Ben Kensell - Get Out Our Club

[Chuck Rhoades]

You’ve improved the commercials, but ripped the soul out of our club. A disaster on the pitch and you’ve left a club legend to hang out to dry. Moved on perfectly, respectable professionals and replaced them with your “job for the boys” mantra. Treated yourself to an exotic break, suitably timed as one of your appointments is accused of wrongdoing.

We’ve had enough. Get out of our club.

[Hibernian Verse]

https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?368322-Gordon-Kensell-Mackay-and-co-times-up

[.Sean.]

You’ve improved the commercials, but ripped the soul out of our club. A disaster on the pitch and you’ve left a club legend to hang out to dry. Moved on perfectly, respectable professionals and replaced them with your “job for the boys” mantra. Treated yourself to an exotic break, suitably timed as one of your appointments is accused of wrongdoing.

We’ve had enough. Get out of our club.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Get this permatanned leech out the door

[Since452]

Am I right in thinking Norwich fans weren't very complimentary about him?

[Callum_62]

David Gray has not been hung out to dry.

He's just not been nearly good enough, so far.

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[One Day Soon]

David Gray has not been hung out to dry.

He's just not been nearly good enough, so far.

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And he's been hung out to dry. Where's the central midfield playmaker we've desperately needed for literally years? Oh yeah, I forgot, we 'nearly' signed one during the summer window...

[Callum_62]

And he's been hung out to dry. Where's the central midfield playmaker we've desperately needed for literally years? Oh yeah, I forgot, we 'nearly' signed one during the summer window...I assume you've held the same opinion of previous managers then since it's been literally years we needed a playmaker?

Gray has us bottom of the league after the first set of fixtures with a win rate of 8 percent

That's not because we are missing a "playmaker"



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[tonyrougier123]

I had my heckles up about Ben Kensall when he was wheeling and dealing with players from Norway. If I’m being honest I haven’t overly minded much about him since my initial thoughts and his ways, no one can argue that the football journey we have been on since his appointment has been largely miserable and he’s had more than a few misjudged moments in his time, the overseeing of the club under his watch could best be described as a soul reaping exercise, from ticketing to marketing it’s a souless juggernaut.

With the exception of hospitality something I’m really never likely to experience it’s been quite a disaster from a football operations point of view, not sure he’s even able to get any credit there either as that was a vision of the Gordon family.
I would also attach a bit of blame on the corporate suites being done up on us dropping the ball at the very wrong time on the park, when we had the upper hand in the League and the co efficient was high,and automatic qualification to Europe seemed easier under Ross’s team, we chose clearly not to back the coaching team then and for me the repercussions are still being felt. So as nice a place as Easter road has become the football has suffered as a result through mismanagement and bad recruiting in key positions off the park and clearly on the park.

He made money on melkerson and conceded on hauge, his best deal was Boyle coming back, there’s the unlikely stint in Europe with Johnson which brought premier league pomp back to Easter rd competitively and a decent result against luzern. But the football has largely been dreadful. Behind the goals i’d give him credit for connecting with the support on that, looks much better over there and if we ever dish up a decent 11 again I can see that building into something big in the future.

Definitely think he should be winding down at the club, unless there’s a revolutionary turn around in fortunes this season on the park as we approach second half of the season.

[Bostonhibby]

Am I right in thinking Norwich fans weren't very complimentary about him?Mixed bag really.

I'm good friends with one who didn't take to him. He predicted it might not end well. They had some sponsorship issues where the research wasn't done.

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[chrisski33]

And he's been hung out to dry. Where's the central midfield playmaker we've desperately needed for literally years? Oh yeah, I forgot, we 'nearly' signed one during the summer window...

Hes not. He applied for the job, accepted it, been part of previous coaching set ups that have failed sadly the Hibs job is too soon for him.

[Springbank]

I suspect the Gordons are more to blame for the disastrous performance in the transfer market in recent years

[J-C]

And he's been hung out to dry. Where's the central midfield playmaker we've desperately needed for literally years? Oh yeah, I forgot, we 'nearly' signed one during the summer window...

And here's me thinking McDermott and then Malky were responsible for finding and signing these players, didn't realise Kensell was delegated that job.

[HarpOnHibee]

Club needs a good clear out. It all starts with him though. We need somebody in who can create a new image for the club. Somebody who actually get's football and understands the difference between running a football club and a retail chain. We're a football club first and foremost and the number one priority has to be the product on the pitch. We need people who understand that.

[One Day Soon]

I assume you've held the same opinion of previous managers then since it's been literally years we needed a playmaker?

Gray has us bottom of the league after the first set of fixtures with a win rate of 8 percent

That's not because we are missing a "playmaker"



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It is for a host of reasons, one very substantial part of which is the lack of a playmaker.

