to Hibs and I got the feeling David was quite hurt by some of what has been said about him, I think we as fans would sometimes do well to remember that even people involved in football have feelings too.

All in all I'm much more optimistic about the future than I was this morning. The club is changing and will change imo and it will happen quickly.

Onwards and upwards.

You must have good shorthand:top marks

FranckSuzy
07-06-2014, 09:52 PM
Did anyone ask her if she understands the offside rule? :duck:

If you had met her, you wouldn't dare. I think she's firm but fair and you'd take her on at your peril ;)

Eyrie
07-06-2014, 09:53 PM
Thanks to PB for the informative notes.

Based on today's meeting Dempster is certainly the person to improve all aspects of the club.

ALF TUPPER
07-06-2014, 09:56 PM
PB ! I'm really appreciative of the time and effort put into this for us all. Thanks. :top marks
Excellent read.

must also say I like our CEO. :agree:

Biggie
07-06-2014, 09:57 PM
Very informative, thanks PB......

Peevemor
07-06-2014, 10:02 PM
If you had met her, you wouldn't dare. I think she's firm but fair and you'd take her on at your peril ;)

I probably would - but I'm a dick! :greengrin:

Steve-O
07-06-2014, 10:03 PM
Why's she not registered in here yet? #DempsterOut

:greengrin

Green Reaper
07-06-2014, 10:04 PM
Superb PB, much appreciated. I feel encouraged by LD and hope she manages to implement everything she has planned. Does seem to be a big difference in her football philosophy and that of TB though so that will be interesting

FranckSuzy
07-06-2014, 10:05 PM
I probably would - but I'm a dick! :greengrin:

I know that :tee hee: Ask PatHead how he felt when there was a misunderstanding about a point he made :greengrin

Jonnyboy
07-06-2014, 10:12 PM
Superb PB, much appreciated. I feel encouraged by LD and hope she manages to implement everything she has planned. Does seem to be a big difference in her football philosophy and that of TB though so that will be interesting

I hate to disappoint but LD apparently only thinks she will have autonomy. It's true, the oracle told me :wink:

The Harp
07-06-2014, 10:13 PM
Thanks PB!:aok: Well done - your efforts are appreciated. Can't have been easy and must've been extremely time-consuming. When's the book coming out?:wink:

Green Reaper
07-06-2014, 10:14 PM
I hate to disappoint but LD apparently only thinks she will have autonomy. It's true, the oracle told me :wink:

You can choose to 'ignore' the oracle 😁

Jonnyboy
07-06-2014, 10:15 PM
You can choose to 'ignore' the oracle 

I try but I keep getting fed so much 5hite I cannae help myself :greengrin

down-the-slope
07-06-2014, 10:16 PM
I really do think she can and will make the needed changes. I'm sure that a few feathers will get ruffled along the way and there will be personnel changes because some can't or won't measure up to her standards.

I liked the way she managed the extraordinarily difficult task of being open while not getting drawn into sound bites and platitudes. If she succeeds, as I believe she will, against such an extra ordinary set of circumstances then she will have potentially saved our club from ever decreasing mediocrity

Green Reaper
07-06-2014, 10:17 PM
I try but I keep getting fed so much 5hite I cannae help myself :greengrin

:-)

soul_driver
07-06-2014, 10:45 PM
Thanks PB for the reports. This plus the GS interview makes me more hopeful for the future. Imagine what LD could have achieved if we had managed to stay up!

Bostonhibby
07-06-2014, 10:45 PM
Cheers for all your efforts in pulling the notes together PB, important to those of us who are a distance away. Nae paper being bought tomorrow. You have given me something better to read when the heid clears from my win in the derby today ;-). Hope you were as lucky.

jacomo
07-06-2014, 10:51 PM
Just a few personal points from me.

1st I was very impressed with LD as I said. She seems a very strong person and answered everything thrown at her, she also took no nonsense and disagreed on occasion when she had to. I also managed to grab a few minutes with her before and after the meeting, obviously I won't disclose what she said but I find her very honest and engaging. She gets it.

I was also lucky enough to get a few minutes with David Forsyth and Bryan Houston. Again I won't disclose what was said but they were also both genuinely upset by what has happened to Hibs and I got the feeling David was quite hurt by some of what has been said about him, I think we as fans would sometimes do well to remember that even people involved in football have feelings too.

All in all I'm much more optimistic about the future than I was this morning. The club is changing and will change imo and it will happen quickly.

Onwards and upwards.

Good stuff - and thanks for the comprehensive notes from the meeting. Wasn't able to be there myself but glad that Hibs now look to have a decent leader in charge.

Aldo
07-06-2014, 10:59 PM
First off thanks very much to PB for the excellent notes etc and most importantly his time and effort.

I think from her honest answers it was clear that Petrie was talking us all for fools with his 5 year plan pish???

The man has no shame and was a bare faced lie in an attempt to appease fans but all he did was insult the fans intelligence.

