Ian Gordon Scotsman interview

[Keepthefaith]

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/latest-hibs-news/ian-gordon-lifts-lid-on-owning-hibs-admitting-mistakes-ambition-for-future-his-recruitment-role-and-bill-foley-relationship-4772530

Interesting read, not sure it tells us too much more than we know, but at least he acknowledged mistakes, has reaffirmed the ambition and clarified positive tie in with BK group.

It's clear that off the field the club is doing well. It's really up to SDG and McKay to make it a successful season on it... with the intent restated by Ian G to achieve group stage European football in 3:years. No small task!

It is interesting to hear him talk passionately about the club and city, for all that's gone before it does feel like we need to all pull together for the betterment of the club. FWIW I don't agree with McKay appointment but it's clear the structure is set.

[Onion]

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/latest-hibs-news/ian-gordon-lifts-lid-on-owning-hibs-admitting-mistakes-ambition-for-future-his-recruitment-role-and-bill-foley-relationship-4772530

Interesting read, not sure it tells us too much more than we know, but at least he acknowledged mistakes, has reaffirmed the ambition and clarified positive tie in with BK group.

It's clear that off the field the club is doing well. It's really up to SDG and McKay to make it a successful season on it... with the intent restated by Ian G to achieve group stage European football in 3:years. No small task!

It is interesting to hear him talk passionately about the club and city, for all that's gone before it does feel like we need to all pull together for the betterment of the club. FWIW I don't agree with McKay appointment but it's clear the structure is set.

For all the admission of mistakes, had this been a PLC or these mistakes been made by employees, their feet would not have touched the ground. It was that incompetent, and fails to recognise that the wages of thousands of Hibs fans were wasted in the process. No time of him.

[flash]

I really enjoyed hearing from him and getting some perspective from inside the club on why certain decisions were made.

His passion and commitment is clear to see and we can definitely see that there has been a welcome change in strategy even if it's yet to bear fruit.

We have incredible potential if we can only get a decent team on the park.

[matty_f]

I thought it was a good read, tbh. Would have liked more info on what’s happening with BKFC but that aside at least he pointed to the relationship being in a good place now, acknowledged the mistakes and how they’re trying to avoid them going forward.


It doesn’t sound like we’re sorted financially yet, despite the investment, which should be a concern should they (the Gordons) stop financing it but while they are, it’s fine.

I thought he came across well.

[Pretty Boy]

I just find it difficult to get behind guys who blew our best chances at group stage football ever by sticking with a strategy that was so obviously flawed for so long. Indeed we are still paying the price for it now and Malky Mackay is getting some of the flak for having to deal with the situation of removing players from the group that we not only signed but in some instances then extended their deals. The mistakes should have been learned from the 1st time they happened, not the 4th or 5th.

However the structure now does make sense and even if it took far too long to get here you have to give some credit that we got there eventually. I'm very much in the judge on actions not words camp right now so if we start to see improvement on the park then I'll be first in line to hand out credit, that is still very much an if at the moment though.

There's a lot of vagueness about aspects of what he says, as Matty say there are wee hints the finances aren't all sunshine and rainbows, but we are where we are and I'll give the new structure a fair chance. If we perform on the park going forward people will forget about the off field stuff that always becomes a bigger deal when we aren't performing. Likewise the failures of the past carry less weight if they aren't being repeated in the present, hopefully that is now the case.

[The Spaceman]

I think that’s a cracking interview by Ian Gordon in all honesty - firmly committed to the club and people forget that he’ll have had to shoulder, alongside the rest of his immediate family, a huge transition of Ron’s business empire when he sadly passed, with Hibs ultimately one of many institutions/businesses he had a duty of care towards.

I agree that long-term, the infrastructure is critical to get right so that when (when!) the football team clicks into gear, we are going to be sitting pretty and able to sustain that position rather than yo-yoing with our rivals. I think our time will come, we are in a far better position than all teams outwith the OF to become a long-term success.

[jeffers]

I thought he came across well, good to hear confirmation from him that the family are still committed to Hibs as well as admission that mistakes have been made. He’s telling a porkie though when he says the manager always got the final sign off on players that came in.

[Bostonhibby]

I'm still to be won over - which is a bit of an understatement- but fair play to the guy that seems an open honest interview.



Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Forza Fred]

Is it possible someone could post the article?

It’s not letting me access it.

[flash]

Is it possible someone could post the article?

It’s not letting me access it.

https://x.com/atkotweets/status/1832322329390485583?t=3g44DDOhOZmxp7e6SedPAw&s=19

[Hibs4185]

Good interview, said all the right things.

Committed for the future
Committed to fund any deficits
Acknowledge mistakes
No debt

That’s the key points for me.

[Col2]

Yes good to at last hear his first public words after several years at the club.

Three things now confirmed without any doubt:-

1. We are losing money and continue to do so - rubbishing Kensall “next years figures will be much better”

2. The £6m was used to plug the loses and some off-field stuff. Presumably the extra £2m as well.

3. Foley and his team did not want Malky Mackay and David Gray hence his public words (I remember how some on here rubbished it).

None of this puts Kensall in a good light. Gordon is a 34 year rich man making mistakes while Kensall is a so called experience and well paid CEO.

Sounds fully committed but we have wasted a massive opportunity and both he and Kensall have zero track record in being able to sort it. It’s all hope rather anything else.

[JimBHibees]

I really enjoyed hearing from him and getting some perspective from inside the club on why certain decisions were made.

His passion and commitment is clear to see and we can definitely see that there has been a welcome change in strategy even if it's yet to bear fruit.

We have incredible potential if we can only get a decent team on the park.

Agree really enjoyed that and was good to hear a bit more about him and his background and also his passion and ambitions for the club. For all that is said about the Gordon’s and undoubtedly there have been mistakes they do genuinely come over as very decent people. Hope we now steadily improve as the season goes on which i think and hope we will.

[Pagan Hibernia]

Yes good to at last hear his first public words after several years at the club.

Three things now confirmed without any doubt:-

1. We are losing money and continue to do so - rubbishing Kensall “next years figures will be much better”

2. The £6m was used to plug the loses and some off-field stuff. Presumably the extra £2m as well.

3. Foley and his team did not want Malky Mackay and David Gray hence his public words (I remember how some on here rubbished it).

None of this puts Kensall in a good light. Gordon is a 34 year rich man making mistakes while Kensall is a so called experience and well paid CEO.

Sounds fully committed but we have wasted a massive opportunity and both he and Kensall have zero track record in being able to sort it. It’s all hope rather anything else.

Yes, a flat out lie from Kensell at the AGM. He will have known very well even then that next year's figures actually wont be much better.

[SickBoy32]

Yes, a flat out lie from Kensell at the AGM. He will have known very well even then that next year's figures actually wont be much better.

It’s been extremely clear for some time now that Kensell is in no way to be trusted.

As for the Gordon’s, the sooner they sell up the better. I reckon they’ll realise this in the next couple of years as they continue to struggle with all aspects of running the club.

[JimBHibees]

Yes, a flat out lie from Kensell at the AGM. He will have known very well even then that next year's figures actually wont be much better.

Possible Kensell was talking about the financial restructuring

[Pretty Boy]

Yes, a flat out lie from Kensell at the AGM. He will have known very well even then that next year's figures actually wont be much better.

If I had to put money on it then I'd wager Kensell won't be here this time next year. No real info, just a hunch.

Back to the interview I think there is an element of telling people what they want to read, not a bad PR move and people will buy it because we all want Hibs to be good. The group stage football thing is bordering on fantasy though. We haven't even been a consistent top 6 club for the last 3 seasons. Add to that you are looking at 3 qualifying rounds to make the group stages from next season onwards. The ship has sailed; Hearts and an utterly horrendous Aberdeen side we beat 6-0 capitalised whilst we were making our mistakes.

[chrisski33]

Its all paper talk and bull***** tbh

[Bridge hibs]

Its all paper talk and bull***** tbh

All paper talk other than the direct quotes from Ian Gordon ? 🤣

[Wilson]

Yes good to at last hear his first public words after several years at the club.

Three things now confirmed without any doubt:-

1. We are losing money and continue to do so - rubbishing Kensall “next years figures will be much better”

2. The £6m was used to plug the loses and some off-field stuff. Presumably the extra £2m as well.

3. Foley and his team did not want Malky Mackay and David Gray hence his public words (I remember how some on here rubbished it).

None of this puts Kensall in a good light. Gordon is a 34 year rich man making mistakes while Kensall is a so called experience and well paid CEO.

Sounds fully committed but we have wasted a massive opportunity and both he and Kensall have zero track record in being able to sort it. It’s all hope rather anything else.

Pretty brave of them to go with Gray and MacKay in the face of pressure from a billionaire partner. I'd give them credit for that, not being dictated to. Making a decision with the knowledge they have gained making previous appointments...

Hope to god it works out! Feeling positive that we're on the right path.

[greenlex]

If I had to put money on it then I'd eager Kensell won't be here this time next year. No real info, just a hunch.

Back to the interview I think there is an element of telling people what they want to read, not a bad PR move and people will buy it because we all want Hibs to be good. The group stage football thing is bordering on fantasy though. We haven't even been a consistent top 6 club for the last 3 seasons. Add to that you are looking at 3 qualifying rounds to make the group stages from next season onwards. The ship has sailed; Hearts and an utterly horrendous Aberdeen side we beat 6-0 capitalised whilst we were making our mistakes.

I’m wondering how much to wager too.

[Ozyhibby]

It’s a puff piece that tells us absolutely nothing tbh but then it doesn’t really matter anyway. We are at the stage where only performance on the park matters and nothing they say can fix that. Its deeds not words from now on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[chrisski33]

All paper talk other than the direct quotes from Ian Gordon ? 🤣

As i said and bull*****, the bull***** coming from Ian Gordon

[Ringothedog]

I have said this in the past, this sort of interview was a waste of time. Regardless of what Ian Gordon said, the Gordon haters will continue to hate and vent their spleen and the remainder of fans will just feel that is a just a PR exercise to keep us “on side”

[MikeyS]

It’s been extremely clear for some time now that Kensell is in no way to be trusted.

As for the Gordon’s, the sooner they sell up the better. I reckon they’ll realise this in the next couple of years as they continue to struggle with all aspects of running the club.

I agree and hope for the same. This interview, whilst he is saying all the right things, feels like it's been forced upon him due to the poor start and unrest amongst the supporters. Doubt we'd have heard a peep had we been sat in 3rd place and still in the cup!

We'll fart about again this season, Kensall will move on afterwards and the Gordon's will be looking each and every way for a way out.

[CropleyWasGod]

Yes good to at last hear his first public words after several years at the club.

Three things now confirmed without any doubt:-

1. We are losing money and continue to do so - rubbishing Kensall “next years figures will be much better”

2. The £6m was used to plug the loses and some off-field stuff. Presumably the extra £2m as well.

3. Foley and his team did not want Malky Mackay and David Gray hence his public words (I remember how some on here rubbished it).

None of this puts Kensall in a good light. Gordon is a 34 year rich man making mistakes while Kensall is a so called experience and well paid CEO.

Sounds fully committed but we have wasted a massive opportunity and both he and Kensall have zero track record in being able to sort it. It’s all hope rather anything else.

I read that bit differently. The second share issue, the £2m, was probably needed to offset the losses. But, he's quite specific about the £6m.

I query where the £6m has been spent. “We probably haven't been as good at communicating that through, but the money has been ring fenced for very specific sections,” Gordon says. “The rail seating, the fixing of the lights, the North Stand – some of the money was for that. Some of the money is for commercial growth, some of the money is for academy and women's football, and then some of it is for the wage bill. It had to be very much broken down into specific areas.”

None of that should be a surprise, because that's the way it was communicated at the time.

And, as for the "next year's figures will be better", that was for the season just ended. I think that, for that year, our turnover will be much better than the year before. It's the current season where IG says we are over-budget.

[CropleyWasGod]

Yes, a flat out lie from Kensell at the AGM. He will have known very well even then that next year's figures actually wont be much better.

He was talking about the year 22/23, which we were in at the time, and which has just ended.

[Col2]

Pretty brave of them to go with Gray and MacKay in the face of pressure from a billionaire partner. I'd give them credit for that, not being dictated to. Making a decision with the knowledge they have gained making previous appointments...

Hope to god it works out! Feeling positive that we're on the right path.

I don’t agree. We all know the chairman’s friendship with Malky Mackay and David Gray (club legend with fans) was already in the building. I am not saying they don’t deserve a chance but for me it was an easy set of appointments rather than push the boat out for experienced manager or be open to a wider network of options. I used the word cowardly before re decision at a key point in our history.

[Col2]

It’s a puff piece that tells us absolutely nothing tbh but then it doesn’t really matter anyway. We are at the stage where only performance on the park matters and nothing they say can fix that. Its deeds not words from now on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agree. With transfer window shut it’s all about the onfield performance and results. I wonder how open Gordon will be to Foley and Black Knights if we have to make another change in football management. If they are then they have learned but time will tell. Article reads like a justification for decision made, yes some bad but some good. When in reality the last 3-4 years have been horrendous on the park.

[Cabbage-Patch]

Couple of personal thoughts on the peice...the fact that's his 1st public words in 2 years is disappointing to say the least. I get he is maybe not the most comfortable in the public spotlight but your the owner of the club and need to be more visible. Either that or Kensell needs to step up and do more interviews. The fans deserve to hear from the so called leaders at the club. I don't expect weekly press conferences but once in a while would be nice.

Seems the bulk of the BK money has been spent. Improvements to the stadium and the safe standing zone etc. Was it really needed? I would have personally preferred that money to be spent on the squad but it's done now. Money also spent to plug losses and wages which whilst necessary wasn't exactly what fans were hoping for. Will explain the large amount of free transfers picked up last window. I can't see this changing anytime soon albeit appreciate we were prepared to pay a million for McCowan but can't see us going to that realm again any time soon for a player.

Seems the bulk of the investment has been used to cover mistakes/losses as a result of staff turnover and poor on field performances. Paying the price for dismal form last few years.

Seems the only successful part of the club at the moment is the non footballing side which isn't great. Seems to be a lot of praise around the corporate/hospitality side. I'm not business minded but wonder how much this side actually pulls in. I also wonder given the losses if that investment hadn't been forthcoming would we likely be in a lot more trouble financially. 3.9 million loss for a club like hibs is huge. I can't personally remember a loss that size in the last 30 odd years supporting the club.

[GreenCastle]

I think the key to all of this is Hibs need to start winning games of football and consistently.

That’s the only way the fans trust and support will become more positive to the whole situation.

I fully understand why so many fans are so annoyed with the situation.

There have been so many poor decisions and signings made over the last few years.

We have had opportunities to win games like the Killie game but if we keep making mistakes then the outcome and pressure grows on the club / manager / staff once again.

Hibs have a fantastic support but this mess and change over of staff and players has been going on too long.

We need consistency- wins and a team the fans can really get behind.

The Old Firm games are a write off majority of the time but every other team in this league we have a chance to win against but we have to do better.

I’m still to be convinced we have learnt fully from mistakes as we had MM and Gray talking about character but if we keep chucking away leads (last couple weeks) then we haven’t recruited the players with the right character.

St J game a week today is hugely important - for everyone’s sake we need a win - especially against Levein. If we don’t win - or even lose then I think fans will really start to show even more frustration than before.

[Northernhibee]

You can read as much as you want into an interview, or the validity or value of what’s said, but for me it’s simple.

Been way too much talking from the higher ups at the club these last few years with regression on the pitch.

