New ownership

[ScottB]

In that sort of circles the mega rich operate in, I doubt this sounds very impressive;

‘I bought a Scottish club!’

‘A what?’

‘You know, Scotland? It was the first time a club outside of Glasgow had won the league in decades.’

‘Glasgow?’

[bingo70]

In that sort of circles the mega rich operate in, I doubt this sounds very impressive;

‘I bought a Scottish club!’

‘A what?’

‘You know, Scotland? It was the first time a club outside of Glasgow had won the league in decades.’

‘Glasgow?’

Good enough for Hollywood circles a couple of guys buying a wee Welsh club 😜

[jacomo]

Good enough for Hollywood circles a couple of guys buying a wee Welsh club 😜


Well quite.

The Wrexham story shows that the big leagues just have bigger marketing budgets, not more compelling narratives.

[Stairway 2 7]

In that sort of circles the mega rich operate in, I doubt this sounds very impressive;

‘I bought a Scottish club!’

‘A what?’

‘You know, Scotland? It was the first time a club outside of Glasgow had won the league in decades.’

‘Glasgow?’
What about a Belgian, Bolivian or Australian club

[Haymaker]

The City Group are also behind improving infrastructure of clubs.

Even recently it was announced New York City were going to build a new stadium costing £780 million.

We aren’t going anywhere fast under the current set up so would be all for working with others and improving the whole club.

Could you imagine if LJ is the one to sort the deal out ? Does that explain why his position seems so safe ?NYCFC building a new stadium is out of necessity. They should never have been able to join the league without one (it's a rule for newer franchises - must own/have a football specific stadium). Currently they play in the outfield of Yankees (spit) stadium or occasionally the Mets outfield, or they borrow their rivals stadium in New Jersey (they even cover up the red seats).

With the MLS TV deal with Appletv, league games are supposed to be strictly Wednesday and Saturdays meaning they have to build their own stadium as they cannot always get either baseball stadium or the far superior one their rivals own in Jersey.

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[ScottB]

What about a Belgian, Bolivian or Australian club

Largely irrelevant feeders for the actual asset in the Premier League?

[ScottB]

Good enough for Hollywood circles a couple of guys buying a wee Welsh club 😜

Haha true, but then I guess those guys are something of an outlier, they want that rags to riches, keep it authentic sort of story.

[Ozyhibby]

Largely irrelevant feeders for the actual asset in the Premier League?

Still, I bet the Melbourne fans were chuffed with their league titles.


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[Stairway 2 7]

Largely irrelevant feeders for the actual asset in the Premier League?

As would we be. You could get 3rd and regular European group football for a small fee in global football terms.

[GreenGray]

As would we be. You could get 3rd and regular European group football for a small fee in global football terms.

How much do you think would be needed? There is no guarantee, just look at Hearts, look like they are going to miss out on 3rd with a much bigger budget than ours or Aberdeen

[Stairway 2 7]

How much do you think would be needed? There is no guarantee, just look at Hearts, look like they are going to miss out on 3rd with a much bigger budget than ours or Aberdeen

It's not just financial. I'm sure they have loan players available that would be well above what we have, data analysis ect too. But 10 million extra a year in the right hands would walk 3rd imo. You could recoup much of that from Europe and increased attendance too

[ScottB]

As would we be. You could get 3rd and regular European group football for a small fee in global football terms.

Assuming that’s the goal for the group, and how that conflicts with any other clubs in the group also reaching Europe. As it stands, for example, Hibs and Girona can’t play in the same competition, if both owned by City.

Does seem possible UEFA will back down on that mind…

I’m not outright against this by any means, but I don’t see any evidence that the group aspires to make it’s included clubs markedly more successful than they were, certainly not to bankroll them to take on the best in their respective leagues.

Though stable, competent football leadership with an eye on long term planning and youth would be welcome enough, at this point!

[Stairway 2 7]

Assuming that’s the goal for the group, and how that conflicts with any other clubs in the group also reaching Europe. As it stands, for example, Hibs and Girona can’t play in the same competition, if both owned by City.

Does seem possible UEFA will back down on that mind…

I’m not outright against this by any means, but I don’t see any evidence that the group aspires to make it’s included clubs markedly more successful than they were, certainly not to bankroll them to take on the best in their respective leagues.

Though stable, competent football leadership with an eye on long term planning and youth would be welcome enough, at this point!
The no two clubs in the same competition isn't real. The two red bull clubs show how easy that is to change as they were in the same group a few years ago. Radcliffe wouldn't go for man u if he didn't think nice could be in champs league as well. UEFA have all but said its being relaxed anyway

[jacomo]

The no two clubs in the same competition isn't real. The two red bull clubs show how easy that is to change as they were in the same group a few years ago. Radcliffe wouldn't go for man u if he didn't think nice could be in champs league as well. UEFA have all but said its being relaxed anyway


It is real, for very good and obvious reasons, but yes it seems like Uefa might bend over and make the corruption overt rather than hidden.

What happens when two clubs owned by the same people play each other in a cup final? How can that possibly be right?

[Stairway 2 7]

It is real, for very good and obvious reasons, but yes it seems like Uefa might bend over and make the corruption overt rather than hidden.

What happens when two clubs owned by the same people play each other in a cup final? How can that possibly be right?

Article on how red bull got round it, certain staff can only focus on one club or the other for example. They were in the same group in the UEFA cup, both had pretty much the same strip and everything

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6188947/amp/RB-Leipzig-meet-Red-Bull-Salzburg-Europa-League-happen.html

[Don Giovanni]

In the 32 years I've watched Hibs we've been fortunate to enjoy safe and stable ownership. However, I am also aware that given the perilous financial state Hibs found themselves just prior to this I am lucky to have a club to follow.

It would be fair to say that Hibs have been pretty mediocre on the pitch for much of that time - 3 cup wins, 2 relegations and little in the way of sustained success.

Elsewhere in the Scottish footballing landscape we have seen numerous clubs endure financial administration and a few clubs liquidated altogether.

Investment from City Group may be one of the best ways to secure our longterm future. If it could deliver some regular European football and make cup wins a little more frequent I could probably go along with it.

[ErinGoBraghHFC]

Article on how red bull got round it, certain staff can only focus on one club or the other for example. They were in the same group in the UEFA cup, both had pretty much the same strip and everything

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6188947/amp/RB-Leipzig-meet-Red-Bull-Salzburg-Europa-League-happen.html

This is all true, however I’ve not heard the term UEFA Cup in a good few years. Seemed a much better competition back then.


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[bingo70]

It is real, for very good and obvious reasons, but yes it seems like Uefa might bend over and make the corruption overt rather than hidden.

What happens when two clubs owned by the same people play each other in a cup final? How can that possibly be right?

How not? What do you think would happen?

It’s still two different clubs who would both want to win.

[Scotty Leither]

I hope this thread has piqued the interest of the current club owners. I personally think it would be a good fit for Hibs and Edinburgh. Anything that would shake up the skewed landscape of Scottish football would surely be welcomed by other clubs, too.

It would piss off our beloved Weegie media too, so double bonus there.