It is also because we have a largely **** squad following years of sequential playing in the dressing up box as a football scout by people who know absolutely **** all about it. And its because we have:


denuded our club of experienced and quality staff
destroyed the self-belief of everyone from the fans to the players
prioritised non football matters over the football side
developed an executive culture which is over-paid, bloated and dysfunctional
colluded in doublespeak nonsense about what the club was attempting to do while at the same time tolerating and enabling the whims of the two fools in charge
created a gulf between the club and the fans and between the team and the fans
presided over the quite incredible situation where both our annual revenues and 'one-off' capital injections are through the roof while at the same time compromising our capacity to use those funds due to our out of control wages to turnover ratio and collapsed cup and European income streams
utterly staggeringly having weakened or at best not strengthened our first team strength compared to last year due to a complete failure to sign effectively in the last window
developed a recurring culture of failure at the club while managing expectations further downward after each failure

Gray has come in at the arse-end of these multiple years of decline and degradation at the club and as a result he's had the hardest mountain to climb of all these managers. He might be good enough or he might not, my contention is that we'll likely never know because with this set of jokers in charge, in these rock bottom circumstances and this ****ty player hand to play almost any manager would struggle.

He's not been good enough so far, but he has also absolutely and totally been hung out to dry. We all have. And we're paying the CE £350,000 a year for the privilege of being subjected to all this...

[marinello59]

Yes, time for him to go. He’s overseen a litany of failure. He has to take responsibility and leave.

[Heisenberg]

He is Ian Gordon’s best pal. Unless he finds himself a new job on better money I don’t see him going anywhere

[stalbanshibby]

It is for a host of reasons, one very substantial part of which is the lack of a playmaker.

It is also because we have a largely **** squad following years of sequential playing in the dressing up box as a football scout by people who know absolutely **** all about it. And its because we have:


denuded our club of experienced and quality staff
destroyed the self-belief of everyone from the fans to the players
prioritised non football matters over the football side
developed an executive culture which is over-paid, bloated and disfunctional
colluded in doublespeak nonsense about what the club was attempting to do while at the same time tolerating and enabling the whims of the two fools in charge
created a gulf between the club and the fans and between the team and the fans
presided over the quite incredible situation where both our annual revenues and 'one-off' capital injections are through the roof while at the same time compromising our capacity to use those funds due to our out of control wages to turnover ratio and collapsed cup and European income streams
utterly staggeringly having weakened or at best not strengthened our first team strength compared to last year due to a complete failure to sign effectively in the last window
developed a recurring culture of failure at the club while managing expectations further downward after each failure

Gray has come in at the arse-end of these multiple years of decline and degradation at the club and as a result he's had the hardest mountain to climb of all these managers. He might be good enough or he might not, my contention is that we'll likely never know because with this set of jokers in charge, in these rock bottom circumstances and this ****ty player hand to play almost any manager would struggle.

He's not been good enough so far, but he has also absolutely and totally been hung out to dry. We all have. And we're paying the CE £350,000 a year for the privilege of being subjected to all this...
Have to agree. Sorry about this though; I'm not an English teacher but it's dysfunctional.

[One Day Soon]

Have to agree. Sorry about this though; I'm not an English teacher but it's dysfunctional.

Quite right - now edited!

[InvertedFullBak]

Get him out the club asap and take those yanks with him.

I will extend an invitation to message me personally , ask for my number and I’ll tell him on the phone where to go.

[Hibiza]

Ditto to all above.

[we are hibs]

I agree. But I'm wary that everything gets laid at Kensells door. As long as Ian Gordon is involved we are going to be lurching from one shambles to another.

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[Real Emerald]

It is for a host of reasons, one very substantial part of which is the lack of a playmaker.

It is also because we have a largely **** squad following years of sequential playing in the dressing up box as a football scout by people who know absolutely **** all about it. And its because we have:


denuded our club of experienced and quality staff
destroyed the self-belief of everyone from the fans to the players
prioritised non football matters over the football side
developed an executive culture which is over-paid, bloated and dysfunctional
colluded in doublespeak nonsense about what the club was attempting to do while at the same time tolerating and enabling the whims of the two fools in charge
created a gulf between the club and the fans and between the team and the fans
presided over the quite incredible situation where both our annual revenues and 'one-off' capital injections are through the roof while at the same time compromising our capacity to use those funds due to our out of control wages to turnover ratio and collapsed cup and European income streams
utterly staggeringly having weakened or at best not strengthened our first team strength compared to last year due to a complete failure to sign effectively in the last window
developed a recurring culture of failure at the club while managing expectations further downward after each failure

Gray has come in at the arse-end of these multiple years of decline and degradation at the club and as a result he's had the hardest mountain to climb of all these managers. He might be good enough or he might not, my contention is that we'll likely never know because with this set of jokers in charge, in these rock bottom circumstances and this ****ty player hand to play almost any manager would struggle.