What I do note from this is that LD wants everyone pulling in the right direction to get this club back to the SPFL and to become successful. I know it won't happen overnight but the initial signs are positive.

For me there is no way Petrie can return as he will never be trusted.

Cheers again PB!!

stoneyburn hibs
07-06-2014, 11:00 PM
Excellent work PB, cannot be anything than encouraged as to what Ms Dempster said.

SuperAllyMcleod
07-06-2014, 11:01 PM
Thanks PB - a great read.

I like what I read and I liked what I saw in the Grant Stott interview - Leeann seems very driven, confident and capable and I think we will see improvements in a lot of areas very quickly.

One thing that I may be reading incorrectly is when she is asked about Terry Butcher - I'm getting the impression that Terry wanted to resign after the Hamilton game but she has convinced him to take some time to think about it rather than make a rushed decision ( her comment about things being heated - or words to that effect).

Personally, if this is the case, I'm glad to see her approach on this. I want Terry and the rest of the management team to stay as I believe they will turn it around. To me his big mistake so far is telling players they were leaving far too early - that must have caused so much disruption in the dressing room - not a problem now as we must only have about 4 players left.

fat freddy
07-06-2014, 11:06 PM
Appreciate the effort in writing up todays discussions PB...your not just a pretty face

The_Exile
07-06-2014, 11:18 PM
What's your football philosophy?

Like most I love fast flowing pressing football. Everybody likes that.

Tremendous effort on the details PB, very much appreciated.

The highlighted quote, for me, might put a serious question mark over TB's future as I can't say I see him and Malpas being able to deliver that style of football we all crave.

nellio
07-06-2014, 11:20 PM
Firstly many thanks for typing up this in depth report. After reading I do feel confident in LD and the club going forward. She has done nothing but impress me in her short time in the job. She is just what we need right now. Onwards and upwards.

madhatter
07-06-2014, 11:25 PM
Thanks PB - a great read.

I like what I read and I liked what I saw in the Grant Stott interview - Leeann seems very driven, confident and capable and I think we will see improvements in a lot of areas very quickly.

One thing that I may be reading incorrectly is when she is asked about Terry Butcher - I'm getting the impression that Terry wanted to resign after the Hamilton game but she has convinced him to take some time to think about it rather than make a rushed decision ( her comment about things being heated - or words to that effect).

Personally, if this is the case, I'm glad to see her approach on this. I want Terry and the rest of the management team to stay as I believe they will turn it around. To me his big mistake so far is telling players they were leaving far too early - that must have caused so much disruption in the dressing room - not a problem now as we must only have about 4 players left.

I agree about Butcher comments. The way it is worded is suggestive of Butcher handing in notice and Leeann saying take some time. Either that or Butcher being highly strung at that point and having meaningful conversation then might have been impossible.

SuperAllyMcleod
07-06-2014, 11:41 PM
I agree about Butcher comments. The way it is worded is suggestive of Butcher handing in notice and Leeann saying take some time. Either that or Butcher being highly strung at that point and having meaningful conversation then might have been impossible.

Yeah, I can imagine that he may have been difficult to talk to that day!

We will no doubt have a clearer picture this time next week - given that we have no squad and it would take time to appoint a new management team, I can only hope that TB has some potential players lined up to arrive fairly quickly. Otherwise we could be starting with Nelson and McGivern again.

Rattler
07-06-2014, 11:43 PM
First impressions last!

Thanks PB for the time, effort and hugely informative summary of the meeting.

kaimendhibs
08-06-2014, 12:17 AM
I live in Lanarkshire and know a few Motherwell supporters. They are sorry to lose Leanne and say she was superb in involving fans and the community in Motherwell FC. My own daughter has had free tickets to Well games through the school so I have total faith she will deliver her promises.


Sent from my iphone

Onion
08-06-2014, 06:26 AM
Very encouraging read. She sounds like a great appointment but time will tell. What this confirms is that Hibs is a basket case. LD has just rattled off a huge list of problems at the club that need to be addressed and this has not happened by accident. Someone is accountable for this mess and that person is Petrie, aided and abetted by an absent disinterested owner.

IMO LD has just outlined the case for the prosecution. Petrie is guilty as charged and needs to be fired.

Weststandwanab
08-06-2014, 07:04 AM
Many thanks that was a fascinating read.

Gustavo Fring
08-06-2014, 07:06 AM
Very encouraging read. She sounds like a great appointment but time will tell. What this confirms is that Hibs is a basket case. LD has just rattled off a huge list of problems at the club that need to be addressed and this gas not happened by accident. Someone is accountable for this mess and that person is Petrie, aided and abetted by an absent disinterested owner.

IMO LD has just outlined the case for the prosecution. Petrie us guilty as charged and needs to be fired.

