Potential takeover/new investor?

[Stairway 2 7]

I just can’t get my head around us having Bournemouth as some sort of pinnacle to aim for. They are a poor Premier League club, with a crap stadium and a much smaller fan base than us. I’ve lived in Bournemouth and a football town it is not.

Even if he pumped a billion quid into Bournemouth, they might have better players and a new stadium, but they would never fill it and it is highly doubtful they would ever reach European level. Unfortunately for Bournemouth, their billionaire is not as rich as the big teams.

I just can’t see what the attraction is of Bournemouth as a club, to an old man with too much money. If we are tied into that, it might get us a short term boost, but once the whole multi club concept is understood, I fear our rivals might get snapped up by owners/budgets much bigger than us and we will still be shackled to bleeding Bournemouth…


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They aren't even a year in to the takeover he says in 5 he wants regular European football. History doesn't matter a jot clubs like Bournemouths and Brighton can buy any player they want from Celtic, Ajax, Marseille ect regardless of history or attendance.

The owner also won the Stanley Cup with Vegas which is big business. I agree though that in the future other Scottish clubs will be bought and man city, Newcastle ect might outspend in the Scottish league with their teams.

[PatHead]

A feeder club would be a step up from where we are now. At the moment we're lucky if we get a player that's good enough to move upwards from Hibs, our best players have gone to the heady heights of the English Championship or Saudi Arabia.

If we're getting players on a track to the Premiership then that's got to beat good thing. In what way do we lose our identify? That's just a cliche thrown out with no real meaning.

And Serie A. 😁

[007]

"Feeder club" is the sort of guff spouted by supporters of the Charity Club that are worried about us getting investment on the same scale or better than Budge's team of chuggers persuades them to hand over. As far as I'm concerned it's a good thing as that is best criticism they can come up with after they've racked their tiny brains.

Multi club ownership seems to be the way football is going and this sort of opportunity appears to be the best way of us going up a level or 2. From what I've ready about Bill Foley he is a lot more palatable than most other billionaire owner types.

[superfurryhibby]

Valid concerns from the poster IMO.

Additional concerns:
- Foleys age / succession planning.
- Bournemouth's long term future in the EPL, certainly not a given.
- General group structure, will this impact our future ability to get the best price from the wider market for any sellable players?
- And in the real world, how many players from a club in NZ are going to end up being good enough for the EPL? (Not many / none!)

Bit in bold, Aberdeen finished 3rd last year, Hearts the season before, ourselves the year before that. We've also won both cups more recently than either side. I don't think being outspent (marginally, if at all IMO) really counts for anything - it just comes down to the quality of coach / scouting team at a particular point in time

So far I haven't really read a reasonable to response to some of those questions. Some people have mentioned Foley being in it for the long haul, I wonder how precarious that can be as he is no spring chicken?

I also wonder, where's the benefit to Foley/Bournemouth in investing in Hibs?

What level of investment would it take to make a difference? We've seen how Hearts and Aberdeen have benefitted from external money, both have turnover that are likely to be 1/3 or so higher than Hibs. Has this really made a huge difference? A well managed, well run club can perform and punch above their financial weight (St Mirren have less than 50% of our turnover).

Can Hibs not continue with the current model and generate even more cash through shrewd investment in facilities, corporate income etc.

There is a mighty missed opportunity there in terms of fan generated donations (FOH/any benefactor). Whilst I wouldn't like to see us in administration in any shape or form, we aren't going to maximise potential income from those sources whilst we're owned by some international business group.

[CapitalGreen]

So far I haven't really read a reasonable to response to some of those questions. Some people have mentioned Foley being in it for the long haul, I wonder how precarious that can be as he is no spring chicken?

I also wonder, where's the benefit to Foley/Bournemouth in investing in Hibs?

What level of investment would it take to make a difference? We've seen how Hearts and Aberdeen have benefitted from external money, both have turnover that are likely to be 1/3 or so higher than Hibs. Has this really made a huge difference? A well managed, well run club can perform and punch above their financial weight (St Mirren have less than 50% of our turnover).

Can Hibs not continue with the current model and generate even more cash through shrewd investment in facilities, corporate income etc.

There is a mighty missed opportunity there in terms of fan generated donations (FOH/any benefactor). Whilst I wouldn't like to see us in administration in any shape or form, we aren't going to maximise potential income from those sources whilst we're owned by some international business group.

Why do you see fan donations/FOH as a good thing? I think it’s ridiculous that fans are expected to contribute millions on top of everything they already spend for nothing in return, especially when control of the club is still in the hands of a very wealthy woman.

[Iain G]

Valid concerns from the poster IMO.

Additional concerns:
- Foleys age / succession planning.
- Bournemouth's long term future in the EPL, certainly not a given.
- General group structure, will this impact our future ability to get the best price from the wider market for any sellable players?
- And in the real world, how many players from a club in NZ are going to end up being good enough for the EPL? (Not many / none!)

Bit in bold, Aberdeen finished 3rd last year, Hearts the season before, ourselves the year before that. We've also won both cups more recently than either side. I don't think being outspent (marginally, if at all IMO) really counts for anything - it just comes down to the quality of coach / scouting team at a particular point in time

Did we consider Tom Farmer or Ron's succession planning? Assuming there is a board of management in his sports group and it isn't just this billionaire doing everything himself?

Bournemouth shouldn't directly impact Hibs, selling players to Bournemouth in the championship shouldnt be any different? Same model applies.

Hoping the group structure will generally help us get more or the going rate for players, am sure if a club outside the structure wants a player they will know they have to make a decent bid for us or the group agree it's a better deal.

Chris Wood or a Ryan Nelsen? And the Nix have produced some pretty decent young players, adding in athe Auckland team will only improve the chances of young NZ players getting good professional training and management. Also Aussie youngsters can be picked up. A couple of years at Hibs and then a move to Bournemouth is a clear progression route.

Lots of positives if this happens and personaly think it will strengthen our position.

[JeMeSouviens]

So far I haven't really read a reasonable to response to some of those questions. Some people have mentioned Foley being in it for the long haul, I wonder how precarious that can be as he is no spring chicken?

I also wonder, where's the benefit to Foley/Bournemouth in investing in Hibs?

What level of investment would it take to make a difference? We've seen how Hearts and Aberdeen have benefitted from external money, both have turnover that are likely to be 1/3 or so higher than Hibs. Has this really made a huge difference? A well managed, well run club can perform and punch above their financial weight (St Mirren have less than 50% of our turnover).

Can Hibs not continue with the current model and generate even more cash through shrewd investment in facilities, corporate income etc.

There is a mighty missed opportunity there in terms of fan generated donations (FOH/any benefactor). Whilst I wouldn't like to see us in administration in any shape or form, we aren't going to maximise potential income from those sources whilst we're owned by some international business group.

I think he's heavily into the science of scouting/player development.

Say he identifies 20 players he thinks can make it/have value added. He's not going to have room for them all at Bournemouth. So he puts the top 2 or 3 in there and the rest get bought by his teams further down the pyramid. The rawer, younger, riskier prospects at Hibs then get a chance with more game time, less pressure, see if they settle ok in the UK, and can always be taken up by Bournemouth later or sold on at a profit. Think that's why he wants us. I doubt the extra investment would be buying established names.

[007]

Valid concerns from the poster IMO.

Additional concerns:
- Foleys age / succession planning.
- Bournemouth's long term future in the EPL, certainly not a given.
- General group structure, will this impact our future ability to get the best price from the wider market for any sellable players?
- And in the real world, how many players from a club in NZ are going to end up being good enough for the EPL? (Not many / none!)

Bit in bold, Aberdeen finished 3rd last year, Hearts the season before, ourselves the year before that. We've also won both cups more recently than either side. I don't think being outspent (marginally, if at all IMO) really counts for anything - it just comes down to the quality of coach / scouting team at a particular point in time

If the last bit is your belief then why be concerned about the other stuff? How will it adversely affect the quality of coach / scouting team at a particular point in time?

[Donegal Hibby]

PP has made the same argument over and over again to the point that everyone knows thats their opinion that they don't need to keep banging on about it at every turn.

It adds nothing to the conversation.

Neither does telling someone they been told so they are wrong and talking pish for having a different opinion , that to me comes across as being arrogant!.

[JeMeSouviens]

Neither does telling someone they been told so they are wrong and talking pish for having a different opinion , that to me comes across as being arrogant!.

I get where you're coming from sentimentally, DH. When I was a wee Hibby, Aberdeen and D Utd were among the best teams in Europe and we'd been not far off that level only a decade before. There was only a bit of luck to find an Alex Ferguson or another Eddie Turnbull and a good crop of young Scots and we could go to the very top of the game. Sadly, that ship has not only sailed, it's gone down with all hands and the wreck's been washed up and broken to bits on the rocks. Football as we knew it was ****** the moment live TV money arrived. This investment might at least ease the pain a bit. :dunno:

[MagicSwirlingShip]

It’s a funny old game. The billionaire interested in investing in us isn’t rich enough 😂😂

[Donegal Hibby]

Hibs have been a feeder club my entire 50 years of watching us. Usually to the bigot twins, sometimes to big English clubs(many years ago now) often to clubs we would consider to not be of our stature in the game. If we at any point manage to supply EPL level players we will be lightyears above our current position. Is it because its Bournemouth that uts an issue or would it be the same if ut was the City group? You may not like it but sadly teams like Bournemouth with not even a small % of the history we have are now so far above our level that a link with them makes sense. Just take a look at the English lower leagues and you will see loads of clubs who you would think would be better than Bournemouth but they're not. Between English league 1 and 2 there are about a dozen clubs that used to be in the premier or old div1. Football has changed massively and if this benefits Hibs, which I think it will, then I'm all for it.

I suppose the way I look on the term " feeder club" is slightly different to others on here . We have always sold or lost players to other clubs normally bigger than our own though all club's sell players even the likes of Celtic have sold Jota , Tierney etc . We are a club that sells its best player's hopefully for a profit though I never actually thought on us as a feeder club though this what's supposedly is going to happen to us now is totally uncharted waters as far as I'm concerned in it will be the first time we will be owned by someone who owns / has shares in numerous clubs were we aren't the Main priority and I would look on us as a feeder club if it does !.I think it's a bad thing that's happening to football in general with the city group owning or having shares in something like 13 clubs and do wonder if these folk have the clubs best interests at heart. I get why so many are for it in the promises of riches and better results though there's probably fans from new Zealand, Holland and whatever other countries Foley buys clubs in all dreaming of the same things too. Worse scenario for me is I will probably lose interest in football if it ends up Hibernian are just one of a number of clubs added to Bournemouths pyramid! .

[Fergus52]

Valid concerns from the poster IMO.

Additional concerns:
- Foleys age / succession planning.
- Bournemouth's long term future in the EPL, certainly not a given.
- General group structure, will this impact our future ability to get the best price from the wider market for any sellable players?
- And in the real world, how many players from a club in NZ are going to end up being good enough for the EPL? (Not many / none!)

Bit in bold, Aberdeen finished 3rd last year, Hearts the season before, ourselves the year before that. We've also won both cups more recently than either side. I don't think being outspent (marginally, if at all IMO) really counts for anything - it just comes down to the quality of coach / scouting team at a particular point in time

It's not marginal at all, Heart's most recent accounts show their wage bill is twice ours. That's a huge difference, even if accounting for in-house staff or ours not being updated for last season yet.

[Hibbyradge]

I suppose the way I look on the term " feeder club" is slightly different to others on here . We have always sold or lost players to other clubs normally bigger than our own though all club's sell players even the likes of Celtic have sold Jota , Tierney etc . We are a club that sells its best player's hopefully for a profit though I never actually thought on us as a feeder club though this what's supposedly is going to happen to us now is totally uncharted waters as far as I'm concerned in it will be the first time we will be owned by someone who owns / has shares in numerous clubs were we aren't the Main priority and I would look on us as a feeder club if it does !.I think it's a bad thing that's happening to football in general with the city group owning or having shares in something like 13 clubs and do wonder if these folk have the clubs best interests at heart. I get why so many are for it in the promises of riches and better results though there's probably fans from new Zealand, Holland and whatever other countries Foley buys clubs in all dreaming of the same things too. Worse scenario for me is I will probably lose interest in football if it ends up Hibernian are just one of a number of clubs added to Bournemouths pyramid! .

The only difference there will be is that Bournemouth get first dibs on a player we might have and that we recruit better players.

Otherwise we will continue to trade with clubs as we always have.

Football is changing again and we have no alternative but to change with it.

If you feel the need to walk away because of that change, you'll be in a tiny minority, but I'll respect your decision although I won't really understand it.

[Bridge hibs]

I suppose the way I look on the term " feeder club" is slightly different to others on here . We have always sold or lost players to other clubs normally bigger than our own though all club's sell players even the likes of Celtic have sold Jota , Tierney etc . We are a club that sells its best player's hopefully for a profit though I never actually thought on us as a feeder club though this what's supposedly is going to happen to us now is totally uncharted waters as far as I'm concerned in it will be the first time we will be owned by someone who owns / has shares in numerous clubs were we aren't the Main priority and I would look on us as a feeder club if it does !.I think it's a bad thing that's happening to football in general with the city group owning or having shares in something like 13 clubs and do wonder if these folk have the clubs best interests at heart. I get why so many are for it in the promises of riches and better results though there's probably fans from new Zealand, Holland and whatever other countries Foley buys clubs in all dreaming of the same things too. Worse scenario for me is I will probably lose interest in football if it ends up Hibernian are just one of a number of clubs added to Bournemouths pyramid! .To be fair you support Newcastle who's owners have shares in other clubs too, if allowed would Newcastle be a feeder club to them ? 🫣

Newcastle Uniteds majority owners, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), has taken ownership of the Saudi Pro League's four leading clubs, including Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, the side close to agreeing a deal to sign Karim Benzema.


As part of Saudi Arabia's so-called "Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project," the PIF has taken a 75% stake in each of Saudi champions Al Ittihad, reigning Asian champions Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Nassr, with the remaining 25% in each team being transferred to non-profit foundations from the Saudi Ministry of Sport.

[Hibernian Verse]

To be fair you support Newcastle who's owners have shares in other clubs too, if allowed would Newcastle be a feeder club to them ? 🫣

Newcastle Uniteds majority owners, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), has taken ownership of the Saudi Pro League's four leading clubs, including Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, the side close to agreeing a deal to sign Karim Benzema.


As part of Saudi Arabia's so-called "Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project," the PIF has taken a 75% stake in each of Saudi champions Al Ittihad, reigning Asian champions Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Nassr, with the remaining 25% in each team being transferred to non-profit foundations from the Saudi Ministry of Sport.

Benzema's been playing there since the summer.

[B.H.F.C]

It's not marginal at all, Heart's most recent accounts show their wage bill is twice ours. That's a huge difference, even if accounting for in-house staff or ours not being updated for last season yet.

Need to see how our wage bill looks for the same period. Theirs won’t be double I don’t think.

[Centre Hawf]

The reality of the situation is that we're probably never going to be competing for knockout football in Europe for the next 20 years and the way the co-effiency is going we're likely to lose that golden ticket spot that 3rd offers us. So we're probably going to struggle to get any group stage games in that time frame as well barring getting a half decent draw. We're up against it massively to do anything resembling something that people of a certain age grew up seeing us do. For most of us the trip to Aston Villa this season was nothing more than a novelty and an excuse to go on a jolly.