He's not been good enough so far, but he has also absolutely and totally been hung out to dry. We all have. And we're paying the CE £350,000 a year for the privilege of being subjected to all this...

Yes, when fans start arguing that qualifying for the top six is an acceptable season you know the game is over. That’s bad enough but we’re now saying just staying in this league would be an acceptable achievement.

They really have managed to get our expectations of a successful season down to rock bottom.

[WhileTheChief..]

Gut reaction is that I agree with all of the above.

But imagine for a minute that your boss is Ian Gordon. It can't be easy going to him with your plans, only for him to say 'nah, I've got a better idea' or similar.

I'm fortunate in that although I've had crap bosses in the past, I've never really worked for anyone that is completely incompetent or that simply doesn't know how to do their job.

It must be hugely frustrating.

For all we know, BK is maybe saying all the things we've been saying about our signings and managers, but is getting overruled at every turn?

Did Kensall really think Gray was the best man for the job now but not a year ago? I don't see what changed in the last 12 months that would make him think that way.

Just throwing it out there :dunno:

[Keith_M]

28282



Oops, sorry, you said 'club'

:greengrin

[Smartie]

Gut reaction is that I agree with all of the above.

But imagine for a minute that your boss is Ian Gordon. It can't be easy going to him with your plans, only for him to say 'nah, I've got a better idea' or similar.

I'm fortunate in that although I've had crap bosses in the past, I've never really worked for anyone that is completely incompetent or that simply doesn't know how to do their job.

It must be hugely frustrating.

For all we know, BK is maybe saying all the things we've been saying about our signings and managers, but is getting overruled at every turn?

Did Kensall really think Gray was the best man for the job now but not a year ago? I don't see what changed in the last 12 months that would make him think that way.

Just throwing it out there :dunno:

I think we need to acknowledge the extent of our decline. We were probably lucky to get someone of Monty’s standing. When the time came to replace him we were firmly in basket case territory and were probably lucky that Gray was interested, if the truth be told.

[Steve20]

I assume you've held the same opinion of previous managers then since it's been literally years we needed a playmaker?

Gray has us bottom of the league after the first set of fixtures with a win rate of 8 percent

That's not because we are missing a "playmaker"



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Wow.

Never knew we had supporters that didn’t like SDG. He’s clearly been hung out to dry. Clear as day. You can think he’s not doing a good job but to suggest he’s the main problem is ridiculous.

[B.H.F.C]

Wow.

Never knew we had supporters that didn’t like SDG. He’s clearly been hung out to dry. Clear as day. You can think he’s not doing a good job but to suggest he’s the main problem is ridiculous.

He applied for and wanted the job. He shouldn’t have got it but he did and is under performing. That can’t be ignored in the basis of who he is.

[Callum_62]

Wow.

Never knew we had supporters that didn’t like SDG. He’s clearly been hung out to dry. Clear as day. You can think he’s not doing a good job but to suggest he’s the main problem is ridiculous.It's not about not liking, but the truth is he has been a disaster of an appointment thus far - worse than anyone (even sceptical) would have thought

I'm sure we all want him to turn it around but at some point he needs to start winning some games or he will (rightly) be let go

That doesn't mean there isn't other issues at play but a Hibs manager with a 8 percent win rate can only be described as doing a very poor job



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[Yorkshire HFC]

You’ve improved the commercials, but ripped the soul out of our club. A disaster on the pitch and you’ve left a club legend to hang out to dry. Moved on perfectly, respectable professionals and replaced them with your “job for the boys” mantra. Treated yourself to an exotic break, suitably timed as one of your appointments is accused of wrongdoing.

We’ve had enough. Get out of our club.

"Our club"?

If the owners like him and think he's doing a good job then he'll stay.

[cabbageandribs1875]

I agree. But I'm wary that everything gets laid at Kensells door. As long as Ian Gordon is involved we are going to be lurching from one shambles to another.

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right there, there's the problem

[Smartie]

Do we have any solutions other than to scapegoat? Ben Kensell this time, David Gray after every poor result.

As I see it… the problem we have is right at the very top and it’s a consequence of misfortune.

When we had Farmer and Petrie - we all knew what Hibs were about. We had some good times, we had some bad times but we knew we’re were going to be prudent, sensible and take a long-term approach.

Ron may or may not have had a plan. What he did have was a track record, experience, charisma, self-belief and I suspect that given time he’d have learnt from mistakes and moved us to a better place.