:top marksgreat post mate

Weir7
08-06-2014, 07:15 AM
Very encouraging read. She sounds like a great appointment but time will tell. What this confirms is that Hibs is a basket case. LD has just rattled off a huge list of problems at the club that need to be addressed and this gas not happened by accident. Someone is accountable for this mess and that person is Petrie, aided and abetted by an absent disinterested owner.

IMO LD has just outlined the case for the prosecution. Petrie us guilty as charged and needs to be fired.

Spot on. Plus all the other failures.

But LD says its not RP fault.

Hedlund12
08-06-2014, 07:27 AM
Well documented account of the meeting PB. Very informative and great to read. I'd like to echo everyone's thanks in taking the time to share this.

BT58
08-06-2014, 07:27 AM
WELL DONE P B
Thanks for your time and energy in posting up what was said at the meeting
Hope you had a couple of shandies to re energise
Thanks

edinburghhibs
08-06-2014, 07:29 AM
Great read. Leeann looks like the best thing to happen to Hibs in years. Let's hope that the Hibs family gets behind her 100% - onwards and upwards! Everything else is a distraction. Also, just a personal thing - hopefully someone has impressed on her the need to dish out regular pumpings to the yams. I grew up in the west of the city and know how much that club, from top to bottom, hates us. The feeling was always mutual and recipricated from me by the way.

Scouse Hibee
08-06-2014, 07:37 AM
Spot on. Plus all the other failures.

But LD says its not RP fault.


She never said that at all, have you read the notes or just spouting what you want to believe?

Ringothedog
08-06-2014, 07:41 AM
She never said that at all, have you read the notes or just spouting what you want to believe?

If you say something often enough does that not mean it is true ?

Scouse Hibee
08-06-2014, 07:45 AM
If you say something often enough does that not mean it is true ?


Yes sorry, I forgot about the " I want it to be, so it is" rule :greengrin

Mr White
08-06-2014, 07:58 AM
Yes sorry, I forgot about the " I want it to be, so it is" rule :greengrin

England will win in Brazil
England will win in Brazil
England will win in Brazil
England will win in Brazil
England will win in Brazil


:greengrin

Scouse Hibee
08-06-2014, 08:02 AM
England will win in Brazil
England will win in Brazil
England will win in Brazil
England will win in Brazil
England will win in Brazil


:greengrin



:tee hee:

davcar
08-06-2014, 08:03 AM
Magic read PB, already formed a good opinion with LD's interview with GS and on SSN, this confirms we are starting a new direction, which IMO is a great start, if RP stays out of sight / mind allowing LD to do her job maybe we can all move forward together

Pretty Boy
08-06-2014, 08:04 AM
Spot on. Plus all the other failures.

But LD says its not RP fault.

No that isn't the case at all.

My notes clearly say that she said RP is not 'solely culpable'. I'm no fan in RP but I can accept that as being true.

Only a fool would think the last few years are down to one man. Oh wait.....

Auckland Hibs
08-06-2014, 08:04 AM
PB, just wanted to pass on my thanks for taking the time & effort in posting your notes from the meeting.

edinburghhibs
08-06-2014, 08:11 AM
No that isn't the case at all.

My notes clearly say that she said RP is not 'solely culpable'. I'm no fan in RP but I can accept that as being true.

Only a fool would think the last few years are down to one man. Oh wait.....

:thumbsup::agree:

Congruence
08-06-2014, 08:36 AM
Many Thanks for putting this together...it is an excellent read. Well done to you



Just a few personal points from me.

1st I was very impressed with LD as I said. She seems a very strong person and answered everything thrown at her, she also took no nonsense and disagreed on occasion when she had to. I also managed to grab a few minutes with her before and after the meeting, obviously I won't disclose what she said but I find her very honest and engaging. She gets it.

I was also lucky enough to get a few minutes with David Forsyth and Bryan Houston. Again I won't disclose what was said but they were also both genuinely upset by what has happened to Hibs and I got the feeling David was quite hurt by some of what has been said about him, I think we as fans would sometimes do well to remember that even people involved in football have feelings too.

All in all I'm much more optimistic about the future than I was this morning. The club is changing and will change imo and it will happen quickly.

Onwards and upwards.

ginger_rice
08-06-2014, 09:52 AM
Excellent read PB, my one observation, a Hibs CEO who apologizes for concentrating on the footballing side of the club........wow!! That to me is by far and away the biggest most important change.

mim
08-06-2014, 10:02 AM
Great work PB. Thanks for your time and effort.

mim
08-06-2014, 10:14 AM
Great work PB. Thanks for your time and effort.

ackeygraham
08-06-2014, 10:15 AM
Thanks PB for the notes.

How will we know when LD signs up?

I think LD is making all the right noises but again time will tell. I know a few people who have worked beside LD and have all said the same thing, give her time and she will get it right. My only concern is RP still has a voice, now seemingly some what limited, but still a voice. Him being there will only hurt the club and therefore I cannot see passed him having to resign.