So the reality is the domestic scene is where we need to try and thrive, and anyone that wants to put in a bit of money to help us get ahead of some around us domestically to hopefully win the odd trophy every 4/5 years would be more than welcome to do so because it would be a night and day improvement on winning 4 trophies in the last 50 or so we're currently working with. If that were to happen then I couldn't really give a toss if Bournemouth have less fans than us or a smaller stadium, or even if the guy putting that money in might not be here in 15 years time.

[Bridge hibs]

Benzema's been playing there since the summer.Yeah I know it was a copy and paste but I was highlighting the point of multi club ownership and that Donegal is concerned about hibs but his other team Newcastles owners are doing/have done likewise

[HoboHarry]

The reality of the situation is that we're probably never going to be competing for knockout football in Europe for the next 20 years and the way the co-effiency is going we're likely to lose that golden ticket spot that 3rd offers us. So we're probably going to struggle to get any group stage games in that time frame as well barring getting a half decent draw. We're up against it massively to do anything resembling something that people of a certain age grew up seeing us do. For most of us the trip to Aston Villa this season was nothing more than a novelty and an excuse to go on a jolly.

So the reality is the domestic scene is where we need to try and thrive, and anyone that wants to put in a bit of money to help us get ahead of some around us domestically to hopefully win the odd trophy every 4/5 years would be more than welcome to do so because it would be a night and day improvement on winning 4 trophies in the last 50 or so we're currently working with. If that were to happen then I couldn't really give a toss if Bournemouth have less fans than us or a smaller stadium, or even if the guy putting that money in might not be here in 15 years time.
I would be astonished if Bill Foley saw things the same way as you do.

[blackpoolhibs]

Will this cash injection have us buying or recruiting worse players than we currently do?

If the answer is no, then i'm all for it.

[SaulGoodman]

Hibs win - good
Hibs lose - bad

Don’t care about the rest

[Centre Hawf]

I would be astonished if Bill Foley saw things the same way as you do.

He probably doesn't but then he hasn't sat through the last 20+ years of Hibs and Scottish Football. Not sure realistically what he can expect from his investment to be honest.

[Iain G]

He probably doesn't but then he hasn't sat through the last 20+ years of Hibs and Scottish Football. Not sure realistically what he can expect from his investment to be honest.

A place to develop young players in a well run, nicely equipped and well coached footballing environment with a quick pathway to the first team.

And it seems easier to get work permits for players in Scotland than in England, so backdoor into the UK for overseas younger players.

And he gets to say he owns the Hibs of course, what greater accolade could there be! 😁

[Dashing Bob S]

The feeder club term is nonsense. It's global, neoliberal capitalism. Every club is a potential feeder club to ones with more money than them.

[neil7908]

Will this cash injection have us buying or recruiting worse players than we currently do?

If the answer is no, then i'm all for it.

This is where I think it's reasonable to be sceptical as ultimately, we have no idea.

How much has Boehly spent at Chelsea? Around $1bn I think and they are an absolute mess. Ask Man United how they feel about their wealthy American owners as well. There rich guys getting into football has very few genuine success stories.

I'm aware Foley has done well with an ice hockey team in the US but what evidence do we have to say he knows how to set up a football team in Scotland to be successful?

As others have said here, both Hearts and Aberdeen have spent tens of millions of investment money over the years with nothing really to show for it. Where is the evidence as it stands that we'd be any more successful? Bournemouth are hardly tearing it up since his arrival (albeit a short time period).

Foley is just starting out in this sport and we don't have any clear details on his vision for the club.

[HoboHarry]

This is where I think it's reasonable to be sceptical as ultimately, we have no idea.

How much has Boehly spent at Chelsea? Around $1bn I think and they are an absolute mess. Ask Man United how they feel about their wealthy American owners as well. There rich guys getting into football has very few genuine success stories.

I'm aware Foley has done well with an ice hockey team in the US but what evidence do we have to say he knows how to set up a football team in Scotland to be successful?

As others have said here, both Hearts and Aberdeen have spent tens of millions of investment money over the years with nothing really to show for it. Where is the evidence as it stands that we'd be any more successful? Bournemouth are hardly tearing it up since his arrival (albeit a short time period).

Foley is just starting out in this sport and we don't have any clear details on his vision for the club.
Who could possibly "tear it up" after such a short time? I read somewhere he's building them a new training academy at the moment so it appears he's serious.

[Bridge hibs]

This is where I think it's reasonable to be sceptical as ultimately, we have no idea.

How much has Boehly spent at Chelsea? Around $1bn I think and they are an absolute mess. Ask Man United how they feel about their wealthy American owners as well. There rich guys getting into football has very few genuine success stories.

I'm aware Foley has done well with an ice hockey team in the US but what evidence do we have to say he knows how to set up a football team in Scotland to be successful?

As others have said here, both Hearts and Aberdeen have spent tens of millions of investment money over the years with nothing really to show for it. Where is the evidence as it stands that we'd be any more successful? Bournemouth are hardly tearing it up since his arrival (albeit a short time period).

Foley is just starting out in this sport and we don't have any clear details on his vision for the club.Im the same when it comes to Foleys team bringing success to an ice hockey team in the USA and how difficult it was to oversee that and also what finances were put in place to achieve that in comparison to trying to achieve that at a football club

Lets be honest, hibs or Bournemouth are not gonna win any leagues any time soon but I suppose we can be more competitive at that end of the league on a consistent basis and possibly give celtc and the rangers the occasional bloody nose

Again without knowing Foleys plans as its all ifs and buts and nothing else more I would assume if he is putting a substantial sum of cash in then then he would want a say in how things operate from grass roots upwards. He would possibly want to see the youth structure and what works, what doesn't work, who works and who doesn't work and he may also want to put some of his ideas and people in place to make us more competitive in weaker areas

That of course if anything happens at all, we could end up with 50p investment from that Edinburgh born English based double glazing company owner 🫣

[GloryGlory]

The feeder club term is nonsense. It's global, neoliberal capitalism. Every club is a potential feeder club to ones with more money than them.

Exactly. Bournemouth could be seen as a feeder club for mid rank EPL teams like West Ham. Clubs like West Ham, Fulham, Brighton are EPL teams but could be seen as feeder teams for Liverpool, Man U, Newcastle, etc.

[ancient hibee]

Interesting discussion.Two thoughts-nobody knows what if anything he wants to do in relation to us and as far as I know the SFA doesn’t allow this type of business arrangement.

[CapitalGreen]

Interesting discussion.Two thoughts-nobody knows what if anything he wants to do in relation to us and as far as I know the SFA doesn’t allow this type of business arrangement.

What type of business arrangement?

[ancient hibee]

What type of business arrangement?

Multiple club ownership across leagues.

[JohnM1875]

"BREAKING: Premier League clubs have voted against ban on clubs loaning players from within the same ownership group.

It means Newcastle can sign players on loan from PIF owned clubs — and same for other clubs like Crystal Palace with Lyon and similar situations."

I know a few folk were worried this would be an issue for Foley investing in Hibs.

[Willis1875]

In relation to this(I think) The ban of clubs in England loaning players from within their ownership group has failed to materialise

[greenlex]

I wonder how Bournemouth voted? :greengrin

[Paulie Walnuts]

The only difference there will be is that Bournemouth get first dibs on a player we might have and that we recruit better players.

Otherwise we will continue to trade with clubs as we always have.

Football is changing again and we have no alternative but to change with it.

If you feel the need to walk away because of that change, you'll be in a tiny minority, but I'll respect your decision although I won't really understand it.

We don’t know we’ll recruit better players though. We also don’t know how much autonomy we’ll still have as our own individual club despite people posting as if we do know and we absolutely will have the same level of autonomy we do now.

As I said earlier, I want this to happen. But the folk having a go at Donegal for their concerns are doing the exact same thing, just from the other side of the fence. Claiming ‘we will sign better players’ or that we’ll still have our own folk running the club etc is based on nothing other than blind faith. We won’t know that until/if the deal happens. Put simply, there’s absolutely nobody on this board knows what Hibs will look like if this takeover goes through. It could be brilliant, it could be an utter disaster. I’m willing to take the gamble though as what we have currently is pretty guff in all honesty in terms of having little chance of any silverware and no real confidence of us ever getting to the group stages in Europe but I can’t blame people for having concerns.

[JeMeSouviens]

Multiple club ownership across leagues.

I think they (the SFA) have just relaxed that rule. Ah, no, a bit of googling says it has been reported by Stephen McGowan of the Daily Mail (so make of that what you will) that they are "set to relax" the rule. Seemingly Burnley's owners are lining up a move for Dundee as well.

[Donegal Hibby]

To be fair you support Newcastle who's owners have shares in other clubs too, if allowed would Newcastle be a feeder club to them ? 🫣

Newcastle Uniteds majority owners, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), has taken ownership of the Saudi Pro League's four leading clubs, including Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, the side close to agreeing a deal to sign Karim Benzema.


As part of Saudi Arabia's so-called "Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project," the PIF has taken a 75% stake in each of Saudi champions Al Ittihad, reigning Asian champions Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Nassr, with the remaining 25% in each team being transferred to non-profit foundations from the Saudi Ministry of Sport.

A massive difference between Newcastle and Hibernian situation though, Newcastle are making exciting signings that are costing alot of money , plans to increase St James park to the 2nd biggest capacity stadium in England and are at the top of there pyramid .

Hibs will be lucky to even be 2nd choice in there's with us there to take players who cant get a game at Bournemouth and will probably be moved on to other clubs in our pyramid before going back to what Foley's calls the mothership! .

If the Foley deal does go thru with us I could see the door opening for Newcastle owners and maybe the city group to purchase a Scottish team too like hertz or Aberdeen for the same purpose too which would probably blow anything Foley promises us out of the water . Once it starts that English premier clubs owners start to buy Scottish clubs to develop there players , where will it all end mate ? .

[Hibbyradge]

We don’t know we’ll recruit better players though. We also don’t know how much autonomy we’ll still have as our own individual club despite people posting as if we do know and we absolutely will have the same level of autonomy we do now.

As I said earlier, I want this to happen. But the folk having a go at Donegal for their concerns are doing the exact same thing, just from the other side of the fence. Claiming ‘we will sign better players’ or that we’ll still have our own folk running the club etc is based on nothing other than blind faith. We won’t know that until/if the deal happens. Put simply, there’s absolutely nobody on this board knows what Hibs will look like if this takeover goes through. It could be brilliant, it could be an utter disaster. I’m willing to take the gamble though as what we have currently is pretty guff in all honesty in terms of having little chance of any silverware and no real confidence of us ever getting to the group stages in Europe but I can’t blame people for having concerns.

Firstly, I wasn't having a go at Donegal.

Secondly, if we're not going to recruit better players, Foley's stated aim to have us "best of the rest" won't come to fruition.

Of course, I agree we don't have any details on the new arrangements, if it even materialises, and we don't have a crystal ball. However, just going by what has already been published, I think we can make some educated guesses.

Donegal's concerns are entirely from his imagination, however. There's been no chat of us losing our identity or becoming a "feeder" club. We don't even know what that actually means if it came to pass.

I have concerns too, different to Donegal's, but of course he's entitled to think any way he wants. I think most people are trying to reassure him rather than have a go at him for holding those views. Most.

[stuart-farquhar]

Seems to me that if Hibs can be financed to get in the Champions league the pecking order might change.

[badabing67]

A feeder club would be a step up from where we are now. At the moment we're lucky if we get a player that's good enough to move upwards from Hibs, our best players have gone to the heady heights of the English Championship or Saudi Arabia.

If we're getting players on a track to the Premiership then that's got to beat good thing. In what way do we lose our identify? That's just a cliche thrown out with no real meaning.

But this is just not about players it is also about managers, coaching and backroom staff as well, it is fine talking about players on track to the Premiership. But being one of a stable of hierarchical clubs how does it all knit together. "Identity" seems to one of these buzz words around the game now. As far as I can make out a club's identity can encompass a number of of things . Imo it roughly defines how the club / manager recruits and play's the game. Apparently under LJ we had none or very little identity. With a bloated squad and no particular style of play and reported dressing room unrest. Which looked disorganised, lacking in long term planning and structure. LJ as a manger told us a player should be able to play 2 or more positions. That's great if you have the players that can play 2 or more position. I think this is what contributed to our lack of "identity" under his tenure, he was trying to fit square pegs in round holes and it didn't workout for him and never will if he sticks to the same "philosophy" yet another buzz word creeping into the game.

Now we seem to have developed more of an "identity" under NM. As we have reduced the size of the squad, we are developing what we have already got, like Jair by giving a chance and develop some confidence. Melkersen is another that could improve simply by playing him in his position. Doidge is another that has contributed more recently along with Miller. We have strengthened the squad with signings like ALF, Vente, Youan and Levitt. There is also looks to be a pathway from the Development side. We have a style of play that the players seem to be buying into from their own testimony. I think "identity" is far more than just a cliché. As a fan we we should be seriously concerned about or identity. As far as I'm concerned our "identity" directly relates to our success or failure as a club.

I think that Hibs under the current structure is working hard to develop our "identity" it is obviously in the boards interest to so. That is the crux of the "identity" concern, is there is no way as it stands we can know how much autonomy or "identity" our club would have in a pyramid structure.

[Aldo]

So I will admit I haven’t read every post and skimmed most but are those that are against or have doubts about the investment the same posters who complain that we are mediocre and need investment to move forward as a club.

Not trolling and genuine question but just want to ask those posters how we get this investment in a way they think appropriate to take us forward.

[King Cosell]

I think the sort of signings we might be looking at with Foley on board are a Greek or Portuguese U21 international, £3m from AIK Athens or Porto. Bags of potential, nowhere near ready for the English Prem.

[RMQ1967]

The only difference there will be is that Bournemouth get first dibs on a player we might have and that we recruit better players.

Otherwise we will continue to trade with clubs as we always have.

Football is changing again and we have no alternative but to change with it.

If you feel the need to walk away because of that change, you'll be in a tiny minority, but I'll respect your decision although I won't really understand it.

Absolutely - all of this.

Amazing how hard some people need to work to tease the worst possible scenario out of an incredibly positive situation.

You don't go into a marriage expecting it to fail - you go in with the best of intentions - sometimes it doesn't work out but that's life. You never know unless you try.

[Hibs4185]

The feeder club term is nonsense. It's global, neoliberal capitalism. Every club is a potential feeder club to ones with more money than them.

Once JA pulls his funding and he will at some point, where are hearts going to get extra investment from? Supporters are already tapped to the hilt and no external investor will touch them.

They have an advantage at the moment but with the right investment we have an opportunity to be a lot bigger

[EskbankHibby]

A massive difference between Newcastle and Hibernian situation though, Newcastle are making exciting signings that are costing alot of money , plans to increase St James park to the 2nd biggest capacity stadium in England and are at the top of there pyramid .

Hibs will be lucky to even be 2nd choice in there's with us there to take players who cant get a game at Bournemouth and will probably be moved on to other clubs in our pyramid before going back to what Foley's calls the mothership! .