In his tragic absence there has been a void. Even the whole notion of “the Gordons” - is vague and nondescript. Who are we talking about here? Ian? Kit? Both? Others?

Whoever it is, they lack what a Ron Gordon had, the sort of thing that put him in a position to be able to own a football club. It’s possible Ian could learn but I don’t think he has the confidence or arrogance to step up. There are leadership styles for introverts that can be very effective but I think we’ve got well meaning and unqualified ditherers at the very top.

That’s a recipe for disaster.

Who sets the tone? The standards? What’s the point of Hibs? The big idea? Vision, strategy, values, culture?

When they are not clear, every single symptom we currently are experiencing makes an appearance, right down to the late goals conceded and the bum groping.

Does Kensell’s head on a stick fit into things? Maybe, but I have a hunch that it’s only a very handsome remuneration package keeping in what must be an absolutely thankless misery of a job - and that’s not a recipe for success. Imo it’s as likely that he’s playing an absolute blinder in impossible conditions (bringing in sponsorships, hospitality etc) as it is that he’s primarily to blame for our current plight.

Funny thing is “we need to sack x, y or z” is a very American approach to problems. Changing people, as opposed to changing people. I thought that would be a feature of the Gordon era, it certainly was early on during their tenure as we saw everyone from Jack Ross to Kenny Millar leave the club.

And here we are now with the “Ben Kensell, get out of our club” movement. Maybe that is the answer?

I wish it just boiled down to finding the scapegoat and bulleting them.

Instead, I think it’s down to the trickier situation of either our owners finding it in them to have the ability and the right people helping them to run a football club, or getting out and passing it on to someone else who can. Everyone from Ben Kensell to David Gray may yet have it in them to thrive in the correct set up. The current one is most certainly not that.

We’re still part of an ongoing grief process imo. It sounds incredibly harsh - but it can be more unpleasant than it needs to be for the Gordons if we don’t snap out of this soon.

[Since452]

We have a collection of individuals who shouldn't be in the positions that they're in. Starts from the very top and ends with the manager. We're a rudderless ship heading for relegation.

[alexedwards]

We have a collection of individuals who shouldn't be in the positions that they're in. Starts from the very top and ends with the manager. We're a rudderless ship heading for relegation.
Correct: CEO is a Commercial Director at best
Owner: Vastly inexperienced.
CM: On a jolly & ineffective.
DOF: Ineffective.
If one is useless that's bad enough but all 4?

[Stokesy's on fire]

Show ben the Red card. It's time to go. Enough is enough.

[Bostonhibby]

Gut reaction is that I agree with all of the above.

But imagine for a minute that your boss is Ian Gordon. It can't be easy going to him with your plans, only for him to say 'nah, I've got a better idea' or similar.

I'm fortunate in that although I've had crap bosses in the past, I've never really worked for anyone that is completely incompetent or that simply doesn't know how to do their job.

It must be hugely frustrating.

For all we know, BK is maybe saying all the things we've been saying about our signings and managers, but is getting overruled at every turn?

Did Kensall really think Gray was the best man for the job now but not a year ago? I don't see what changed in the last 12 months that would make him think that way.

Just throwing it out there :dunno:

All good stuff that I can agree with, but if it was about blagging my way through, month on month at the sort of money we are hearing about, plus pension contributions as every month goes by I'm prepared to go along with being the front man in this scenario.

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[Blurhibee]

Is it bens fault that the players are playing ****? Behind the scenes we have came on leaps and bounds. The great Leanne dempster let our hospitality go to rack and ruin that’s why we have had to spend money on it. Remember when after Covid we couldn’t open the 2 stands behind the goals because we never met the safety standard. Whose fault was that Ben?

[HarpOnHibee]

Is it bens fault that the players are playing ****? Behind the scenes we have came on leaps and bounds. The great Leanne dempster let our hospitality go to rack and ruin that’s why we have had to spend money on it. Remember when after Covid we couldn’t open the 2 stands behind the goals because we never met the safety standard. Whose fault was that Ben?

I hear the screens are bigger and the nosh is top notch for those with heavy wallets. :aok:

[Heisenberg]

Is it bens fault that the players are playing ****? Behind the scenes we have came on leaps and bounds. The great Leanne dempster let our hospitality go to rack and ruin that’s why we have had to spend money on it. Remember when after Covid we couldn’t open the 2 stands behind the goals because we never met the safety standard. Whose fault was that Ben?

It’s Bens fault, or at least partially his fault, that we have hired a succession of utterly useless managers to follow various different strategies which seem to chop and change every season. We are now on the “sign good lads that know the league” process and it seems to be the worst of the lot.