It’s time to see real, tangible, lasting, and sustainable progress on the pitch. Press interviews, HibsTv videos, and press releases about the latest partnership mean nothing to me. I just want results from the football team and nothing less. I also refuse to believe that it’s manager after managers fault for the failure.

[Scotty Leither]

Reading that, he still doesn’t get Scottish football and its competitive nature.

Wasn’t asked as to why there was no plan B when the McCowan deal fell through and the BK money does appear to have went on plugging debt which some of us on here were shouted down for suggesting that was indeed the case.

More self preservation from our Golden Quads in what is the latest line in a number of PR puff pieces.

[CropleyWasGod]

Reading that, he still doesn’t get Scottish football and its competitive nature.

Wasn’t asked as to why there was no plan B when the McCowan deal fell through and the BK money does appear to have went on plugging debt which some of us on here were shouted down for suggesting that was indeed the case.

More self preservation from our Golden Quads in what is the latest line in a number of PR puff pieces.

Where are you reading that?

The quote from IG that I posted above suggests otherwise.

[Hibees1973]

Pretty brave of them to go with Gray and MacKay in the face of pressure from a billionaire partner. I'd give them credit for that, not being dictated to. Making a decision with the knowledge they have gained making previous appointments...

Hope to god it works out! Feeling positive that we're on the right path.

I wouldn't give them any credit for appointing Gray and MacKay. I expected when the Black Knights were brought on board that Ian Gordon and Ben Kensell would have little input on the footballing side of things, given the last three managerial teams (Johnson, Maloney & Montgomery) all failed miserably.

How many chances do they get. It's like for the last few years they have said, we are not qualified, however, let's have some fun running a football club. Charlatans. Seems they have just used the Black Knights money to plug the financial holes their mistakes caused and to boot, ignored any advice from the Black Knights.

Nothing has happened recently to give me any hope that we will be in European Group football, as Ian Gordon has said, while the Gordon's and Kensell are around. We had a better football team when Ross was in charge, before the Gordons gave him the boot.

[JohnM1875]

Seems like a nice guy who's clearly passionate about the club and wants us to do well. But in all honesty that doesn't mean much if he’s, as rumoured, still trying to get involved in recruitment and things he should be well away from.

Let's see what happens in the next season or so. Worrying to read the next set of accounts are looking to be just as bad. We can't keep running a club like that. The £6m investment negated that last season, won't be so lucky this time.

[Smartie]

Yes, it’s just paper talk… but it’s good paper talk.

My criticism is that he’s drawn huge pressure on himself by creating a communications void and it’s allowed people to get on his back.

I’d love to see him succeed.

[JimBHibees]

Yes, it’s just paper talk… but it’s good paper talk.

My criticism is that he’s drawn huge pressure on himself by creating a communications void and it’s allowed people to get on his back.

I’d love to see him succeed.

That’s where i am. Enjoyed his comments in this article and finding out more about him as a person

[Scotty Leither]

I wouldn't give them any credit for appointing Gray and MacKay. I expected when the Black Knights were brought on board that Ian Gordon and Ben Kensell would have little input on the footballing side of things, given the last three managerial teams (Johnson, Maloney & Montgomery) all failed miserably.

How many chances do they get. It's like for the last few years they have said, we are not qualified, however, let's have some fun running a football club. Charlatans. Seems they have just used the Black Knights money to plug the financial holes their mistakes caused and to boot, ignored any advice from the Black Knights.

Nothing has happened recently to give me any hope that we will be in European Group football, as Ian Gordon has said, while the Gordon's and Kensell are around. We had a better football team when Ross was in charge, before the Gordons gave him the boot.

Gordon and Kensell should have been nowhere near the appointment of Gray and Mackay. Their track record of player recruitment is by and large woeful, and that extended to the appointment of McDermott, who did nothing in the ten minutes that he was here either.

How many “mistakes” on him and Kensell’s watch does Ian Gordon think he deserves, might have been a more telling question for the Scotsman reporter to ask?

[LunasBoots]

Time to walk the walk, we've had the sweet talking a few times down the years.

[JimBHibees]

I have said this in the past, this sort of interview was a waste of time. Regardless of what Ian Gordon said, the Gordon haters will continue to hate and vent their spleen and the remainder of fans will just feel that is a just a PR exercise to keep us “on side”

Tend to agree however personally glad he has done this

[superfurryhibby]

I wouldn't give them any credit for appointing Gray and MacKay. I expected when the Black Knights were brought on board that Ian Gordon and Ben Kensell would have little input on the footballing side of things, given the last three managerial teams (Johnson, Maloney & Montgomery) all failed miserably.

How many chances do they get. It's like for the last few years they have said, we are not qualified, however, let's have some fun running a football club. Charlatans. Seems they have just used the Black Knights money to plug the financial holes their mistakes caused and to boot, ignored any advice from the Black Knights.

Nothing has happened recently to give me any hope that we will be in European Group football, as Ian Gordon has said, while the Gordon's and Kensell are around. We had a better football team when Ross was in charge, before the Gordons gave him the boot.

What the alternative to the majority shareholder being given chances?

I'm baffled that anyone was daft enough to pay £8 million pounds for 29% of Hibs, the Gordon's must have been pissing themselves laughing all the way to the bank.

I never wanted American owners to begin with. Unfortunately the fan purchase option didn't achieve it aim. With Hibs value having soared, that was a huge missed opportunity. That ship has sailed etc, etc. Shame , but that's the reality.

[Hibees1973]

Disappointed with his interview.

Thought he would have recommended a cheeky wee Californian wine.

[CropleyWasGod]

Disappointed with his interview.

Thought he would have recommended a cheeky wee Californian wine.

I think we have all the wine-ing we need :na na:

[A Hi-Bee]

Enjoyed hearing this, he is in a no win situation with what has happened in the past, but sees this now and who amongst us has not Fd up a bit in the past.

The way some spout off they must be freekin angels. Oh and expert business people as well.
:thumbsup:

[ChuckNor]

Yes good to at last hear his first public words after several years at the club.

Three things now confirmed without any doubt:-

1. We are losing money and continue to do so - rubbishing Kensall “next years figures will be much better”

2. The £6m was used to plug the loses and some off-field stuff. Presumably the extra £2m as well.

3. Foley and his team did not want Malky Mackay and David Gray hence his public words (I remember how some on here rubbished it).

None of this puts Kensall in a good light. Gordon is a 34 year rich man making mistakes while Kensall is a so called experience and well paid CEO.

Sounds fully committed but we have wasted a massive opportunity and both he and Kensall have zero track record in being able to sort it. It’s all hope rather anything else.

Your post covers my view exactly to a tee so I won’t waste the time typing it again.

How anyone can read that interview and draw any other conclusion that this boy is totally inept and that Ben Kensell should be out the door in a heartbeat is beyond me. Confirmation Kensell lied about next year’s financial results being significantly better, and he lied about what the BK money would be used for.

As alluded to by a previous post, Gordon is lying saying that managers had final say on transfers. They absolutely did not.

They’ve wasted god knows how much money and are using the BK money to cover those losses in the hope we come good. Raising money to cover losses in Scottish football? Not sustainable.

[tamig]

Agree. With transfer window shut it’s all about the onfield performance and results. I wonder how open Gordon will be to Foley and Black Knights if we have to make another change in football management. If they are then they have learned but time will tell. Article reads like a justification for decision made, yes some bad but some good. When in reality the last 3-4 years have been horrendous on the park.

Foley and another of his compatriots are on our board. No reason why they won’t be involved in discussions around the football management and its future direction.

[CropleyWasGod]

Your post covers my view exactly to a tee so I won’t waste the time typing it again.

How anyone can read that interview and draw any other conclusion that this boy is totally inept and that Ben Kensell should be out the door in a heartbeat is beyond me. Confirmation Kensell lied about next year’s financial results being significantly better, and he lied about what the BK money would be used for.

As alluded to by a previous post, Gordon is lying saying that managers had final say on transfers. They absolutely did not.

They’ve wasted god knows how much money and are using the BK money to cover those losses in the hope we come good. Raising money to cover losses in Scottish football? Not sustainable.

Did you read the part where IG explained how the £6m had been used?

[Dmas]

Gordon and Kensell should have been nowhere near the appointment of Gray and Mackay. Their track record of player recruitment is by and large woeful, and that extended to the appointment of McDermott, who did nothing in the ten minutes that he was here either.

How many “mistakes” on him and Kensell’s watch does Ian Gordon think he deserves, might have been a more telling question for the Scotsman reporter to ask?

You say this like you can just sack the owner, the guy and his family own the club.

He needs to learn from mistakes that’s for sure and quick as it looks like aberdeen now have their stuff together, the sooner he recognises that we don’t need Ian Gordon or Ben Kensall in the headlines for people to like him the better correct decisions correct people in the right places and a successful team on the pitch he’ll get that respect and appreciation, we don’t need to know about cheques being written or big players being here because of Ian just get them in stay under the radar and get it right on the park, fowk be high fiving the lad every time he leaves his house

[eastmainsmsh]

Sounds like IG wants to unite everyone realising things have been poorly handled in past all we want is a successful team with club in stable hands

[3pm]

Did you read the part where IG explained how the £6m had been used?

Remind me where the £2m came from mate. Genuinely can't remember.

Was that the Gordon's money? And that went to clearing debt? And they got 'extra shares as part of that debt clearance?

[CropleyWasGod]

Remind me where the £2m came from mate. Genuinely can't remember.

Was that the Gordon's money? And that went to clearing debt? And they got 'extra shares as part of that debt clearance?

The £2m was the second of this year's share issues. It came mainly from the family, but also from HSL and Leslie Robb. There was no Black Knights involvement, so their shareholding was diluted as a result. That's the one where, it seems (although no actual proof) the money was used to offset the loss of income from the Top 6.

The earlier share issue was the one where we got £6m from the BKs. At the same time, the family forgave £5.75m debt due to them, in return for shares. The £6m was used for the things IG talks about in the article. (ie not losses, despite what others are suggesting)

[ChuckNor]

Did you read the part where IG explained how the £6m had been used?

Wages are one of the bigges contributor to our losses. He’s using the money in part to cover those.

[3pm]

The £2m was the second of this year's share issues. It came mainly from the family, but also from HSL and Leslie Robb. There was no Black Knights involvement, so their shareholding was diluted as a result.

The earlier share issue was the one where we got £6m from the BKs. At the same time, the family forgave £5.75m debt due to them, in return for shares.

Thanks.

[ChuckNor]

I have said this in the past, this sort of interview was a waste of time. Regardless of what Ian Gordon said, the Gordon haters will continue to hate and vent their spleen and the remainder of fans will just feel that is a just a PR exercise to keep us “on side”

Firmly in the Gordon out camp. Respect the fact he’s finally done an interview with the media. And the journalist in question did a great job.

Gordon has revealed how inept he and Kensell have been for years. This situation should never have happened. We were in a great place before the two of them tore it up only to now (for the most part) go back to the way we were run before.

[Real Emerald]

Very much corporate speak but at least he’s trying to communicate which is a positive. I still can’t really get my head around why they would spend some of that money on safe standing at a time the team was so poor and attendances are dropping like a stone, seems a crazy waste of money.

[JohnM1875]

Firmly in the Gordon out camp. Respect the fact he’s finally done an interview with the media. And the journalist in question did a great job.

Gordon has revealed how inept he and Kensell have been for years. This situation should never have happened. We were in a great place before the two of them tore it up only to now (for the most part) go back to the way we were run before.

See, I don't necessarily want them out, they're clearly willing owners and have pumped a huge amount of money into the club improving things. They just haven't got the main bit right yet, on the pitch.

I just want them to run the club properly, hopefully all the recent changes are the first step in doing that and hopefully they listen to the BK Group when they provide advice.

[CropleyWasGod]

Wages are one of the bigges contributor to our losses. He’s using the money in part to cover those.

The losses were for the year ended June 23. We don't know what they are in the year just ended, or indeed whether there were any. Turnover, certainly, will be better than in 2023. Kensell's "£15m turnover" prediction will be less than that, given no Top 6, but it will still be an improvement.

Part of the £6m was used towards the player budget, sure, but it was always going to be. Foley himself said that we would be "throwing a couple of million" at it. We have done that, in part, given transfer fees and signing-on fees etc for the players we have signed this summer. How much of that is left, and whether the McCowan offer was part of it, remains to be seen.

It was the additional £2m share issue that was (probably) used to pay for the lack of Top 6 income, not the £6m.

[LunasBoots]

Very much corporate speak but at least he’s trying to communicate which is a positive. I still can’t really get my head around why they would spend some of that money on safe standing at a time the team was so poor and attendances are dropping like a stone, seems a crazy waste of money.

Should of just made a small section safe standing, it's not like we fill it, also people outwith the Block 7 section sit anyway, seems a bit pointless.

[Tambo]

To much talk over the past few years, it's good he's come out and spoken and admitted mistakes have been made.

Up to malky and SDG and his team to get these players performing better on the pitch getting results, no doubt going to be another rollercoaster season.

[Real Emerald]

Firmly in the Gordon out camp. Respect the fact he’s finally done an interview with the media. And the journalist in question did a great job.

Gordon has revealed how inept he and Kensell have been for years. This situation should never have happened. We were in a great place before the two of them tore it up only to now (for the most part) go back to the way we were run before.

The scary thing is it happens in workplaces all over. New people come in and try to make big changes that have failed in the past and eventually realise and go back the way it worked well previously. Seen it so many times.

[jakeshibs]

Time to walk the walk, we've had the sweet talking a few times down the years.



In your opinion, my opinion is the opposite; they have spent more than any previous owners, kept the club afloat during COVID and improved every aspect of our club apart from the playing squad, this hasn't been through lack of effort, as they have backed every manager, just players that on paper were better than what they performed for hibs.
He is passionate about bringing football success is transparent about mistakes but also ambitious and until we have a recognised successor who is willing to put much more money into the club then we are in a good position.

[blackpoolhibs]

It's just talk, the invisible man has spoken at last.


Come back with some more when we see clear progress on the park and i might listen.

[Keepthefaith]

It's just talk, the invisible man has spoken at last.


Come back with some more when we see clear progress on the park and i might listen.

So this highlights what he's up against. Criticised for not speaking (rightly) but when he does, he's told it's just meaningless words. It might just be that we accept where we're at, accept mistakes have been made and noted and everyone pull in the same direction.

Like you say, we can hold them to account at the end of the season as to the evidence of just how much they've learnt from the mistakes.

[Iain G]

For all the admission of mistakes, had this been a PLC or these mistakes been made by employees, their feet would not have touched the ground. It was that incompetent, and fails to recognise that the wages of thousands of Hibs fans were wasted in the process. No time of him.

The wages of thousands of Hibs fans? What nonsense, there is no gun to anyone's heads to go spend money on Hibs.

[chrisski33]

In your opinion, my opinion is the opposite; they have spent more than any previous owners, kept the club afloat during COVID and improved every aspect of our club apart from the playing squad, this hasn't been through lack of effort, as they have backed every manager, just players that on paper were better than what they performed for hibs.
He is passionate about bringing football success is transparent about mistakes but also ambitious and until we have a recognised successor who is willing to put much more money into the club then we are in a good position.

Wasted alot of money on, on the field stuff tbh. He can be as passionate as he can but they aint succeeding in the playing and management side and they have had time to do so.

[Onion]

Yes good to at last hear his first public words after several years at the club.

Three things now confirmed without any doubt:-

1. We are losing money and continue to do so - rubbishing Kensall “next years figures will be much better”

2. The £6m was used to plug the loses and some off-field stuff. Presumably the extra £2m as well.

3. Foley and his team did not want Malky Mackay and David Gray hence his public words (I remember how some on here rubbished it).