If the Foley deal does go thru with us I could see the door opening for Newcastle owners and maybe the city group to purchase a Scottish team too like hertz or Aberdeen for the same purpose too which would probably blow anything Foley promises us out of the water . Once it starts that English premier clubs owners start to buy Scottish clubs to develop there players , where will it all end mate ? .

Would you be more receptive to Newcastle owners or City Group then?

So it’s not the model but the team at the top?

Genuine question.👍

[Hibbyradge]

I think that Hibs under the current structure is working hard to develop our "identity" it is obviously in the boards interest to so. That is the crux of the "identity" concern, is there is no way as it stands we can know how much autonomy or "identity" our club would have in a pyramid structure.

Our identity, in the way you're interpreting it, changes every time we change manager.

For me, our identity, is in the badge on the front of our shirts and in our history. That won't change regardless of owner, manager or players.

[truehibernian]

Our identity, in the way you're interpreting it, changes every time we change manager.

For me, our identity, is in the badge on the front of our shirts and in our history. That won't change regardless of owner, manager or players.

Exactly this 👍 this Scottish media / Michael Stewart driven cliche (as it’s becoming) is utterly boring, unimaginative nonsense. It’s a modern day phrase for the team isn’t playing well and it’s just lazy rhetoric.

[babahibs]

I think the bottom line with this deal if it happens, is that we'll end up with better players, which usually means a better team.
Can't really see any downsides to that.

[truehibernian]

I think the bottom line with this deal if it happens, is that we'll end up with better players, which usually means a better team.
Can't really see any downsides to that.

Again, that’s it for me too. Multi million investment on the face of it can only be a positive however it’s never a guarantee of success. It provides more opportunities for getting better players in the door, and it’s down to wise recruitment and a more savvy approach to player investment. Foley will give us that advantage, perhaps not enough to challenge the Old Firm because they’re a duopoly in terms of Scottish football, but it’ll certainly provide a much better chance of consistent 3rd place finishes and regular European football.

[HibbyAndy]

Cannae wait to sign Martinelli & Saka :hyper:hyper

[Hibbyradge]

I wonder if this has been in the pipeline for a lot longer than we think and that the appointments of Brian McDermott and NM were part of the bigger plan.

Ron Gordon must have known that his cancer was going to win for a while before he eventually passed in February and maybe things were set in motion early.

Obviously, I'm just postulating. I have no idea how or when Foley became involved.

[Hibbyradge]

Cannae wait to sign Martinelli & Saka :hyper:hyper

It'll make a change from players who look like they've overdone it with the Martini and Sake! 🍸🍾

[McD]

I suppose the way I look on the term " feeder club" is slightly different to others on here . We have always sold or lost players to other clubs normally bigger than our own though all club's sell players even the likes of Celtic have sold Jota , Tierney etc . We are a club that sells its best player's hopefully for a profit though I never actually thought on us as a feeder club though this what's supposedly is going to happen to us now is totally uncharted waters as far as I'm concerned in it will be the first time we will be owned by someone who owns / has shares in numerous clubs were we aren't the Main priority and I would look on us as a feeder club if it does !.I think it's a bad thing that's happening to football in general with the city group owning or having shares in something like 13 clubs and do wonder if these folk have the clubs best interests at heart. I get why so many are for it in the promises of riches and better results though there's probably fans from new Zealand, Holland and whatever other countries Foley buys clubs in all dreaming of the same things too. Worse scenario for me is I will probably lose interest in football if it ends up Hibernian are just one of a number of clubs added to Bournemouths pyramid! .



Situation currently: Hibs try to sign the best players within their budget, win as many football matches as they can, hopefully winning trophies and getting into Europe, and sell the better ones on for a profit.


Potential situation with Bill Foley: Hibs try to sign the best players within their improved budget, with the added bonus of being funnelled players who would likely be outwith that budget. Win as many matches as they can, hopefully winning trophies and getting into Europe, and sell the better players for a profit, with strong links to a club with access to much greater funds happy to take players at a profit who’ve shown their worth. Other clubs are also available to sell players to.



Whoever owns Hibs, whatever group we might be part of, or have strong links to, the facts of the matter are and will be:
Hibs will still be trying to sign the best players they can, win as many matches as they can, hoping to win a trophy and/or get to Europe, and ultimately sell some of those players on for a profit.

[HibbyAndy]

It'll make a change from players who look like they've overdone it with the Martini and Sake! 🍸🍾

:top marks:thumbsup::not worth

:greengrin

[Donegal Hibby]

Would you be more receptive to Newcastle owners or City Group then?

So it’s not the model but the team at the top?

Genuine question.👍

I'd honestly be just as opposed to Newcastle owners or city group too . I don't like the thought that a club like ours with it's history and tradition should be bought by a owner of another club as well as other clubs and we aren't the main priority with the owner . Its sadly been happening alot now in football were rich owners are buying up other clubs as pawns for there main clubs and though it didn't bother me up to now it certainly does when it comes to Hibs . I'm still hoping the Gordon's won't sell us out and there will be a mutual agreement that maybe benefits both parties rather than the other option which would probably kill my enthusiasm for the game if it happens .

[RMQ1967]

I'd honestly be just as opposed to Newcastle owners or city group too . I don't like the thought that a club like ours with it's history and tradition should be bought by a owner of another club as well as other clubs and we aren't the main priority with the owner . Its sadly been happening alot now in football were rich owners are buying up other clubs as pawns for there main clubs and though it didn't bother me up to now it certainly does when it comes to Hibs . I'm still hoping the Gordon's won't sell us out and there will be a mutual agreement that maybe benefits both parties rather than the other option which would probably kill my enthusiasm for the game if it happens .

You must enjoy watching decades of mediocrity if you think this way.

I'm looking forward to a bit of excitement & positivity for a change.

[babahibs]

Again, that’s it for me too. Multi million investment on the face of it can only be a positive however it’s never a guarantee of success. It provides more opportunities for getting better players in the door, and it’s down to wise recruitment and a more savvy approach to player investment. Foley will give us that advantage, perhaps not enough to challenge the Old Firm because they’re a duopoly in terms of Scottish football, but it’ll certainly provide a much better chance of consistent 3rd place finishes and regular European football.

Exactly this, gives us an opportunity to get closer to where we all want us to be, bring it on I say.

[Since90+2]

If the Saudi's had bought us and not Newcastle and had us at the top of the league, Easter Road would be full every week.

There's be some who wouldn't attend, a few on here in sure, but people are kidding themselves if they don't think ER would be sold out every week if we were winning leagues.

[Since90+2]

Firstly, I wasn't having a go at Donegal.

Secondly, if we're not going to recruit better players, Foley's stated aim to have us "best of the rest" won't come to fruition.

Of course, I agree we don't have any details on the new arrangements, if it even materialises, and we don't have a crystal ball. However, just going by what has already been published, I think we can make some educated guesses.

Donegal's concerns are entirely from his imagination, however. There's been no chat of us losing our identity or becoming a "feeder" club. We don't even know what that actually means if it came to pass.

I have concerns too, different to Donegal's, but of course he's entitled to think any way he wants. I think most people are trying to reassure him rather than have a go at him for holding those views. Most.

Your first point is key. Bill Foley isn't going to pump money into us and want us to stand still. It would be completely pointless.

If he's putting money in he's going to want us to get better and compete. Whether or not that happens is of course unknown, but it will be his aim.

[MWHIBBIES]

If we have players that can feed into the EPL we'll be 10 levels above where we are now. Boyle, Nisbet, Newel even Porteous aren't that level. John McGinn is the only player in decades probably that would be in that level. If we were to be a feeder club it would take massive investment year on year and a enormous shift in quality of player.

Or we can stay midtable outspent by hearts and Aberdeen year on year

Josh Doig plays in the top flight of Italy. Probably only him and McGinn since Fletcher, though.

[The Modfather]

It was the same when Ron Gordon bought us. Lots worried about selling our soul, talking about losing seats to new tourist fans, name changes etc. As it turned out there’s not much different between Farmer to Gordon. Some good (infrastructure, commercial growth) & the same bad (general failure on the park).

I don’t see what there is to get overly worried about under Foley. I don’t foresee any threat to our name, the strip or our stadium. Nor any threat to our autonomy when it comes to formations, team selections, signings managers etc. We’re generally an inconsistent mid table team most seasons. I don’t see that getting worse because of Foley and worst case we continue to underachieve as we always have.

The potential upside is that we might have a bigger budget to play with, access to better scouting networks and better ways to fully utilise the training centre. We might also be able to keep a team like the Golden generation together, or players like Porteous, Doig & Nisbet, for longer. Players who are good at our level but won’t improve Bournmouth/good enough for the premiership.

[Viva_Palmeiras]

We don’t know we’ll recruit better players though. We also don’t know how much autonomy we’ll still have as our own individual club despite people posting as if we do know and we absolutely will have the same level of autonomy we do now.

As I said earlier, I want this to happen. But the folk having a go at Donegal for their concerns are doing the exact same thing, just from the other side of the fence. Claiming ‘we will sign better players’ or that we’ll still have our own folk running the club etc is based on nothing other than blind faith. We won’t know that until/if the deal happens. Put simply, there’s absolutely nobody on this board knows what Hibs will look like if this takeover goes through. It could be brilliant, it could be an utter disaster. I’m willing to take the gamble though as what we have currently is pretty guff in all honesty in terms of having little chance of any silverware and no real confidence of us ever getting to the group stages in Europe but I can’t blame people for having concerns.

Investment only leads to a competitive advantage if the conditions are right - it’s invested wisely, injuries don’t disrupt and we build our capability (management/coaching/team).

But if every team finds a way for increase / better investment where’s the competitive advantage?

Chasing the dream of the back of an unsustainable investment model is the ruination of football and it’s my long held opinion that the football authorise have been neglectful
in their remit. Even the wheels have come off the cart of some of the biggest teams in the world.

How can the game be sustainable with irresponsible spending?
the game has lost its compass and now we resort to seeking investors apparently not seeking a return, including from regimes that have questionable approaches to human rights or chasing a seeming lost cause of increase tV revenues.

I have no answers - the game appears lost in the maelstrom of power corruptions and lies and rather than the bubble bursting the American and Saudi investment just jacked up the risk and debts to another level.

Why should clubs _rely_ on foreign investment?

[Hibbyradge]

Your first point is key. Bill Foley isn't going to pump money into us and want us to stand still. It would be completely pointless.

If he's putting money in he's going to want us to get better and compete. Whether or not that happens is of course unknown, but it will be his aim.

My first point was that I wasn't having a go at Donegal! :greengrin

Apart from that, we agree! 👍

[Donegal Hibby]

You must enjoy watching decades of mediocrity if you think this way.

I'm looking forward to a bit of excitement & positivity for a change.

No not particularly though I stuck with my team and for me the good times have far outweighed the bad . Glad your looking forward to whatever Foley's takeover brings. I'm still worried were his priorities are with Hibs in him owning another 5 o r 6 football clubs though . Each to there own opinions though 👍

[The Spaceman]

Suppose only concern from my perspective is how they weight their invested capital between clubs - would they ramp up debt against Hibs on the proviso its part of a big machine/cash sloshing between clubs? What then happens if Bournemouth get relegated from the Prem and the huge financial impact that tends to have? Doesn't sound like we would be a truly free-standing entity in this new set-up/would be winning and losing as part of the wider organisation's success?

[jeffers]

Not heard what the latest is regarding any investment, so while it can change the last I did hear was that the Gordons were not giving up their ownership of the club.

I still don’t see a downside.

[HendoDelivered]

Not heard what the latest is regarding any investment, so while it can change the last I did hear was that the Gordons were not giving up their ownership of the club.

I still don’t see a downside.

Hope this is true Jeffers 👍🏼

[ScottB]

I just can’t get my head around us having Bournemouth as some sort of pinnacle to aim for. They are a poor Premier League club, with a crap stadium and a much smaller fan base than us. I’ve lived in Bournemouth and a football town it is not.

Even if he pumped a billion quid into Bournemouth, they might have better players and a new stadium, but they would never fill it and it is highly doubtful they would ever reach European level. Unfortunately for Bournemouth, their billionaire is not as rich as the big teams.

I just can’t see what the attraction is of Bournemouth as a club, to an old man with too much money. If we are tied into that, it might get us a short term boost, but once the whole multi club concept is understood, I fear our rivals might get snapped up by owners/budgets much bigger than us and we will still be shackled to bleeding Bournemouth…


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Would suspect he just wanted to own a Premier League team and Bournemouth were available and probably among the cheapest you could buy.

I doubt he particularly cares or set out to buy Bournemouth specifically. There’s a bunch of better prospects, club wise, that you could grow into a believable top half side, but with FFP likely to get tighter, their tiny fanbase could eventually make it a struggle just for them to stay up, regardless of how rich he is.

[hibsforeurope]

Not heard what the latest is regarding any investment, so while it can change the last I did hear was that the Gordons were not giving up their ownership of the club.

I still don’t see a downside.

Would the multi club rule not need to change if the Gordon’s were looking to sell outright to Foley?

Either way I also can’t see a down side to this deal.

[matty_f]

From what I gather (mainly from what I took from his Men In Blazers Podcast interview), the advantages for his group of a multi-club ownership model is the transition of players at varying levels to ultimately end up at the top of the game (in this case, the English Premiership).

To do this, he wants to share resources and best practices between clubs. Without having had an in-depth look at the set up at Bournemouth, I suspect that it will be a level up from the set up at Hibs. They will utilise top end software, they will have more coaches, more scouts, more data analysts and so on.

The aim is to take that expertise and those resources to support the other clubs in the group - if you take scouting as an example, Bournemouth have finite capacity for signing players, however they might identify a number of players over that limit - or have excess for a specific position - that they think (based on their analysis) will be successful players. With no multi-club model, Bournemouth lose those players to competitors.

With the multi-club, they can use the group to sign the players, get them playing at a good level and move them on when ready. Everyone wins in that scenario.


Access to a wider scouting network, better sports science, perhaps better medical facilities for injury rehab etc all becomes possible as part of the group.

None of these things fundamentally change the identity of Hibs and more than routinely churning players and managers does, IMHO.

I'm not claiming to know that this is how it will look, but I am basing it on comments that Bill Foley made when describing why he wants a Scottish club in his portfolio so it's an informed guess.

[CapitalGreen]

I wonder how Bournemouth voted? :greengrin

Bournemouth voted in favour of a ban.

[greenlex]

Bournemouth voted in favour of a ban.

They’re obviously no wanting their best players heading to the new mothership in Edinburgh.

[GreenGray]

Interesting that Bournemouth weren’t included in the list of clubs that voted to block the ban of signing loan players from partner clubs in Premier League.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Forza Fred]

Foley’s company officially confirmed as licence holders of new Auckland side to be put together from scratch…to play in the A League from next season.

Apparently he’s got business interests throughout NZ.