[ErinGoBraghHFC]

I hope this thread has piqued the interest of the current club owners. I personally think it would be a good fit for Hibs and Edinburgh. Anything that would shake up the skewed landscape of Scottish football would surely be welcomed by other clubs, too.

It would piss off our beloved Weegie media too, so double bonus there.

I don’t think Aberdeen and hearts would particularly love it, especially if there was a big cash injection


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[Gmack7]

I don’t think Aberdeen and hearts would particularly love it, especially if there was a big cash injection


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That's good enough for me, get it done

[Scotty Leither]

I don’t think Aberdeen and hearts would particularly love it, especially if there was a big cash injection


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****** them, basically.

Nobody in Scottish football who got involved with Romanov, Craig Whyte, or that fantasist Di Stefano (sp) who directly and indirectly led Dundee to TWO administrations could moan about investment into other clubs with anything approaching a straight face.

[ErinGoBraghHFC]

That's good enough for me, get it done

I’m on the fence, tbh. I want the current ownership to sell up but I’m not convinced on the city group.

However, if it pisses them two off I’m swaying towards supportive.


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[Don Giovanni]

I don’t think Aberdeen and hearts would particularly love it, especially if there was a big cash injection


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Exactly!

How would we feel if City Group decided to target their investment elsewhere such as Kilmarnock, Motherwell or Dundee Utd?

A little threatened? A bit jealous?

[ErinGoBraghHFC]

Exactly!

How would we feel if City Group decided to target their investment elsewhere such as Kilmarnock, Motherwell or Dundee Utd?

A little threatened? A bit jealous?

Threatened yes. I’d also question wtf they’re doing, to be fair.


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[Alex Trager]

Exactly!

How would we feel if City Group decided to target their investment elsewhere such as Kilmarnock, Motherwell or Dundee Utd?

A little threatened? A bit jealous?

I would be genuinely gutted to see any of our competitors or those below us invested in to a significant level.

As has been mentioned a few times, we seem ripe for the plucking for an investor. Hopefully one with deep pockets

[Smartie]

I’m not sure it would come with all that much investment.

We’d be a fairly pointless entity, as essentially a colt team with the success of a much bigger club the number one priority, along with presumably playing a role in horse trading players for profit.

Although as cannon fodder served up to satisfy a sectarian bun fight it’s hard to argue that we’re much more than a pointless entity these days anyway.

[Lago]

All seems a bit of a fantasy, wishful thinking sort of thing to me.

[GreenCastle]

I’m not sure it would come with all that much investment.

We’d be a fairly pointless entity, as essentially a colt team with the success of a much bigger club the number one priority, along with presumably playing a role in horse trading players for profit.

Although as cannon fodder served up to satisfy a sectarian bun fight it’s hard to argue that we’re much more than a pointless entity these days anyway.

If we get more players like Myko or Egan Riley wouldn’t be an issue.

No one is saying we would suddenly turn to Man City but you would hope changes would happen to make us more successful.

[AugustaHibs]

If we get more players like Myko or Egan Riley wouldn’t be an issue.

No one is saying we would suddenly turn to Man City but you would hope changes would happen to make us more successful.

Myko half decent.

They can keep their Egan Riley’s though.

[ErinGoBraghHFC]

Myko half decent.

They can keep their Egan Riley’s though.

Easy, CJ has been decent since he came here. Wasn’t great on Saturday but who was? He was playing out of position, that’s no his fault


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[ErinGoBraghHFC]

If we get more players like Myko or Egan Riley wouldn’t be an issue.

No one is saying we would suddenly turn to Man City but you would hope changes would happen to make us more successful.

Even Man City didn’t win the league straight off the bat, it took a few years of heavy investment for them to get there.

Obviously that kind of investment wouldn’t happen at Hibs, but the city group have really invested in the Man City training and youth facilities (that I’ve actually had the privilege to visit during a training day since being improved, it really is impressive) so you’d think that sort of thing would be part and parcel of any city group involvement.


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[AgentDaleCooper]

All seems a bit of a fantasy, wishful thinking sort of thing to me.

or a kind of purgatorial dystopia

[Lago]

or a kind of purgatorial dystopia
Exactly 👌

[MWHIBBIES]

Even Man City didn’t win the league straight off the bat, it took a few years of heavy investment for them to get there.

Obviously that kind of investment wouldn’t happen at Hibs, but the city group have really invested in the Man City training and youth facilities (that I’ve actually had the privilege to visit during a training day since being improved, it really is impressive) so you’d think that sort of thing would be part and parcel of any city group involvement.


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Yes, that's a key aspect of sportswashing.

[blackpoolhibs]

I think you’re a good poster Sean and I agree with you a lot but I don’t really get this. We’ve been ***** for most of our lives, there’s talk of a significant player in the football world with a pretty strong track record of success (realise it’s not 100% success rate) and there’s people turning their nose up at it as it just wouldn’t be like Hibs? This would be a great opportunity to kick on and if we’re pumping Hearts 4-0 I can assure you I will care not a jot that it’s not like the ‘old Hibs’ that we have grown accustomed too.

I think there’s comparables with the off field stuff and the changes RG made, RG made a huge difference to us off the park but people seemed to resent it, again saying it doesn’t feel like Hibs and that people can’t relate to the club now.

Unfortunately if we tried to keep doing things the way we have always done them in the past we will never get anywhere, especially with Hearts and Aberdeen spending significantly more money. We would maybe have the odd third place finish but that would likely be followed by years of pish after it.

If we want to compete and bear in mind the financial gap is only going to get bigger as hearts and Aberdeen get group stages European money then we need to do something different. We tried the HSL thing but there was no appetite for it, nobody is likely to come in and pump in x million a year to match Hearts and Aberdeens spending power so something like this could just be a good solution.

Absolutely nothing wrong with trying to be successful, I do think there’s undertones of posts where people seem to resent it though and think we should almost just know our place in the food chain.

Mon the Hibs
:top marks:agree:

[Ozyhibby]

Yes, that's a key aspect of sportswashing.

Absolutely. Let’s not kid ourselves that this will be anything but that. These are horrible people.
Still, if we win the league…..


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[Hibbyradge]

Absolutely. Let’s not kid ourselves that this will be anything but that. These are horrible people.
Still, if we win the league…..


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Remind me what the owners of City Group have done that's horrible, please.

[GreenGray]

Remind me what the owners of City Group have done that's horrible, please.

Why do you think they are sportwashing in the first place?

[Hibbyradge]

Why do you think they are sportwashing in the first place?

Are they? Tell me why.

[GreenGray]

Are they? Tell me why.

https://theathletic.com/3161148/2022/03/04/conflicted-misunderstood-dont-care-what-people-think-this-is-how-it-feels-to-be-city/

[Hibbyradge]

https://theathletic.com/3161148/2022/03/04/conflicted-misunderstood-dont-care-what-people-think-this-is-how-it-feels-to-be-city/

It won't let me read it.

[Not In The Know]

It won't let me read it.