None of this puts Kensall in a good light. Gordon is a 34 year rich man making mistakes while Kensall is a so called experience and well paid CEO.

Sounds fully committed but we have wasted a massive opportunity and both he and Kensall have zero track record in being able to sort it. It’s all hope rather anything else.

Call me when things start to change on the field of play. Until then, this is nothing more than words from an incompetent who has massively ****ed up, hoping that somehow he's struck lucky this time with his pet project.

From the top down ....

[MWHIBBIES]

In your opinion, my opinion is the opposite; they have spent more than any previous owners, kept the club afloat during COVID and improved every aspect of our club apart from the playing squad, this hasn't been through lack of effort, as they have backed every manager, just players that on paper were better than what they performed for hibs.
He is passionate about bringing football success is transparent about mistakes but also ambitious and until we have a recognised successor who is willing to put much more money into the club then we are in a good position.

It's not like they've just not improved the squad. They've taken it backwards.

We wouldn't have needed all their investment had we just made European groups a few times you know.

[Col2]

I always find it interesting re the timing of interviews like these. Always seems to be a few days after the transfer window closes or in the summer.

“Tomorrow will be better, we promise etc etc”

[Fergos]

In your opinion, my opinion is the opposite; they have spent more than any previous owners, kept the club afloat during COVID and improved every aspect of our club apart from the playing squad, this hasn't been through lack of effort, as they have backed every manager, just players that on paper were better than what they performed for hibs.
He is passionate about bringing football success is transparent about mistakes but also ambitious and until we have a recognised successor who is willing to put much more money into the club then we are in a good position.

“Apart from the playing squad”.

The absolute essence of why folk are unhappy and want to see progress in the most important part of the club.

[Baldy Foghorn]

Didn't strike me as a particularly exciting or informative article.

[Brightside]

Why isn’t he speaking - Boooo. Why is he speaking - Booo. Oh Hibs 😂

[GreenCastle]

So this highlights what he's up against. Criticised for not speaking (rightly) but when he does, he's told it's just meaningless words. It might just be that we accept where we're at, accept mistakes have been made and noted and everyone pull in the same direction.

Like you say, we can hold them to account at the end of the season as to the evidence of just how much they've learnt from the mistakes.

Seems we have the happy clappers who just say wow great - all is fine.

The large majority who aren’t happy and sceptical how this season will turn out (so far not a great start with zero wins - zero clean sheets - out the league cup and losing to Kelty was a shocker).

We then have some fans who are past caring and willing be happy till Kensell and Gordon’s go.

I think the only way some fans will change views will be if we do better on the pitch.

I said this last season - this season is MASSIVE for the club and even more so now they decided to appoint Gray with limited management experience.

If things don’t improve then I would imagine the board / MM etc will be under serious pressure from angry fans and next season ST would be the lowest for a long time.

Obviously I hope things improve and everyone can start pulling in same direction but it’s obvious there are so many fractions to the club and support right now - only winning will bring us all together more - losing will bring the fans together and demand change if things don’t improve.

[Since452]

He could say anything he wants. Until we stop floundering around the bottom six which is becoming the norm since he arrived then I couldn't care less what he says. Been an utter disaster so far.

[JohnM1875]

He could say anything he wants. Until we stop floundering around the bottom six which is becoming the norm since he arrived then I couldn't care less what he says. Been an utter disaster so far.

He has, but he's kinda alluding to that in the article. The more I've had time to think about it after reading I think the penny might've finally dropped for him.

I don't get the apparent hate some folk have for him though (not saying you do by the way). His Dad passed away and he's taken over something completely new to him. Sure, he's made mistakes and probably been a bit too bold and hands on, but he's what, 34? (Younger than SDG).

He's a young guy learning on the job. Not learning as much as most of us would hope, but I think he is learning and his family have put more money into the club the past few years than in anyone else in my 36 years.

I'll be cutting him some slack going forward.

[greenlex]

It's not like they've just not improved the squad. They've taken it backwards.

We wouldn't have needed all their investment had we just made European groups a few times you know.
It would have been for the first time in about 4 decades mind.

[MWHIBBIES]

It would have been for the first time in about 4 decades mind.

Scotland didn't have a group stage spot for finishing 3rd then. Not getting it even once is a big failure imo.

[Pagan Hibernia]

So this highlights what he's up against. Criticised for not speaking (rightly) but when he does, he's told it's just meaningless words. It might just be that we accept where we're at, accept mistakes have been made and noted and everyone pull in the same direction.

Like you say, we can hold them to account at the end of the season as to the evidence of just how much they've learnt from the mistakes.

While the football and results are crap it is just meaningless words unfortunately.

Performances and results on the pitch is what managers and owners will always be judged on and what supporters actually care about.

If we have yet another horrendous season and finish 9th or 10th (or God forbid even worse), and Ian Gordon does another interview saying "ok we've made more mistakes this year but we're learning from them and next year will be better I promise"... then what?

[Brianmcd]

Whilst on field has been a complete disaster recently, the guy should be given some support for the position he is in. His dad passed and he and the family had a difficult decision to make re ownership. He’s 34 and clearly struggling to get to grips with everything football wise. But you cannot doubt the financial commitment from the family and I believe his personal commitment having moved his family here. I hope and think we will see some improvement on the pitch.

[greenlex]

Scotland didn't have a group stage spot for finishing 3rd then. Not getting it even once is a big failure imo.

Equally how many times have we finished third in our lifetime never mind before we had the spot for third? It’s not great but hardly a big failure. In fact it’s the norm more often than not. Certainly not a stick to beat Ian Gordon with.

[matty_f]

Whilst on field has been a complete disaster recently, the guy should be given some support for the position he is in. His dad passed and he and the family had a difficult decision to make re ownership. He’s 34 and clearly struggling to get to grips with everything football wise. But you cannot doubt the financial commitment from the family and I believe his personal commitment having moved his family here. I hope and think we will see some improvement on the pitch.

I don’t really agree with the 34 years old, just inherited the club so give him a break argument.

I think he’s too young and too inexperienced for the role, as I suspect most 34 year olds are but the folly here is in not stepping back and handing control over adequately. At 34 he should be able to recognise when he’s bitten off more than he can chew, and I thought when we brought BKFC on board that it would be the defining moment of the Gordon’s ownership - an opportunity to be a hands-off owner for a while and let experienced folk in to do the hard yards turning the club around on and off the field.

That we’ve apparently shunned that advice and that route already (but clearly not forever) is the bit that’s hard to stomach, for me.

That’s inexperience, and arrogance, at play. When I’ve got a willing partner offering to help if you let them, and v you think you know best, then that’s when the criticism is warranted.


If he was a 34 year old landed with the club without the means to get help to run it, I would sympathise more with the viewpoint, but that’s demonstrably not the case here.

[TrinityHFC]

I don’t really agree with the 34 years old, just inherited the club so give him a break argument.

I think he’s too young and too inexperienced for the role, as I suspect most 34 year olds are but the folly here is in not stepping back and handing control over adequately. At 34 he should be able to recognise when he’s bitten off more than he can chew, and I thought when we brought BKFC on board that it would be the defining moment of the Gordon’s ownership - an opportunity to be a hands-off owner for a while and let experienced folk in to do the hard yards turning the club around on and off the field.

That we’ve apparently shunned that advice and that route already (but clearly not forever) is the bit that’s hard to stomach, for me.

That’s inexperience, and arrogance, at play. When I’ve got a willing partner offering to help if you let them, and v you think you know best, then that’s when the criticism is warranted.


If he was a 34 year old landed with the club without the means to get help to run it, I would sympathise more with the viewpoint, but that’s demonstrably not the case here.

Having a different view from minority investors doesn’t indicate inexperience or arrogance at all.

You don’t know who they suggested in the director and head coach roles or how they would have worked out. We also now have those football people making the decisions on what type of players they want to bring in.

You talk about his role. What is his role? Nothing particularly unusual about a 34 yr old business owner and board member.

[matty_f]

Having a different view from minority investors doesn’t indicate inexperience or arrogance at all.

You don’t know who they suggested in the director and head coach roles or how they would have worked out. We also now have those football people making the decisions on what type of players they want to bring in.

You talk about his role. What is his role? Nothing particularly unusual about a 34 yr old business owner and board member.

I never mentioned the director and the head coach.

Can you point to three other owner and board members in Scottish football (go UK if you want) who are 34?

The website describes his role as “ Ian Gordon joined the Club’s Board of Directors in March 2023 and has since been working closely with Chief Executive Ben Kensell to ensure his father’s legacy continues at Hibernian FC.” and “ He worked as Hibs' Head of Recruitment and is now learning off the Club’s CEO to understand the difference facets involved in running a Football Club.”.

[Bridge hibs]

I never mentioned the director and the head coach.

Can you point to three other owner and board members in Scottish football (go UK if you want) who are 34?

The website describes his role as “ Ian Gordon joined the Club’s Board of Directors in March 2023 and has since been working closely with Chief Executive Ben Kensell to ensure his father’s legacy continues at Hibernian FC.” and “ He worked as Hibs' Head of Recruitment and is now learning off the Club’s CEO to understand the difference facets involved in running a Football Club.”.Dreyfus the Sunderland major share holder and Chairman is around 27 along with 45 year old Juan Sartori and those young lads who own Hersham and Walton Fc are in their mid 20s 😁

[JohnM1875]

I don’t really agree with the 34 years old, just inherited the club so give him a break argument.

I think he’s too young and too inexperienced for the role, as I suspect most 34 year olds are but the folly here is in not stepping back and handing control over adequately. At 34 he should be able to recognise when he’s bitten off more than he can chew, and I thought when we brought BKFC on board that it would be the defining moment of the Gordon’s ownership - an opportunity to be a hands-off owner for a while and let experienced folk in to do the hard yards turning the club around on and off the field.

That we’ve apparently shunned that advice and that route already (but clearly not forever) is the bit that’s hard to stomach, for me.

That’s inexperience, and arrogance, at play. When I’ve got a willing partner offering to help if you let them, and v you think you know best, then that’s when the criticism is warranted.


If he was a 34 year old landed with the club without the means to get help to run it, I would sympathise more with the viewpoint, but that’s demonstrably not the case here.

He's 34 year old and inherited a club through his Dad passing away. That passing alone is tough thing for anyone to go through.

He mentioned discussions with Ron near the end and Ron made it clear he didn't want to sell the club. So, as a 34 year old inexperienced businessman he's taken on the running of a football club. Not a single one of us can possibly know what that's like.

He's made mistakes, seems likes he's owned up to them and we've had a shift in focus. Anyone can see or recruitment this summer is back to what the majority have been asking for.

Let's see how this season pans out and maybe give him the benefit of the doubt just now?

[Keepthefaith]

While the football and results are crap it is just meaningless words unfortunately.

Performances and results on the pitch is what managers and owners will always be judged on and what supporters actually care about.

If we have yet another horrendous season and finish 9th or 10th (or God forbid even worse), and Ian Gordon does another interview saying "ok we've made more mistakes this year but we're learning from them and next year will be better I promise"... then what?

Of course not, and if you read my responses you'd know that's not what I was saying. Both yourself and others are saying it's meaningless words and only actions matter, yet he was being slated for not speaking.

I said they should be held accountable at the end of the season, my point is that too many folk aren't prepared to accept what he's said as a genuine attempt to communicate honestly with the fans. There has to be a point surely where we pause the animosity and get behind the club as a whole?

It's not like we have owners in the style of mike Ashley who revelled in being at odds with the support. Decisions were made with the intention of making us successful, turns out there were too many mistakes made.

Despite greencastles comment I'm not a happy clapper but I am fair and I'm tired of the need for some to maintain a level of vitriol and toxicity because they think there's some hidden agenda. Ron was a good man who wanted the best for Hibs, it'd be nice if we can all rally round, change the atmosphere at the club and pass our judgement later in the season.

[matty_f]

Dreyfus the Sunderland major share holder and Chairman is around 27 along with 45 year old Juan Sartori and those young lads who own Hersham and Walton Fc are in their mid 20s 😁

Nice one! 👍😂

[matty_f]

He's 34 year old and inherited a club through his Dad passing away. That passing alone is tough thing for anyone to go through.

He mentioned discussions with Ron near the end and Ron made it clear he didn't want to sell the club. So, as a 34 year old inexperienced businessman he's taken on the running of a football club. Not a single one of us can possibly know what that's like.

He's made mistakes, seems likes he's owned up to them and we've had a shift in focus. Anyone can see or recruitment this summer is back to what the majority have been asking for.

Let's see how this season pans out and maybe give him the benefit of the doubt just now?

We’ve not got much choice on that front.

I don’t doubt it’s a hard thing to go through, maybe that’s more the reason to step back and let others do it though.

[SHODAN]

It's a very good interview and it's clear, and reassuring for me personally, that our owner is deeply invested in the long-term future of the club, and has a structure in place for achieving success.

We need to start winning games of football.

[ChilliEater]

We’ve not got much choice on that front.

I don’t doubt it’s a hard thing to go through, maybe that’s more the reason to step back and let others do it though.

But also, conversely, makes it more difficult to step back because you feel you have to do it for your Dad and make him proud?

[matty_f]

But also, conversely, makes it more difficult to step back because you feel you have to do it for your Dad and make him proud?

Possibly, but that’s when you need strong people around you.

[Donegal Hibby]

Possibly, but that’s when you need strong people around you.

That include us fans too Matty ?

[matty_f]

That include us fans too Matty ?

If you like.

[JohnM1875]

Possibly, but that’s when you need strong people around you.

Is that not what he's going for in the appointment of SDG and MM though?

Unless you mean strong people around to tell him to sell up? Which he's already explained was discussed with Ron and was never going to happen.

[Auckland Hibs]

Another couple of years with us failing to make the top 6 will see them sell up.

There's no way they're pumping 3-4 million into the club every year to cover our losses.

[bingo70]

Another couple of years with us failing to make the top 6 will see them sell up.

There's no way they're pumping 3-4 million into the club every year to cover our losses.

That’s what I think.

I don’t doubt the Gordon’s commitment and I don’t doubt their determination to try and make it work. Running a big business is hard though, running a football club is incredibly difficult and not many manage to make a success of it, let alone someone with no experience of running any sort of company.

They don’t have an infinite amount of funds so there’ll come a point where they’ll have to hold their hands up and look to get out. I think it could equally come on the back of a success like a trophy win or group stage European football, even if they seem unlikely just now. Essentially I think it won’t be too long before they’re looking for the right time to bow out, ideally it’ll be on their terms but circumstances may determine otherwise.

[judas]

[QUOTE=Onion;7768413]For all the admission of mistakes, had this been a PLC or these mistakes been made by employees, their feet would not have touched the ground. It was that incompetent, and fails to recognise that the wages of thousands of Hibs fans were wasted in the process. No time of him.[/QUOTE

Hibs operating more like Edinburgh City Council than a private sector company that actually needs to make good decisions to survive.

Next he will be ‘working from home’.

[RIP]

He's 34 year old and inherited a club through his Dad passing away. That passing alone is tough thing for anyone to go through.

He mentioned discussions with Ron near the end and Ron made it clear he didn't want to sell the club. So, as a 34 year old inexperienced businessman he's taken on the running of a football club. Not a single one of us can possibly know what that's like.

He's made mistakes, seems likes he's owned up to them and we've had a shift in focus. Anyone can see or recruitment this summer is back to what the majority have been asking for.

Let's see how this season pans out and maybe give him the benefit of the doubt just now?

This! 100%.

I would suggest that the majority of human beings outside of football would feel sorry for any lad whose dad had died unexpectedly after a short illness before being able to see his dreams realised for his new business.