[Donegal Hibby]

https://youtu.be/y_FKLLApFRs?si=ZjKH46bkog9HeR1v

https://bournemouth-forum.vitalfootball.co.uk/threads/bills-next-football-investment-new-zealand.18274/

https://bournemouth-forum.vitalfootball.co.uk/threads/foleys-next-next-next-football-investment-netherlands.18483/

[superfurryhibby]

From what I gather (mainly from what I took from his Men In Blazers Podcast interview), the advantages for his group of a multi-club ownership model is the transition of players at varying levels to ultimately end up at the top of the game (in this case, the English Premiership).

To do this, he wants to share resources and best practices between clubs. Without having had an in-depth look at the set up at Bournemouth, I suspect that it will be a level up from the set up at Hibs. They will utilise top end software, they will have more coaches, more scouts, more data analysts and so on.

The aim is to take that expertise and those resources to support the other clubs in the group - if you take scouting as an example, Bournemouth have finite capacity for signing players, however they might identify a number of players over that limit - or have excess for a specific position - that they think (based on their analysis) will be successful players. With no multi-club model, Bournemouth lose those players to competitors.

With the multi-club, they can use the group to sign the players, get them playing at a good level and move them on when ready. Everyone wins in that scenario.


Access to a wider scouting network, better sports science, perhaps better medical facilities for injury rehab etc all becomes possible as part of the group.

None of these things fundamentally change the identity of Hibs and more than routinely churning players and managers does, IMHO.

I'm not claiming to know that this is how it will look, but I am basing it on comments that Bill Foley made when describing why he wants a Scottish club in his portfolio so it's an informed guess.

Well made summary Matty, but the loss of autonomy in terms of decision making and players is a total change in Hibs identity surely? From an independent functioning club to one that serves the interest of a very different corporate entity, that’s surely new territory.

[matty_f]

Well made summary Matty, but the loss of autonomy in terms of decision making and players is a total change in Hibs identity surely? From an independent functioning club to one that serves the interest of a very different corporate entity, that’s surely new territory.

Depends on whether or not we still have a veto on them - I think I remember Foley mentioning having a sporting director at each club to make sure the transfers are right.

I think the days of a manager and only a manager identifying and signing players has past, is this set up really any different from a DoF working with a recruitment team to sign players? I guess there is a risk that you could end up with players you don't want, but that doesn't serve anyone's interests.

[Hibrandenburg]

And we'd still be in the same place in the football pyramid, but maybe with the chance to be more successful more often.

I'm still not sold on this pyramid thing. Sounds more like a house of cards and unfortunately when one card gets removed the whole thing collapses.

[CallumLaidlaw]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231122/e977ca4ea50a9dca21d2f53ff961f7b9.png
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231122/3fdaed7c46bc1b929990b3ef9f44c362.png

Getting more specific now, with 24.9% being quoted.


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[bingo70]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231122/e977ca4ea50a9dca21d2f53ff961f7b9.png
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231122/3fdaed7c46bc1b929990b3ef9f44c362.png

Getting more specific now, with 24.9% being quoted.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What would 24.9% ownership mean in terms of the overall ownership of the club? What would that leave the Gordon’s and everyone else with?

[Hibs4185]

It looks like the president has to decide whether the new investment harms the chances of rangers, Celtic and hearts before he decides to allow it or not.

‘builds the economy of the scottish game’. What are they doing currently to build the economy of the scottish game? Hee haw.

No wonder scottish football is a laughing stock

[GloryGlory]

What would 24.9% ownership mean in terms of the overall ownership of the club? What would that leave the Gordon’s and everyone else with?

It wouldn't be enough on its own under company law to block special resolutions at an AGM/EGM, as for certain things a 75% majority is required rather than just a simple majority for ordinary resolutions. Special resolutions required for among other things:

reducing the company’s share capital;
changing the companies status by registration, for example, changing from a limited company to a partnership;
purchasing the company’s own shares;
changing the company’s articles of association;
changing the company’s name; and
making the company insolvent.

The rule is for the protection of minority shareholder interests.

[GloryGlory]

It looks like the president has to decide whether the new investment harms the chances of rangers, Celtic and hearts before he decides to allow it or not.

‘builds the economy of the scottish game’. What are they doing currently to build the economy of the scottish game? Hee haw.

No wonder scottish football is a laughing stock

That's what I thought when I read it. I could just see the SFA phoning up Rantic to ask for their permission for the deal going through. To the SFA the "integrity of the game" means looking out for the interests of the Old Firm above all other clubs to make sure they are unchallenged at 1 and 2 in the league, nothing more.

[Hibs4185]

That's what I thought when I read it. I could just see the SFA phoning up Rantic to ask for their permission for the deal going through. To the SFA the "integrity of the game" means looking out for the interests of the Old Firm above all other clubs to make sure they are unchallenged at 1 and 2 in the league, nothing more.

Exactly…..if Rangers were getting a billionaire on board who owned other clubs. The headline would be…

Rangers seal multi million investment

Rangers today sealed investment from Bill Foley which should benefit the whole of the scottish game. Ian maxwell, chairman of the SFA, welcomed the investment showing the scottish game is seen as an attractive investment worldwide and further enhances our reputation at home and abroad. The fact Bill Foley owns Bournemouth can only bring benefits in terms of commercial opportunities….

If it gets blocked by the SFA and allowed by almost every other association including England, then the game up here really is a stitch up

[CropleyWasGod]

What would 24.9% ownership mean in terms of the overall ownership of the club? What would that leave the Gordon’s and everyone else with?

The Gordons would have 42%. The rest would be unchanged.

[bingo70]

Exactly…..if Rangers were getting a billionaire on board who owned other clubs. The headline would be…

Rangers seal multi million investment

Rangers today sealed investment from Bill Foley which should benefit the whole of the scottish game. Ian maxwell, chairman of the SFA, welcomed the investment showing the scottish game is seen as an attractive investment worldwide and further enhances our reputation at home and abroad. The fact Bill Foley owns Bournemouth can only bring benefits in terms of commercial opportunities….

If it gets blocked by the SFA and allowed by almost every other association including England, then the game up here really is a stitch up

I don’t know how rich he is but was that the headlines when Mike Ashley was involved at Rangers and Newcastle? That’s not my recollection of it.

FWIW Mike Mulraney is an Alloa man and I’m loath to be of the opinion that everyone outside the old firm is really an old firm person at heart. Just my opinion however I think the SFA will realise Scottish football is at a bit of a cross roads and if we don’t start to do things differently we will be left behind by the rest of Europe. I think they know change is needed and id be surprised if Rangers and Celtic didn’t agree something has to be done.

[jeffers]

I don’t know how rich he is but was that the headlines when Mike Ashley was involved at Rangers and Newcastle? That’s not my recollection of it.

FWIW Mike Mulraney is an Alloa man and I’m loath to be of the opinion that everyone outside the old firm is really an old firm person at heart. Just my opinion however I think the SFA will realise Scottish football is at a bit of a cross roads and if we don’t start to do things differently we will be left behind by the rest of Europe. I think they know change is needed and id be surprised if Rangers and Celtic didn’t agree something has to be done.

Nothing would surprise me mate. I’m not suggesting there is an anti Hibs agenda but we know if Foley was investing in the **** the powers that be would rubber stamp it immediately.

[Greencore]

Knew the sfa would try and block this. They don't want their 2 teams brought down.

[bingo70]

Knew the sfa would try and block this. They don't want their 2 teams brought down.

They’re not trying to block it? They’re amending the rules to allow it.

The rules in place currently block it so if they didn’t want it to happen it’s a fairly short conversation.

[Spike Mandela]

I was quite optimistic that this deal would go through to the betterment of Hibs. Now that the SFA is involved I think it is doomed to failure or will be so watered down so much it is likely Foley will give up on it.

[Renfrew_Hibby]

Just back from Tesco and had a quick swatch of the Mail's back page... 'Mulraney - "Our refs have been brilliant"... God help us!

[TrinityHFC]

It wouldn't be enough on its own under company law to block special resolutions at an AGM/EGM, as for certain things a 75% majority is required rather than just a simple majority for ordinary resolutions. Special resolutions required for among other things:

reducing the company’s share capital;
changing the companies status by registration, for example, changing from a limited company to a partnership;
purchasing the company’s own shares;
changing the company’s articles of association;
changing the company’s name; and
making the company insolvent.

The rule is for the protection of minority shareholder interests.

It pretty much would though. The 75% is of total votes cast rather than total share register. If they wanted to block something they would.

[Hibs4185]

They’re not trying to block it? They’re amending the rules to allow it.

The rules in place currently block it so if they didn’t want it to happen it’s a fairly short conversation.

Will it not need a vote to change the rules? It seems to be even 1 club objects just don’t carry. So hearts could object and multi club ownership would be doomed

[bingo70]

Will it not need a vote to change the rules? It seems to be even 1 club objects just don’t carry. So hearts could object and multi club ownership would be doomed

I really don’t know but that used to be the rule for changes to the old SPL required that.

This is an SFA rule they’re looking to amend which is different from the SPFL rules I think and presumably meets a different criteria for changes to be made.

[Donegal Hibby]

Knew the sfa would try and block this. They don't want their 2 teams brought down.

I don't think Bill Foley's investment would be enough to bring down the old firm anyhow . I see Burnley's American owners in talks with Dundee about becoming their feeder club too. Probably the start of every club in the Scottish Premier barring the old firm becoming a English premier feeder club now ! .

[overdrive]

Read on a Bournemouth forum that Foley is a Trump supporter and financial backer. That’s totally put me off him being involved with us.

[ElginHibbie]

I don't think Bill Foley's investment would be enough to bring down the old firm anyhow . I see Burnley's American owners in talks with Dundee about becoming their feeder club too. Probably the start of every club in the Scottish Premier barring the old firm becoming a English premier feeder club now ! .

Be step up from being, at best, a English Championship feeder club that we all are now

[nonshinyfinish]

Will it not need a vote to change the rules? It seems to be even 1 club objects just don’t carry. So hearts could object and multi club ownership would be doomed

Are you referring to the SPFL 11-1 voting rules? It's SFA rules in question here.

I don't know how SFA rule changes work, but since there are 124 full members I doubt that Golspie Sutherland or Hearts or Brora Rangers can just veto it.

[Forza Fred]

Will it not need a vote to change the rules? It seems to be even 1 club objects just don’t carry. So hearts could object and multi club ownership would be doomed

And they will!

[Donegal Hibby]

Be step up from being, at best, a English Championship feeder club that we all are now

I didn't think any English championship club had shares in us ? , there's also a chance Bournemouth will end up back in the championship next year so Id hardly call it a step up !. If the Scottish premiership clubs are taken over by English clubs our league is basically a English premier reserve League imo too though I suppose most folk are quite happy with that idea !.

[Green Badger]

Read on a Bournemouth forum that Foley is a Trump supporter and financial backer. That’s totally put me off him being involved with us.

He was a backer in the past, however he's said he won't give him anything for the 2024 election.

[Donegal Hibby]

Read on a Bournemouth forum that Foley is a Trump supporter and financial backer. That’s totally put me off him being involved with us.
Supposedly donated a fair bit of cash to Trump at one point , wouldn't worry about it though as ones going to make America great again , and the other Hibs 😂😂

[NAE NOOKIE]

He was a backer in the past, however he's said he won't give him anything for the 2024 election.

Good. Because anybody with such a lack of judgement or moral compass that they think Donald Trump should be anywhere near a position of power or responsibility shouldn't be allowed anywhere near our club.

[Mick O'Rourke]

Bill Foley gave to Trump, who is a deranged and dangerous lunatic and a threat to democracy in America, over 400.000 US dollars before and during that madmans time in office through a wine company Foley owns in the USA.
Our major shareholders need to knock his advances on our club back.

[ElginHibbie]

I didn't think any English championship club had shares in us ? , there's also a chance Bournemouth will end up back in the championship next year so Id hardly call it a step up !. If the Scottish premiership clubs are taken over by English clubs our league is basically a English premier reserve League imo too though I suppose most folk are quite happy with that idea !.

My point is look at the players we have sold in recent years, McGinn, Nisbet, Porteous all gone to Championship teams, any player with ambition or quality is gonna view Hibs as a stepping stone so we are essentially a feeder club to that league

I don't think people are maybe happy with the idea, just in the reality of where modern football is going so a link like one being mentioned, if done correctly, would hopefully mean we get more of the quality of player mentioned above or even of a higher standard if they are aiming to be Premiership players

[B.H.F.C]

I didn't think any English championship club had shares in us ? , there's also a chance Bournemouth will end up back in the championship next year so Id hardly call it a step up !. If the Scottish premiership clubs are taken over by English clubs our league is basically a English premier reserve League imo too though I suppose most folk are quite happy with that idea !.

We’re not being taken over by an English team though….

[Brightside]

They’re not trying to block it? They’re amending the rules to allow it.

The rules in place currently block it so if they didn’t want it to happen it’s a fairly short conversation.

exactly.

[Hibernian Verse]

Make Hibs Great Again.

You'll be in for a shock if you think Hibs are run by socialists as it stands.

[Brightside]

Knocking back an investor due to him investing in Trump is one of the nuttiest things I've heard. You're going to struggle to find many people with the riches to invest who don't have some morally questionable past investment. Also remember more than half of the USA supported Trump at that time, and the UK continued to vote for the Tories!

[Iain G]

Bill Foley gave to Trump, who is a deranged and dangerous lunatic and a threat to democracy in America, over 400.000 US dollars before and during that madmans time in office through a wine company Foley owns in the USA.
Our major shareholders need to knock his advances on our club back.

Do we know if Ron or Tom Farmer or any previous owners had donated to dubious causes or campaigns?

He did in the past and he won't do now, seems her has learned from his mistakes.

[Green Badger]

Knocking back an investor due to him investing in Trump is one of the nuttiest things I've heard. You're going to struggle to find many people with the riches to invest who don't have some morally questionable past investment. Also remember more than half of the USA supported Trump at that time, and the UK continued to vote for the Tories!

Agreed, it seems he's also decided to stop supporting Trump, which I see as a positive.

[Centre Hawf]

Read on a Bournemouth forum that Foley is a Trump supporter and financial backer. That’s totally put me off him being involved with us.

You say that assuming the Gordon's weren't? You'd be amazed at how many Americans (especially with money) were or still are.

[DanishJohn]

Good. Because anybody with such a lack of judgement or moral compass that they think Donald Trump should be anywhere near a position of power or responsibility shouldn't be allowed anywhere near our club.


Nookie

I think someone else used the word Socialist.
That is a very dirty type word in America I would say akin to Communist. Difficult to reconcile this with a football club who are "supported" by in the most part ordinary decent people.

Whose politics, principles and beliefs would prevail ?

[MagicSwirlingShip]

A donation to Trump campaign is also a donation towards the Republicans. Doesn’t mean he agrees with him on every policy, decision or statement. It could just be he wanted to keep the democrats out.

[hibbie02]

A massive difference between Newcastle and Hibernian situation though, Newcastle are making exciting signings that are costing alot of money , plans to increase St James park to the 2nd biggest capacity stadium in England and are at the top of there pyramid .

Hibs will be lucky to even be 2nd choice in there's with us there to take players who cant get a game at Bournemouth and will probably be moved on to other clubs in our pyramid before going back to what Foley's calls the mothership! .