‘Conflicted, misunderstood, don’t care what people think’: This is how it feels to be City

Sam Lee (https://theathletic.com/author/sam-lee/)
Some Manchester City (https://theathletic.com/football/team/manchester-city/) fans have got a clear idea of what they’re all about. “I couldn’t give a **** what anybody else thinks,” one said last week, and it’s an enviable stance, it must be said.
It’s not easy being a football fan these days, and City have taken theirs on one hell of a journey over the years. Once held up as an example of “true fans”, the long-suffering antithesis of Manchester United (https://theathletic.com/football/team/manchester-united/)’s glory hunters, they are now often cast, unfairly, as the glory hunters themselves, mocked about the “Emptihad”.
And they have seen unprecedented scrutiny, scrutiny that some City fans feel has been unfair when compared to their rivals. Over the years, there have been fines and investigations over spending sponsorship arrangements. The Court of Arbitration ruled in their favour against UEFA (https://theathletic.com/football/champions-league/), although a Premier League investigation is ongoing. The owner, Sheikh Mansour, has put in around $1.8 billion (£1.36 billion) since the 2008 takeover, with the club now valued at $4 billion, according to Forbes.
City are not legally owned by the state of Abu Dhabi but Mansour is the deputy prime minister, and the country’s human rights record is regularly criticised by Amnesty International. The organisation’s most recent report found that the United Arab Emirates, of which Abu Dhabi is the capital, restricts freedom of expression (via the imprisonment of peaceful government critics), conducts unfair trials and arbitrarily detains citizens after completing prison sentences. Amnesty also highlighted that “women remained unequal with men under Emirati law”.
For the last seven years, a Saudi Arabia (https://theathletic.com/football/team/saudi-arabia/)-led coalition, including the UAE, has waged war on Yemen, with the United Nations estimating that, as of late 2021, more than 377,000 people have died due to the conflict, 60 per cent of those from “indirect causes”, including famine and preventable diseases.
Former City CEO Garry Cook has said that Abu Dhabi was looking for a “proxy brand” the club was bought, tying into the concept of “sportswashing (https://theathletic.com/2876300/2021/10/09/english-football-should-be-different-it-is-in-thrall-to-money-no-matter-where-it-comes-from/)” — a word that has grown in popularity in the past few years to describe countries or businesses that launder their dirty reputations via sporting events or institutions.
https://cdn.theathletic.com/app/uploads/2022/03/04055429/MANCHESTER-CITY-FANS-2-scaled-e1646391415203.jpgCity fans doing the Poznan (Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)


But what does all this mean for the men and women on the streets of Manchester? When things are spelt out in black and white, as they are above, it would be easy to suggest that fans simply renounce their club, but human beings, and our relationships with football clubs, are complicated. Things aren’t always black and white. There are grey areas where real and understandable emotions exist, sometimes in conflict with each other. Is it fair, even, for a football fan to be put into these situations?
Here is a selection of views from City fans, providing a range of thoughts and feelings. They are not intended to be representative of an entire fanbase but simply the personal feelings of those who have kindly taken the time to give their thoughts.
Anonymous.
I’m in my 30s, have had a season ticket for 30 years and I work in international diplomacy. There’s something really simple about it all and there’s something really complicated about it all. The simple thing is that I really love football and always have. At the moment we’re watching arguably the best football in the history of English football and we’re so lucky to have that.
I feel privileged every time I go and see Pep’s City. I used to go with my dad, brother and sister, my dad’s died now and I sit in his seat, and all of that stuff matters. All clubs build a sense of belonging and that matters emotionally, it’s a strong emotional pull, it’s simple and joyful, and every time I walk up to the game I get excited in the same way I always did.
But then the nature of modern football makes that simple view really naive because it’s a massive business and our club, which we think belongs to us, is owned by an individual who treats it as a business — very successfully — but any City fan who’s looking at it objectively would probably say that there are some mixed motivations there. There are very real questions about human rights. Climate change is a massive concern, too, and these guys make their money off the burning of fossil fuels. Nobody is asking those questions. At the same time, City probably have the best environmental sustainability model across the Premier League (https://theathletic.com/football/premier-league/), arguably in European football, the work they are doing is genuinely brilliant, but they’re owned by an individual who is part of a family and a set of enterprises that are making hundreds of billions a year off the thing that’s causing climate change, plus the stadium is named after an airline. These are massive contradictions that nobody talks about.
It does get to me that there is no meaningful conversation about this among City fans as far as I’ve been able to tell. I would like to have City fans coming together constructively on some of these issues — not as activist crusaders, just as concerned citizens who feel that human rights, climate change and similar things matter, and would like to see City be a real force for good.
As it is, everybody just lives with it. And why shouldn’t they, I suppose, because it’s just football. I’m not saying I’m comfortable with this, but that is where I come down on it. I’ve thrown a lot of moral dilemmas out there but I’ve made my decision. I’ll moan about the model of English football and Sky and it being all about the product, but I’ve got a Sky subscription because I want to watch football. And I’ll moan or ask questions about the way that City is a very successful business model but definitely part of the brand for Abu Dhabi, but I’ll still pay £800 a year for a season ticket. I’m not going to stop doing that. I’ve made my bed with it, almost, and maybe me occasionally raising these issues with other City fans is trying to make myself feel better about something that doesn’t sit easily.
https://cdn.theathletic.com/app/uploads/2022/02/08112545/Manchester-City-Etihad-Stadium-naming-rights-scaled.jpgEtihad is now synonymous with Manchester City (Photo: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)


Sophie, 32, Manchester
There’s a whole grey space where rival fans and some journalists think City are horrid and evil and there are some fans who think solely we’re targeted. I’m kind of in the middle where, no, our owners aren’t innocent — no owners are. I just feel City get targeted more in the media and by UEFA, and that the club suffer from more bad press than most.
I try to differentiate the owner and what happens in his country from what he does at the football club. I understand that there are issues regarding human rights records and stuff in Abu Dhabi and that, maybe, there’s an effort to try to make Abu Dhabi seen as a better place. But I’m a supporter of the football club and I judge what happens at my club. I’m grateful for the success we’ve had and hopefully continue to have.
I just get fed up every time I go online or open a newspaper and see another article rehashing the same thing about City. You never see those things about other clubs, so I can understand the view as to why some fans feel one extreme and defend them constantly. The negative stuff comes from them being successful with their investment — if we weren’t as successful would we receive this press? I don’t think we would.
If football really wanted change they wouldn’t put the Club World Cup (https://theathletic.com/football/world-cup/) in Abu Dhabi and they wouldn’t put the World Cup in Qatar. I don’t have blinkers on when it comes to the club but that doesn’t stop me from feeling happy when we win trophies. The grey area is really large and I will fluctuate depending on certain situations.