I would also suggest that most people would be impressed when his son, inexperienced in business, decides that he doesn't want to give up on the project that had been his father's long time dream.

If Kit and Ian had simply sold up after Ron died, nobody would have blamed them.

In persevering, they have unsurprisingly made errors of judgement. Ian has been as open and honest as we could expect from a majority shareholder.

I don't know about anyone else but I'm going to show him some support. He and his mum will still be mourning and clearly have our very best interests at heart.

They deserve some admiration for demonstrating that love and loyalty to Hibernian FC.

[Pagan Hibernia]

Of course not, and if you read my responses you'd know that's not what I was saying. Both yourself and others are saying it's meaningless words and only actions matter, yet he was being slated for not speaking.

I said they should be held accountable at the end of the season, my point is that too many folk aren't prepared to accept what he's said as a genuine attempt to communicate honestly with the fans. There has to be a point surely where we pause the animosity and get behind the club as a whole?

It's not like we have owners in the style of mike Ashley who revelled in being at odds with the support. Decisions were made with the intention of making us successful, turns out there were too many mistakes made.

Despite greencastles comment I'm not a happy clapper but I am fair and I'm tired of the need for some to maintain a level of vitriol and toxicity because they think there's some hidden agenda. Ron was a good man who wanted the best for Hibs, it'd be nice if we can all rally round, change the atmosphere at the club and pass our judgement later in the season.

Fair enough. Good points, well made.

[MWHIBBIES]

Equally how many times have we finished third in our lifetime never mind before we had the spot for third? It’s not great but hardly a big failure. In fact it’s the norm more often than not. Certainly not a stick to beat Ian Gordon with.

Hearts were in the championship, Aberdeen had just sacked McInnes and hired Stephen Glass. We finished 3rd.

Hearts have finished above us all 3 seasons since, getting european groups twice.

Aberdeen have finished above us twice, getting European groups once.

The last 3 seasons have been an massive failure where we have allowed our rivals to massively leapfrog us and their fans to enjoy some amazing European trips. Considering the set up the Gordons inherited and what we've got now, yes, they have failed massively.

[matty_f]

This! 100%.

I would suggest that the majority of human beings outside of football would feel sorry for any lad whose dad had died unexpectedly after a short illness before being able to see his dreams realised for his new business.

I would also suggest that most people would be impressed when his son, inexperienced in business, decides that he doesn't want to give up on the project that had been his father's long time dream.

If Kit and Ian had simply sold up after Ron died, nobody would have blamed them.

In persevering, they have unsurprisingly made errors of judgement. Ian has been as open and honest as we could expect from a majority shareholder.

I don't know about anyone else but I'm going to show him some support. He and his mum will still be mourning and clearly have our very best interests at heart.

They deserve some admiration for demonstrating that love and loyalty to Hibernian FC.
I think they do deserve admiration for demonstrating the love and loyalty to the club, we do also have the capacity to at once be impressed at their resolve to do well and have the opinion that, based on what we see and hear, there might be a better way to realise the ambitions than trying to do it themselves.

Ron, with a lifetime of building successful businesses behind him, stood and laid out a vision for the future at Hibs at his first AGM, it contained the “what’s” and the “how”, and he found it challenging to deliver.

Ian - and I say this as someone who has no axe to grind with the guy at all, far from it, I want his time here to be a huge success and would love to see his family realise Ron’s dream - has none of Ron’s experience. That’s not a criticism or a judgement on the guy. He’s inherited this club before he expected to and I don’t doubt he’s doing his absolute best to make it work. Financially, emotionally etc you can see he cares.

My point isn’t that he should give it up or the Gordons should sell up etc but more that there’s a point where even with the best intentions you realise that the best way to realise the ambitions isn’t necessarily to do your best and throw money at the issue. It’s to lean on others and let folk with the skills and experience do it. Take a back seat for a bit.

It looked for all the world like that was going to happen. A review with BKFC after another failed season and folk with the skills and experience on hand to give that advice. We didn’t take it - we might be taking it now, who knows? But the point I’m making is that simply taking ownership and responsibility on its own, whilst admirable, is not necessarily the answer.

And I’m able to think that whilst at the same time absolutely having empathy with the family on a human level and acknowledging the work that they’ve put in. It’s not a black and white thing.

[greenlex]

Hearts were in the championship, Aberdeen had just sacked McInnes and hired Stephen Glass. We finished 3rd.

Hearts have finished above us all 3 seasons since, getting european groups twice.

Aberdeen have finished above us twice, getting European groups once.

The last 3 seasons have been a massive failure where we have allowed our rivals to massively leapfrog us and their fans to enjoy some amazing European trips. Considering the set up the Gordons inherited and what we've got now, yes, they have failed massively.
We haven’t done nearly as well as we should have but to hold up that up as a massive failure is bonkers. Sure it’s the target and have failed to reach it but both those clubs had bigger budgets than us. We were/are disadvantaged from the off. There’s nothing massive about the failure apart from in your mind.

[Hibeesforever]

I am cricised the current owners for being faceless, so I need to praise Ian Gordon for fronting up and trying to be a leader. Must have been hard for him and now he has done it, probably feels it wasn't too bad....time now to repair the relationship with the support and continue to be more visible...it will help everybody...well done to him, success now incoming!

[Paulie Walnuts]

We haven’t done nearly as well as we should have but to hold up that up as a massive failure is bonkers. Sure it’s the target and have failed to reach it but both those clubs had bigger budgets than us. We were/are disadvantaged from the off. There’s nothing massive about the failure apart from in your mind.

If we finished just tucked in behind them then you’d have a point although Hearts were coming in off the back of a relegation one of those seasons and people can’t wait to tell us how it’s going to take years for us to rebuild from our 8th place finish.

We have however finished behind DU, Motherwell, Livi, Ross county, Kilmarnock, Dundee, St Mirren and had two 8th place finishes in those seasons, all of whom we have a massive budget advantage over.

Suggesting it hasn’t been a massive failure is the part that’s bonkers.

[Bishop Hibee]

Ultimately talk is cheap. Gray has been backed well in this window but the squad was such a mess due partly to Ian Gordon it’ll take another two windows to sort out.

[MWHIBBIES]

We haven’t done nearly as well as we should have but to hold up that up as a massive failure is bonkers. Sure it’s the target and have failed to reach it but both those clubs had bigger budgets than us. We were/are disadvantaged from the off. There’s nothing massive about the failure apart from in your mind.

Absolutely cannot use the bigger budgets argument when likes of St Mirren, Ross County, Motherwell, Livingston, Dundee United, and Kilmarnock have finished above us in that time. Utterly void.

Its perfectly possible if we don't waste millions on utter crap players, woefully unsuited to this league. It is an absolutely massive failure to not have gotten 3rd once when this prize was on offer, considering we were 3rd the season before.

Aberdeen and Hearts have slightly bigger budgets than us. They also signed Shankland and Miovski while we signed Vente. Rookie managers in Robson and Naismith got 3rd place over us.

[blackpoolhibs]

I'd imagine it would be difficult to take over the club after his father died, but let's not kid ourselves on, his father was making a right mess of the club when he was here, and sadly he died, and his son carried on the bad work well.

They both might be very good at what they did before buying Hibs, but since arriving at the club, the football side of the club has been an unmitigated disaster.

So I'm sorry Ian, but unfortunately until I see progress on the park, really all that I'm interested in, then I'm not interested in what you have to say, I want the football team to be better, over to you.

[greenlex]

Absolutely cannot use the bigger budgets argument when likes of St Mirren, Ross County, Motherwell, Livingston, Dundee United, and Kilmarnock have finished above us in that time. Utterly void.

Its perfectly possible if we don't waste millions on utter crap players, woefully unsuited to this league. It is an absolutely massive failure to not have gotten 3rd once when this prize was on offer, considering we were 3rd the season before.

Aberdeen and Hearts have slightly bigger budgets than us. They also signed Shankland and Miovski while we signed Vente. Rookie managers in Robson and Naismith got 3rd place over us.
Last word on it mate. Those clubs have finished above us over that time but not consistently. Budget is anything but void. If it wasn’t Aberdeen Hearts and Rangers and Celtic for that matter wouldn’t more often than not finish above us. History tells us that. Using not getting to the euro group stages as a stick to beat us with is nonsense.

[MWHIBBIES]

Last word on it mate. Those clubs have finished above us over that time but not consistently. Budget is anything but void. If it wasn’t Aberdeen Hearts and Rangers and Celtic for that matter wouldn’t more often than not finish above us. History tells us that. Using not getting to the euro group stages as a stick to beat us with is nonsense.

Celtic and Rangers budget difference matters. With us, Hearts and Aberdeen its 99% about recruitment. Which we have done woefully. And yes, not finishing 3rd in this period is a stick to beat them with IMO. They have failed hugely. 8th twice is a joke.

[Since452]

We haven’t done nearly as well as we should have but to hold up that up as a massive failure is bonkers. Sure it’s the target and have failed to reach it but both those clubs had bigger budgets than us. We were/are disadvantaged from the off. There’s nothing massive about the failure apart from in your mind.

Nothing bonkers about about thinking the Gordons have been a massive failure imo. It's been one shambles to the next on the park and the times we have had moderate success we've decided to punt a manager on the eve of a cup final and another who was balancing Europe with our opening league games. And then replace them with comedy acts. Their reign has almost been laughably bad.

[Keith_M]

Seems like there's no thread on here recently hasn't descended into attacks and negativity.

[B.H.F.C]

Last word on it mate. Those clubs have finished above us over that time but not consistently. Budget is anything but void. If it wasn’t Aberdeen Hearts and Rangers and Celtic for that matter wouldn’t more often than not finish above us. History tells us that. Using not getting to the euro group stages as a stick to beat us with is nonsense.

It’s not the failing to reach that target that is the big issue. It’s the fact that we’ve not even been competitive in trying to reach it, finishing 8th in a couple of the seasons since it was brought in and behind teams with far inferior budgets to us if we’re bringing that in to it.

[Pretty Boy]

I don't hate Ian Gordon, which seems a common retort when he is criticised. I don't know enough about him to hate him. Both him and his dad seem thoroughly decent people and in the case of the latter an astute business man. Unfortunately for us as football fans that expertise doesn't appear to have carried over into how to build a successful football team which is really my concern.

I don't even know what Ian Gordon does day to day at Hibs so perhaps a lot of the blame being placed at his door is unfair. There has been and still is a sloppiness about Hibs right now though. As a few examples we posted a condolence message after Sol Bamba sadly passed away. There was a spelling error in it that wasn't corrected for over 2 hours. We recently sent a player on loan to Civil Service Strollers and named their manager as a guy who left 6 years ago, worse still their actual manager was coaching at Hibs during lockdown. Before the Dundee game we posted the wrong team on social media. The recent Kilmarnock game was listed as a home game on the website for a couple of weeks before being changed a day before the game. We recently posted an article about O'Hora on the official site that had 3 different spellings of his name in the headline, opening sentence and main article.

Obviously none of those things are directly the work of Ian Gordon or Ben Kensell but it's symptomatic of a lack of standards throughout a company. A 'that'll do' or 'we'll sort it later' attitude. From top to bottom we should be striving to be the absolute best we can be relative to our resources and I'm not convinced that has been the case in the last wee while.

[Donegal Hibby]

I’m glad we have the Gordon family as owners who genuinely seem to care / love the club even if mistakes have been made .. it couldn’t have been easy for Ian or the Gordon family taking the reins after Ron’s sad passing who has been a great miss with his drive and enthusiasm for Hibs .

When you see the way football is going now with people or consortium’s buying up multiple clubs now it almost feels soulless and i wonder do they genuinely care about the clubs and have their best interests at heart ? ..

I’m hoping that Ian and the Gordon family will learn from the past mistakes and we see things improve in the future.

As I said I’m glad we have the Gordon’s as our owners .

[JimBHibees]

He has, but he's kinda alluding to that in the article. The more I've had time to think about it after reading I think the penny might've finally dropped for him.

I don't get the apparent hate some folk have for him though (not saying you do by the way). His Dad passed away and he's taken over something completely new to him. Sure, he's made mistakes and probably been a bit too bold and hands on, but he's what, 34? (Younger than SDG).

He's a young guy learning on the job. Not learning as much as most of us would hope, but I think he is learning and his family have put more money into the club the past few years than in anyone else in my 36 years.

I'll be cutting him some slack going forward.

Agree with all that

[blackpoolhibs]

I’m glad we have the Gordon family as owners who genuinely seem to care / love the club even if mistakes have been made .. it couldn’t have been easy for Ian or the Gordon family taking the reins after Ron’s sad passing who has been a great miss with his drive and enthusiasm for Hibs .

When you see the way football is going now with people or consortium’s buying up multiple clubs now it almost feels soulless and i wonder do they genuinely care about the clubs and have their best interests at heart ? ..

I’m hoping that Ian and the Gordon family will learn from the past mistakes and we see things improve in the future.

As I said I’m glad we have the Gordon’s as our owners .

Since the family walked through the doors, they have been a disaster for the football team, and you are glad?
:rolleyes:

[Pagan Hibernia]

I don't hate Ian Gordon, which seems a common retort when he is criticised. I don't know enough about him to hate him. Both him and his dad seem thoroughly decent people and in the case of the latter an astute business man. Unfortunately for us as football fans that expertise doesn't appear to have carried over into how to build a successful football team which is really my concern.

I don't even know what Ian Gordon does day to day at Hibs so perhaps a lot of the blame being placed at his door is unfair. There has been and still is a sloppiness about Hibs right now though. As a few examples we posted a condolence message after Sol Bamba sadly passed away. There was a spelling error in it that wasn't corrected for over 2 hours. We recently sent a player on loan to Civil Service Strollers and named their manager as a guy who left 6 years ago, worse still their actual manager was coaching at Hibs during lockdown. Before the Dundee game we posted the wrong team on social media. The recent Kilmarnock game was listed as a home game on the website for a couple of weeks before being changed a day before the game. We recently posted an article about O'Hora on the official site that had 3 different spellings of his name in the headline, opening sentence and main article.

Obviously none of those things are directly the work of Ian Gordon or Ben Kensell but it's symptomatic of a lack of standards throughout a company. A 'that'll do' or 'we'll sort it later' attitude. From top to bottom we should be striving to be the absolute best we can be relative to our resources and I'm not convinced that has been the case in the last wee while.

Interesting examples, and I wasn't aware of any of them.

You're right, it's not good enough. Human error is what it is and any one of those can happen at any time, but collectively they do reveal complacency. There's clearly a case here of people not taking enough pride in their work and in the club generally.

Club shop appears to be worse than it was before too. Someone on another thread mentioned they don't even sell hibs books anymore? And on another hibs.net thread someone has pointed out that nobody can answer a bloody phone at the ticket office!

We need to be better.

[MWHIBBIES]

I’m glad we have the Gordon family as owners who genuinely seem to care / love the club even if mistakes have been made .. it couldn’t have been easy for Ian or the Gordon family taking the reins after Ron’s sad passing who has been a great miss with his drive and enthusiasm for Hibs .

When you see the way football is going now with people or consortium’s buying up multiple clubs now it almost feels soulless and i wonder do they genuinely care about the clubs and have their best interests at heart ? ..

I’m hoping that Ian and the Gordon family will learn from the past mistakes and we see things improve in the future.

As I said I’m glad we have the Gordon’s as our owners .

Could we not get owners who care AND are competent?

[Donegal Hibby]

Could we not get owners who care AND are competent?

We could yes or we could get ones that are going to buy a string of hotels /pubs down in England that are going to improve the club … or get new owners that are promising us the earth like Notts County once got .. or new owners that own multiple clubs where we are well down the ladder and just a number to them .