If the Foley deal does go thru with us I could see the door opening for Newcastle owners and maybe the city group to purchase a Scottish team too like hertz or Aberdeen for the same purpose too which would probably blow anything Foley promises us out of the water . Once it starts that English premier clubs owners start to buy Scottish clubs to develop there players , where will it all end mate ? .

This is where I’m at too. Hibs could once again be in the forefront of the new football era in getting involved with a group headed by an EPL team. Unfortunately it looks like Bournemouth, who will never be a great club unless they do a Blackburn Rovers …. And that didn’t end well ultimately. We jump into a deal with Bournemouth and Hertz get in with Newcastle! How do we feel then. Aberdeen and Arsenal? [emoji33]. If theses deals happen in future, I’d rather wait and see if it turns into a scramble. I really don’t want to be in a group with Bournemouth as the top of the pyramid.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Hibernian Verse]

This is where I’m at too. Hibs could once again be in the forefront of the new football era in getting involved with a group headed by an EPL team. Unfortunately it looks like Bournemouth, who will never be a great club unless they do a Blackburn Rovers …. And that didn’t end well ultimately. We jump into a deal with Bournemouth and Hertz get in with Newcastle! How do we feel then. Aberdeen and Arsenal? [emoji33]. If theses deals happen in future, I’d rather wait and see if it turns into a scramble. I really don’t want to be in a group with Bournemouth as the top of the pyramid.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I don't understand this at all.

You have missed the option that means we don't ever have a billionaire backer if we knock back this one. Let's just wait and see if Arsenal take Aberdeen and get a million miles ahead of us.

It's well documented that Hearts and fan owned and the fans would need to sell their own shares.

[DanishJohn]

Bill Foley gave to Trump, who is a deranged and dangerous lunatic and a threat to democracy in America, over 400.000 US dollars before and during that madmans time in office through a wine company Foley owns in the USA.
Our major shareholders need to knock his advances on our club back.

Mick

How do our major shareholders do this ?

I think it a very important part of the chairman's role (might even be defined in business law) that a chairman must engage the shareholders of an organisation on any pertinent matter regarding their share of the company. Our second biggest share holder of the company HSL (approx 15.4% and mystery individual (approx 10%)

Can anyone confirm that Malcolm McPherson as our chairman has done this?

I think they can answer this query soon.

[.Sean.]

We’re now above taking money off someone because you don’t agree with his politics. Heard it all now 😂😂😂😂😂

Then again maybe it doesn’t tie in with some folks ‘Hibs Class’ soft, mythical narrative

Make Hibs Great Again

[Hibernian Verse]

We’re now above taking money off someone because you don’t agree with his politics. Heard it all now ����������
Then again maybe it doesn’t tie in with some folks ‘Hibs Class’ soft, mythical narrative

Make Hibs Great Again

The amusing part is that they're making the assumption that our multi-millionaire owners and 300k a year CEO aren't Tories or Republicans ����������

[gbhibby]

Bill Foley gave to Trump, who is a deranged and dangerous lunatic and a threat to democracy in America, over 400.000 US dollars before and during that madmans time in office through a wine company Foley owns in the USA.
Our major shareholders need to knock his advances on our club back.
Do we knock back people who donate to the tory party ?

[hibbie02]

I don't understand this at all.

You have missed the option that means we don't ever have a billionaire backer if we knock back this one. Let's just wait and see if Arsenal take Aberdeen and get a million miles ahead of us.

It's well documented that Hearts and fan owned and the fans would need to sell their own shares.

My point is, that if there is a rush to buy into Scottish clubs, why jump at the first offer? If there isn’t we might have missed out, but we are no worse off.

I just feel there might be better options coming if Scottish clubs are seen as a sporting investment. Being tied in with Bournemouth is not desperately exciting, particularly if bigger clubs are looking to invest in Scotland.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Hibs4185]

My point is, that if there is a rush to buy into Scottish clubs, why jump at the first offer? If there isn’t we might have missed out, but we are no worse off.

I just feel there might be better options coming if Scottish clubs are seen as a sporting investment. Being tied in with Bournemouth is not desperately exciting, particularly if bigger clubs are looking to invest in Scotland.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

£1.6 billion is a bit exciting.

[Hibernian Verse]

My point is, that if there is a rush to buy into Scottish clubs, why jump at the first offer? If there isn’t we might have missed out, but we are no worse off.

I just feel there might be better options coming if Scottish clubs are seen as a sporting investment. Being tied in with Bournemouth is not desperately exciting, particularly if bigger clubs are looking to invest in Scotland.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

You're missing the point that there is no rush as far as I can see and that Foley will own us not Bournemouth Football Club.

[MagicSwirlingShip]

My point is, that if there is a rush to buy into Scottish clubs, why jump at the first offer? If there isn’t we might have missed out, but we are no worse off.

I just feel there might be better options coming if Scottish clubs are seen as a sporting investment. Being tied in with Bournemouth is not desperately exciting, particularly if bigger clubs are looking to invest in Scotland.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

There’s a good saying - “Don’t let perfect get in the way of progress”

[Carheenlea]

Do we know if Ron or Tom Farmer or any previous owners had donated to dubious causes or campaigns?

He did in the past and he won't do now, seems her has learned from his mistakes.

Tom Farmer has donated around £100,000 to the SNP.

[neil7908]

Knocking back an investor due to him investing in Trump is one of the nuttiest things I've heard. You're going to struggle to find many people with the riches to invest who don't have some morally questionable past investment. Also remember more than half of the USA supported Trump at that time, and the UK continued to vote for the Tories!

Why do we need a billionaire with riches to invest? I find the way football is run at the top end appalling and would prefer my club wasn't involved.

I know, I know, that's how the game is going, have to keep up with the times etc but I've found myself less and less interested in following the EPL, Champions League etc over the years. It saddens me to see Hibs going down this route.

[Centre Hawf]

You're missing the point that there is no rush as far as I can see and that Foley will own us not Bournemouth Football Club.

I may have missed this but has it even been confirmed he's owning us? I was under the assumption the Gordon's would still retain the majority but maybe that's changed.

[007]

I didn't think any English championship club had shares in us ? , there's also a chance Bournemouth will end up back in the championship next year so Id hardly call it a step up !. If the Scottish premiership clubs are taken over by English clubs our league is basically a English premier reserve League imo too though I suppose most folk are quite happy with that idea !.

Or folk don't agree that this deal going through will mean our league will become an EPL reserve league.

[.Sean.]

Or folk don't agree that this deal going through will mean our league will become an EPL reserve league.
The league is already an EPL reserve league as that’s where the majority of the best players end up going

[Brightside]

My point is, that if there is a rush to buy into Scottish clubs, why jump at the first offer? If there isn’t we might have missed out, but we are no worse off.

I just feel there might be better options coming if Scottish clubs are seen as a sporting investment. Being tied in with Bournemouth is not desperately exciting, particularly if bigger clubs are looking to invest in Scotland.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

There isn't a rush though.

[ancient hibee]

I may have missed this but has it even been confirmed he's owning us? I was under the assumption the Gordon's would still retain the majority but maybe that's changed.

Only thing that’s been stated(nothing confirmed)is that he’s been talking to Hibs about buying a stake. The rest is supposition .

[jeffers]

I may have missed this but has it even been confirmed he's owning us? I was under the assumption the Gordon's would still retain the majority but maybe that's changed.

Nothing has been confirmed. Feels like folk are assuming the worst before it actually happens (as a definite glass half empty guy I do get it) but as I keep saying the little I’ve heard is the Gordons are not relinquishing their majority shareholding in the club.

[Iain G]

Tom Farmer has donated around £100,000 to the SNP.

We should have driven him out of the club then for giving money to both Salmond and Sturgeon 😁

[Mick O'Rourke]

Do we knock back people who donate to the tory party ?

:greengrin
Is that a rhetorical question ?

[Mick O'Rourke]

Knocking back an investor due to him investing in Trump is one of the nuttiest things I've heard. You're going to struggle to find many people with the riches to invest who don't have some morally questionable past investment. Also remember more than half of the USA supported Trump at that time, and the UK continued to vote for the Tories!

No they did not !
Trump was a financial crook before he got into the political ring
Foley surely knew that at the time he donated hundreds of thousands of US dollars to him (not to the GOP)even if others did not.
Trump is a proven sex offender,liar ,fraudster and racist who has still to answer in court to multiple criminal indictments.
You agree on that ?
Whatever our differing views, its personal opinions.
Foley knew about pre 2016 Trump!

[gbhibby]

:greengrin
Is that a rhetorical question ?
Mick

Was just thinking that a lot of things said about Trump could be said about Boris.

[Donegal Hibby]

My point is look at the players we have sold in recent years, McGinn, Nisbet, Porteous all gone to Championship teams, any player with ambition or quality is gonna view Hibs as a stepping stone so we are essentially a feeder club to that league

I don't think people are maybe happy with the idea, just in the reality of where modern football is going so a link like one being mentioned, if done correctly, would hopefully mean we get more of the quality of player mentioned above or even of a higher standard if they are aiming to be Premiership players

Of course we have sold players to English clubs that's were the money is though most European clubs have sold players to English clubs too . All club's sell players !. I fail to see how that's going to change under Foley btw .

The 3 players you've mentioned we sold to 3 different clubs for the best price we could get at the time and in a manner of ways we were in control of our own transfers even if a couple of them were awkward situations .

This Deal with Foley who has bought shares in a french club , forming a new club in New Zealand as well as trying to acquire shares / or clubs in the Netherlands and Spain as well as ourselves imo makes us far more of a feeder club than we have ever been in our history! . Bournemouth is the main priority and we will just be a number like all the rest he acquires ownership or has shares in . Plus the fact we are talking about someone getting shares in our club who's donated a large amount of cash to help one of the biggest nutters in the world i find worrying too .

[keep the faith]

Do we knock back people who donate to the tory party ?

Absolutely!!

[SickBoy32]

The amusing part is that they're making the assumption that our multi-millionaire owners and 300k a year CEO aren't Tories or Republicans ����������

Of course Kensell is a tory, anyone who comes up with awful schemes like charging folk to have their bairns birthday messages read out is one of those shysters

[superfurryhibby]

https://www.afcb.co.uk/media/212662/afc-bournemouth-limited-ye-30-june-2022.pdf

Turnover was down by £18.5m to £53.2m (2021: £71.7m). This decrease is mainly attributable to the reduced
parachute payments receivable from the Premier League compared to 2020/21. Costs relating to football player
and team management wages also decreased.

The Club strives to offer competitive remuneration packages to attract and maintain the calibre of playing and team management staff necessary to allow the Club to compete in
the league, with the aim of achieving and maintaining Premier League status. The board of directors committed
to a competitive level of remuneration for the 2021/22 season by issuing long term contracts to valuable players
and sourcing other players by utilising the loan system to give the team the best possible chance of achieving its
goals.

The Club recorded an operating loss of £48.7m (2021: £23.6m) which included a gain on disposal of intangible
fixed assets in respect of player sales of £6.9m (2021: £55.8m).

https://www.afcb.co.uk/media/212662/afc-bournemouth-limited-ye-30-june-2022.pdf

[Mick O'Rourke]

Mick

Was just thinking that a lot of things said about Trump could be said about Boris.
Boris is a liar and a charlatan. Populist /brexit vote was his winner. .Now disgraced of course.
Trump is another level of OFOTCN
He tapped up the fundamental christian evangelists ,KKK ,white supremacists,gun lobby, redneck,anti immigrant vote .
Appealed to the uneducated and ignorant who hung on his every racist word
That mob seethed with rage back when Obama got elected .
Trump fitted their bill come 2016
And Bill F bankrolled this guy ...for whatever reason ?

[HoboHarry]

No they did not !
Trump was a financial crook before he got into the political ring
Foley surely knew that at the time he donated hundreds of thousands of US dollars to him (not to the GOP)even if others did not.
Trump is a proven sex offender,liar ,fraudster and racist who has still to answer in court to multiple criminal indictments.
You agree on that ?
Whatever our differing views, its personal opinions.
Foley knew about pre 2016 Trump!
Whilst all the others like Pelosi, Biden, McConnell et al are all paragons of virtue?

[SickBoy32]

Why do we need a billionaire with riches to invest? I find the way football is run at the top end appalling and would prefer my club wasn't involved.

I know, I know, that's how the game is going, have to keep up with the times etc but I've found myself less and less interested in following the EPL, Champions League etc over the years. It saddens me to see Hibs going down this route.

:top marks

[flash]

This thread's going well.

[Brightside]

No they did not !
Trump was a financial crook before he got into the political ring
Foley surely knew that at the time he donated hundreds of thousands of US dollars to him (not to the GOP)even if others did not.
Trump is a proven sex offender,liar ,fraudster and racist who has still to answer in court to multiple criminal indictments.
You agree on that ?
Whatever our differing views, its personal opinions.
Foley knew about pre 2016 Trump!

He had 30 states to Clintons 20 states. His overall percentage was less than Clinton (down to her winning the normal safe states on the coasts) I deplore his politics but he was voted in by the majority of the USA using their political system.

[Mick O'Rourke]

Whilst all the others like Pelosi, Biden, McConnell et al are all paragons of virtue?

If you say so. Fine by me !
Not sure about Mitch McConnell, but appears he despises Trump as much as the Dem. Reps. and Senators !
Trump is now a sick delusional maniac.
Just listen to his recent rants about executing a US Military General and jailing others who disagree with him.
A certifiable lunatic.

[superfurryhibby]

https://www.afcb.co.uk/media/212662/afc-bournemouth-limited-ye-30-june-2022.pdf

Turnover was down by £18.5m to £53.2m (2021: £71.7m). This decrease is mainly attributable to the reduced
parachute payments receivable from the Premier League compared to 2020/21. Costs relating to football player
and team management wages also decreased.

The Club strives to offer competitive remuneration packages to attract and maintain the calibre of playing and team management staff necessary to allow the Club to compete in
the league, with the aim of achieving and maintaining Premier League status. The board of directors committed
to a competitive level of remuneration for the 2021/22 season by issuing long term contracts to valuable players
and sourcing other players by utilising the loan system to give the team the best possible chance of achieving its
goals.

The Club recorded an operating loss of £48.7m (2021: £23.6m) which included a gain on disposal of intangible
fixed assets in respect of player sales of £6.9m (2021: £55.8m).

https://www.afcb.co.uk/media/212662/afc-bournemouth-limited-ye-30-june-2022.pdf

Any thoughts on vulnerability attached to being part of a group that lost a large sum of money? Technically a club could be liquidated and assets sold if they are part of a company that have massive debt.

I have no idea, nor it seems to me do many proponents of a takeover.

Most seem to be in favour on the basis that investment might make us better than the other also rans, because clearly no sane person thinks Foley or anyone else will invest at a level where we could compete with Rangers or |Celtic (both have much larger turnovers than Bournemouth FC, and smaller operating loses as well.

Also, can we stop the Trump debate, we all know he's a dangerous ****.

[gbhibby]

Boris is a liar and a charlatan. Populist /brexit vote was his winner. .Now disgraced of course.
Trump is another level of OFOTCN
He tapped up the fundamental christian evangelists ,KKK ,white supremacists,gun lobby, redneck,anti immigrant vote .
Appealed to the uneducated and ignorant who hung on his every racist word
That mob seethed with rage back when Obama got elected .
Trump fitted their bill come 2016
And Bill F bankrolled this guy ...for whatever reason ?