[Northernhibee]

It’s Bens fault, or at least partially his fault, that we have hired a succession of utterly useless managers to follow various different strategies which seem to chop and change every season. We are now on the “sign good lads that know the league” process and it seems to be the worst of the lot.

It’s also possible that the managers are decent, but the environment around them isn’t conducive to success.

[Bostonhibby]

Is it bens fault that the players are playing ****? Behind the scenes we have came on leaps and bounds. The great Leanne dempster let our hospitality go to rack and ruin that’s why we have had to spend money on it. Remember when after Covid we couldn’t open the 2 stands behind the goals because we never met the safety standard. Whose fault was that Ben?Culture

Absence of leadership

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[HarpOnHibee]

It’s also possible that the managers are decent, but the environment around them isn’t conducive to success.

That would be my bet. There's a systemic failure at play here that doesn't get the best out of managers or players. We're always quick to say that they're simply not good enough. But how many refreshes do we need until it becomes abundantly clear that there are issues that plague whomever we welcome into the club?

[Heisenberg]

It’s also possible that the managers are decent, but the environment around them isn’t conducive to success.

Not sure that stands up to much scrutiny given how they’ve all ended up doing after leaving.

[7Hero]

He hasn't improved the commercials !!! He's improved the corporate and sponsorship income.

Commercially we are losing a fortune...

[Not In The Know]

I had my heckles up about Ben Kensall when he was wheeling and dealing with players from Norway. If I’m being honest I haven’t overly minded much about him since my initial thoughts and his ways, no one can argue that the football journey we have been on since his appointment has been largely miserable and he’s had more than a few misjudged moments in his time, the overseeing of the club under his watch could best be described as a soul reaping exercise, from ticketing to marketing it’s a souless juggernaut.

With the exception of hospitality something I’m really never likely to experience it’s been quite a disaster from a football operations point of view, not sure he’s even able to get any credit there either as that was a vision of the Gordon family.
I would also attach a bit of blame on the corporate suites being done up on us dropping the ball at the very wrong time on the park, when we had the upper hand in the League and the co efficient was high,and automatic qualification to Europe seemed easier under Ross’s team, we chose clearly not to back the coaching team then and for me the repercussions are still being felt. So as nice a place as Easter road has become the football has suffered as a result through mismanagement and bad recruiting in key positions off the park and clearly on the park.

He made money on melkerson and conceded on hauge, his best deal was Boyle coming back, there’s the unlikely stint in Europe with Johnson which brought premier league pomp back to Easter rd competitively and a decent result against luzern. But the football has largely been dreadful. Behind the goals i’d give him credit for connecting with the support on that, looks much better over there and if we ever dish up a decent 11 again I can see that building into something big in the future.

Definitely think he should be winding down at the club, unless there’s a revolutionary turn around in fortunes this season on the park as we approach second half of the season.


Kensells upgrade on hospitality is the equivalent of some Essex wide boy buying a Lamborghini on credit. Looks good means f all if you can’t back it up with actually earning /generating profit.

[alexedwards]

He hasn't improved the commercials !!! He's improved the corporate and sponsorship income.

Commercially we are losing a fortune...
So at best a "partnerships manager".

[Bostonhibby]

He hasn't improved the commercials !!! He's improved the corporate and sponsorship income.

Commercially we are losing a fortune...I've got a cracking idea, if I can get hold of a business making £3m profit a year from £10m a year turnover and decimate the core product then generates £20m new turnover whilst blowing the original profit and shredding the core product...........

Couple of year model from which the corporates with a 2 year target usually move on from before the **** hits the fan.



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[7Hero]

So at best a "partnerships manager".

Hibs commercial and partnership director who is already in place can handle that fine.

Considering he's managed to keep that income despite the team failing for the past 3 years id keep him doing the job, he was also in place prior to Ben arrivng.

[Cracker]

It’s also possible that the managers are decent, but the environment around them isn’t conducive to success.

Don’t think hibs got it too wrong by sacking the last 5, they got it wrong by employing them, none of the managers over the Gordon’s ownership have been the standard most of the fans were looking for.
Not aware that any of them have gone on to a coaching level that would make you wish they were still at hibs, who ever appointed them should be removed!

[SHODAN]

Wait. Listen.

Behind the Goals is really good now!

[Libby Hibby]

Club needs a good clear out. It all starts with him though. We need somebody in who can create a new image for the club. Somebody who actually get's football and understands the difference between running a football club and a retail chain. We're a football club first and foremost and the number one priority has to be the product on the pitch. We need people who understand that.

Absolutely.

Lead from the front, create a culture where all that matters is being successful in your role which in turn will translate into success on the park.

[Bridge hibs]

Wait. Listen.