[Not In The Know]

Brent Lees, 59, Berkshire (formally of Middleton, Manchester)
I’m 59, have been a City season ticket holder since the 1970s, I’m a member of Amnesty International, I’m a snowflake/woke/lefty whatever you want to call it in terms of my politics.
I’m so sympathetic to any kind of human rights and social justice in the UK and all across the globe. To that end, I’ve been on marches and protests against Saudi Arabian atrocities, pro-Palestine, as well as many others including against policies of both the UK and US governments.
I’ve also worked for many big global IT organisations and I have travelled extensively, especially to the Middle East, and there are some laws there that I find abhorrent, things like gay rights and justice generally and how it’s implemented. However, as a country, they are 40 or 50 years old and still in development. And remember, it’s only since the late 1960s that homosexuality has been legal in the UK. Countries develop at different rates and I think our country still has numerous challenges in terms of human rights.
The biggest problem I have had with the ownership of City was when Thaksin Shinawatra took over. He was barbaric towards certain sections of the Thai community, corruption and the brutal way he dealt with anyone involved in drug dealing.
But nobody seemed to be bothered back then. Certainly not the journalists that now have lots to say about our current ownership.
City fans raised this at the time but since we weren’t a threat in football terms, nobody seemed to be bothered.
I was genuinely so pleased when they were sold, and it was to Sheikh Mansour. There is zero conflict for me there, it doesn’t affect me whatsoever.
It’s a “Let he without sin cast the first stone” kind of thing in terms of football owners. There’s no conflict for me. Perhaps somewhere deep in my subconscious, there is something there, but I genuinely don’t see it.
I don’t see anything directly that the owners have done. I see the current ownership as incredibly clever businessmen who have doubled the value of their investment.
I’ve seen how, as a region, they have wanted to move away from their dependence on oil revenues, and branch out into property, tourism and all these different things that they’re doing. I see City as part of that, and I certainly don’t see it as sportswashing. And I have enjoyed every minute of the last 10-plus years.
Josh Green, 30, Urmston, Manchester
I’ve been a City fan since I was a kid and following them in the ’90s. I’ve seen us go from a laughing stock to what we are now. At the time, I fully believed everyone was out to get us and that the owners were perfect. Then, over the last couple of years, I’ve been forced to step back from it all due to the pandemic. I’ve mellowed out and been able to take a balanced look on City and football in general.
The Super League (https://theathletic.com/2533568/2021/04/24/special-report-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-universally-despised-super-league/) was the catalyst for the change in my feelings towards the club and owners in particular. I still love the club and I’m grateful for what they’ve given us as supporters but it’s never been more obvious to me that they don’t actually care about the supporters in the romantic way we all long for as football fans.
We are all consumers and our owners are generally very good at playing to our wants and needs as supporters. When City “pulled out” of the Super League, our supporters were desperate to forgive them. You could tell the uproar was temporary. I haven’t forgotten it and it’s damaged my feelings towards the club. I’ve been to one game in the last three years. I still have my season ticket but have deferred it and I’m still 50/50 on whether I want to go back. I barely even watch the games anymore. I’m content with listening on the radio or just checking the result. There’s only one game I won’t miss: the Manchester derby. I still hate United just as much as I did before!
Finally, I think there is something in the questions asked about the morals of our owners and the sportswashing suggestions. More should be focused on other owners, though. City and Newcastle (https://theathletic.com/football/team/newcastle-united/) can’t be the only clubs with owners that have “questionable” ethics/backgrounds.
I love the club but love is conveniently blind for the vast majority of our supporters.
Cristina, 37, Italy
I’m not sure how much my opinion counts, but I am Cristina, Italian, love football and am a City fan because when I was 12 and Oasis were at their best, I decided that if City was their team, then it would also be my team. It was a bit hard to follow the team in the ’90s in Italy. I would just follow the results every week in La Gazzetta dello Sport, then in the 2010s, we had Sky at home, so could watch games. Now I have been living in London for the past 10 and a half years and go to the Etihad as much as I can (the derby next).
Anyway, first of all, I think that every single person that has enough money to buy a top-flight football club or sponsor it is probably not exactly clean. I can’t see how someone with that much money can maintain moral integrity throughout their whole life. In the case of City, there is also the aggravated part — that in Abu Dhabi, they do not respect human rights (and the same goes for owners who are not just from the Middle East).
https://cdn.theathletic.com/app/uploads/2022/03/04060644/MANCHESTER-CITY-TITLE-2020-21-scaled-e1646392054840.jpgCity have won the title five times in the last decade (Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images)


The important thing for everyone is to try to educate themselves as to why those are bad people and we should really not chant their names in glory. Educate yourself, educate others. It is a bit harsh to call on fans to stop supporting their team when fans are in it to enjoy the football. They just want to get their minds off things for a couple of hours every few days. I have heard podcasts where fans are urged to stop following their club (or at least, the pundits said that’s what they would do), which I don’t think is fair.
You can’t put this on fans when the problem is clearly the checks the Premier League does when approving any change of owners (https://theathletic.com/2886641/2021/10/13/newcastle-premier-league-owners-directors-test-fit-for-purpose/). Fans can’t do anything about it, it’s out of their hands. Recognising the bad side and educating yourself and others, not chanting their names… that’s what people can do. The pure football side should be kept separate. Otherwise, you would also need to ask players only to sign for teams owned by nice people. Would anyone do that?
Joe, 25, Denton, Manchester
I’m torn. The club clearly had to do “things” in the early days to get us into the Champions League spots, which caused controversy, I’m sure. In that sense, I understand where some of the accusations come from.
But could we have gotten to where we are now by not doing that? I don’t think we could. And a big reason for that is that the “top four” had it sewn up. Biggest sponsorships, biggest budgets, biggest wage bills and biggest incomes — how else are you going to push yourself up that hierarchy?
I accept that side of things in the early years, and I don’t have an issue with opposing fans using it as tribalistic jibes, but it does wear thin given our financial position in the last few years.

[Not In The Know]

Gavin Shortall, 45, Ireland
I’m an Irish season ticket holder who has lived in Manchester since 1995, and used to live in Whitworth Park, five minutes from Maine Road.
Following City over the last few years has been amazing. The trips to see trophies won, the Sergio Aguero goal (https://theathletic.com/2017662/2020/08/24/the-comeback-no-16-agueroooooooo-and-the-other-side-of-history/), the unbelievable players, all of it. The club is so much better, in so many ways. It’s given me some of my most memorable moments of the last 15 or so years. The owners try to run the club with the fans in mind. I like the way they organise away tickets, I like that cup schemes aren’t compulsory (like United) and they always seem keen to embrace the history of the club while still trying to achieve new things, which isn’t always easy.
At the same time, I can’t help feeling deeply uncomfortable about what is, essentially, state ownership of a football club. The Der Spiegel leaks were really unedifying and it’s hard to see anything other than a group of people who are used to getting what they want, spending whatever it takes to get what they want. I feel used to dealing with the fact that life has become like that, in the main. Sport should be different. The whole concept of sportswashing makes me feel really uncomfortable, especially as I feel complicit every time I walk through the turnstile.
I don’t know what the answer to all of this is. I’m not giving up my season ticket. I still want City to win every game.
There isn’t any way of being successful in professional sport without significant investment. Once that door is opened, the logical endgame is state ownership. But that doesn’t make it OK.
Maybe I should leave City and go and follow a more grassroots team but that would be a big loss. I’ve got pals at City, my routine is City and the results really matter to me. It’s not life and death, but it’s not nothing, either.
Hannah, 20, Stockport
It’s quite obvious that our owners aren’t squeaky clean but it’s really difficult to find an owner of a football club who is. All owners are all mega-rich people so it’s slightly unfair that no one ever really gives the same attention to other clubs, but it’s also why I don’t think it’s worth my time sitting here and defending them about certain things.
I’m also not going to think any worse of them than what other fans think of their owners though. The only thing that really gets to me is when some parts of the media try to make out as though City fans are bad people for following a club with the owners that we have. Supporting City has been in my family for generations and we’re not just going to stop because the media tell us that the people now running our club are bad.