Mick
Don't like Trump at all but Boris has made racist comments in the past and the dubious flat refurbishment. You may find that many of the American epl club owners have made donations to Trump and the republicans.

[CapitalGreen]

https://www.afcb.co.uk/media/212662/afc-bournemouth-limited-ye-30-june-2022.pdf

Turnover was down by £18.5m to £53.2m (2021: £71.7m). This decrease is mainly attributable to the reduced
parachute payments receivable from the Premier League compared to 2020/21. Costs relating to football player
and team management wages also decreased.

The Club strives to offer competitive remuneration packages to attract and maintain the calibre of playing and team management staff necessary to allow the Club to compete in
the league, with the aim of achieving and maintaining Premier League status. The board of directors committed
to a competitive level of remuneration for the 2021/22 season by issuing long term contracts to valuable players
and sourcing other players by utilising the loan system to give the team the best possible chance of achieving its
goals.

The Club recorded an operating loss of £48.7m (2021: £23.6m) which included a gain on disposal of intangible
fixed assets in respect of player sales of £6.9m (2021: £55.8m).

https://www.afcb.co.uk/media/212662/afc-bournemouth-limited-ye-30-june-2022.pdf

Accounts to June 2022

Foley acquired Bournemouth in December 2022

[jeffers]

This thread's going well.

🤣 That can’t have come as a surprise mate.

[CapitalGreen]

Any thoughts on vulnerability attached to being part of a group that lost a large sum of money? Technically a club could be liquidated and assets sold if they are part of a company that have massive debt.

I have no idea, nor it seems to me do many proponents of a takeover.

Most seem to be in favour on the basis that investment might make us better than the other also rans, because clearly no sane person thinks Foley or anyone else will invest at a level where we could compete with Rangers or |Celtic (both have much larger turnovers than Bournemouth FC, and smaller operating loses as well.

Also, can we stop the Trump debate, we all know he's a dangerous ****.

These are Bournemouth’s accounts, not the accounts of the group.

[superfurryhibby]

Accounts to June 2022

Foley acquired Bournemouth in December 2022

Feel free to find and link the most recent accounts

[Donegal Hibby]

If you say so. Fine by me !
Not sure about Mitch McConnell, but appears he despises Trump as much as the Dem. Reps. and Senators !
Trump is now a sick delusional maniac.
Just listen to his recent rants about executing a US Military General and jailing others who disagree with him.
A certifiable lunatic.

Foley would have been well aware at the time of exactly what Trump IS though he still handed him a sizeable donation. Rather we had nothing to do with him !!!

[Aldo]

Why do we need a billionaire with riches to invest? I find the way football is run at the top end appalling and would prefer my club wasn't involved.

I know, I know, that's how the game is going, have to keep up with the times etc but I've found myself less and less interested in following the EPL, Champions League etc over the years. It saddens me to see Hibs going down this route.

In another thread you want us to recruit 2/3 quality players. How do we get the funds to pay for these quality players?

I think the club has worked wonders bringing new partners in and adding revenue via the hospitality suites. We cannot complain that the club hasn’t bought investment to the club but there is only so much they can do in that respect.

Our gorgie chums and Aberdeen both have a head start on us and folk are moaning about how far behind them we are.

So we have someone wishing to invest x amount of millions with potentially access to better scouts, players and data.

This however isn’t about the EPL this is about the growth of Hibernian Football Club. We have the potential with infrastructure etc however we lack on the field. More investment is needed and it looks like we are going to get it.

If folk aren’t happy (which I appreciate and understand) then they just don’t go to ER until they are happy again.

I would however ask how we get investment of this kind without some billionaire stepping up?

[Mick O'Rourke]

Mick
Don't like Trump at all but Boris has made racist comments in the past and the dubious flat refurbishment. You may find that many of the American epl club owners have made donations to Trump and the republicans.

I suppose you may well be right on that
Just shows you how good a snake oil salesman that man was back then .
Or those club owners shared his awful opinions/ views on women and immigrants ,for example.

Remember Trump said live on TV he thought drinking bleach/disinfectant could get rid of Covid !!!

Anyway
Bring on the Hibees!! :greengrin

[Hibs4185]

The league is already an EPL reserve league as that’s where the majority of the best players end up going

We’re nearly a championship reserve league if nothing changes

[Mcbizz1998]

Just catching up on the thread....Foley is a Trumper?!

Even better! Show me the money Bill my man!!!

[Brightside]

I suppose you may well be right on that
Just shows you how good a snake oil salesman that man was back then .
Or those club owners shared his awful opinions/ views on women and immigrants ,for example.

Remember Trump said live on TV he thought drinking bleach/disinfectant could get rid of Covid !!!

Anyway
Bring on the Hibees!! :greengrin

Our own PM said worse.....including JUST LET THEM DIE.

[Real Emerald]

In another thread you want us to recruit 2/3 quality players. How do we get the funds to pay for these quality players?

I think the club has worked wonders bringing new partners in and adding revenue via the hospitality suites. We cannot complain that the club hasn’t bought investment to the club but there is only so much they can do in that respect.

Our gorgie chums and Aberdeen both have a head start on us and folk are moaning about how far behind them we are.

So we have someone wishing to invest x amount of millions with potentially access to better scouts, players and data.

This however isn’t about the EPL this is about the growth of Hibernian Football Club. We have the potential with infrastructure etc however we lack on the field. More investment is needed and it looks like we are going to get it.

If folk aren’t happy (which I appreciate and understand) then they just don’t go to ER until they are happy again.

I would however ask how we get investment of this kind without some billionaire stepping up?

Totally agree, great post. 👏👍

[GloryGlory]

Our own PM said worse.....including JUST LET THEM DIE.

Johnson's own "bleach" moment came when he suggested that blowing a hairdryer up your nose would get rid of Covid. :greengrin

[Smartie]

After our lovely experience at the hands of Rowland and Mercer, I can't understand why anyone should be concerned about Tories, Trumpers or anyone else of a right wing persuasion pitching up at our club looking to make a few quid for themselves.

[Spike Mandela]

When there is a vacuum of information people just put their own interpretation on things and fill the void with more and more bat**** crazy theories.

Been guilty of that myself on occasion, so taking my own advice, just going to put a halt on guessing what is going to happen and wait until we have some concrete communication about anything happening.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Feel free to find and link the most recent accounts

The accounts made up to 30th June 2023, which will be the ones that will cover the period since Foley took over, won’t need to be filed at Companies House until 31 March 2024. So it’ll likely be closer to that date before you can see them.

[JimBHibees]

This thread's going well.

:greengrin

[007]

We should have driven him out of the club then for giving money to both Salmond and Sturgeon 😁

Driven him in a Niesmann+Bischoff campervan his £100,000 paid for? 🤔

[SaulGoodman]

Wait a minute, you’re telling me this American billionaire was a Trump supporter? I am shocked and astounded.

[MagicSwirlingShip]

Wait a minute, you’re telling me this American billionaire was a Trump supporter? I am shocked and astounded.

Mad to think a Billionaire would support a party whose economic policies align with that of big business and the affluent. Crazy

[greenginger]

Billionaire contributions to political parties in US is pretty evenly split between Republicans and Democrats

[Mick O'Rourke]

Mad to think a Billionaire would support a party whose economic policies align with that of big business and the affluent. Crazy

But the thing is, Foley did not give the $400.000 to the GOP, but to the campaign(or lawyers!) of a deranged lunatic who himself has little time for the GOP
Dont confuse the traditional GOP with Dangerous Donald and the Magabams :greengrin

[Since452]

So what kind of hobbies do people have? Video games?

[Mick O'Rourke]

So what kind of hobbies do people have? Video games?

Dominoes and "texas hold em" poker, when not watching Randolph Scott movies !:kbacker::greengrin

[Donegal Hibby]

Just catching up on the thread....Foley is a Trumper?!

Even better! Show me the money Bill my man!!!

Heard he's big into online gaming with his pal trump too 😂

[Gmack7]

So what kind of hobbies do people have? Video games?

Golf and Drinking, not always in that order

[ElginHibee]

But the thing is, Foley did not give the $400.000 to the GOP, but to the campaign(or lawyers!) of a deranged lunatic who himself has little time for the GOP
Dont confuse the traditional GOP with Dangerous Donald and the Magabams :greengrin

I understand your point except they're all the same thing now, show me a Republican who has stood up to Trump and is still an accepted part of their party. The GOP is the party of the orange baby now and willingly let him grift their 'base' to pay his legal bills.

[neil7908]

In another thread you want us to recruit 2/3 quality players. How do we get the funds to pay for these quality players?

I think the club has worked wonders bringing new partners in and adding revenue via the hospitality suites. We cannot complain that the club hasn’t bought investment to the club but there is only so much they can do in that respect.

Our gorgie chums and Aberdeen both have a head start on us and folk are moaning about how far behind them we are.

So we have someone wishing to invest x amount of millions with potentially access to better scouts, players and data.

This however isn’t about the EPL this is about the growth of Hibernian Football Club. We have the potential with infrastructure etc however we lack on the field. More investment is needed and it looks like we are going to get it.

If folk aren’t happy (which I appreciate and understand) then they just don’t go to ER until they are happy again.

I would however ask how we get investment of this kind without some billionaire stepping up?

I don't understand your first paragraph - we've signed plenty of players before in January! We brought Scott Allan in a few years back without having an American billionaire 'investing' in us. I'd imagine we'll be active this January with or without Foley by doing the same stuff we've done every year, moving on players to free up budget.

In terms of Hearts and Aberdeen, every thread on here mentioning them is laughing at how much they have pissed away. Yet apparently our new investment will guarantee us 3rd place? The two clubs Foley has invested in are both sitting around the bottom of the table. Yes he's not been there long but there is zero evidence he will bring success to the club at this point. We are not joining an experienced and well oiled football machine, we are an experiment from a guy that knows nothing about Scottish football.

[DarlingtonHibee]

Sorry if I've missed this in the thread.

Are we due accounts and an AGM ?

[hibbie02]

You're missing the point that there is no rush as far as I can see and that Foley will own us not Bournemouth Football Club.

There is no rush now as it can’t happen until they change the rules. He will only own around 25% of Hibs. I will re-emphasise my point.

We are looking at being at the forefront of this if it goes through. We are then tied in to an extent to Bournemouth. That could very well give us an advantage initially. However, if we go ahead and Burnley buy into Dundee, then other clubs COULD be interested and POSSIBLY bigger English or European clubs could start looking.

My point is we are looking to go early for a big investment. It could help us initially but if Arsenal or Spurs look at investing, it will make the Foley deal look small and they could drastically improve our rivals.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[hibbie02]

There isn't a rush though.

Yet. The rules of ownership need to change, then we will see.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Mick O'Rourke]

I understand your point except they're all the same thing now, show me a Republican who has stood up to Trump and is still an accepted part of their party. The GOP is the party of the orange baby now and willingly let him grift their 'base' to pay his legal bills.

A lot in Congress wont raise above the parapet for fear of losing place at the trough or even worse from his base.
His violent rhetoric and downright threats at his rallies have put fear into many Republicans in the Capitol.
Jan 6 and the failed coup also put the fear of death into a lot of them.
I hope Jack Smith or Fanni Willis nails this lunatic soon and puts an end to his campaign.
Or Michael Cohen get his revenge!!

Anyway
It is quiet on the Foley front. :greengrin

[ElginHibee]

A lot in Congress wont raise above the parapet for fear of losing place at the trough or even worse from his base.
His violent rhetoric and downright threats at his rallies have put fear into many Republicans in the Capitol.
Jan 6 and the failed coup also put the fear of death into a lot of them.
I hope Jack Smith or Fanni Willis nails this lunatic soon and puts an end to his campaign.
Or Michael Cohen get his revenge!!

Amen brother! Would toast him spending the rest of his life in prison, where he belongs.



Anyway
It is quiet on the Foley front. :greengrin

One might say it's sounding like a load of Foley. :greengrin

[Aldo]

I don't understand your first paragraph - we've signed plenty of players before in January! We brought Scott Allan in a few years back without having an American billionaire 'investing' in us. I'd imagine we'll be active this January with or without Foley by doing the same stuff we've done every year, moving on players to free up budget.

In terms of Hearts and Aberdeen, every thread on here mentioning them is laughing at how much they have pissed away. Yet apparently our new investment will guarantee us 3rd place? The two clubs Foley has invested in are both sitting around the bottom of the table. Yes he's not been there long but there is zero evidence he will bring success to the club at this point. We are not joining an experienced and well oiled football machine, we are an experiment from a guy that knows nothing about Scottish football.


You’ve referred to us on another thread signing 2/3 quality players. I’ve suggested to get those quality players we need funds . We need quality not quantity.

Your last paragraph about him not knowing Scottish football??? We have a DoF, CEO and a management team do we not?? He’s investing so I would suggest he’s done his due diligence.

For me folk are looking at everything possible excuse to shine a negative on this.

So do you actually think that getting investment for the club is a good thing?? To think Foley has and his companies will have a wealth of contacts to network and imagine if they wanted to be shirt sponsor for our record ever deal.


Are you happy with our mediocracy of late and as you’ve mentioned wheeling and dealing with ins and outs?

I appreciate that folk have concerns but this can (if it goes through) take us up there with our rivals in terms of turnover etc. and maybe even more.

Folk moan about us just plodding along. We have the chance to get players we may never have seen or able to get as we are looking at a different pool with our new investment

[SickBoy32]

You’ve referred to us on another thread signing 2/3 quality players. I’ve suggested to get those quality players we need funds . We need quality not quantity.

Your last paragraph about him not knowing Scottish football??? We have a DoF, CEO and a management team do we not?? He’s investing so I would suggest he’s done his due diligence.

For me folk are looking at everything possible excuse to shine a negative on this.

So do you actually think that getting investment for the club is a good thing?? To think Foley has and his companies will have a wealth of contacts to network and imagine if they wanted to be shirt sponsor for our record ever deal.


Are you happy with our mediocracy of late and as you’ve mentioned wheeling and dealing with ins and outs?

I appreciate that folk have concerns but this can (if it goes through) take us up there with our rivals in terms of turnover etc. and maybe even more.

Folk moan about us just plodding along. We have the chance to get players we may never have seen or able to get as we are looking at a different pool with our new investment

We signed loads of quality players in the championship, due to clever scouting and a good manager.

We’re already well down the path to being a soulless moneyball outfit with sporting success an afterthought - if we start training up Bournemouths prospects (who may or may not come good) then that will just exacerbate current issues imo

[SRHibs]

My point is, that if there is a rush to buy into Scottish clubs, why jump at the first offer? If there isn’t we might have missed out, but we are no worse off.

I just feel there might be better options coming if Scottish clubs are seen as a sporting investment. Being tied in with Bournemouth is not desperately exciting, particularly if bigger clubs are looking to invest in Scotland.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

The first offer may be the only serious one. I can't imagine the ROI being particularly high if he piles money into us; maybe indirectly through other avenues (player sales to Bournemouth etc.) but not in terms of Scottish football itself.