Behind the Goals is really good now!Why shouldnt it be ? I see this mentioned often on here, whats wrong with having first class facilities, fans deserve that dont they ? They deserve a nice and comfortable place to relax pre match so I dont see your issue here.

If its for me then I will use it, I enjoyed the old Almond suite generally so would likely have used this facility if I still enjoyed a beer or 7. Granted we are a cluster**** of a club at the moment but Im as a fan more interested in whats going on with regards the football than ****ting my pants about corporate function areas or big screens.

[flash]

Why shouldnt it be ? I see this mentioned often on here, whats wrong with having first class facilities, fans deserve that dont they ? They deserve a nice and comfortable place to relax pre match so I dont see your issue here.

If its for me then I will use it, I enjoyed the old Almond suite generally so would likely have used this facility if I still enjoyed a beer or 7. Granted we are a cluster**** of a club at the moment but Im as a fan more interested in whats going on with regards the football than ****ting my pants about corporate function areas or big screens.

It's the strangest direction of argument to suggest that because the team are poor every other facet of the club should be poor too.

It's not as if all the investment has been outwith the football department. We have spent fortunes on the team just not remotely wisely.

[Bridge hibs]

It's the strangest direction of argument to suggest that because the team are poor every other facet of the club should be poor too.

It's not as if all the investment has been outwith the football department. We have spent fortunes on the team just not remotely wisely.

Yeah, we have gone a long way from standing on a frozen crumbling old wind swept terracing waiting on the macaroon bar seller coming round the track side. Worrying if some pished up hibs fan was going to piddle down your legs in the bogs and all whilst watching a relatively pish team on the park with the highlight being the half time score letters getting put up.

Now we have complaints about luxury corporate facilities and big tv screens, oh to be a hibby.

[alexedwards]

Hibs commercial and partnership director who is already in place can handle that fine.

Considering he's managed to keep that income despite the team failing for the past 3 years id keep him doing the job, he was also in place prior to Ben arrivng.

So, according to some if BKs only success is sponsorship & corporate, & an overall fail at football & total commercials, & a.n.other is covering partnerships WTF is the
actual defence of BK?? The feedback I am getting from close to the BOD is they're dropping the ball on many areas & they know it. For the reference I was being sarcastic on BK being partnerships mgr & not looking for a justification of the actual guys record.

[SHODAN]

Yeah, we have gone a long way from standing on a frozen crumbling old wind swept terracing waiting on the macaroon bar seller coming round the track side. Worrying if some pished up hibs fan was going to piddle down your legs in the bogs and all whilst watching a relatively pish team on the park with the highlight being the half time score letters getting put up.

Now we have complaints about luxury corporate facilities and big tv screens, oh to be a hibby.

I'm glad you like them. You're more than entitled to.

I take exception to the fact that the luxury facilities that most ordinary fans will never use more than a handful of times, and to which there were few if any murmurs about pre Gordon, are clearly being prioritised and paraded as if it's something that will regularly benefit all of us.

Absolutely reeks of elitism which is bad enough in the class-segregated country we live in but really leaves a foul taste when it's done at a football club.

[Bridge hibs]

I'm glad you like them. You're more than entitled to.

I take exception to the fact that the luxury facilities that most ordinary fans will never use more than a handful of times, and to which there were few if any murmurs about pre Gordon, are clearly being prioritised and paraded as if it's something that will regularly benefit all of us.

Absolutely reeks of elitism which is bad enough in the class-segregated country we live in but really leaves a foul taste when it's done at a football club.**** all to do with elitism for me and my family members and we have never seen it that way, everything has a price whether it be hospitality, strips or a season ticket. Either way there are going to be many hibs fans who cant afford any of the above so I think its unfair to label it as elitism, its your choice if you want to use the facilities, its your choice if you want to buy a season ticket or a strip, no-one is forcing you.

[Smartie]

I'm glad you like them. You're more than entitled to.

I take exception to the fact that the luxury facilities that most ordinary fans will never use more than a handful of times, and to which there were few if any murmurs about pre Gordon, are clearly being prioritised and paraded as if it's something that will regularly benefit all of us.

Absolutely reeks of elitism which is bad enough in the class-segregated country we live in but really leaves a foul taste when it's done at a football club.

If those fancy suites contribute cash towards the team… so that it improves the team for those of us do nothing other than turn up and pay money to watch that team… then I’m all for it.

It’s one of the current owners’ better ideas - contributes towards self-sufficiency rather than being propped up by wealthy owners.

I’m yet to set foot in the new facilities but occasionally glance at the big screens and appreciate the increased sound quality in the ground.

[DarlingtonHibee]

If those fancy suites contribute cash towards the team… so that it improves the team for those of us do nothing other than turn up and pay money to watch that team… then I’m all for it.