Mistakes have been made and hopefully our owners will learn from them and things will improve in the future. I think most folk make mistakes in life .

Certainly not a lack of effort financially on the Gordon’s part with signings of 600k , 700k and willing to shell out 1 million quid on a player which I didn’t think I’d ever see …

I like the Gordon’s as our owners as I genuinely believe they care for Hibernian Football Club and have our clubs best interests at heart .

As for Ian Gordon I think he should be cut some slack but that’s just my own personal opinion.

[NC1875]

It shows we’re really at rock bottom when Ian Gordon is coming out with an interview to try and appease the fans.

Tells us nothing we don’t already know, and confirms what we already knew about Ben Kensell being an absolute gob*****.

[chrisski33]

Certainly not a lack of effort financially on the Gordon’s part with signings of 600k , 700k and willing to shell out 1 million quid on a player which I didn’t think I’d ever see …

I like the Gordon’s as our owners as I genuinely believe they care for Hibernian Football Club and have our clubs best interests at heart .

As for Ian Gordon I think he should be cut some slack but that’s just my own personal opinion.

That money spent on players could have been spent wiser if the Gordons had a better recruitment policy and knew what they were doing.

[greenlex]

Nothing bonkers about about thinking the Gordons have been a massive failure imo. It's been one shambles to the next on the park and the times we have had moderate success we've decided to punt a manager on the eve of a cup final and another who was balancing Europe with our opening league games. And then replace them with comedy acts. Their reign has almost been laughably bad.
Not what I’m saying. I’m saying using not finishing third as a metric is bonkers.

[Unseen work]

Nothing bonkers about about thinking the Gordons have been a massive failure imo. It's been one shambles to the next on the park and the times we have had moderate success we've decided to punt a manager on the eve of a cup final and another who was balancing Europe with our opening league games. And then replace them with comedy acts. Their reign has almost been laughably bad.

I think it was them reacting to disgruntled fans for them sacking Ross and Johnson.

Large portions of fans wanted both them out. Whether it was style of football, form, interviews etc

[J-C]

Funny some calling the Gordon's a disaster yet it was Farmer/Petrie that had umpteen poor managers and ultimately got us relegated under Butcher, it then took Petrie to acknowledge his massive mistakes and appointed Dempster and Craig to get us out of the mess and the Championship. Farmer through getting older and health reasons and Petrie being moved up the SFA ladder, the club was sold to an enthusiastic Peruvian/American businessman who loved the idea of Hibs and it's history and wanted to make us a force in Scottish football. Ron's biggest mistake was that although Kensell was a good appointment he neglected the footballing side of the club, instead concentrating on the business side and increasing revenue, he also made a huge mistake to allow his son to play Football Manager with the playing side, the idea of unearthing a couple of gems sounds good but not half a team full, we're now playing dearly for that massive mistake.

Mackay has been brought in to run the footballing side and a link up with BK arranged, unfortunately not taking listening to the BK group has been another blunder by Ian Gordon/Kensell, money has been spent this summer and players identified to be more 1st team orientated but it's a big turnover in one go, good to get shot of the dross but trying to do it all in one window is always hard.

If IG has realised his mistakes and he's letting the football people run that department, then good, we can only give him time to turn it around, remember he was never ready to take over from his father and his father was never ready to run the club without proper football people around him. Lets stop all this negativity and try giving the club some backing for a change.

[MWHIBBIES]

We could yes or we could get ones that are going to buy a string of hotels /pubs down in England that are going to improve the club … or get new owners that are promising us the earth like Notts County once got .. or new owners that own multiple clubs where we are well down the ladder and just a number to them .

Mistakes have been made and hopefully our owners will learn from them and things will improve in the future. I think most folk make mistakes in life .

Certainly not a lack of effort financially on the Gordon’s part with signings of 600k , 700k and willing to shell out 1 million quid on a player which I didn’t think I’d ever see …

I like the Gordon’s as our owners as I genuinely believe they care for Hibernian Football Club and have our clubs best interests at heart .

As for Ian Gordon I think he should be cut some slack but that’s just my own personal opinion.

They'll get zero credit for "spending money" because we'd have a lot more of it had we been getting 3rd place. Instead they've utterly wasted it and put us back quite a bit on the pitch. We're also sitting with 2 points after 4 games and out the league cup, so we're not succeeding this season either. The money is not coming out of their pocket either. It's coming from sponsors, fans, merch etc.

I think they care. A bit. That isn't some compliment for owners imo. I want to win football matches and it's perfectly possible now. Not in a few years.

[marinello59]

They'll get zero credit for "spending money" because we'd have a lot more of it had we been getting 3rd place. Instead they've utterly wasted it and put us back quite a bit on the pitch. We're also sitting with 2 points after 4 games and out the league cup, so we're not succeeding this season either. The money is not coming out of their pocket either. It's coming from sponsors, fans, merch etc.

I think they care. A bit. That isn't some compliment for owners imo. I want to win football matches and it's perfectly possible now. Not in a few years.

:agree:

[Donegal Hibby]

That money spent on players could have been spent wiser if the Gordons had a better recruitment policy and knew what they were doing.

I think initially we got it badly wrong on the recruitment side of things where it felt like we were signing a host of young players with probably the idea of making money from them like your Jairs , Kennehs etc which obviously people at the club like Ian Gordon have been responsible for …..

Though I do think that has changed and improved with signings like Fish , CJ , Youan , Maolida etc , a bit unlucky with a few like Vente , McKirdy too .

Ones like Levitt I can’t blame them for as he was one I wanted us to sign and think most hibs fans did too .

Our latest transfer window I think has been good with a fairly big clear out and some good quality players added to the squad.

Hopefully we are seeing improvements on the recruitment side of things now .

[oneone73]

Funny some calling the Gordon's a disaster yet it was Farmer/Petrie that had umpteen poor managers and ultimately got us relegated under Butcher, it then took Petrie to acknowledge his massive mistakes and appointed Dempster and Craig to get us out of the mess and the Championship. Farmer through getting older and health reasons and Petrie being moved up the SFA ladder, the club was sold to an enthusiastic Peruvian/American businessman who loved the idea of Hibs and it's history and wanted to make us a force in Scottish football. Ron's biggest mistake was that although Kensell was a good appointment he neglected the footballing side of the club, instead concentrating on the business side and increasing revenue, he also made a huge mistake to allow his son to play Football Manager with the playing side, the idea of unearthing a couple of gems sounds good but not half a team full, we're now playing dearly for that massive mistake.

Mackay has been brought in to run the footballing side and a link up with BK arranged, unfortunately not taking listening to the BK group has been another blunder by Ian Gordon/Kensell, money has been spent this summer and players identified to be more 1st team orientated but it's a big turnover in one go, good to get shot of the dross but trying to do it all in one window is always hard.

If IG has realised his mistakes and he's letting the football people run that department, then good, we can only give him time to turn it around, remember he was never ready to take over from his father and his father was never ready to run the club without proper football people around him. Lets stop all this negativity and try giving the club some backing for a change.
Farmer was in charge for two relegations.

[Caversham Green]

Since the family walked through the doors, they have been a disaster for the football team, and you are glad?
:rolleyes:

A disaster is what has happened at my local club since Madejski sold up. The Gordons are nowhere near that level of incompetence and are at least trying to correct their mistakes, the procession of clowns at Reading just doubled down on their gaffes to the extent that the future of the club was and remains in real jeopardy.

To those wanting the Gordons to sell up now, be careful what you wish for.

[Donegal Hibby]

They'll get zero credit for "spending money" because we'd have a lot more of it had we been getting 3rd place. Instead they've utterly wasted it and put us back quite a bit on the pitch. We're also sitting with 2 points after 4 games and out the league cup, so we're not succeeding this season either. The money is not coming out of their pocket either. It's coming from sponsors, fans, merch etc.

I think they care. A bit. That isn't some compliment for owners imo. I want to win football matches and it's perfectly possible now. Not in a few years.

Some of the money is probably coming from improvements made by them and the hard work in acquiring sponsors though.

As to our league start it’s not good though St Mirren and Killie away with a home game against Celtic isn’t the easiest of start’s especially when we basically have a new spine to the team ..

As for going out of the league cup if I was you I wouldn’t be bringing that one up after you called that one “ good management “ for playing a much weakened team that had 7 changes in what was a tricky away tie to kelty .

[MWHIBBIES]

Some of the money is probably coming from improvements made by them and the hard work in acquiring sponsors though.

As to our league start it’s not good though St Mirren and Killie away with a home game against Celtic isn’t the easiest of start’s especially when we basically have a new spine to the team ..

As for going out of the league cup if I was you I wouldn’t be bringing that one up after you called that one “ good management “ for playing a much weakened team that had 7 changes in what was a tricky away tie to kelty .

St Mirren, Kilmarnock and Dundee is a pretty straightforward start to me. 9 points for a decent Hibs side.

It was good management, I don't blame Gray. You rotate in the league cup Vs lower league teams. Anyone sensible does it. For the 1000 time, it was not the players we rotated that cost us. It was big super duper signing Dylan Vente. Who we've now loaned out. Another huge failure. Absolutely nothing tricky about a ****ing away tie Vs Kelty :faf:

We should've had far more in the door by that game. We couldn't just play the same 11 in all 4 games, as our reserves and squad players would be miles behind fitness wise.

[Since90+2]

St Mirren, Kilmarnock and Dundee is a pretty straightforward start to me. 9 points for a decent Hibs side.

It was good management, I don't blame Gray. You rotate in the league cup Vs lower league teams. Anyone sensible does it. For the 1000 time, it was not the players we rotated that cost us. It was big super duper signing Dylan Vente. Who we've now loaned out. Another huge failure. Absolutely nothing tricky about a ****ing away tie Vs Kelty :faf:

We should've had far more in the door by that game. We couldn't just play the same 11 in all 4 games, as our reserves and squad players would be miles behind fitness wise.

Not sure I agree with the straightforward start part.

We played the teams who finished 1st,4th,5th and 6th last season.

We've not played any of the weaker sides as yet.

[MWHIBBIES]

Not sure I agree with the straightforward start part.

We played the teams who finished 1st,4th,5th and 6th last season.

We've not played any of the weaker sides as yet.

Kilmarnock are dreadful. We finished with 4 more points than Dundee, they are nothing special, and losing 3-0 to St Mirren was woeful. It's been a terrible start. Hibs should've been looking at that start, with St Johnstone up next, as a great opportunity.

[Donegal Hibby]

St Mirren, Kilmarnock and Dundee is a pretty straightforward start to me. 9 points for a decent Hibs side.

It was good management, I don't blame Gray. You rotate in the league cup Vs lower league teams. Anyone sensible does it. For the 1000 time, it was not the players we rotated that cost us. It was big super duper signing Dylan Vente. Who we've now loaned out. Another huge failure. Absolutely nothing tricky about a ****ing away tie Vs Kelty :faf:

We should've had far more in the door by that game. We couldn't just play the same 11 in all 4 games, as our reserves and squad players would be miles behind fitness wise.

St Mirren away and Killie on that pitch are far from straightforward IMO .

It was poor management and a big mistake from Gray though as I said everyone makes mistakes in life and I am certainly not going to crucify Gray for it as I hope he learns from it as I do Ian Gordon from his .

Thelin didn’t to it and it was beneficial to his club as they got a very winnable tie because of it which will see them now progress in the cup thus gaining more revenue.

Vente on paper was a good signing , another one that shows the Gordon’s willingness to spend money and was more unfortunate that he just didn’t settle or adapt to our league . It happens .

[Since90+2]

Kilmarnock are dreadful. We finished with 4 more points than Dundee, they are nothing special, and losing 3-0 to St Mirren was woeful. It's been a terrible start. Hibs should've been looking at that start, with St Johnstone up next, as a great opportunity.

All the teams we've played this season finished above us last season. It's fanciful to think we would get 9 points, 2 away from home, in those 3 games.

How many times in Hibs history have we won 3 out of our first 4 league games? Very few I'd imagine when you consider how many years we've been in the top flight.

[matty_f]

A disaster is what has happened at my local club since Madejski sold up. The Gordons are nowhere near that level of incompetence and are at least trying to correct their mistakes, the procession of clowns at Reading just doubled down on their gaffes to the extent that the future of the club was and remains in real jeopardy.

To those wanting the Gordons to sell up now, be careful what you wish for.
I think the fear for some is that the Gordons are doing exactly that doubling down.

[MWHIBBIES]

St Mirren away and Killie on that pitch are far from straightforward IMO .

It was poor management and a big mistake from Gray though as I said everyone makes mistakes in life and I am certainly not going to crucify Gray for it as I hope he learns from it as I do Ian Gordon from his .

Thelin didn’t to it and it was beneficial to his club as they got a very winnable tie because of it which will see them now progress in the cup thus gaining more revenue.

Vente on paper was a good signing , another one that shows the Gordon’s willingness to spend money and was more unfortunate that he just didn’t settle or adapt to our league . It happens .

It does not show their willingness to do anything that they shouldn't be doing. They spend no more money than our rivals do and it's not coming from their pocket. Vente was good on paper. Scouting and recruitment need to look at a lot more than paper. He didn't suit our team or league at all. Bad signings aren't bad luck.

"Thelin" sneaked passed QOTS who we hammered. He's no genius. I think the difference is he inherited some decent players who had been badly managed whereas gray inherited a lot of ***** and he had ship out.

Why didn't our owners spend a bean before competitive games started? Now we have guys like Bowie, Kwon etc who look good but still aren't match fit 9 competitive matches into the season. We deserve to fail when we prepare so badly.

[MWHIBBIES]

All the teams we've played this season finished above us last season. It's fanciful to think we would get 9 points, 2 away from home, in those 3 games.

How many times in Hibs history have we won 3 out of our first 4 league games? Very few I'd imagine when you consider how many years we've been in the top flight.

Those passed seasons have zero relevance to this one. So we can just never beat teams who finished above us? How will we climb?

Hibs getting 2 points from Dundee, St Mirren and Kilmarnock will always be poor.

[Since90+2]

Those passed seasons have zero relevance to this one. So we can just never beat teams who finished above us? How will we climb?

Hibs getting 2 points from Dundee, St Mirren and Kilmarnock will always be poor.

Nobody said we can never beat them, but a bit of realisation wouldn't go a miss.

[Caversham Green]

I think the fear for some is that the Gordons are doing exactly that doubling down.

I would argue that actions - signing or trying to sign experienced players where they were most needed - and the words in the interview suggest otherwise.

[flash]

I think the fear for some is that the Gordons are doing exactly that doubling down.

How is that even remotely true?

Surely they have made adjustments this season that almost all of us were crying out for.

[GreenCastle]

I don't hate Ian Gordon, which seems a common retort when he is criticised. I don't know enough about him to hate him. Both him and his dad seem thoroughly decent people and in the case of the latter an astute business man. Unfortunately for us as football fans that expertise doesn't appear to have carried over into how to build a successful football team which is really my concern.

I don't even know what Ian Gordon does day to day at Hibs so perhaps a lot of the blame being placed at his door is unfair. There has been and still is a sloppiness about Hibs right now though. As a few examples we posted a condolence message after Sol Bamba sadly passed away. There was a spelling error in it that wasn't corrected for over 2 hours. We recently sent a player on loan to Civil Service Strollers and named their manager as a guy who left 6 years ago, worse still their actual manager was coaching at Hibs during lockdown. Before the Dundee game we posted the wrong team on social media. The recent Kilmarnock game was listed as a home game on the website for a couple of weeks before being changed a day before the game. We recently posted an article about O'Hora on the official site that had 3 different spellings of his name in the headline, opening sentence and main article.