I hear about the ST, and I'm in favour of paying prem prices but long as it's used more so on attracting quality players and getting things right behind the scenes to get that once famous conveyor belt of talent working again. Fed up watching dross journeyman when had the taste of Franck & Russell to name but a few.

Do we know how LD will engage on the topic of the ST prices?

GGTTH.

Gerard
08-06-2014, 10:15 AM
It was a very good meeting with our new CEO. IMO we are lucky to have a full time CE0. This was a very honest meeting and all the people there asked questions about OUR CLUB'S future. I think that we will see real changes taking place at our club and this will result in the club getting out of the CL ASAP and being in the top half of the SPL. This lady has an energy and vision that will drive through the many changes that our club needs. The future of our club is looking a lot better

Oscar T Grouch
08-06-2014, 10:18 AM
Excellent minutes from PB, got a real feeling of how the meeting went, something you don't always get from a set of minutes.

You have to take LD on face value, she is a marketing expert, and she clearly knew what she was coming into when taking the Hibs job, the relegation part is alas just the end of a long story o mis-management and board f(_)ckupery. Her track record is there for all to look at, she doubled the ST sales at 'Well and made genuine progress in engaging a set of fans way more off the boil than us. the one thing she said in all the interviews that I have listened to that I don't agree with, is that she thinks we have a strong board. Together with Petrie they have, every single one of them, failed in their jobs, abjectly, this of course is my opinion, but it is based on what I have seen over the last 7 years at Hibs.

I know words are cheap, but looking at how she managed her previous job she will make the changes she has stated so far, she doesn't seem to be one for lying in her business career. I also believe her about Petrie's influence, this doesn't mitigate the fact his presence at the club is now completely toxic, but that is something she can do nothing about, that is really down to STF and no one else.

I renewed my ST long before we got into a relegation battle, I really didn't even contemplate relegation when I bought it and assumed I was buying a ticket for next years Premiership. I want Petrie gone, just to re-unite fans and move us all in the same direction, this, more than anything is needed if LD's plan is to work. I am happy to let Hibs keep that money, in full, if it helps us tackle the task of exiting the championship at first attempt (Btw, I don't think it will be as hard as its being made out to be, hertz are still in a mess and will find it difficult with an inexperienced coach, the rangers will be coming up against their first decent opposition teams in 3 years), it won't be easy but it's doable, and we will find out next week if TB will get the chance to do it. We all really need to get behind the new regime and put our money into the club, I have a slight chink of light shining through my usual morose views of life and football, and it is there because I feel real change at the club I love. I am a cynic by nature, but I like to think I'm a good judge of character too, and in LD I see someone who will drag us forward and kick the ***** that need kicked, get rid of the dross and build a better club for us all to support.

Anyways thats my tuppence worth, thanks again to Pretty Boy for the excellent minutes and heres to a brighter future. :thumbsup:

sadtom
08-06-2014, 10:56 AM
Many thanks PB. A good read.
I welcome LD to the club and sincerely wish her all the luck in the world.
I think we all just want somebody to believe in, who are trustworthy and give us some hope. This is needed on the park, in the dugout and on the board. We may just have secured the later now its time to address the former two areas.
I think we have in the last several years been desperate for our managers and players to succeed but they have universally fell flat on their faces. Its little wonder there is so much cynacism, disillusionment, anger and apathy to overcome.
I'm actually glad that there has been yesterdays demo (which i attended) and these meetings with LD. Even if it is prompted by 'anger' it at least shows the passion is still there from the fans and that we want to improve our lot.
Its not ideal for our new CEO but i'd rather anger than apathy, as apathy would kill the club far quicker and it has to be the first thing addressed.
We need to have hope.

emerald green
08-06-2014, 10:57 AM
Thanks very much for putting this all together PB. It's much appreciated.

LD sounds like a breath of fresh air, and what this club has been needing for many many years. I hope all the fans will get right behind her and support her in the huge job she's got in turning this club around. There is clearly a lot of goodwill out there amongst the Hibs supporters.

I genuinely see some light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

cabbageandribs1875
08-06-2014, 11:01 AM
thanks PB


"A point was made that the PR has been woeful. Rod had made glib statements, never puts himself in front of the camera, his 5 year plan was like the recipe for Irn Bru, only 2 people know about it.


and also the humour:greengrin

Dan Sarf
08-06-2014, 11:04 AM
thanks PB


"A point was made that the PR has been woeful. Rod had made glib statements, never puts himself in front of the camera, his 5 year plan was like the recipe for Irn Bru, only 2 people know about it.


and also the humour:greengrin



Loved that bit too! Great report, thank you, PB.

RIP
08-06-2014, 11:11 AM
Loved that bit too! Great report, thank you, PB.

Malky fae St Pats came up with that.The guy was involved in Hands on Hibs and now a real asset to WT meetings.