Ross Walter, 21, Warwickshire
As a City fan, I feel very guilty about the ways our owners made our fortunes and the fact that Sheikh Mansour is part of a government that says that being gay is a crime.
It’s something I find very hard to justify. If a musical artist is a bad person, I detach myself from funding them but for some reason with City, it’s different. It’s a bit of cognitive dissonance, I suppose. They were the first club that brought me to football so I have a really close attachment to the club itself, not necessarily the owners.
I’m more comfortable with not paying for tickets or shirts first hand, as to not directly fund the club. I know that sounds like I’m a bad fan, but in my mind being a “bad fan” is better than directly financially supporting owners who destroy the planet. It is comparable to having a friend that you know has bad tendencies, but you put up with it because you love them.
Anonymous
Although I don’t think fans of clubs owned by people like the Sheikh are 100 per cent powerless and probably could use their energy to at least raise awareness of certain issues, it’s ultimately up to UEFA and the Premier League to protect fans from having to make these kinds of decisions.
Football clubs are local and regional institutions and, just as we would expect football’s governing bodies to protect communities and clubs from business people who can’t manage their finances and run football clubs into the ground, we should also expect them to create an environment that allows football fans to enjoy their hobbies without having to consider major ethical caveats every time they enter a stadium or buy a shirt.
Gillian, 49, Manchester
I am uncomfortable with our ownership. I don’t see corruption at the club but human rights issues do matter to me. But I’m also uncomfortable with mass genocide, gay rights abuses, countries eradicating women’s rights… the world is pretty ****ed up, certainly extending beyond the Middle East. So, yes, I’m also uncomfortable with the money we have from Chinese investment (https://theathletic.com/3120837/2022/02/17/special-report-manchester-citys-sponsors-the-links-to-abu-dhabi-and-what-it-means-for-newcastle-united/).
However, I don’t see that football should necessarily be viewed any differently from other sports or industries. Globalisation and the inclusion within it of states that inflict abuses is a fact of everyday life. We either take the view that we ban all, which could be a valid view, or we crack on, rather than being selective as it seems now, often to suit agendas. Hypocrisy is a human’s favourite hobby. That’s how I guess I can make some form of troubled peace with our ownership and my love of City. Our club has also been a force for good in the local community and city.
There’s money from sources whose regimes/corporate entities we might not like at pretty much all Premier League clubs — it’s not whataboutery, I’m just saying I’d probably feel uncomfortable with funding sources, whichever club I supported.
Too many Blues are myopic when it comes to any and all journalists — rational debate can be very limited. Outrage and tribalism on Twitter is par for the course whatever the topic… I hope people know that most Blues would be rational and decent if you met us in person.
(Top photo: Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)

[Hibbyradge]

Thanks NITK 👍

[worcesterhibby]

If City group did buy Hibs then we would be the second biggest club they owned in Europe and the third biggest in the world. That's an interesting fact to consider.

Troyes average attendance is less than 10,000
Girona's is less than 12,00
Melbourne's less than 7,000
Mumbai less than 5,000

We have averaged 16,500 over the last four years

Only New York City (around 20,000) and Man City themselves get close to our averages.

plus we have a far better history than any of the other teams and league success and regular european qualification is much more acheivable than for Toyes or Girona who have some big teams to get past in France and Italy respectively.

I'm not sure I'm in favour of a City Group take over at all. But I think it's worth taking a look at where we would be in the groups pecking order, were we to be bought !

[ScottB]

If City group did buy Hibs then we would be the second biggest club they owned in Europe and the third biggest in the world. That's an interesting fact to consider.

Troyes average attendance is less than 10,000
Girona's is less than 12,00
Melbourne's less than 7,000
Mumbai less than 5,000

We have averaged 16,500 over the last four years

Only New York City (around 20,000) and Man City themselves get close to our averages.

plus we have a far better history than any of the other teams and league success and regular european qualification is much more acheivable than for Toyes or Girona who have some big teams to get past in France and Italy respectively.

I'm not sure I'm in favour of a City Group take over at all. But I think it's worth taking a look at where we would be in the groups pecking order, were we to be bought !

Suspect it’s more about quality of league than size of club; is it somewhere of a high enough standard to test young players etc

[JimBHibees]

Easy, CJ has been decent since he came here. Wasn’t great on Saturday but who was? He was playing out of position, that’s no his fault


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Agree he has been good however was it not suggested centre half was a position he could play.

[superfurryhibby]

Can people seriously still contemplate the idea of the City Group owning Hibs having read NITK’s posts about what they are and represent?

I think there is fuel in this rumour. Hopefully there will be wider interest in Hibs when the Gordon’s sell up.

[jacomo]

If City group did buy Hibs then we would be the second biggest club they owned in Europe and the third biggest in the world. That's an interesting fact to consider.

Troyes average attendance is less than 10,000
Girona's is less than 12,00
Melbourne's less than 7,000
Mumbai less than 5,000

We have averaged 16,500 over the last four years

Only New York City (around 20,000) and Man City themselves get close to our averages.

plus we have a far better history than any of the other teams and league success and regular european qualification is much more acheivable than for Toyes or Girona who have some big teams to get past in France and Italy respectively.

I'm not sure I'm in favour of a City Group take over at all. But I think it's worth taking a look at where we would be in the groups pecking order, were we to be bought !


We’d be their little *****, hoping for the occasional loan of a promising 20 year old. Potentially with an expanded and upgraded youth programme. That’s where we would be.

[bingo70]

Can people seriously still contemplate the idea of the City Group owning Hibs having read NITK’s posts about what they are and represent?

I think there is fuel in this rumour. Hopefully there will be wider interest in Hibs when the Gordon’s sell up.

See, that’s why I didn’t read those posts.

Ignorance is bliss. (Don’t shout at me or judge me, I just want to watch a good football team for once.)

[MWHIBBIES]

If City group did buy Hibs then we would be the second biggest club they owned in Europe and the third biggest in the world. That's an interesting fact to consider.

Troyes average attendance is less than 10,000
Girona's is less than 12,00
Melbourne's less than 7,000
Mumbai less than 5,000

We have averaged 16,500 over the last four years

Only New York City (around 20,000) and Man City themselves get close to our averages.

plus we have a far better history than any of the other teams and league success and regular european qualification is much more acheivable than for Toyes or Girona who have some big teams to get past in France and Italy respectively.

I'm not sure I'm in favour of a City Group take over at all. But I think it's worth taking a look at where we would be in the groups pecking order, were we to be bought !

Girona don't have any big teams to get past in Italy. They play in Spain. They're a daft play thing for Peps brother, nothing more.

[Northernhibee]

Along with the sportswashing thing, I just don't like the idea of us being a cog in a larger machine. Hibs have always had something about us that feels that it is interwoven to the local community, whether from our roots, to Hands Off Hibs, to the celebrations we seen on 22nd May 2016 throughout Leith with that open top bus and the streets filled as far as the eye could see.

I fear we'd lose a fair bit of our independence and would have to dance to the beat of someone elses drum, in essence.