Obviously none of those things are directly the work of Ian Gordon or Ben Kensell but it's symptomatic of a lack of standards throughout a company. A 'that'll do' or 'we'll sort it later' attitude. From top to bottom we should be striving to be the absolute best we can be relative to our resources and I'm not convinced that has been the case in the last wee while.

You would think this is where Kieran Power would be able to feedback.

It’s the same with the club shop - did they even consult fans about the new shop and what they want in the shop ? Have they spoken to fans since the new layout has been finished ?

For the main shop of the club I preferred the previous shop.

I agree so many small things about Hibs seem to add up to bigger issues.

When the football team isn’t performing well then everything should be under the microscope to do better.

Leadership is what is still seriously missing at the club - Gray was a past Captain but I’m still not seeing enough of it on the pitch with the players we have or what’s going on off the pitch. This isn’t a new thing but we need someone to drag us back up to a level where we can be proud to support our team home and away. That also includes the idiots who seem to cause trouble away being sorted out as every away game there seems to be some issues.

[tamig]

Those passed seasons have zero relevance to this one. So we can just never beat teams who finished above us? How will we climb?

Hibs getting 2 points from Dundee, St Mirren and Kilmarnock will always be poor.

You don’t want to recognise the past when looking at our footballing prospects for this season. Conversely you can’t do anything but hark back to the past when looking at the performance of the owners. I’d like to see what action comes from Ian Gordon’s words. Maybe give him a chance - you might be surprised and see positive change. What’s happened is gone.

[GreenCastle]

Not sure I agree with the straightforward start part.

We played the teams who finished 1st,4th,5th and 6th last season.

We've not played any of the weaker sides as yet.

St Mirren and Killie also had a game against Euro opposition a few days before and St Mirren especially looked fitter than us !

[greenlex]

You don’t want to recognise the past when looking at our footballing prospects for this season. Conversely you can’t do anything but hark back to the past when looking at the performance of the owners. I’d like to see what action comes from Ian Gordon’s words. Maybe give him a chance - you might be surprised and see positive change. What’s happened is gone.
Wasting your time. He’s getting the last opinionated word whether you like it or not. It’s not like you’ve asked a question rhetoric or otherwise.

[Northernhibee]

You would think this is where Kieran Power would be able to feedback.

It’s the same with the club shop - did they even consult fans about the new shop and what they want in the shop ? Have they spoken to fans since the new layout has been finished ?

For the main shop of the club I preferred the previous shop.

I agree so many small things about Hibs seem to add up to bigger issues.

When the football team isn’t performing well then everything should be under the microscope to do better.

Leadership is what is still seriously missing at the club - Gray was a past Captain but I’m still not seeing enough of it on the pitch with the players we have or what’s going on off the pitch. This isn’t a new thing but we need someone to drag us back up to a level where we can be proud to support our team home and away. That also includes the idiots who seem to cause trouble away being sorted out as every away game there seems to be some issues.

You’ve summed it up really nicely. My malaise with Hibs isn’t one big issue, it’s a whole series of little things. The insufficient attempts to curb bad in-support behaviour at away games. The club shop being better before. Little mistakes like you’ve mentioned. Getting emails about ludicrous discounts on watches from sponsors that are just spam, or entering one of the draws through a partner and getting bombarded with phone calls.

It just all points to standards slipping.


I have no hatred of IG. I strongly dislike him getting the head of recruitment role in the past and the mistakes he made, but if he can show genuine leadership at the club and get it right so we become sustainable on and off the pitch then I’ll be the first to congratulate him. That’s genuine, and I can’t say that for all the higher ups at the club.

The problem is that as a football fan, I want things to be better. Better results on the pitch, better players been recruited, better things in a club shop to spend my money on and better engagement than feeling like a consumer for advertisements. The other problem is when you’re running a football club, pressure will always be present and quite massive in its nature. The only thing that should alleviate that pressure is results and improvement.

If this was easy, we’d all be doing it.

Have to say - I’m quite happy with summer recruitment just now and it all feels a bit more joined up in thinking.

[greenlex]

I think the fear for some is that the Gordons are doing exactly that doubling down.
I think it’s more indicative of today’s social media. Cannot be seen to be changing your opinion no matter what. There has been a noticeable cgange in recruitment direction this season in 1st team readiness and in the areas we’ve all to a man been looking for. He’s literally acknowledging his mistakes he’s made in the interview. That’s nothing like doubling down.

[Peanut Shaz]

Something else that annoys me more than it should, but do we really need to be wishing happy birthday to players who are no longer at the club? Also the reminders that “on this day in 2004, xxx scored two goals in a 3 1 victory at wherever”. I don’t care they’re gone and that games over.

[J-C]

The last 30 years Hibs have finished 3rd 4 times and 4th 3 times and relegated twice, every other season we have been mid table nonentities, people having a go at the Gordon's seem to forget we've been a very average to ***** football club for the last 40 years at least. All we've ever had is the odd cup run or win, our two era's were the Tornadoes and the Famous Five when success was regular, apart from that we've been mid table garbage.

[Donegal Hibby]

It does not show their willingness to do anything that they shouldn't be doing. They spend no more money than our rivals do and it's not coming from their pocket. Vente was good on paper. Scouting and recruitment need to look at a lot more than paper. He didn't suit our team or league at all. Bad signings aren't bad luck.

"Thelin" sneaked passed QOTS who we hammered. He's no genius. I think the difference is he inherited some decent players who had been badly managed whereas gray inherited a lot of ***** and he had ship out.

Why didn't our owners spend a bean before competitive games started? Now we have guys like Bowie, Kwon etc who look good but still aren't match fit 9 competitive matches into the season. We deserve to fail when we prepare so badly.

Totally disagree with you in the Gordon’s HAVE showed a willingness to spend money , getting Boyle back , Youan , Bowie etc , plus probably pushing the boat out in wages to get high quality players like Maolida at the club which was incredible and they deserve a lot of credit for .

Some signings are bad luck and Vente is one , how does a club know if a player is really going to settle in a different country or adapt to a different style of league , there’s always a element of risk in signing foreign players . We could sign one that’s really good and gets crocked by some other player , is that bad recruitment or just bad luck ? .

The main difference is Thelin didn’t take any chances rotating his squad which is why they are still in the cup and we are not! . You were all happy about rotating ours yet are now criticising the club for not getting players in early now which is abit of a contradiction.:confused:

I can’t answer that because I don’t know why we didn’t get players in early , maybe they weren’t available at that time :dunno:.

As to Bowie and Kwon I’m glad we got players of that quality even if they’re not a 100% fit as an opposed to maybe signing ones that aren’t as good but match fit .

As to Ian Gordon , fans criticise him for not talking but the minute he does he gets criticised for it … all seems a bit unfair in he’s going to be damned he does and damned if he doesn’t.

[matty_f]

I think it’s more indicative of today’s social media. Cannot be seen to be changing your opinion no matter what. There has been a noticeable cgange in recruitment direction this season in 1st team readiness and in the areas we’ve all to a man been looking for. He’s literally acknowledging his mistakes he’s made in the interview. That’s nothing like doubling down.

To reply to this and Flash’s question, the doubling down is on the constant changing of plan - you can look at any number of decisions, whether that’s recruitment or the type of manager we hired etc.

It’s doubling down on not believing what you’re doing is going to work if there’s an initial setback. Hopefully this plan works, last year it was Brian McDermott, the year before that we didn’t need a DoF but we needed a development team…

[MWHIBBIES]

You don’t want to recognise the past when looking at our footballing prospects for this season. Conversely you can’t do anything but hark back to the past when looking at the performance of the owners. I’d like to see what action comes from Ian Gordon’s words. Maybe give him a chance - you might be surprised and see positive change. What’s happened is gone.

I don't think Kilmarnock, Dundee and St Mirren are better than us. In fact, I don't even think they were last season either. We just had 2 absolute clowns in charge in Johnson and Monty. Still Dundee and Kilmarnock didn't beat us once. 7 to 9 points was very achievable from those matches.

''maybe give him a chance''? Eh, how many more of those does he get? Bottom 6 this season, surely no one can defend him anymore?

[MWHIBBIES]

Totally disagree with you in the Gordon’s HAVE showed a willingness to spend money , getting Boyle back , Youan , Bowie etc , plus probably pushing the boat out in wages to get high quality players like Maolida at the club which was incredible and they deserve a lot of credit for .

Some signings are bad luck and Vente is one , how does a club know if a player is really going to settle in a different country or adapt to a different style of league , there’s always a element of risk in signing foreign players . We could sign one that’s really good and gets crocked by some other player , is that bad recruitment or just bad luck ? .

The main difference is Thelin didn’t take any chances rotating his squad which is why they are still in the cup and we are not! . You were all happy about rotating ours yet are now criticising the club for not getting players in early now which is abit of a contradiction.:confused:

I can’t answer that because I don’t know why we didn’t get players in early , maybe they weren’t available at that time :dunno:.

As to Bowie and Kwon I’m glad we got players of that quality even if they’re not a 100% fit as an opposed to maybe signing ones that aren’t as good but match fit .

As to Ian Gordon , fans criticise him for not talking but the minute he does he gets criticised for it … all seems a bit unfair in he’s going to be damned he does and damned if he doesn’t.

All of those things could've been funded by just selling Nisbet. They are not dipping into their own pockets.

Nothing bad luck about Vente. A huge error that cost us big time. Spending that amount of money on a player should mean he is quality. Controlling a football and finishing open goals is nothing to do with a different style of league.

Vente missing sitters in the cup is why we're out. He scores his chances vs Kelty, or Boyle does, or Rudi does, and we're seeded. We should be rotating. We should've had a 2nd striker to sub in for that dumpling. If Hibs cannot rotate and win vs Kelty Hearts, we should pack it in. I'll ask for the 100th time, which players that came in cost us that day? Can Vente score from 8 yards if Newell is passing to him instead of Levitt?

I'm not criticizing Ian Gordon for talking. I'm criticizing him and his dad for being ***** owners for us.

Maloney, Johnson, Monty = Fail
Spending a fortune on unproven kids for the development side = fail
Big signings for the first team = very hit or miss

[Is It On....]

I think we have all the wine-ing we need :na na:

Things will be rose when we achieve European group stage football 👍

[blackpoolhibs]

I think initially we got it badly wrong on the recruitment side of things where it felt like we were signing a host of young players with probably the idea of making money from them like your Jairs , Kennehs etc which obviously people at the club like Ian Gordon have been responsible for …..

Though I do think that has changed and improved with signings like Fish , CJ , Youan , Maolida etc , a bit unlucky with a few like Vente , McKirdy too .

Ones like Levitt I can’t blame them for as he was one I wanted us to sign and think most hibs fans did too .

Our latest transfer window I think has been good with a fairly big clear out and some good quality players added to the squad.

Hopefully we are seeing improvements on the recruitment side of things now .

We got nothing wrong, they did, the Gordons and Kensell, be it sacking Ross after not backing him, or Maloney after not backing him, or LJ after not backing him, or Montgomery after not backing him and signing players none of them wanted, wasting LOTS of money on projects that nearly all have been not good enough, and ended up not playing and costing us a huge wedge of money on wages.

Resulting in bottom 6 finishes, the only top 3 finish we've had under them was when they did not have any input to the player selections and who was manager.

The Gordons came in and thought this is easy, they knew they could bring more money in through sponsorship and hospitality, but ignored the main reason EVERY fans who goes to the game wants, a successful football team.

[blackpoolhibs]

A disaster is what has happened at my local club since Madejski sold up. The Gordons are nowhere near that level of incompetence and are at least trying to correct their mistakes, the procession of clowns at Reading just doubled down on their gaffes to the extent that the future of the club was and remains in real jeopardy.

To those wanting the Gordons to sell up now, be careful what you wish for.

I've no real afinity to Reading, and couldnt care less how they do or are run CG, but watching this lot go from one strategy to another, sack one manager after another, and watch a list of nobodys come through the door that anyone with eyes can see are very poor to average players, in my opinion has been a disaster for us since our 3rd place finish when he walked through the door.

Although Ron did promise we would be best of the rest, they are just words the same as we've just heard from Ian.

It's on the park success i want, not bull**** and bluster from those at the top.

[Caversham Green]

To reply to this and Flash’s question, the doubling down is on the constant changing of plan - you can look at any number of decisions, whether that’s recruitment or the type of manager we hired etc.

It’s doubling down on not believing what you’re doing is going to work if there’s an initial setback. Hopefully this plan works, last year it was Brian McDermott, the year before that we didn’t need a DoF but we needed a development team…

I think we have different ideas of what doubling down means.

To me it's basically plan B being "keep trying plan A but do it more". That would be IG continuing to play Football Manager without any input from others - I don't see that being reflected in his words or actions.


I've no real afinity to Reading, and couldnt care less how they do or are run CG, but watching this lot go from one strategy to another, sack one manager after another, and watch a list of nobodys come through the door that anyone with eyes can see are very poor to average players, in my opinion has been a disaster for us since our 3rd place finish when he walked through the door.

Although Ron did promise we would be best of the rest, they are just words the same as we've just heard from Ian.

It's on the park success i want, not bull**** and bluster from those at the top.

It was really the use of the word disaster I was objecting to. To me disaster is what Reading have been going through for the last few years (and what Bournemouth went through a few years ago and will go through again in a few years time). What's happening at Hibs is bad but not life-threateningly so, and is more likely to improve than get worse.

[RMQ1967]

We got nothing wrong, they did, the Gordons and Kensell, be it sacking Ross after not backing him, or Maloney after not backing him, or LJ after not backing him, or Montgomery after not backing him and signing players none of them wanted, wasting LOTS of money on projects that nearly all have been not good enough, and ended up not playing and costing us a huge wedge of money on wages.

Resulting in bottom 6 finishes, the only top 3 finish we've had under them was when they did not have any input to the player selections and who was manager.

The Gordons came in and thought this is easy, they knew they could bring more money in through sponsorship and hospitality, but ignored the main reason EVERY fans who goes to the game wants, a successful football team.

Nonsense to say they ignored the main reason fans go to games.

They'll know better than anyone that the income multipliers from hospitality & commercial investments are massively dependent on getting the product on the pitch right.

100% right to do infrastructure & product on the pitch in parallel.

Amazing really that commercial income is still growing even though we've been crap for years. We'll be in a fantastic position when they do get it right on the pitch.

[blackpoolhibs]

Nonsense to say they ignored the main reason fans go to games.

They'll know better than anyone that the income multipliers from hospitality & commercial investments are massively dependent on getting the product on the pitch right.

100% right to do infrastructure & product on the pitch in parallel.

Amazing really that commercial income is still growing even though we've been crap for years. We'll be in a fantastic position when they do get it right on the pitch.

They played football manager with the club, they thought, well Ron thought his son could be head of recruitment, in what world does this happen where they put someone in charge of bringing in quality players and put a wine salesman in charge?

I've given the club huge praise in the past, Ron and Kensell for driving the income up, i will say it again, it's brilliant work from them, brilliant.

What i will also say though, is they have been awful from the minute they walked through the door on the football side of the club.

Spent fortunes on projects and god awful players who might be good at some stage in the future, in fact Ian has admitted this in his last interview, and Malky is now in the process of sorting out his mess.

Maybe you are right about ignoring the main reason we all go to football, but they were very naive in the way they went, and it's cost the club millions because Ron thought it was a good idea to let his son run the football club, and then handed it over to him when he passed.

[matty_f]

I think we have different ideas of what doubling down means.

To me it's basically plan B being "keep trying plan A but do it more". That would be IG continuing to play Football Manager without any input from others - I don't see that being reflected in his words or actions.