That's exactly what they do, as do every other sporting organisation.

[Brightside]

I'm glad you like them. You're more than entitled to.

I take exception to the fact that the luxury facilities that most ordinary fans will never use more than a handful of times, and to which there were few if any murmurs about pre Gordon, are clearly being prioritised and paraded as if it's something that will regularly benefit all of us.

Absolutely reeks of elitism which is bad enough in the class-segregated country we live in but really leaves a foul taste when it's done at a football club.

Poppycock.

[Hiber-nation]

I'm glad you like them. You're more than entitled to.

I take exception to the fact that the luxury facilities that most ordinary fans will never use more than a handful of times, and to which there were few if any murmurs about pre Gordon, are clearly being prioritised and paraded as if it's something that will regularly benefit all of us.

Absolutely reeks of elitism which is bad enough in the class-segregated country we live in but really leaves a foul taste when it's done at a football club.

A plumbing contractor buying a table for family, friends and colleagues is elitist? I've only been to hospitality at ER once, not really my thing but it's anything but elitist.

[DarlingtonHibee]

Kensells upgrade on hospitality is the equivalent of some Essex wide boy buying a Lamborghini on credit. Looks good means f all if you can’t back it up with actually earning /generating profit.

I think you'll find there will be a great return on investment

[Hibiza]

Is he still here ?

[007]

Kensells upgrade on hospitality is the equivalent of some Essex wide boy buying a Lamborghini on credit. Looks good means f all if you can’t back it up with actually earning /generating profit.

That's nonsensical. Can you back it up by proving the hospitality isn't profitable?

[Unseen work]

https://x.com/forrest2707/status/1858184461776572830?s=46&t=jmxs-mZWT_cnYbURW-GKJw

Will SDG get the same amount of abuse as Newell and Kensell for the above?

Out having a drink during the international break

FWIW I’ve no issue with Gray in that clip or what people are getting upto, just intrigued to see if it’s selective or not

[Allant1981]

https://x.com/forrest2707/status/1858184461776572830?s=46&t=jmxs-mZWT_cnYbURW-GKJw

Will SDG get the same amount of abuse as Newell and Kensell for the above?

Out having a drink during the international break

FWIW I’ve no issue with Gray in that clip or what people are getting upto, just intrigued to see if it’s selective or not

He is over in Ireland for a few days

[Unseen work]

He is over in Ireland for a few days

Yeah that’s my point, and again I’ve no issue with it.

But if Kensell or Newell were over in Ireland drinking there would be another 5 page thread moaning

[superfurryhibby]

I think you'll find there will be a great return on investment

Where are the figures to back this up?

I would be interested to see a cost/balance type projection. How much was spent, what the use has been and when it will have paid for itself and start putting profit back into the club?

Not saying investment into facilities isn't good, but the "there will be a great return on investment" line isn't that convincing for me.

[green day]

Where are the figures to back this up?

I would be interested to see a cost/balance type projection. How much was spent, what the use has been and when it will have paid for itself and start putting profit back into the club?

Not saying investment into facilities isn't good, but the "there will be a great return on investment" line isn't that convincing for me.

I am sure we spent upwards of £1m on the hospitality in the West - a significant figure.

But I thought we signed a deal with Elior that gives us £1m every year for 10 years?

[CentreLine]

I am sure we spent upwards of £1m on the hospitality in the West - a significant figure.

But I thought we signed a deal with Elior that gives us £1m every year for 10 years?

Indeed, and they seem sufficiently impressed with their return on their franchise to be happy to get involved in Behind the Goals. It’s clear as day that Hibs have and are making money on this investment.

I think those agitating for protest need to work in the wording. Maybe “Ben Kinsell get out of the football side of our club” 🤣

[Hibby70]

If we didn't have decent hospitality and advertising screens there would be folk moaning at Kensell for not having them whilst Hearts do. Some people just want any excuse to have a go at the club.

We have major issues with the team that's clearly but it's stupid to complain about things that generate money that in the long term help fix that issue.

[CropleyWasGod]

Where are the figures to back this up?

I would be interested to see a cost/balance type projection. How much was spent, what the use has been and when it will have paid for itself and start putting profit back into the club?

Not saying investment into facilities isn't good, but the "there will be a great return on investment" line isn't that convincing for me.

AIUI, Bydand lent the club the money to upgrade the facilities. That loan was later written off, in return for shares.

In other words, the club didn't pay anything for them.

[superfurryhibby]

AIUI, Bydand lent the club the money to upgrade the facilities. That loan was later written off, in return for shares.

In other words, the club didn't pay anything for them.