[Bridge hibs]

Along with the sportswashing thing, I just don't like the idea of us being a cog in a larger machine. Hibs have always had something about us that feels about the local community, whether from our roots, to Hands Off Hibs, to the celebrations we seen on 22nd May 2016 throughout Leith.

I fear we'd lose a fair bit of our independence and would have to dance to the beat of someone elses drum, in essence.Yeah a couple of concerns for me would be the constant turnaround of loan players, some or most who possibly would have no interest in hibs other to kick a ball about a park and hope for a move to bigger things, we have seen that with loans over the years.

My other concern would be selling players, for example selling a talent for x amount, I assume the cash would go to the city group pot rather than hibs pot

Or I could be absolutley miles off and it could be totally different

[jeffers]

Along with the sportswashing thing, I just don't like the idea of us being a cog in a larger machine. Hibs have always had something about us that feels about the local community, whether from our roots, to Hands Off Hibs, to the celebrations we seen on 22nd May 2016 throughout Leith.

I fear we'd lose a fair bit of our independence and would have to dance to the beat of someone elses drum, in essence.

I’d have to see what actually happens before I overly worry, but I get your point. In saying that they will still be “Hibs” to me no matter who owns us. To some extent as soon as RG took over, changed the way HSL worked then snuck his son in as head of recruitment we have been dancing to the beat of someone else’s drum for a few years now.

[Ozyhibby]

We’d be their little *****, hoping for the occasional loan of a promising 20 year old. Potentially with an expanded and upgraded youth programme. That’s where we would be.

Are their other clubs full of Man City youngsters?


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[Northernhibee]

I’d have to see what actually happens before I overly worry, but I get your point. In saying that they will still be “Hibs” to me no matter who owns us. To some extent as soon as RG took over, changed the way HSL worked then snuck his son in as head of recruitment we have been dancing to the beat of someone else’s drum for a few years now.

The difference is, at least they're within our club and in theory, if we were to have a protest outside the stadium like in 2014 when we were relegated for example, at least that was directed and aimed at people at our club who worked at Hibs and knew of the disconnect between club and fans.

The idea that people outwith the working confines of our club could be making serious decisions with consequences for the running of Hibs isn't healthy IMO.

[Ozyhibby]

The difference is, at least they're within our club and in theory, if we were to have a protest outside the stadium like in 2014 when we were relegated for example, at least that was directed and aimed at people at our club who worked at Hibs and knew of the disconnect between club and fans.

The idea that people outwith the working confines of our club could be making serious decisions with consequences for the running of Hibs isn't healthy IMO.

Having someone to moan at hasn’t been that successful for us to be honest. When we went down in 2014 it was three years before they put together a team to come back up.


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[overdrive]

Are their other clubs full of Man City youngsters?


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Interesting, their European Clubs aren't as awash with Man City youngsters as you would think...

Troyes don't have any.
Girona have two on loan from Man City, one on loan from New York City
Lommel have one on loan from Man City, two on loan from Troyes, one on loan from Girona
Palermo have one on loan from Montevideo City Torque.

(according to Wikipedia)

What I've not looked at is the punting around of players through actual signings rather than loans.

Seems the club lowest down the pecking order have the most players from the Group.

[Northernhibee]

Having someone to moan at hasn’t been that successful for us to be honest. When we went down in 2014 it was three years before they put together a team to come back up.


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But we put in changes that led to us having the likes of McGinn, Fyvie, McGeouch, Allan, Henderson and more in midfield as well as the likes of Porteous, Doig, Campbell and more coming into the first team going forward. We won the cup and were unlucky in both years prior to our promotion to not go up IMO - dodgy refereeing in the Falkirk play off games for example.

There was also the small matter of 21st of May where we put out Hearts, the reigning champions, a Premiership team, and Rangers along the way (not to mention Raith).

I think it's vital that the overall decisions made at the club come from within the club.

[chippy]

Having someone to moan at hasn’t been that successful for us to be honest. When we went down in 2014 it was three years before they put together a team to come back up.


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Yes but what a team they assembled in that time, problem in year 1 was a very strong Hearts team, year 2 a much stronger Huns team ( I know the play offs)

[chippy]

But we put in changes that led to us having the likes of McGinn, Fyvie, McGeouch, Allan, Henderson and more in midfield as well as the likes of Porteous, Doig, Campbell and more coming into the first team going forward. We won the cup and were unlucky in both years prior to our promotion to not go up IMO - dodgy refereeing in the Falkirk play off games for example.

There was also the small matter of 21st of May where we put out Hearts, the reigning champions, a Premiership team, and Rangers along the way (not to mention Raith).

I think it's vital that the overall decisions made at the club come from within the club.

I agree, excellent points

[Hibbyradge]

For one reason or another, we have never had an owner who has met with all the fans approval, not in my lifetime anyway, and CEOs need the thickest skin of all.

I support Hibs the club, not the owner, and although I'd love us to be owned by boy scouts and fluffy bunnies, I can't think of any realistic scenario in which I'd stop wanting us to win and hurting when we don't.

Should City Group buy us (they probably won't) there will be a few faint voices of disapproval which is absolutely fine. If folk hold those values and principles, I won't say they're wrong.

But I'd bet a lot of money that the number of current season ticket holders who walk away for ever, would be less than 0.01%.

Most people will quickly get over their discomfort and find reasons to justify their change of heart, if any semblance of success arrived.

IMHO, of course.

[zitelli62]

Is there any concrete evidence of city group interested in hibs or just the usual speculation then nothing comes of it.

[SlickShoes]

Is there any concrete evidence of city group interested in hibs or just the usual speculation then nothing comes of it.

It’s based on pretty much nothing

[Ozyhibby]

Is there any concrete evidence of city group interested in hibs or just the usual speculation then nothing comes of it.

You’ve probably nailed it.
My opinion is that I’m 90% certain we will be sold soon (next year or so) but no idea who to. The rest is just based on recent chat about links with them. The fact they like to buy clubs and we are for sale (imo) then it’s an easy rumour. Good chance there is nothing in it.


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[bingo70]

Is there any concrete evidence of city group interested in hibs or just the usual speculation then nothing comes of it.

In terms of concrete evidence what are you hoping someone on a message board may be able to provide?

LJ is openly talking about a partnership that we are working on with them, whether that comes to ownership or them even buying a share is a bit of a stretch but with only one exception, normally if there’s a partnership, they want to own part of the club. The managing director of part of the city group and Brian Marwood, has been to East Mains twice at least that LJ has spoken of.

Doubt that will cut the mustard as hard evidence however it’s enough imo to justify the tongues wagging about it.

[superfurryhibby]

For one reason or another, we have never had an owner who has met with all the fans approval, not in my lifetime anyway, and CEOs need the thickest skin of all.

I support Hibs the club, not the owner, and although I'd love us to be owned by boy scouts and fluffy bunnies, I can't think of any realistic scenario in which I'd stop wanting us to win and hurting when we don't.

Should City Group buy us (they probably won't) there will be a few faint voices of disapproval which is absolutely fine. If folk hold those values and principles, I won't say they're wrong.

But I'd bet a lot of money that the number of current season ticket holders who walk away for ever, would be less than 0.01%.