It was really the use of the word disaster I was objecting to. To me disaster is what Reading have been going through for the last few years (and what Bournemouth went through a few years ago and will go through again in a few years time). What's happening at Hibs is bad but not life-threateningly so, and is more likely to improve than get worse.

I think we agree on what doubling down means, just not what they’re doubling down on.

For me, they’re doubling down that they know best how to resolve things. Evidence in the “not listening” comment.

We might actually be in a better place if they doubled down on strategy long enough to see if it worked beyond the first attempt at it.

I should be clear that I’m not anti-Ian Gordon in any way, I think his CV wouldn’t put him anywhere near the job he’s got at Hibs, though, as
was the case when he was Head of Recruitment at the club.

Getting jobs at the club should be on merit, obviously it’s different when you are a majority shareholder but just because you can run it , doesn’t mean you should.

I can see there’s willingness to do well, I can see they’re committed to the club and I’m certain that they will do their best for the club and I think they are safe hands for now.

[RMQ1967]

They played football manager with the club, they thought, well Ron thought his son could be head of recruitment, in what world does this happen where they put someone in charge of bringing in quality players and put a wine salesman in charge?

I've given the club huge praise in the past, Ron and Kensell for driving the income up, i will say it again, it's brilliant work from them, brilliant.

What i will also say though, is they have been awful from the minute they walked through the door on the football side of the club.

Spent fortunes on projects and god awful players who might be good at some stage in the future, in fact Ian has admitted this in his last interview, and Malky is now in the process of sorting out his mess.

Maybe you are right about ignoring the main reason we all go to football, but they were very naive in the way they went, and it's cost the club millions because Ron thought it was a good idea to let his son run the football club, and then handed it over to him when he passed.

Yeah but did he really let him run the football club. No doubt he was involved in a team that presided over a failed recruitment strategy but no manager ever said players were forced on them - always praised the business done.

Can't argue it was naive & costly, they've admitted the mistakes themselves but they were not acting in isolation - "football people" were involved all along in the form of managers & coaches.

I still believe choosing managers & players an absolute lottery, non-one in Scotland outside of smelik has gotten it right & only the very richest clubs in England will get success.

Of course it's unacceptable to be finishing outside the top 6 with the likes of Killie & St. Mirren above us

[Is It On....]

That money spent on players could have been spent wiser if the Gordons had a better recruitment policy and knew what they were doing.

They dismantled the recruitment department they inherited and put their one in place. The results would have gotten non owners fired. Even without getting our main transfer target, Hibs were a net spender again in the summer. This simply can't continue and we have to hope we get lucky with a signing soon.

[flash]

To reply to this and Flash’s question, the doubling down is on the constant changing of plan - you can look at any number of decisions, whether that’s recruitment or the type of manager we hired etc.

It’s doubling down on not believing what you’re doing is going to work if there’s an initial setback. Hopefully this plan works, last year it was Brian McDermott, the year before that we didn’t need a DoF but we needed a development team…

No worries. The constant change of plan is actually the polar opposite of doubling down but I get your general point now.

[Donegal Hibby]

All of those things could've been funded by just selling Nisbet. They are not dipping into their own pockets.

Nothing bad luck about Vente. A huge error that cost us big time. Spending that amount of money on a player should mean he is quality. Controlling a football and finishing open goals is nothing to do with a different style of league.

Vente missing sitters in the cup is why we're out. He scores his chances vs Kelty, or Boyle does, or Rudi does, and we're seeded. We should be rotating. We should've had a 2nd striker to sub in for that dumpling. If Hibs cannot rotate and win vs Kelty Hearts, we should pack it in. I'll ask for the 100th time, which players that came in cost us that day? Can Vente score from 8 yards if Newell is passing to him instead of Levitt?

I'm not criticizing Ian Gordon for talking. I'm criticizing him and his dad for being ***** owners for us.

Maloney, Johnson, Monty = Fail
Spending a fortune on unproven kids for the development side = fail
Big signings for the first team = very hit or miss

Kevin Nisbet also cost us a decent fee which was also down to the Gordon’s as well .

This is where we differ in our opinions on Vente as I think he is a quality player .

There’s a reason why English clubs in the championship were eyeing Vente up which is his record of hitting something like 46 goals over two season .

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/dutch-striker-who-just-cropped-27290873

It was a brave and ambitious move that cost us a lot of money that unfortunately didn’t work out because the player either didn’t adapt to our league or failed to settle in Scotland, we didn’t actually help him by playing him in midfield either! .

You want to use this as a stick to beat the people at the club for it , fair enough though I think it’s a case of being unlucky and fair dues to the Gordon’s for showing the willingness and ambition in spending what was a considerable amount of money.

You’re now blaming the owners for not getting players in quick enough this season yet praising us for making 7 changes in the Kelty game .

So your not happy with the strength of the squad but quite happy to see it rotated by 7 players :confused:

You say if Hibs cannot rotate and win against Kelty we should pack it in ? We didn’t!!! . There was an easier game for rotating the team on our own patch rather than on a tight wee away ground .. anyhow 7 changes was to many IMO .

I’m firmly in the Gordon’s camp even with the mistakes they have made when I see some of the other owners that’s out there and am hoping once the team gels and get fitness levels up we will see an improvement .

It’s a pity to see so much negativity and fans divided on here which probably doesn’t help either .. doesn’t seem to be any unity even so early in the season .

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/key-figure-reveals-hibs-transfer-u-turn-as-major-hearts-appointment-backed-by-former-scotland-star-4773484

[Hibiza]

All a bit contrite , had a few years to rectify . No mention of Kensell. Just be put a decent team out please

[andrew70]

Kevin Nisbet also cost us a decent fee which was also down to the Gordon’s as well .

This is where we differ in our opinions on Vente as I think he is a quality player .

There’s a reason why English clubs in the championship were eyeing Vente up which is his record of hitting something like 46 goals over two season .

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/dutch-striker-who-just-cropped-27290873

It was a brave and ambitious move that cost us a lot of money that unfortunately didn’t work out because the player either didn’t adapt to our league or failed to settle in Scotland, we didn’t actually help him by playing him in midfield either! .

You want to use this as a stick to beat the people at the club for it , fair enough though I think it’s a case of being unlucky and fair dues to the Gordon’s for showing the willingness and ambition in spending what was a considerable amount of money.

You’re now blaming the owners for not getting players in quick enough this season yet praising us for making 7 changes in the Kelty game .

So your not happy with the strength of the squad but quite happy to see it rotated by 7 players :confused:

You say if Hibs cannot rotate and win against Kelty we should pack it in ? We didn’t!!! . There was an easier game for rotating the team on our own patch rather than on a tight wee away ground .. anyhow 7 changes was to many IMO .

I’m firmly in the Gordon’s camp even with the mistakes they have made when I see some of the other owners that’s out there and am hoping once the team gels and get fitness levels up we will see an improvement .

It’s a pity to see so much negativity and fans divided on here which probably doesn’t help either .. doesn’t seem to be any unity even so early in the season .

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/key-figure-reveals-hibs-transfer-u-turn-as-major-hearts-appointment-backed-by-former-scotland-star-4773484

Spot on in what you are saying.

[1875Sean]

Sky sports have an interview out with him tomorrow morning from 7am

[Heisenberg]

Sky sports have an interview out with him tomorrow morning from 7am

“Hour long 150 question grilling” apparently. Should be interesting

[matty_f]

I wonder what’s prompted the charm offensive with the press?

It’s good to see.

[GreenGray]

We could yes or we could get ones that are going to buy a string of hotels /pubs down in England that are going to improve the club … or get new owners that are promising us the earth like Notts County once got .. or new owners that own multiple clubs where we are well down the ladder and just a number to them .

Mistakes have been made and hopefully our owners will learn from them and things will improve in the future. I think most folk make mistakes in life .

Certainly not a lack of effort financially on the Gordon’s part with signings of 600k , 700k and willing to shell out 1 million quid on a player which I didn’t think I’d ever see …

I like the Gordon’s as our owners as I genuinely believe they care for Hibernian Football Club and have our clubs best interests at heart .

As for Ian Gordon I think he should be cut some slack but that’s just my own personal opinion.

So because the Gordon’s aren’t quite as bad as some other owners we should be glad to have them?

We have regressed on the pitch under them while coming across as amateur almost all the time.

It isn’t just about spending money it’s how you do it and they come across as unfit to run a football club.

Continuing to employ Kensell is the number one red flag right there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[greenlex]

I wonder what’s prompted the charm offensive with the press?

It’s good to see.

I’m not so sure to be honest. I don’t think it’s needed to a wider audience. Getting the message to Hibs fans is commendable and definitely a must but for want of a better phrase airing our dirty washing IMO isn’t the way to go.
Having said that the McKay interview on the website didn’t go down too well with the negative Hibs fans. Just used as a stick to beat them with.
I’m certain this won’t do anything to mend bridges or unify the fan base behind what they are trying to do. Im sure there’s not much else to say other than what’s been said already. The stuck bearings will continue. Only results and to a lesser extent performances will change that.

[matty_f]

I’m not so sure to be honest. I don’t think it’s needed to a wider audience. Getting the message to Hibs fans is commendable and definitely a must but for want of a better phrase airing our dirty washing IMO isn’t the way to go.
Having said that the McKay interview on the website didn’t go down too well with the negative Hibs fans. Just used as a stick to beat them with.
I’m certain this won’t do anything to mend bridges or unify the fan base behind what they are trying to do. Im sure there’s not much else to say other than what’s been said already. The stuck bearings will continue. Only results and to a lesser extent performances will change that.

There are a lot of folk, I think, who like these pieces but don't feel the need to either criticise or praise them. The noise comes from those with strong feelings on either side.

[greenlex]

There are a lot of folk, I think, who like these pieces but don't feel the need to either criticise or praise them. The noise comes from those with strong feelings on either side.

True that. Just not sure we will get anything new.

[chrisski33]

We got nothing wrong, they did, the Gordons and Kensell, be it sacking Ross after not backing him, or Maloney after not backing him, or LJ after not backing him, or Montgomery after not backing him and signing players none of them wanted, wasting LOTS of money on projects that nearly all have been not good enough, and ended up not playing and costing us a huge wedge of money on wages.

Resulting in bottom 6 finishes, the only top 3 finish we've had under them was when they did not have any input to the player selections and who was manager.

The Gordons came in and thought this is easy, they knew they could bring more money in through sponsorship and hospitality, but ignored the main reason EVERY fans who goes to the game wants, a successful football team.

🙏👏👏

[overdrive]

It's just talk, the invisible man has spoken at last.


Come back with some more when we see clear progress on the park and i might listen.

This x1000. Sick fed up of everyone involved in the management of club taking crap - to be fair he hasn’t talked crap before this due to his crippling silence until now. The actions on the park will speak a thousand words. I don’t trust any of these idiots

[Donegal Hibby]

So because the Gordon’s aren’t quite as bad as some other owners we should be glad to have them?

We have regressed on the pitch under them while coming across as amateur almost all the time.

It isn’t just about spending money it’s how you do it and they come across as unfit to run a football club.

Continuing to employ Kensell is the number one red flag right there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No but I do think they care about Hibs where others might not have the same feelings for the club , personally I really liked Ron and accept he made mistakes though his enthusiasm for the club imo showed he had good intentions and his heart was in the right place , I feel exactly the same about Kit , Ian and the rest of the Gordon family.


We probably have but we were also regressing quite badly before then after Stubbs left too . Amateur almost all the time I don’t agree with in the improvements to ER , hospitality , pitch as well as some good moments on the pitch too.

I agree it isn’t all about spending money but how you do it and while there’s been mistakes in the past …..

I also think quite a few of our signings have been excellent and throughly professional from everyone working at our football club.

[JimBHibees]

Funny some calling the Gordon's a disaster yet it was Farmer/Petrie that had umpteen poor managers and ultimately got us relegated under Butcher, it then took Petrie to acknowledge his massive mistakes and appointed Dempster and Craig to get us out of the mess and the Championship. Farmer through getting older and health reasons and Petrie being moved up the SFA ladder, the club was sold to an enthusiastic Peruvian/American businessman who loved the idea of Hibs and it's history and wanted to make us a force in Scottish football. Ron's biggest mistake was that although Kensell was a good appointment he neglected the footballing side of the club, instead concentrating on the business side and increasing revenue, he also made a huge mistake to allow his son to play Football Manager with the playing side, the idea of unearthing a couple of gems sounds good but not half a team full, we're now playing dearly for that massive mistake.

Mackay has been brought in to run the footballing side and a link up with BK arranged, unfortunately not taking listening to the BK group has been another blunder by Ian Gordon/Kensell, money has been spent this summer and players identified to be more 1st team orientated but it's a big turnover in one go, good to get shot of the dross but trying to do it all in one window is always hard.

If IG has realised his mistakes and he's letting the football people run that department, then good, we can only give him time to turn it around, remember he was never ready to take over from his father and his father was never ready to run the club without proper football people around him. Lets stop all this negativity and try giving the club some backing for a change.

Couldn't agree more with your last sentence

[jakeshibs]

The last 30 years Hibs have finished 3rd 4 times and 4th 3 times and relegated twice, every other season we have been mid table nonentities, people having a go at the Gordon's seem to forget we've been a very average to ***** football club for the last 40 years at least. All we've ever had is the odd cup run or win, our two era's were the Tornadoes and the Famous Five when success was regular, apart from that we've been mid table garbage.


Great honest post.
People seem to forget or remember the past differently, as they claim we have gone backwards etc what total nonsense, we have struggled mid-table or lower for the majority of my time supporting hibs (50 years), been relegated, humped out of cups by lower league oppositions, couldn't buy a win against the neighbours for years.

Lets support the club, our players and manager, even the board, let them go out on the park without fear, as the manager said its great when we are together, however toxic when we are not, we don't help ourselves. lets do our bit, mon the cabbage.
:flag::flag::agree:

[RIP]

Great honest post.
People seem to forget or remember the past differently, as they claim we have gone backwards etc what total nonsense, we have struggled mid-table or lower for the majority of my time supporting hibs (50 years), been relegated, humped out of cups by lower league oppositions, couldn't buy a win against the neighbours for years.

Lets support the club, our players and manager, even the board, let them go out on the park without fear, as the manager said its great when we are together, however toxic when we are not, we don't help ourselves. lets do our bit, mon the cabbage.
:flag::flag::agree:

This is where I am. However do we forget how little impact messageboard chat has on supporting the team?

I went on a couple of supporters buses last year which provided me with the opportunity to ask whether anyone was regularly posting on .Net or Bounce. Not one, other than me.

Mind you I'm 67 and been on here since I was 49. However when I talk with my sons I've realised that the kind of essay writing that we see on this site simply isn't for them. It's not how they communicate nor are they willing to invest time in logging on and trawling through threads.

As for the Block 7 boys they won't want their enthusiastic support for the team sullied by reading the turgid spouting from a tiny minority of moaners whose only enjoyment in life appears to be to criticise everything Hibs at every opportunity.

I understand that players also ignore social media for the same reasons. I hope that Ian Gordon and the board do likewise.

Hibs supporters will always back the team and any toxic posts on here will have very little impact upon terracing behaviour. I personally like to read different opinions about the goings on at our club, but have accepted long ago that I'm a bit of a dinosaur in that regard.

[Cooshed Kid]

Great honest post.
People seem to forget or remember the past differently, as they claim we have gone backwards etc what total nonsense, we have struggled mid-table or lower for the majority of my time supporting hibs (50 years), been relegated, humped out of cups by lower league oppositions, couldn't buy a win against the neighbours for years.