Made me a really proud Hibby to be in the company of so many born leaders yesterday. Now that it looks like we have a leader at the helm, the critical area to address will be finding a leader on the touchline and a leader on the field of play.

Once those leaders are added to future WT meetings, it really will transform us into the Hibernian Family in Action.

GGTTH

BSEJVT
08-06-2014, 11:19 AM
England will win in Brazil
England will win in Brazil
England will win in Brazil
England will win in Brazil
England will win in Brazil


:greengrin

Yes but thankfully only once when their exit from the tournament is already confirmed!

oconnors_strip
08-06-2014, 12:11 PM
Thanks PB for the notes.

How will we know when LD signs up?

I think LD is making all the right noises but again time will tell. I know a few people who have worked beside LD and have all said the same thing, give her time and she will get it right. My only concern is RP still has a voice, now seemingly some what limited, but still a voice. Him being there will only hurt the club and therefore I cannot see passed him having to resign.

I hear about the ST, and I'm in favour of paying prem prices but long as it's used more so on attracting quality players and getting things right behind the scenes to get that once famous conveyor belt of talent working again. Fed up watching dross journeyman when had the taste of Franck & Russell to name but a few.

Do we know how LD will engage on the topic of the ST prices?

GGTTH.

Regarding the engaging with fans about season tickets, LD actually asked us how is the best way to do this. We suggested emailing a few branch secretaries/forum admins/the working together secretary who then can can ask their members and pass it further down the chain. However she wants a quick answer so not everyone will be asked but unfortunately that's the way things happen when we need quick answers and quick fixes

down-the-slope
08-06-2014, 02:54 PM
Regarding the engaging with fans about season tickets, LD actually asked us how is the best way to do this. We suggested emailing a few branch secretaries/forum admins/the working together secretary who then can can ask their members and pass it further down the chain. However she wants a quick answer so not everyone will be asked but unfortunately that's the way things happen when we need quick answers and quick fixes


Privately WT BI group offered their resource of survey skills to do something wider asap - but time may not allow even that.

For what its worth I have heard from very very few who want a refund that HAVE paid and generally only want assurances it will be spent on Team - I detect a difference with those who have not renewed or didn't have ST's last year in that a greater number are expecting a reduced price offer.....that is a difficult one to judge if that was born out more widely.

Jonnyboy
08-06-2014, 06:13 PM
Malky fae St Pats came up with that.The guy was involved in Hands on Hibs and now a real asset to WT meetings.

Made me a really proud Hibby to be in the company of so many born leaders yesterday. Now that it looks like we have a leader at the helm, the critical area to address will be finding a leader on the touchline and a leader on the field of play.

Once those leaders are added to future WT meetings, it really will transform us into the Hibernian Family in Action.

GGTTH

Spoke to him just as he was going into the meeting. He was fired up and ready to challenge DF but I understand DF said nothing. Knowing Malky, he'd be gutted :greengrin

FranckSuzy
08-06-2014, 06:29 PM
Spoke to him just as he was going into the meeting. He was fired up and ready to challenge DF but I understand DF said nothing. Knowing Malky, he'd be gutted :greengrin

:tee hee: I think DF got the message early doors to keep schtum :greengrin

PatHead
08-06-2014, 07:45 PM
I know that :tee hee: Ask PatHead how he felt when there was a misunderstanding about a point he made :greengrin

****ing annoyed. Still waiting on an apology..............smiley wont work. I do think that they were surprised to get a 100% out vote.

She does have to show major changes and "quick wins" to use her phase and walk the walk. I am optimistic though.

Baader
08-06-2014, 08:00 PM
Smashing effort from Pretty Boy floyd in relaying all that. Fantastic.

A good read and positive about LD. But talk is cheap and I am concerned that unless Petrie goes - at best to signify that LD really is The Boss, at worst as purely a gesture given the general consensus following an unforgivable sequence of events, then her good intentions will be strangled by the poisonous indifference that seems prevalent in the boardroom of ER.

Sincerely hope not as given autonomy she will have us where we belong.

PatHead
29-04-2018, 07:02 PM
Really enjoying being a Hibs fan just now. It is great going along expecting to win. It made me wonder how bad things were 4 years ago. Were they as bad as I remembered? On looking through threads at the time I came across Pretty Boy's thread about the meeting held with supporters on the day of the Petrie protest. What a difference 4 years make!

Ignoring the improvements to the first team and squad, one of the things she talked about was bringing through youth and we have just won the double.

Can I ask a few questions:

1. What are the biggest differences Leeann has made?
2. Has she achieved everything she said at the meeting?
3. What should she focus on next?
3. What is the next level for us and how do we get to it?

worcesterhibby
29-04-2018, 07:16 PM
Really enjoying being a Hibs fan just now. It is great going along expecting to win. It made me wonder how bad things were 4 years ago. Were they as bad as I remembered? On looking through threads at the time I came across Pretty Boy's thread about the meeting held with supporters on the day of the Petrie protest. What a difference 4 years make!