Most people will quickly get over their discomfort and find reasons to justify their change of heart, if any semblance of success arrived.

IMHO, of course.

And if it all went tits up, those few faint voices would quickly turn into a roaring cry of discontent.

[Not In The Know]

We’d be there little *****, hoping for the occasional loan of a promising 20 year old. Potentially with an expanded and upgraded youth programme. That’s where we would be.

It won’t be in their best interest to do that. They would want us to be as strong as possible so they could lend us players they want to keep, to get them used to “British” football. They do I suppose have another British team that might benefit…

if we end up getting them first team Man City players ready I could handle that.

[chippy]

It won’t be in their best interest to do that. They would want us to be as strong as possible so they could lend us players they want to keep, to get them used to “British” football. They do I suppose have another British team that might benefit…

if we end up getting them first team Man City players ready I could handle that.
You’re just making things up now

[flash]

And if it all went tits up, those few faint voices would quickly turn into a roaring cry of discontent.

Just like now then.

[J-C]

I think the owner passing away will have changed things and it wouldn’t be surprising if his heirs are not interested in owning Hibs and would prefer to sell and collect their money.
No idea how his estate will be split but if it’s among multiple people then I think even more chance that agreement to keep Hibs is unlikely.
As PB says, there will be lots of interest and I’m not overly worried. Although on pitch it’s been a dud, off the pitch the changes RG brought in have been very positive.


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I would think Kit is the sole owner like Ron was, she's put Ian on the board because he's been involved since day 1.

[superfurryhibby]

Just like now then.

Mmmm, I don’t think so. Season ticket sales may indicate where fans are at, but I think the Gordon ownership has some goodwill left in the fans. Another crap season next season would see that evaporate.

[Winston Ingram]

I typed a question into Google's Beta AI Bard and got this...

What should you expect if the City group buy your football club?


If the City Football Group (CFG) were to buy your football club, you could expect the following:

Increased investment in the club's infrastructure. CFG has a track record of investing heavily in the infrastructure of its clubs, including new training facilities, stadiums, and youth academies. This investment can help to improve the club's performance on the pitch and attract top players and coaches.
A more global outlook. CFG is a global network of clubs, and it is likely that your club would become more integrated into this network. This could lead to increased opportunities for player and staff exchanges, as well as the chance to compete in international competitions.
A more professional approach to running the club. CFG has a team of experienced professionals who manage its clubs. These professionals can bring a new level of expertise and efficiency to the running of your club.
A more ambitious outlook. CFG is ambitious for its clubs, and it is likely that your club would be expected to compete for trophies and success. This could lead to a more competitive environment at the club, and it could also help to raise the club's profile.
Of course, there are also some potential downsides to CFG buying your football club. For example, the club may become more focused on profits than on sporting success, and there may be less of a sense of local identity. However, overall, the benefits of CFG ownership are likely to outweigh the drawbacks.

[CapitalGreen]

I don’t think we will be sold. I believe Ron and Kit bought Hibs with the long term succession plan of handing it on to Ian. Similar to how they set up their eldest son up with a vineyard in Napa Valley. Obviously, Ron’s death was untimely and Ian isn’t experienced enough to take over the running of a football club at this time. However, Ian and his wife have moved to Scotland and he has spent the last 2 years working at HTC, you don’t do that if you have no interest in the club.

IMO, any future relationship with the City Football Group would be as a long term strategic partner club. This would give the club access to CFG’s football expertise, technology, and best practices while giving the CFG an avenue to bring players to train and play in the UK who otherwise wouldn’t receive a work permit at Man City. In their recent presentation of a new Asian partner club it was announced that “CFG will also help develop the club’s technical and management expertise through practical learning experiences at clubs within CFG’s global network.” I imagine a similar arrangement could be highly beneficial for IG.

Finally, I can’t see Man City (I know it would technically be CFG) buying another club in the UK. The idea of a British club buying another British footballing institution lock, stock and barrel would be very poorly received by the football authorities and respective governments. At a time of increasing scrutiny from the government of football ownership in the UK, CFG owning a Scottish football team outright wouldn’t be worth the hassle it would bring.

[NAE NOOKIE]

I don’t think we will be sold. I believe Ron and Kit bought Hibs with the long term succession plan of handing it on to Ian. Similar to how they set up their eldest son up with a vineyard in Napa Valley. Obviously, Ron’s death was untimely and Ian isn’t experienced enough to take over the running of a football club at this time. However, Ian and his wife have moved to Scotland and he has spent the last 2 years working at HTC, you don’t do that if you have no interest in the club.

IMO, any future relationship with the City Football Group would be as a long term strategic partner club. This would give the club access to CFG’s football expertise, technology, and best practices while giving the CFG an avenue to bring players to train and play in the UK who otherwise wouldn’t receive a work permit at Man City. In their recent presentation of a new Asian partner club it was announced that “CFG will also help develop the club’s technical and management expertise through practical learning experiences at clubs within CFG’s global network.” I imagine a similar arrangement could be highly beneficial for IG.

Finally, I can’t see Man City (I know it would technically be CFG) buying another club in the UK. The idea of a British club buying another British footballing institution lock, stock and barrel would be very poorly received by the football authorities and respective governments. At a time of increasing scrutiny from the government of football ownership in the UK, CFG owning a Scottish football team outright wouldn’t be worth the hassle it would bring.

Maybe so. But the fact is there's no such thing as 'British' football so from that point of view the group that owns Man City buying Hibs would be no different than them buying any of the other clubs they own globally, certainly not in the eyes of FIFA or UEFA.

If City Group did want to buy Hibs and the current owners were all for it their answer to any government interference, or for that matter SFA interference, would be to not unreasonably ask why they are looking to hamper a move that could potentially enable a challenge to a 40 year long duopoly in Scottish football. And also to ask, if they are so opposed to it to the extent they would be willing to get involved would they be willing to put up the money that City Group would have been willing to spend upgrading Easter Road, the training facilities and possibly even a larger transfer kitty.

[Ozyhibby]

I don’t think we will be sold. I believe Ron and Kit bought Hibs with the long term succession plan of handing it on to Ian. Similar to how they set up their eldest son up with a vineyard in Napa Valley. Obviously, Ron’s death was untimely and Ian isn’t experienced enough to take over the running of a football club at this time. However, Ian and his wife have moved to Scotland and he has spent the last 2 years working at HTC, you don’t do that if you have no interest in the club.

IMO, any future relationship with the City Football Group would be as a long term strategic partner club. This would give the club access to CFG’s football expertise, technology, and best practices while giving the CFG an avenue to bring players to train and play in the UK who otherwise wouldn’t receive a work permit at Man City. In their recent presentation of a new Asian partner club it was announced that “CFG will also help develop the club’s technical and management expertise through practical learning experiences at clubs within CFG’s global network.” I imagine a similar arrangement could be highly beneficial for IG.

Finally, I can’t see Man City (I know it would technically be CFG) buying another club in the UK. The idea of a British club buying another British footballing institution lock, stock and barrel would be very poorly received by the football authorities and respective governments. At a time of increasing scrutiny from the government of football ownership in the UK, CFG owning a Scottish football team outright wouldn’t be worth the hassle it would bring.