If he puts £20m a season in to establish us as a 3rd force, then surely it makes the idea of investing in Aberdeen/Hearts to make them the 3rd force a lot less appealing, as it's now going to take £40m a season as opposed to the £20m for the team who got their foot in the door first. And it becomes harder and harder to justify these sums when you consider how much(little) money the investor stands to make from Scottish football.

He has specifically talked about the low entry cost/investment required to make a club 3rd force here.

Hibs accepting this offer may scare off any potential investment at the other "big" Scottish clubs.

[SickBoy32]

The first offer may be the only serious one. I can't imagine the ROI being particularly high if he piles money into is; maybe indirectly through other avenues (player sales to Bournemouth etc.) but not in terms of Scottish football itself.

If he puts £20m a season in to establish us as a 3rd force, then surely it makes the idea of investing in Aberdeen/Hearts to make them the 3rd force a lot less appealing, as it's now going to take £40m a season as opposed to the £20m for the team who got their foot in the door first.

Hibs accepting this offer may scare off any potential investment at the other "big" Scottish clubs.

Would be stunned if Foley invested £20m to get a suggested 25% stake in the club. Crazy to think that. More likely £5m max

Also not sure if he’ll be bothered to establish us as 3rd force, why would that matter to him given the (very) modest financial returns? We’ll be a testing ground for players to move up the pyramid

[SRHibs]

Would be stunned if Foley invested £20m to get a suggested 25% stake in the club. Crazy to think that. More likely £5m max

If £5m is what he's planning on making us "best of the rest" with then he's delusional.

[SRHibs]

Would be stunned if Foley invested £20m to get a suggested 25% stake in the club. Crazy to think that. More likely £5m max

Also not sure if he’ll be bothered to establish us as 3rd force, why would that matter to him given the (very) modest financial returns? We’ll be a testing ground for players to move up the pyramid

I'm just basing it off what he explicitly said in his interviews prior to Hibs being named.

[SickBoy32]

If £5m is what he's planning on making us "best of the rest" with then he's delusional.

Has he been quoted as saying he wants us to be best of the rest ?

Apologies I may have missed that

[SickBoy32]

I'm just basing it off what he explicitly said in his interviews prior to Hibs being named.

👍

[SRHibs]

👍

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/i-believe-bill-foley-has-already-told-hibs-fans-what-to-expect-4395601

[superfurryhibby]

You’ve referred to us on another thread signing 2/3 quality players. I’ve suggested to get those quality players we need funds . We need quality not quantity.

Your last paragraph about him not knowing Scottish football??? We have a DoF, CEO and a management team do we not?? He’s investing so I would suggest he’s done his due diligence.

For me folk are looking at everything possible excuse to shine a negative on this.

So do you actually think that getting investment for the club is a good thing?? To think Foley has and his companies will have a wealth of contacts to network and imagine if they wanted to be shirt sponsor for our record ever deal.


Are you happy with our mediocracy of late and as you’ve mentioned wheeling and dealing with ins and outs?

I appreciate that folk have concerns but this can (if it goes through) take us up there with our rivals in terms of turnover etc. and maybe even more.

Folk moan about us just plodding along. We have the chance to get players we may never have seen or able to get as we are looking at a different pool with our new investment

One could equally say that some folks desire to be better than consistently average is perhaps hindering objectivity. There’s folk talking about champions league etc ( not many Tbf) and plenty say they take investment / new ownership without any idea of what that might look like.

I really don’t think there’s much negativity at all really.

The talk of big money investment, success etc, it’s emotive and of course very appealing, but in reality no one has any idea as to what this might entail.

Questions around Foley’s intentions, his age, his lack of football experience, the financially elevated status of the flagship club in his footballing portfolio, or whether there are alternatives to the route we might go down.

Seems fairly legitimate to be cautious to me.

[McD]

Boris is a liar and a charlatan. Populist /brexit vote was his winner. .Now disgraced of course.
Trump is another level of OFOTCN
He tapped up the fundamental christian evangelists ,KKK ,white supremacists,gun lobby, redneck,anti immigrant vote .
Appealed to the uneducated and ignorant who hung on his every racist word
That mob seethed with rage back when Obama got elected .
Trump fitted their bill come 2016
And Bill F bankrolled this guy ...for whatever reason ?



Agree with you completely about Trump Mick, but to say Foley bankrolled him is a bit strong. It costs billions to run for president, the 300k stated earlier in the thread would be roughly the cost for 1 tv advert in a campaign

I wouldn’t let Boris off the hook so easily either, he’s the one who wanted to prorogue parliament illegally, lied to the queen in his position as PM, was happy to go along with a leave campaign that sold lies to the public, lied about the flat refurbishment, broke the law during covid and lied about it, continues to lie through the covid commission, was happy for the bodies to pile high, etc.

[gbhibby]

https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/a-league-auckland-club-bill-foley-licence/?zephr_sso_ott=686pWz



Seems to have been busy with this recently. Hopefully we will hearing sooner rather than later about our club.

Sent from my SM-A127F using Tapatalk

[HibbyAndy]

A hink we should wait off till Arsenal want to buy us :agree:

[Mick O'Rourke]

Agree with you completely about Trump Mick, but to say Foley bankrolled him is a bit strong. It costs billions to run for president, the 300k stated earlier in the thread would be roughly the cost for 1 tv advert in a campaign

I wouldn’t let Boris off the hook so easily either, he’s the one who wanted to prorogue parliament illegally, lied to the queen in his position as PM, was happy to go along with a leave campaign that sold lies to the public, lied about the flat refurbishment, broke the law during covid and lied about it, continues to lie through the covid commission, ws happy for the bodies to pile high, etc.
Bankrolled was a bit much i agree.
It was one of his US companies that donated ,rather than a personal donation.
Hindsight is wonderful ,isnt it !!

Anyone that knows me will ken i have never in my puff let any tories off the hook, let alone the snake that is Boris.

[McD]

Bankrolled was a bit much i agree.
It was one of his US companies that donated ,rather than a personal donation.
Hindsight is wonderful ,isnt it !!

Anyone that knows me will ken i have never in my puff let any tories off the hook, let alone the snake that is Boris.


Good man Mick :thumbsup: never in doubt

Would cheerfully see Trump and Boris locked up for a long duration, horrible human beings

[Aldo]

We signed loads of quality players in the championship, due to clever scouting and a good manager.

We’re already well down the path to being a soulless moneyball outfit with sporting success an afterthought - if we start training up Bournemouths prospects (who may or may not come good) then that will just exacerbate current issues imo

The championship is 6/7 years ago.

Wow so Hibs are a soulless moneyball outfit or getting there with our current regime. I’m struggling to know if you are trolling, at it or really are happy for the club to just plod along whilst the likes of Hearts and Aberdeen continue to get their investments and move further away from us.

What if Foley getting getting involved provides us with a new shirt sponsor which is a record deal?? Networking. Best practices shared and access to best systems and players.

To move forward we need 4/5 real quality players (I would class Egan-Reilly in that bracket) he has potential and what if we could get access to players of that quality which would allow us to be up there - no wait you want us to wheel and deal for maybe a decent player.

I have watched Hibs since the 70’s and on only 2/3 occasions have I felt we have a team who could really compete throughout a season. I want that every season and we really do need to evolve.

[Aldo]

One could equally say that some folks desire to be better than consistently average is perhaps hindering objectivity. There’s folk talking about champions league etc ( not many Tbf) and plenty say they take investment / new ownership without any idea of what that might look like.

I really don’t think there’s much negativity at all really.

The talk of big money investment, success etc, it’s emotive and of course very appealing, but in reality no one has any idea as to what this might entail.

Questions around Foley’s intentions, his age, his lack of football experience, the financially elevated status of the flagship club in his footballing portfolio, or whether there are alternatives to the route we might go down.

Seems fairly legitimate to be cautious to me.

Totally but tbh folk are happy for us to wheel and deal and plod along yet still moan about the team being crap on matchday threads

Yes there are questions about him but the man started a NHL franchise and won the Stanley cup within 6 years. Thats pretty good given the teams in the NHL.

I’m just trying to look what Thai could bring to us and yes I know that money doesn’t mean success but as I have said I am fed up with just plodding along and spent wisely we can become more consistent.

I’m sure due diligence will have been done etc.

I’m actually excited by this prospect with the chance to move forward.

[SickBoy32]

The championship is 6/7 years ago.

Wow so Hibs are a soulless moneyball outfit or getting there with our current regime. I’m struggling to know if you are trolling, at it or really are happy for the club to just plod along whilst the likes of Hearts and Aberdeen continue to get their investments and move further away from us.

What if Foley getting getting involved provides us with a new shirt sponsor which is a record deal?? Networking. Best practices shared and access to best systems and players.

To move forward we need 4/5 real quality players (I would class Egan-Reilly in that bracket) he has potential and what if we could get access to players of that quality which would allow us to be up there - no wait you want us to wheel and deal for maybe a decent player.

I have watched Hibs since the 70’s and on only 2/3 occasions have I felt we have a team who could really compete throughout a season. I want that every season and we really do need to evolve.

Does it matter how long ago the championship was? If we could sign a number of quality players on a lower budget than we operate with currently, why can’t that be repeated now? We’ve only had Lennon and Ross since then who I’d class as good managers , hopefully NM will join that list! I’d suggest both Lennon and Ross had sides that competed well throughout the season.

I’m certainly not trolling, I just don’t think this is the best route for the club to go down in terms of achieving more success in the future, which is what we all want of course. As I said it appears to me that we’ll simply be a vehicle for him to test out players to see if they can make the grade in England / further up his pyramid - reality is that most won’t.

Re the moneyball - that’s just my take on our current regime. ‘Player trading’ number 1 priority from what I’ve seen.

Aberdeen and hearts moving further away from us? I must’ve missed that, they’re both as ***** as us - winning silverware less recently than ourselves too. (Use that term lightly given the jambos money laundering antics)

I’m probably fairly cynical of these investors with no ties to the club, but I don’t think that’s an outrageous stance to take. Just struggle to understand what’s in it for him at all; even moreso when you see account for the fact he’s pushing 80.

[HoboHarry]

Totally but tbh folk are happy for us to wheel and deal and plod along yet still moan about the team being crap on matchday threads

Yes there are questions about him but the man started a NHL franchise and won the Stanley cup within 6 years. Thats pretty good given the teams in the NHL.

I’m just trying to look what Thai could bring to us and yes I know that money doesn’t mean success but as I have said I am fed up with just plodding along and spent wisely we can become more consistent.

I’m sure due diligence will have been done etc.

I’m actually excited by this prospect with the chance to move forward.
Jeezo, there's nae place for optimism here, christ next you'll be telling us it's the season of goodwill to all men, including Trump donating NFL auld mannies who are taking liberties by trying tae give us wads o' cash.




I'm with you mate, why some would find the negatives in this beats the hell out of me.

[matty_f]

The championship is 6/7 years ago.

Wow so Hibs are a soulless moneyball outfit or getting there with our current regime. I’m struggling to know if you are trolling, at it or really are happy for the club to just plod along whilst the likes of Hearts and Aberdeen continue to get their investments and move further away from us.

What if Foley getting getting involved provides us with a new shirt sponsor which is a record deal?? Networking. Best practices shared and access to best systems and players.

To move forward we need 4/5 real quality players (I would class Egan-Reilly in that bracket) he has potential and what if we could get access to players of that quality which would allow us to be up there - no wait you want us to wheel and deal for maybe a decent player.

I have watched Hibs since the 70’s and on only 2/3 occasions have I felt we have a team who could really compete throughout a season. I want that every season and we really do need to evolve.


I think there's been an element of the 'moneyball' in our transfer activity over the last couple of seasons, certainly the much-maligned transfer window when we signed Tavares etc. was hammered because the perception was that Ian Gordon had signed on Football Manager stats etc.

Although, a year and a bit on with Tavares starting to show some potential, you could make a case that some of the signings were better than initially thought. I think the biggest failing with that window is we signed too many on potential and neglected the 'ready made' level players.

[matty_f]

Does it matter how long ago the championship was? If we could sign a number of quality players on a lower budget than we operate with currently, why can’t that be repeated now? We’ve only had Lennon and Ross since then who I’d class as good managers , hopefully NM will join that list! I’d suggest both Lennon and Ross had sides that competed well throughout the season.

I’m certainly not trolling, I just don’t think this is the best route for the club to go down in terms of achieving more success in the future, which is what we all want of course. As I said it appears to me that we’ll simply be a vehicle for him to test out players to see if they can make the grade in England / further up his pyramid - reality is that most won’t.

Re the moneyball - that’s just my take on our current regime. ‘Player trading’ number 1 priority from what I’ve seen.

Aberdeen and hearts moving further away from us? I must’ve missed that, they’re both as ***** as us - winning silverware less recently than ourselves too. (Use that term lightly given the jambos money laundering antics)

I’m probably fairly cynical of these investors with no ties to the club, but I don’t think that’s an outrageous stance to take. Just struggle to understand what’s in it for him at all; even moreso when you see account for the fact he’s pushing 80.

It's much harder to repeat the successful signings of the Championship because of the impact of Brexit on the British game. English clubs are investing much more on scouting the Scottish game because there's no work permit issues signing from Scotland, whereas it's much harder to sign from outside the UK now.

That means English clubs picking up young players earlier, and even the biggest Scottish clubs are losing out to English academies.

As the English clubs by virtue of better technology and wider scouting networks have the advantage over Scottish clubs, they're much more likely to snap up the next John McGinn than we are, so it's not fair to compare then to now, IMHO.

[Iain G]

I think there's been an element of the 'moneyball' in our transfer activity over the last couple of seasons, certainly the much-maligned transfer window when we signed Tavares etc. was hammered because the perception was that Ian Gordon had signed on Football Manager stats etc.

Although, a year and a bit on with Tavares starting to show some potential, you could make a case that some of the signings were better than initially thought. I think the biggest failing with that window is we signed too many on potential and neglected the 'ready made' level players.

It was a typo, should have said MontyBall, we have corrected it now 🤣

[TrinityHFC]

If anyone is still unsure if it is paper talk, it is definitely an ongoing process. Not finished and might not be for a few weeks but it is actively being worked on.

[Iain G]

If anyone is still unsure if it is paper talk, it is definitely an ongoing process. Not finished and might not be for a few weeks but it is actively being worked on.

Good 👍🏻

[Golden Bear]

If anyone is still unsure if it is paper talk, it is definitely an ongoing process. Not finished and might not be for a few weeks but it is actively being worked on.

Bring it on and the quicker the better.

[ancient hibee]

If anyone is still unsure if it is paper talk, it is definitely an ongoing process. Not finished and might not be for a few weeks but it is actively being worked on.

I read that in the paper.

[Aldo]

I think there's been an element of the 'moneyball' in our transfer activity over the last couple of seasons, certainly the much-maligned transfer window when we signed Tavares etc. was hammered because the perception was that Ian Gordon had signed on Football Manager stats etc.

Although, a year and a bit on with Tavares starting to show some potential, you could make a case that some of the signings were better than initially thought. I think the biggest failing with that window is we signed too many on potential and neglected the 'ready made' level players.

Yeah agree. Spending all that money of the likes of McLelland and others hasn’t worked.