Ignoring the improvements to the first team and squad, one of the things she talked about was bringing through youth and we have just won the double.

Can I ask a few questions:

1. What are the biggest differences Leeann has made?
2. Has she achieved everything she said at the meeting?
3. What should she focus on next?
3. What is the next level for us and how do we get to it?

I think the question is if she had said that by April 2018 we would:

1) Have won the Scottish Cup
2) Been promoted to the top flight
3) Have a record number of season ticket holders
4) Have an amazing record against hearts
5) Be competing for 2nd place in the top flight with 3 games to go
6) Be reducing Rangers allocation due to demand for tickets from home fans
7) Have both our manager and best player shortlisted for the Manager/player of the year awards
8) Have won the double with our u20's side
9) Have the most successful Ladies team in the country
10) Have become media darlings for our attacking play, style and winning mentality
11) Be 19 points above hearts in the league

would we have believed her ?

Baw187
29-04-2018, 07:22 PM
I think the question is if she had said that by April 2018 we would:

1) Have won the Scottish Cup
2) Been promoted to the top flight
3) Have a record number of season ticket holders
4) Have an amazing record against hearts
5) Be competing for 2nd place in the top flight with 3 games to go
6) Be reducing Rangers allocation due to demand for tickets from home fans
7) Have both our manager and best player shortlisted for the Manager/player of the year awards
8) Have won the double with our u20's side
9) Have the most successful Ladies team in the country
10) Have become media darlings for our attacking play, style and winning mentality
11) Be 19 points above hearts in the league

would we have believed her ?

[emoji1319][emoji1319][emoji1319] Some turnaround from the dark days. To answer the question on what’s next... it has to be to sustain this kind of level for many years to come. Of course we won’t always have as good a team as this as we have to rebuild and change managers over time but we need to aspire to be a club that wins cups and gets in to Europe more often than not.

We are currently in title winning form and it’s a real shame the season didn’t start in January!

O'Rourke3
29-04-2018, 07:45 PM
I think the question is if she had said that by April 2018 we would:

1) Have won the Scottish Cup
2) Been promoted to the top flight
3) Have a record number of season ticket holders
4) Have an amazing record against hearts
5) Be competing for 2nd place in the top flight with 3 games to go
6) Be reducing Rangers allocation due to demand for tickets from home fans
7) Have both our manager and best player shortlisted for the Manager/player of the year awards
8) Have won the double with our u20's side
9) Have the most successful Ladies team in the country
10) Have become media darlings for our attacking play, style and winning mentality
11) Be 19 points above hearts in the league

would we have believed her ?

Yeah but apart from that, what has Leeanne ever done for us?

PatHead
29-04-2018, 08:59 PM
I think the question is if she had said that by April 2018 we would:

1) Have won the Scottish Cup
2) Been promoted to the top flight
3) Have a record number of season ticket holders
4) Have an amazing record against hearts
5) Be competing for 2nd place in the top flight with 3 games to go
6) Be reducing Rangers allocation due to demand for tickets from home fans
7) Have both our manager and best player shortlisted for the Manager/player of the year awards
8) Have won the double with our u20's side
9) Have the most successful Ladies team in the country
10) Have become media darlings for our attacking play, style and winning mentality
11) Be 19 points above hearts in the league

would we have believed her ?

Probably not. She has walked the walk though!

I hope she is here for a good while yet.

SuperAllyMcleod
30-04-2018, 09:41 AM
Yeah but apart from that, what has Leeanne ever done for us?

You folk in the Judean Peoples Front are never satisfied. [emoji4]

Pretty Boy
30-04-2018, 10:13 AM
It's hard to believe it's nearly 4 years since I started this thread. I spoke to LD for a couple of minutes in passing a few weeks back and she mentioned 'THAT meeting'. She got a bit of a grilling that day.

It was a mental few weeks. I was at the 'Petrie out' meeting at Sunnyside when the protest was planned and then invited to the meeting at ER with Leeann. My overriding feeling was just frustration, we were a bloody shambles.

After that meeting I went for a pint with a few folk to the Four In Hand and it was like a matchday it was so busy. I felt a hell of a lot more positive after the meeting but it was a hard sell to a lot of people who were rightfully angry. I have to admit if you'd told me that day that 4 years later we'd be back in the Premiership, battling for 2nd place and have a Scottish Cup win under our belts I'd have thought you were mad.

There's still thing that could be improved of course, no club is perfect, but the turnaround is remarkable. The structure that was put in place has worked and we have a lot to look forward to.

Hibbyradge
30-04-2018, 10:24 AM
I have to admit if you'd told me that day that 4 years later we'd be back in the Premiership, battling for 2nd place and have a Scottish Cup win under our belts I'd have thought you were mad.

When you put it like that, I almost have to pinch myself.

When Hamilton scored the equaliser, I left the stadium because I knew we were finished.