Lets support the club, our players and manager, even the board, let them go out on the park without fear, as the manager said its great when we are together, however toxic when we are not, we don't help ourselves. lets do our bit, mon the cabbage.
:flag::flag::agree:

Well said. Hibs have been mediocre to poor for almost my entire life, one-off wonders like the 5-0 Napoli tie and occasional cup victory and brief periods like the Tornadoes and Sauzee eras excepted. IG has done what a lot of supporters wanted him to do, which was to admit some degree of culpability for more recent failures and he's also confirmed that hiring and firing is now very much in MM's domain with SDG clearly a participant in the process. For me, that last bit is all that matters - football people making the footballing decisions. Now let's give them a chance and get behind them. We're not going to go from zeros to heroes within one season. It will take time so there's no point being impatient as it leads nowhere except to the suspicion that some folk will never be satisfied by an admission of failure and want to see ritual seppuku committed, ideally live on YouTube.

[GreenGray]

No but I do think they care about Hibs where others might not have the same feelings for the club , personally I really liked Ron and accept he made mistakes though his enthusiasm for the club imo showed he had good intentions and his heart was in the right place , I feel exactly the same about Kit , Ian and the rest of the Gordon family.


We probably have but we were also regressing quite badly before then after Stubbs left too . Amateur almost all the time I don’t agree with in the improvements to ER , hospitality , pitch as well as some good moments on the pitch too.

I agree it isn’t all about spending money but how you do it and while there’s been mistakes in the past …..

I also think quite a few of our signings have been excellent and throughly professional from everyone working at our football club.

Caring isn’t enough though. They seem like nice enough people but they don’t have the skills or knowledge required to run a club.

How did we regress after Stubbs left? We got promotion and we were flying the season after that, stadium was packed and there was a real feel good atmosphere around the club.

We are a million miles away from that at the moment.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Donegal Hibby]

Caring isn’t enough though. They seem like nice enough people but they don’t have the skills or knowledge required to run a club.

How did we regress after Stubbs left? We got promotion and we were flying the season after that, stadium was packed and there was a real feel good atmosphere around the club.

We are a million miles away from that at the moment.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Caring or having the club’s best interest at heart is an important factor , yes mistakes were made though hopefully the Gordon family will have learnt from them taking us forward… which I think is why we appointed MM .

Compare the team Stubbs build to the one we had before Lennon left and I think we did regress around that time too.

As to being a million miles away from that I don’t think we are …its only a season or so ago that we were in Europe playing Luzern and villa with a packed stadium.

Even last season which was really poor we only narrowly missed out on top 6 . I’m hopeful we will do a lot better this season though I suppose we should wait till the first round of fixtures are over to see where we are at .

[Cooshed Kid]

Even last season which was really poor we only narrowly missed out on top 6 . I’m hopeful we will do a lot better this season though I suppose we should wait till the first round of fixtures are over to see where we are at .

There are reasons to be hopeful. MM in charge off the pitch, Myko's goal against Celtic, his fantastic attempt at Killie, Bowie's bulldozering runs, Triantis and Kwon and their freeing JN to play further forward, SDG's clear determination to tighten up the defence, having Elie back in contention - we are not going to be a soft touch for the rest of the season and we are going to start scoring goals. It's a season for laying solid foundations so I'll be content if it's not that spectacular, just one nil to the Arsenal stuff.

[Donegal Hibby]

There are reasons to be hopeful. MM in charge off the pitch, Myko's goal against Celtic, his fantastic attempt at Killie, Bowie's bulldozering runs, Triantis and Kwon and their freeing JN to play further forward, SDG's clear determination to tighten up the defence, having Elie back in contention - we are not going to be a soft touch for the rest of the season and we are going to start scoring goals. It's a season for laying solid foundations so I'll be content if it's not that spectacular, just one nil to the Arsenal stuff.

I think there is reason to be hopeful as well , we have some good players and my opinion they just need a bit of time to gel . I do think the international break came at a good time for us .

I agree with not being a soft touch , with players like Kwon and Triantis in midfield we shouldn’t get bullied and they should give the defence extra cover .. A few one nils I think most of us would be happy with 👍

[MWHIBBIES]

Caring or having the club’s best interest at heart is an important factor , yes mistakes were made though hopefully the Gordon family will have learnt from them taking us forward… which I think is why we appointed MM .

Compare the team Stubbs build to the one we had before Lennon left and I think we did regress around that time too.

As to being a million miles away from that I don’t think we are …its only a season or so ago that we were in Europe playing Luzern and villa with a packed stadium.

Even last season which was really poor we only narrowly missed out on top 6 . I’m hopeful we will do a lot better this season though I suppose we should wait till the first round of fixtures are over to see where we are at .

Having the clubs best interests at heart is the utter minimum. Not something to applaud them for.

[Smartie]

Having the clubs best interests at heart is the utter minimum. Not something to applaud them for.

When it comes to football club ownership though, it's a low bar that with fairly frightening regularity isn't cleared.

Worth considering when your ground sits on prime real estate, like ours does.

The "be careful what you wish for" brigade unfortunately do have a point.

No doubts mistakes have been made and I do share the concerns of others about the credentials of our current incumbents to be holding the reins... but whilst my patience won't be inexhaustible, I'd probably rather have folk whose hearts are in the place learn fast on the job than any number of grim alternatives.

[Cooshed Kid]

When it comes to football club ownership though, it's a low bar that with fairly frightening regularity isn't cleared.

Worth considering when your ground sits on prime real estate, like ours does.

The "be careful what you wish for" brigade unfortunately do have a point.

No doubts mistakes have been made and I do share the concerns of others about the credential of our current incumbents to be holding the reins... but whilst my patience won't be inexhaustible, I'd probably rather have folk whose hearts are in the place learn fast on the job than any number of grim alternatives.

I think that if we consider the Gordon family now purely as owners of the club (though we would like to think of them as stewards for future generations of supporters) given that IG has confessed his mistakes and will no longer be involved in the footballing side then we have lots to look forward to. They/Kensall had good ideas which are making a difference to the matchday experience and the off-field "business" side of the club will likely prosper. Now we need to ensure we prosper on-field and we slim down the wage bill. I think MM just needs to be given the time that he has asked for and we'll see things improve significantly. The Gordons don't have to learn that side of the job now because both their hearts and their heads told them to bring in a pro. Nothing I have heard from MM suggests to me that he was a bad choice.

[Jock O]

Having the clubs best interests at heart is the utter minimum. Not something to applaud them for.

Tell that to the Glazer's.

[MWHIBBIES]

Tell that to the Glazer's.

Employing people who know nothing about football
Bringing in mega money from sponsorships and wasting it
Falling behind City rivals on the pitch
Taking the club backwards
Poor manager after poor manager

A lot of similarities to the glazers. Just needing a few holes in our roof.

I don't think because the Glazers are making a **** of things at United and don't seem to care, means the Gordon's should be applauded for caring. They must do better this season or should sell the club before they really **** it up.

[Donegal Hibby]

Employing people who know nothing about football
Bringing in mega money from sponsorships and wasting it
Falling behind City rivals on the pitch
Taking the club backwards
Poor manager after poor manager

A lot of similarities to the glazers. Just needing a few holes in our roof.

I don't think because the Glazers are making a **** of things at United and don't seem to care, means the Gordon's should be applauded for caring. They must do better this season or should sell the club before they really **** it up.

It does make a difference though when you have owners that actually care and are trying to put things right as supposed to ones like the glaziers who really don’t give a toss . Don’t see any similarities on that aspect which I think is a very important factor.

[Hibees1973]

What a wasted 2 -3 years.

If Ian Gordon was sensible and less arrogant there is a fair chance we could have finished 3rd in the last couple of years and benefited hugely from European Group stage football. Think we finished 3rd in Ross last full year at Hibs. There was belief then, that had the Gordons backed him properly and did not interfere in recruitment, Ross could have got us 3rd in subsequent years as well. Instead Ian Gordon took us backwards on the back of some of his fantasy projects.

As Ian Gordon has said money has been burned, mistakes have been made and time has been wasted. I for one, am pleased he has finally owned up to the debacle of the last few years and the key role he played in it. The club lost £3.9m last year. That was the price of failure and a result of mistakes made by Ian Gordon. Am I grateful. No. I just hope Ian Gordon personally continues to fill the hole in our finances until the club is run properly.

Has he and others learned. Well, we are only 2-3 loses away from Gray being under real pressure as manager. Will Ian Gordon and Kensell be willing to show more patience, or sack Gray the same way they did the previous four managers. Time will tell.

For me any trust I had in Ian Gordon and Kensell was lost 10 or 12 mistakes ago and him confessing to his role in taking the club backwards does not differ my opinion in either of them.

[Hibernian Verse]

For me any trust I had in Ian Gordon and Kensell was made 10 or 12 mistakes ago and him confessing to his role in taking the club backwards does not differ my opinion in either of them.

Shocking if true, didn't see that coming.

[ChuckNor]

What a wasted 2 -3 years.

If Ian Gordon was sensible and less arrogant there is a fair chance we could have finished 3rd in the last couple of years and benefited hugely from European Group stage football. Think we finished 3rd in Ross last full year at Hibs. There was belief then, that had the Gordons backed him properly and did not interfere in recruitment, Ross could have got us 3rd in subsequent years as well. Instead Ian Gordon took us backwards on the back of some of his fantasy projects.

As Ian Gordon has said money has been burned, mistakes have been made and time has been wasted. I for one, am pleased he has finally owned up to the debacle of the last few years and the key role he played in it. The club lost £3.9m last year. That was the price of failure and a result of mistakes made by Ian Gordon. Am I grateful. No. I just hope Ian Gordon personally continues to fill the hole in our finances until the club is run properly.

Has he and others learned. Well, we are only 2-3 loses away from Gray being under real pressure as manager. Will Ian Gordon and Kensell be willing to show more patience, or sack Gray the same way they did the previous four managers. Time will tell.

For me any trust I had in Ian Gordon and Kensell was lost 10 or 12 mistakes ago and him confessing to his role in taking the club backwards does not differ my opinion in either of them.

Excellent post

[Since452]

What a wasted 2 -3 years.

If Ian Gordon was sensible and less arrogant there is a fair chance we could have finished 3rd in the last couple of years and benefited hugely from European Group stage football. Think we finished 3rd in Ross last full year at Hibs. There was belief then, that had the Gordons backed him properly and did not interfere in recruitment, Ross could have got us 3rd in subsequent years as well. Instead Ian Gordon took us backwards on the back of some of his fantasy projects.

As Ian Gordon has said money has been burned, mistakes have been made and time has been wasted. I for one, am pleased he has finally owned up to the debacle of the last few years and the key role he played in it. The club lost £3.9m last year. That was the price of failure and a result of mistakes made by Ian Gordon. Am I grateful. No. I just hope Ian Gordon personally continues to fill the hole in our finances until the club is run properly.

Has he and others learned. Well, we are only 2-3 loses away from Gray being under real pressure as manager. Will Ian Gordon and Kensell be willing to show more patience, or sack Gray the same way they did the previous four managers. Time will tell.

For me any trust I had in Ian Gordon and Kensell was lost 10 or 12 mistakes ago and him confessing to his role in taking the club backwards does not differ my opinion in either of them.

Totally agree. We've started this season poorly as well. Another season we've basically written off before it's started due to the squad being bloated and not being able to offload them until next summer. That isn't on the the numerous managers you've appointed Ian. Another transitional season that at best might see us scrape the top 6 and at worst see us in a relegation scrap. That is on you. I'm actually beyond angry at it, and him finally coming out of hiding to say what we all knew doesn't change anything.

[MWHIBBIES]

It does make a difference though when you have owners that actually care and are trying to put things right as supposed to ones like the glaziers who really don’t give a toss . Don’t see any similarities on that aspect which I think is a very important factor.

It's all great but based on the last 3 years, they're not upto it and won't be able to put it right. Trying hard and continually failing isn't really going to get them credit from me tbh mate. They've done a pretty awful job thus far.

[blackpoolhibs]

It does make a difference though when you have owners that actually care and are trying to put things right as supposed to ones like the glaziers who really don’t give a toss . Don’t see any similarities on that aspect which I think is a very important factor.

What we see here is a circus clown being in charge of the Jugglers or the trapese artists, this is the most important factor.

[Donegal Hibby]

It's all great but based on the last 3 years, they're not upto it and won't be able to put it right. Trying hard and continually failing isn't really going to get them credit from me tbh mate. They've done a pretty awful job thus far.

One of those years we finished 5th and qualified for Europe .

There’s no arguing that mistakes have been made in the past which have been acknowledged though I fail to see how they can’t learn from it and put things right which you seem so dismissive off .

We have already changed the recruitment side of it with new scouts , Malky Mackays appointment, new manager etc … Our signings over the last couple of windows I think is a fair indication that they have improved from what created the mess in the first place.

On the pitch things haven’t worked out yet though off it with screens , digital ribbons , new pitch , increase in sponsorship deals , improvements to hospitality etc they have made improvements which is why I don’t see your similarities to glazers who have basically sucked anything they could out of Man U without putting anything back in .

[MWHIBBIES]

One of those years we finished 5th and qualified for Europe .

There’s no arguing that mistakes have been made in the past which have been acknowledged though I fail to see how they can’t learn from it and put things right which you seem so dismissive off .

We have already changed the recruitment side of it with new scouts , Malky Mackays appointment, new manager etc … Our signings over the last couple of windows I think is a fair indication that they have improved from what created the mess in the first place.

On the pitch things haven’t worked out yet though off it with screens , digital ribbons , new pitch , increase in sponsorship deals , improvements to hospitality etc they have made improvements which is why I don’t see your similarities to glazers who have basically sucked anything they could out of Man U without putting anything back in .

I mean, yeah 5th but our cup performance made that a pretty rubbish season. 3-0 leathering at home to hearts in the cup. Grim.

The glazers also secure amazing sponsorship deals for man united.

Proof will be in the pudding. 2 points from 12 so far.

[Since452]

One of those years we finished 5th and qualified for Europe .

There’s no arguing that mistakes have been made in the past which have been acknowledged though I fail to see how they can’t learn from it and put things right which you seem so dismissive off .

We have already changed the recruitment side of it with new scouts , Malky Mackays appointment, new manager etc … Our signings over the last couple of windows I think is a fair indication that they have improved from what created the mess in the first place.

On the pitch things haven’t worked out yet though off it with screens , digital ribbons , new pitch , increase in sponsorship deals , improvements to hospitality etc they have made improvements which is why I don’t see your similarities to glazers who have basically sucked anything they could out of Man U without putting anything back in .

That's true. And what did we do? Sack him 3 games into the season when we were playing Thursday/Sunday instead of backing the man. I don't believe LJ was the Messiah but he was better than what followed.

Anyway, I'm going to sit this one out I think. Ian Gordon is triggering me beyond me making a decent contribution to this thread. Let's just hope we improve, finally.

[Donegal Hibby]

That's true. And what did we do? Sack him 3 games into the season when we were playing Thursday/Sunday instead of backing the man. I don't believe LJ was the Messiah but he was better than what followed.

Anyway, I'm going to sit this one out I think. Ian Gordon is triggering me beyond me making a decent contribution to this thread. Let's just hope we improve, finally.

Yes we did sack him though that’s what the majority of our fans wanted , I presume there was quite a lot that wanted JR sacked at the time too .

Again mistakes have been made and I hope / think the Gordon family will learn from them and we will eventually end up in a better position.

I think they genuinely care for our club and want to succeed especially as it’s what Ron wanted too..

https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/2024/september/09/an-update-from-ian-gordon/