I used Egan-Riley as an example of the quality we should be looking at and who knows
Maybe Bournemouth have a few like him.

[Donegal Hibby]

If anyone is still unsure if it is paper talk, it is definitely an ongoing process. Not finished and might not be for a few weeks but it is actively being worked on.

Pity ! .

[greenlex]

We aren’t going to hear anything till it’s done. It won’t be done or finalised until the SFA relax the restrictions. Wouldn’t surprise me if the SFA don’t do it.

[Aldo]

Does it matter how long ago the championship was? If we could sign a number of quality players on a lower budget than we operate with currently, why can’t that be repeated now? We’ve only had Lennon and Ross since then who I’d class as good managers , hopefully NM will join that list! I’d suggest both Lennon and Ross had sides that competed well throughout the season.

I’m certainly not trolling, I just don’t think this is the best route for the club to go down in terms of achieving more success in the future, which is what we all want of course. As I said it appears to me that we’ll simply be a vehicle for him to test out players to see if they can make the grade in England / further up his pyramid - reality is that most won’t.

Re the moneyball - that’s just my take on our current regime. ‘Player trading’ number 1 priority from what I’ve seen.

Aberdeen and hearts moving further away from us? I must’ve missed that, they’re both as ***** as us - winning silverware less recently than ourselves too. (Use that term lightly given the jambos money laundering antics)

I’m probably fairly cynical of these investors with no ties to the club, but I don’t think that’s an outrageous stance to take. Just struggle to understand what’s in it for him at all; even moreso when you see account for the fact he’s pushing 80.

The only manager in my time, to an extent, where I thought we could challenge most teams in games was under McLeish. We paid a price for that quality in show.

You will already know this but we are already a vehicle for other teams and have been for as long as I can remember and it won’t change. The only difference is I hope we are able to continue to obtain the same quality once it starts to keep moving forward.

[greenginger]

What restrictions do the SFA presently have ?

[bingo70]

We aren’t going to hear anything till it’s done. It won’t be done or finalised until the SFA relax the restrictions. Wouldn’t surprise me if the SFA don’t do it.

I think he can still get involved even if they don’t ease the restrictions, it will just impact how big a share he can buy.

I don’t think Mike Ashley was able to own more than 10% of Rangers whilst he was the Newcastle owner.

Of course that restriction may put him off, I’ve no idea.

[Dmas]

I think he can still get involved even if they don’t ease the restrictions, it will just impact how big a share he can buy.

I don’t think Mike Ashley was able to own more than 10% of Rangers whilst he was the Newcastle owner.

Of course that restriction may put him off, I’ve no idea.

The majority shareholder at Celtic holds 25% of shamrock rovers it can’t be that big of a rule, figures quoted aren’t above that percentage (for now anyway) so I can’t see why there’s an issue at all with SFA

[MWHIBBIES]

Bill Foley gave to Trump, who is a deranged and dangerous lunatic and a threat to democracy in America, over 400.000 US dollars before and during that madmans time in office through a wine company Foley owns in the USA.
Our major shareholders need to knock his advances on our club back.

Not really the type of person I want involved with Hibs tbh

Trump was a dangerous, racist, sexual predator. Anyone donating to him is enabling such behavior.

[Greencore]

Show.
Me.
The.
Money.

[Stuart93]

I couldn’t give two ****s what Foleys done with his cash before hibs.

Pump us full of it Bill

[Bridge hibs]

I couldn’t give two ****s what Foleys done with his cash before hibs.

Pump us full of it Bill

Yip same, unless of course Foley takes full control and sells out to Trump further down the line, Im also relaxed about stadium naming rights but Easter Road Trump Towers Soccer Arena scares me 🤣

[Victor]

What restrictions do the SFA presently have ?

Only Celtic and Rangers can win the League, Cups etc. [emoji3]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[greenpaper55]

Yip same, unless of course Foley takes full control and sells out to Trump further down the line, Im also relaxed about stadium naming rights but Easter Road Trump Towers Soccer Arena scares me 🤣
What ? Aye the ex president of the USA is just biding his time to buy us !

[RMQ1967]

Show.
Me.
The.
Money.

Agree.
With.
All.
Ofthis.

[Torto7]

Not really the type of person I want involved with Hibs tbh

Trump was a dangerous, racist, sexual predator. Anyone donating to him is enabling such behavior.

Did he donate to the Democrats as well? It's not uncommon for guys like him to invest in both sides.

[RMQ1967]

Not really the type of person I want involved with Hibs tbh

Trump was a dangerous, racist, sexual predator. Anyone donating to him is enabling such behavior.

You pay taxes to Westminster - with that logic you're enabling all of the same behaviours.

[K-Zazu]

Not really the type of person I want involved with Hibs tbh

Trump was a dangerous, racist, sexual predator. Anyone donating to him is enabling such behavior.

Aw give it a rest man

[Hibs4185]

Not really the type of person I want involved with Hibs tbh

Trump was a dangerous, racist, sexual predator. Anyone donating to him is enabling such behavior.

Are you not an Arsenal fan?

[heretoday]

Yip same, unless of course Foley takes full control and sells out to Trump further down the line, Im also relaxed about stadium naming rights but Easter Road Trump Towers Soccer Arena scares me 🤣

M H G A -- Make Hearts Greet Again.....

[ScottB]

Ultimately, there are no ‘good’ billionaires, not a single one. It’s an obscene amount of wealth, invariably the product of multi generational tax dodging, underpaying workers, corruption or all of it.

Some obviously worse than others, up to any person where they want to draw a line, is Foley fine, but Abramovich isn’t, American cash is fine, Middle Eastern isn’t etc etc.

I’m not saying either way and I imagine lots of people will have a different answer as to what is an acceptable source of money and what isn’t.

[MagicSwirlingShip]

Ultimately, there are no ‘good’ billionaires, not a single one. It’s an obscene amount of wealth, invariably the product of multi generational tax dodging, underpaying workers, corruption or all of it.

Some obviously worse than others, up to any person where they want to draw a line, is Foley fine, but Abramovich isn’t, American cash is fine, Middle Eastern isn’t etc etc.

I’m not saying either way and I imagine lots of people will have a different answer as to what is an acceptable source of money and what isn’t.

Warren Buffet is about as good as they come. Made his fortune through analysis and beating the market

[Donegal Hibby]

Show.
Me.
The.
Money.


I couldn’t give two ****s what Foleys done with his cash before hibs.

Pump us full of it Bill

For all the money you all want Bill Foley to pump into Hibs what does he want in return ? , and what price will it cost Hibs in the long run ? Genuine questions guys 👍

[matty_f]

For all the money you all want Bill Foley to pump into Hibs what does he want in return ? , and what price will it cost Hibs in the long run ? Genuine questions guys 👍

Presumably the same as Ron Gordon wanted which was a successful team that he could sell on at a profit.

[Donegal Hibby]

Presumably the same as Ron Gordon wanted which was a successful team that he could sell on at a profit.

Matty with all due respect to you , I really don't see Ron and Foley's intentions as being the same towards Hibs TBH . It's night and day mate imo .

[Since90+2]

Matty with all due respect to you , I really don't see Ron and Foley's intentions as being the same towards Hibs TBH . It's night and day mate imo .

In what way is it night and day? They are both foreign investors, although Foley is wealthier and has more experience in managing sports clubs, and who want to invest money to improve the club with an aim to making it more profitable.

[MWHIBBIES]

Aw give it a rest man
So you condone those things as well?


Are you not an Arsenal fan?

No. I thought it obvious by my posting on Hibs.net that I am indeed, a Hibernian fan.

[CentreLine]

In what way is it night and day? They are both foreign investors, although Foley is wealthier and has more experience in managing sports clubs, and who want to invest money to improve the club with an aim to making it more profitable.

I certainly hope Foley is more Fergus McCann than Vladimir Romanov. We’re unlikely to know until he has bern around a while but I’m ready to take that chance.

[theonlywayisup]

Sorry not been keeping up to date with this news and don't fancy reading 33 pages of mis-information and trading opinions :greengrin. Anyone have a brief summary of the facts as they stand this morning.

I thought I was on the wrong message board with all the comments about Trump, but I think I get the gist.

[Bridge hibs]

Sorry not been keeping up to date with this news and don't fancy reading 33 pages of mis-information and trading opinions :greengrin. Anyone have a brief summary of the facts as they stand this morning.

I thought I was on the wrong message board with all the comments about Trump, but I think I get the gist.Summary, theres no facts

And thats a fact 😃

[Since90+2]

I certainly hope Foley is more Fergus McCann than Vladimir Romanov. We’re unlikely to know until he has bern around a while but I’m ready to take that chance.

It transpired Romanov never actually had a penny of his own money. I don't think that's a concern with Foley.

[theonlywayisup]

Summary, theres no facts

And thats a fact 😃

Thanks! Saves me a lot of time :thumbsup:.

[Brightside]

Not really the type of person I want involved with Hibs tbh

Trump was a dangerous, racist, sexual predator. Anyone donating to him is enabling such behavior.

What a load of pish. Republicans donate to that party for their own reasons. The figure head has almost no say in the political decisions that change that country. He didn’t give Trump a brown envelope and say On you go pal get rapey. Some of the comments on here are so over the top it’s beyond parody.

[Golden Bear]

Looks like the "politicians" in the Hibs support have managed to infiltrate yet another perfectly good thread with their unsubstantiated nonsense.

[.Sean.]

I couldn’t give two ****s what Foleys done with his cash before hibs.

Pump us full of it Bill
This is the attitude I can relate to. Continue getting pumped by Hearts on a regular basis and getting beat in winnable trips to Hampden, or filling up on the old Yankee dollar and gloating like ****. I know what I’d prefer and it’s not the alternative of plodding along like we currently are

Up until a year ago I’d probably have been dead against this but a few turning points for me recently, being embarrassed at home again and put out the Scottish Cup by Hearts and losing that Semi to Aberdeen. I am sick of being perennial losers and chronic underachievers and everyone just accepting that should be our lot.

[MWHIBBIES]

What a load of pish. Republicans donate to that party for their own reasons. The figure head has almost no say in the political decisions that change that country. He didn’t give Trump a brown envelope and say On you go pal get rapey. Some of the comments on here are so over the top it’s beyond parody.

Yes, it's much better giving the money to the likes of Mitch McConnell.

It's just not my cup of tea. I won't change that opinion. The current republican party is awful and shouldn't be supported imo.

Back on topic before I get 20 shouting at me for having a different opinion.

[RMQ1967]

For all the money you all want Bill Foley to pump into Hibs what does he want in return ? , and what price will it cost Hibs in the long run ? Genuine questions guys 👍

The guy doesn't need to make money - he's 70 & a billionaire.

What's in it for him? No doubt in my mind he wants the same as all of us - the glory of victory, the satisfaction of seeing something that you invested in growing and becoming successful, the adoration of the fans for helping to make a success of something they love, the excitement of attending European nights under the floodlights in one of the best cities in the world.

A positive person will see the philanthropic reasons, someone looking for a negative angle will only ask what financial gain he wants out of it.

[superfurryhibby]

I couldn’t give two ****s what Foleys done with his cash before hibs.

Pump us full of it Bill


Agree.
With.
All.
Ofthis.


This is the attitude I can relate to. Continue getting pumped by Hearts on a regular basis and getting beat in winnable trips to Hampden, or filling up on the old Yankee dollar and gloating like ****. I know what I’d prefer and it’s not the alternative of plodding along like we currently are

Up until a year ago I’d probably have been dead against this but a few turning points for me recently, being embarrassed at home again and put out the Scottish Cup by Hearts and losing that Semi to Aberdeen. I am sick of being perennial losers and chronic underachievers and everyone just accepting that should be our lot.

I'm pretty sure all Hibs fans share those sentiments Sean, but how do we know that a change of ownership will bring that about?

Hibs could just as easily end up being a cog in meeting the needs of the wider group and not achieving any of this.

The mooted 25% stake, what would that achieve? I can't understand why Foley would want a part stake, where's the return on the that, the Gordon's would still have the majority shareholding?

Hibs have seen ambitious plans before and that didn't exactly work out well for us. Times are different but we've seen it with other Scottish clubs in more recent years.
There is a vulnerability that lies with an investor with no personal ties to the club or any emotional investment. Ron Gordon was an outsider but he loved football, had ambition for the club and was clearly transforming Hibs before illness took him.

[Hibernian Verse]

Looks like the "politicians" in the Hibs support have managed to infiltrate yet another perfectly good thread with their unsubstantiated nonsense.

It's all very Nella Rose. Shout until they think people care.

[jeffers]

While I’m old enough not to believe everything I read in the press I’m surprised more hasn’t been made of the EN article that was linked a few pages back on this thread. In it Foley’s intentions for us are to be best of the rest and playing regular European football, pretty much what Ron’s vision was. It also states the Gordon family will continue to be the majority shareholders.

Of course healthy suspicion is understandable but some of the reasons why posters are against his investment genuinely surprise me.

The Gordons have done right by the club, albeit it’s not always worked on the pitch, I don’t believe they are going into any deal with Foley if they aren’t convinced it’s a positive thing for the club.

[Smartie]

The guy doesn't need to make money - he's 70 & a billionaire.

What's in it for him? No doubt in my mind he wants the same as all of us - the glory of victory, the satisfaction of seeing something that you invested in growing and becoming successful, the adoration of the fans for helping to make a success of something they love, the excitement of attending European nights under the floodlights in one of the best cities in the world.

A positive person will see the philanthropic reasons, someone looking for a negative angle will only ask what financial gain he wants out of it.

I don’t think I should feel ashamed or that I’m necessarily a negative person for questioning somebody’s motives for wanting to get involved with Hibs.

We fans have all got long, different back stories regarding why we want to see Hibs succeed on the park.

Whilst I’m sure some will have honourable intentions (and will indeed go on to deliver success) football is littered with stories that end up going the other way.

We’ve criticised fans of other clubs, including our near neighbours, of not holding questionable previous owners to account. They nearly lost their club as a result of being appallingly run by a megalomaniac. I don’t think we can criticise them and then just merrily wave in ruthless business people just because they might make our football existence marginally less mediocre for a while.

[Rumble de Thump]

Some people seem to be worried about a takeover that isn't even on the cards.

[Paulie Walnuts]

The guy doesn't need to make money - he's 70 & a billionaire.

What's in it for him? No doubt in my mind he wants the same as all of us - the glory of victory, the satisfaction of seeing something that you invested in growing and becoming successful, the adoration of the fans for helping to make a success of something they love, the excitement of attending European nights under the floodlights in one of the best cities in the world.

A positive person will see the philanthropic reasons, someone looking for a negative angle will only ask what financial gain he wants out of it.

I’d suggest it’s not the positive person that sees the philanthropic reasons, more the deluded one.

Billionaires invest in business to make money. He’ll absolutely hope to make a profit out of us. Not that there’s an issue with that, of course.

[GreenGray]

After our lovely experience at the hands of Rowland and Mercer, I can't understand why anyone should be concerned about Tories, Trumpers or anyone else of a right wing persuasion pitching up at our club looking to make a few quid for themselves.

If Foley, a billionaire already, is looking to use Hibs to make money maybe he isn’t so good at business after all.


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