No idea about the Gordon’s intention but last paragraph to me would be irrelevant. It’s not breaking any rules in a sport that bends them when it wants anyway. I just don’t see where any opposition comes from?


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[NAE NOOKIE]

No idea about the Gordon’s intention but last paragraph to me would be irrelevant. It’s not breaking any rules in a sport that bends them when it wants anyway. I just don’t see where any opposition comes from?


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In fact would it not be the case that forcing a Scottish club to operate under different commercial conditions from an English club be at odds with the UK government's very own 'internal market bill' the whole raison d'etre of which was to stop such situations? ... A bill that would have stopped Holyrood's minimum pricing on alcohol legislation in it's tracks and could still potentially be used to stop the deposit return scheme if the UK government once again decide that the affects of pesky Scottish democracy aren't to their liking.

If it came to it interference with a group who own one 'British' business trying to buy another, with absolutely no question of it creating any kind of monopoly, would open the UK government to an absolute avalanche of hypocrisy accusations.

[Ozyhibby]

In fact would it not be the case that forcing a Scottish club to operate under different commercial conditions from an English club be at odds with the UK government's very own 'internal market bill'? ... A bill that would have stopped Holyrood's minimum pricing on alcohol legislation in it's tracks and could still potentially be used to stop the deposit return scheme if the UK government once again decide that the affects of pesky Scottish democracy aren't to their liking.

If it came to it interference with a group who own one 'British' business trying to buy another, with absolutely no question of it creating any kind of monopoly, would open the UK government to an absolute avalanche of hypocrisy accusations.

Not to mention the pressure the uk govt put on the FA to allow the Saudi takeover of Newcastle to go through. Let’s face it, anything goes when it comes to football and money.


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[Greenio]

I don’t think we will be sold. I believe Ron and Kit bought Hibs with the long term succession plan of handing it on to Ian. Similar to how they set up their eldest son up with a vineyard in Napa Valley. Obviously, Ron’s death was untimely and Ian isn’t experienced enough to take over the running of a football club at this time. However, Ian and his wife have moved to Scotland and he has spent the last 2 years working at HTC, you don’t do that if you have no interest in the club.

IMO, any future relationship with the City Football Group would be as a long term strategic partner club. This would give the club access to CFG’s football expertise, technology, and best practices while giving the CFG an avenue to bring players to train and play in the UK who otherwise wouldn’t receive a work permit at Man City. In their recent presentation of a new Asian partner club it was announced that “CFG will also help develop the club’s technical and management expertise through practical learning experiences at clubs within CFG’s global network.” I imagine a similar arrangement could be highly beneficial for IG.

Finally, I can’t see Man City (I know it would technically be CFG) buying another club in the UK. The idea of a British club buying another British footballing institution lock, stock and barrel would be very poorly received by the football authorities and respective governments. At a time of increasing scrutiny from the government of football ownership in the UK, CFG owning a Scottish football team outright wouldn’t be worth the hassle it would bring.

Actually a good point re Ian Gordon. If he wasn't into it he wouldn't have been so involved. Not sure what it means, him having to take on the main gig so soon and without his dad, but hey... sometimes the unexpected happens

[Torto7]

This is speculation but there's been a number of Asians recently who have impressed in European football and can be bought for cheap prices. Celtic being the obvious example then there's the lad at Brighton who cost peanuts as well. Maybe they want to feed players from that area into a team they own or co own within the UK?

[Torto7]

Actually a good point re Ian Gordon. If he wasn't into it he wouldn't have been so involved. Not sure what it means, him having to take on the main gig so soon and without his dad, but hey... sometimes the unexpected happens

That's why MM has been brought back. He's a very experienced and capable guy who knows the game up here inside out. From what I've heard about IG he seems to be learning how recruitment works more than anything else.

[Mick O'Rourke]

That's why MM has been brought back. He's a very experienced and capable guy who knows the game up here inside out. From what I've heard about IG he seems to be learning how recruitment works more than anything else.
I made that same point the other day
His appointment suggested to me that Ron knowing how his health was ailing wanted someone in to advise the likes of Ian
Hindsight ,yes.
But makes me think that the Gordon's do wish to carry on Ron's work at Hibernian.

[Ozyhibby]

I made that same point the other day
His appointment suggested to me that Ron knowing how his health was ailing wanted someone in to advise the likes of Ian
Hindsight ,yes.
But makes me think that the Gordon's do wish to carry on Ron's work at Hibernian.

It doesn’t feel like there is anything going on at the club just now though? It feels like we are drifting?


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[Hibees1973]

That's why MM has been brought back. He's a very experienced and capable guy who knows the game up here inside out. From what I've heard about IG he seems to be learning how recruitment works more than anything else.

That's a bit worrying.

I wonder who IG is learning from about recruitment.

[Blaster]

It doesn’t feel like there is anything going on at the club just now though? It feels like we are drifting?


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Agree Ozy. Nothing at all. All very flat

[Gmack7]

Has this rumour fizzled out or does anyone think it may still be possible?

[jacomo]

I don’t think we will be sold. I believe Ron and Kit bought Hibs with the long term succession plan of handing it on to Ian. Similar to how they set up their eldest son up with a vineyard in Napa Valley. Obviously, Ron’s death was untimely and Ian isn’t experienced enough to take over the running of a football club at this time. However, Ian and his wife have moved to Scotland and he has spent the last 2 years working at HTC, you don’t do that if you have no interest in the club.

IMO, any future relationship with the City Football Group would be as a long term strategic partner club. This would give the club access to CFG’s football expertise, technology, and best practices while giving the CFG an avenue to bring players to train and play in the UK who otherwise wouldn’t receive a work permit at Man City. In their recent presentation of a new Asian partner club it was announced that “CFG will also help develop the club’s technical and management expertise through practical learning experiences at clubs within CFG’s global network.” I imagine a similar arrangement could be highly beneficial for IG.

Finally, I can’t see Man City (I know it would technically be CFG) buying another club in the UK. The idea of a British club buying another British footballing institution lock, stock and barrel would be very poorly received by the football authorities and respective governments. At a time of increasing scrutiny from the government of football ownership in the UK, CFG owning a Scottish football team outright wouldn’t be worth the hassle it would bring.


Cheers, you make a lot of sense.

By all accounts Ian has well and truly caught the bug and is really involved. He’s taken flack for his player recruitment but he’s tried to bring exciting, young attacking players to the club. I wish him all the best - having a DoF now in place will surely help us (and him) a lot. He needs the right people in place and empower them to deliver great work.

[ian cruise]

Cheers, you make a lot of sense.

By all accounts Ian has well and truly caught the bug and is really involved. He’s taken flack for his player recruitment but he’s tried to bring exciting, young attacking players to the club. I wish him all the best - having a DoF now in place will surely help us (and him) a lot. He needs the right people in place and empower them to deliver great work.

I actually had (still have) no problem with the recruitment strategy last season. Aye it didn't work out, but it was worth a shot. Had it worked we could have ended up with the next golden generation and have stolen a march on the competition the way Celtic have managed to unearth some absolute gems on a small budget compared to other teams in European competition, and the club didn't repeat the mistakes in the summer window when it was obvious it wasn't working.