The support was divided, the team was woeful, the management team seemed to be dismantling anything positive we had, and the future looked very bleak.

Just thinking about those days now is making me feel bad.

It's incredible that things can have changed so drastically. It's like 2 different lives or a parallel universe.

Unreal.

snooky
30-04-2018, 10:31 AM
The thing to always remember is, the same can happen to any team - going up the way or down the way.
Nothing stays the same. I'm loving the experience of being on the wax instead of the wane of a few years ago.

jacomo
30-04-2018, 10:53 AM
It's hard to believe it's nearly 4 years since I started this thread. I spoke to LD for a couple of minutes in passing a few weeks back and she mentioned 'THAT meeting'. She got a bit of a grilling that day.

It was a mental few weeks. I was at the 'Petrie out' meeting at Sunnyside when the protest was planned and then invited to the meeting at ER with Leeann. My overriding feeling was just frustration, we were a bloody shambles.

After that meeting I went for a pint with a few folk to the Four In Hand and it was like a matchday it was so busy. I felt a hell of a lot more positive after the meeting but it was a hard sell to a lot of people who were rightfully angry. I have to admit if you'd told me that day that 4 years later we'd be back in the Premiership, battling for 2nd place and have a Scottish Cup win under our belts I'd have thought you were mad.

There's still thing that could be improved of course, no club is perfect, but the turnaround is remarkable. The structure that was put in place has worked and we have a lot to look forward to.


LD has done an absolutely terrific job at Hibs.

My one concern, and it comes purely from listening to her interviews, is that sometimes she sounds exhausted! Clearly she works very hard and anyone can suffer burn out.

She comes across as somebody who needs to be forced to take a holiday!

As well as investing in our playing squad, the club also needs to support its staff who work so hard behind the scenes.

Bobby's Cinema
30-04-2018, 12:07 PM
Enjoyed reading that very interesting.

It is true. You have to go through the bad times to appreciate the good!!

calumhibee1
30-04-2018, 12:10 PM
Enjoyed reading that very interesting.

It is true. You have to go through the bad times to appreciate the good!!

Exactly. I wouldn’t change a thing from my life time supporting Hibs. Even the back to back cup final defeats played their part in making our cup win so incredible.

NAE NOOKIE
30-04-2018, 12:17 PM
LD has done an absolutely terrific job at Hibs.

My one concern, and it comes purely from listening to her interviews, is that sometimes she sounds exhausted! Clearly she works very hard and anyone can suffer burn out.

She comes across as somebody who needs to be forced to take a holiday!

As well as investing in our playing squad, the club also needs to support its staff who work so hard behind the scenes.

I agree with this, in her recent interviews LD has appeared a wee bit more subdued than usual which is hardly surprising given the huge amount of work she must have put into her job over the last few years, whatever she earns its clear she's worth every penny and her devotion to the job is beyond question ..... but she needs a rest IMO and its probably a good thing we are coming to the end of the season.

She will know that the job will only get harder, at the beginning it was relatively easy to see what could be done to improve things, crowds were way down, we had just been relegated and relations between the club and its supporters were at an all time low, we also had a manager who was despised by the fans, a chairman who the fans blamed for our demise and wanted out, and barely enough players on the books to put a team on the park. ... the only way was up.

Now she faces the task of navigating the club through a different set of problems and ones that are far more difficult to address. How do you sustain crowds at a level not seen since the 50s? How do you find a way to persuade our good players to stay, including guys like Allan, Kamberi, McLaren and Barker, never mind McGeouch? If we cant hold on to the majority of these guys how does she and the management team find replacements anything like the same quality within our budget? If we finish 3rd this season how do we sustain or better that next season and if we don't how do we keep the returned fans on board for the following season?

Looking at all that Leeann Dempster's job probably gets more intense between May and August, not easier .... but if she burns herself out she wont be nearly as effective as she has been for the last few years ..... so FFS Leeann, go on holiday even if you don't want to, if there's one job Rod Petrie can probably do better than you its squeezing the last penny out of suitors for our players, he can handle any approaches for John McGinn :greengrin

The Green Goblin
30-04-2018, 12:36 PM
It's hard to believe it's nearly 4 years since I started this thread. I spoke to LD for a couple of minutes in passing a few weeks back and she mentioned 'THAT meeting'. She got a bit of a grilling that day.

It was a mental few weeks. I was at the 'Petrie out' meeting at Sunnyside when the protest was planned and then invited to the meeting at ER with Leeann. My overriding feeling was just frustration, we were a bloody shambles.

After that meeting I went for a pint with a few folk to the Four In Hand and it was like a matchday it was so busy. I felt a hell of a lot more positive after the meeting but it was a hard sell to a lot of people who were rightfully angry. I have to admit if you'd told me that day that 4 years later we'd be back in the Premiership, battling for 2nd place and have a Scottish Cup win under our belts I'd have thought you were mad.

There's still thing that could be improved of course, no club is perfect, but the turnaround is remarkable. The structure that was put in place has worked and we have a lot to look forward to.


Yeah yeah, Scottish Cup, blah blah chasing 2nd etc. etc. What about filling in the corners of the stadium? Why hasn’t that happened yet? It’s a disgrace. :greengrin

Hibs1969
30-04-2018, 12:37 PM
You folk in the Judean Peoples Front are never satisfied. [emoji4]

The People’s Front of Judea surely?

KSA Hibee
30-04-2018, 03:45 PM
I think the question is if she had said that by April 2018 we would:

1) Have won the Scottish Cup
2) Been promoted to the top flight
3) Have a record number of season ticket holders
4) Have an amazing record against hearts
5) Be competing for 2nd place in the top flight with 3 games to go
6) Be reducing Rangers allocation due to demand for tickets from home fans
7) Have both our manager and best player shortlisted for the Manager/player of the year awards
8) Have won the double with our u20's side
9) Have the most successful Ladies team in the country
10) Have become media darlings for our attacking play, style and winning mentality
11) Be 19 points above hearts in the league

would we have believed her ?


Ach no bad for a wee team .... when you see it written down we really are unrecognisable

Stewboy
30-04-2018, 03:49 PM
I think the question is if she had said that by April 2018 we would:

1) Have won the Scottish Cup
2) Been promoted to the top flight
3) Have a record number of season ticket holders
4) Have an amazing record against hearts
5) Be competing for 2nd place in the top flight with 3 games to go
6) Be reducing Rangers allocation due to demand for tickets from home fans
7) Have both our manager and best player shortlisted for the Manager/player of the year awards
8) Have won the double with our u20's side
9) Have the most successful Ladies team in the country
10) Have become media darlings for our attacking play, style and winning mentality
11) Be 19 points above hearts in the league

would we have believed her ?

Where is Butcher & Malpas when you need them!

jonty
30-04-2018, 03:49 PM
Yeah yeah, Scottish Cup, blah blah chasing 2nd etc. etc. What about filling in the corners of the stadium? Why hasn’t that happened yet? It’s a disgrace. :greengrin

Exactly. the fans have walked the walk, filling the stadium.

Get the corners sorted! :greengrin

Iggy Pope
30-04-2018, 03:49 PM
When you put it like that, I almost have to pinch myself.

When Hamilton scored the equaliser, I left the stadium because I knew we were finished.

The support was divided, the team was woeful, the management team seemed to be dismantling anything positive we had, and the future looked very bleak.

Just thinking about those days now is making me feel bad.

It's incredible that things can have changed so drastically. It's like 2 different lives or a parallel universe.

Unreal.

Cheer up! Cheer up! The boys will see you through! The boys that ****ed the Rangers and the Glasgow Celtic too!

For once, it's true.

proud_and_green
01-05-2018, 05:57 AM
The People’s Front of Judea surely?Splitters!

Sent from my G8441 using Tapatalk

PatHead
01-05-2018, 01:30 PM
I think the question is if she had said that by April 2018 we would:

1) Have won the Scottish Cup
2) Been promoted to the top flight
3) Have a record number of season ticket holders
4) Have an amazing record against hearts
5) Be competing for 2nd place in the top flight with 3 games to go
6) Be reducing Rangers allocation due to demand for tickets from home fans
7) Have both our manager and best player shortlisted for the Manager/player of the year awards
8) Have won the double with our u20's side
9) Have the most successful Ladies team in the country
10) Have become media darlings for our attacking play, style and winning mentality
11) Be 19 points above hearts in the league

would we have believed her ?
You can now add “Sold out Aberdeen away for the first time in living memory “ to the list. Regarding my earlier post. How do we move forward?

worcesterhibby
01-05-2018, 01:50 PM
You can now add “Sold out Aberdeen away for the first time in living memory “ to the list. Regarding my earlier post. How do we move forward?

I think the main way we move forward is by increasing the income and thus ensuring that Neil Lennon's budget is at least as big as Hearts or Aberdeen. We will never bring in as much as the ugly sisters, but I believe we can retain the crowds and the feel good factor as long as we are competing for the top 4 places in the league going forward and doing well in cup runs.

Remember this team has been put together without any real transfer windfalls. We really need to be looking to sell a player every 2-3 years for a significant six or 7 figure sum. It takes a hell of a lot of work to increase income by £1 million from selling shirts and pies, but getting the right recruitment and we will see players being sold for good money in future. That can then be re-invested. It's horrible to see your best players go, but it happens to every team in Scotland..including Celtic. They manage the situation well when they lose players and it's something we need to do as well. In the past transfer money has been invested in infastructure...but we have the stadium and the training ground now, so we need to re-invest in quality young players like McGinn and Kamberi who are then sold on at profit.

I suspect we also need to give both Leeann and NL a pay rise !