Fair enough, but the question of the cost of the work and the benefit derived/expected from it is still valid?

[CropleyWasGod]

Fair enough, but the question of the cost of the work and the benefit derived/expected from it is still valid?

Not if there was no capital cost to us. The revenue (after overheads) is all profit.

[SHODAN]

Yeah that’s my point, and again I’ve no issue with it.

But if Kensell or Newell were over in Ireland drinking there would be another 5 page thread moaning

It's the international break and Gray's abilities as a manager aren't dependent on his physical shape.

[hibee-boys]

What relevance is SDG having a few days break in Ireland? I’m as pxxxxxx off as anyone about our current position but have every player/coach/official linked to the club to remain under house arrest until we’ve won a game or 2….or 3🤷🏼 At what point do these ‘people’ get to live a life outside their employment like the rest of us. Appreciate it’s the international break and there’s less actual football for us to moan about but with a run of games coming up exactly when would fans expect everyone connected with the club to have some downtime?

[CentreLine]

Not if there was no capital cost to us. The revenue (after overheads) is all profit.

Does the profit come to Hibs or to the franchise company? I think their contract is they pay Hibs a million a year, for ten years. Is that not all we need to know from our end? The profit and loss is surely for the franchise company books to reflect.
I really really hope I’ve managed to pull Cropley was God up on a finance thing 🤭

[CropleyWasGod]

Does the profit come to Hibs or to the franchise company? I think their contract is they pay Hibs a million a year, for ten years. Is that not all we need to know from our end? The profit and loss is surely for the franchise company books to reflect.
I really really hope I’ve managed to pull Cropley was God up on a finance thing 🤭

:greengrin

You're probably right. I don't know much about the contract itself.

My main point was that, essentially, we had little capital costs.

[Unseen work]

It's the international break and Gray's abilities as a manager aren't dependent on his physical shape.

Does Kensell’s depend on his physical shape?

Again, no issue with it. Just interested to see if people view Gray doing it as badly as others

[Donegal Hibby]

Does Kensell’s depend on his physical shape?

Again, no issue with it. Just interested to see if people view Gray doing it as badly as others

I’ve no issues with any of them and think they are just being used as a means to put the boot in … if wasn’t this ,it would be something else.

[CentreLine]

:greengrin

You're probably right. I don't know much about the contract itself.

My main point was that, essentially, we had little capital costs.

😎

[Paulie Walnuts]

Does Kensell’s depend on his physical shape?

Again, no issue with it. Just interested to see if people view Gray doing it as badly as others

No, because Gray isn’t a professional athlete. I’ve no issue with Kensell being on holiday either.

I do have a bit of an issue with the captain of a team who look unfit, are bottom of the league, with a penchant for not being able to last and see out whole games being out on the bevvy though, because he is a professional athlete and club captain who looks like he’s struggling to last 90 minutes and bevvying will be doing nothing to help that.

It’s not really a relevant comparison if you’re comparing playing staff and non playing staff when the issue is based around fitness.

[SHODAN]

Is he back from his holiday yet?

[Springbank]

With due respect, if we are asking if the skipper going out for beers while bottom of the league, is the same as the manager, the manager isn't about to be asked to run for 90-99 minutes against a fitter, more professional opponent.

It is made worse when the skipper has been part of our disciplinary problem, with a flurry of bookings (including a second yellow/red) that all have a theme - Newell being out of position, wrong side of the play, due to having a poor touch (Tannadice) or due to being poorly positioned and slow to recover / diving into higher risk/ higher tariff tackles. Opponents, who are not so frequently photographed out on the beers, funnily enough, will be able to gain an on-field advantage on him, over and over and over.

Regarding Ben Kensall, the timing is not great when the Golden Quadrant's high-risk summer appointment is struggling, seemingly hampered by a Jurassic backroom team and basic tactics, that are not yielding results. If you make a high risk appointment, be prepared to be accountable. While everyone is entitled to a break, it would be crass to ignore that timing is an issue and we are rock bottom of the league with a run of easier fixtures having produced poor results.

So, I don't see David Gray's break as being similar to either situation.

If I could give him one thought, it wouldn't be about his whereabouts.

It would be "sack May, Samson and Craig, and you'll stand a far better chance" - all just imo

[Donegal Hibby]

No, because Gray isn’t a professional athlete. I’ve no issue with Kensell being on holiday either.

I do have a bit of an issue with the captain of a team who look unfit, are bottom of the league, with a penchant for not being able to last and see out whole games being out on the bevvy though, because he is a professional athlete and club captain who looks like he’s struggling to last 90 minutes and bevvying will be doing nothing to help that.

It’s not really a relevant comparison if you’re comparing playing staff and non playing staff when the issue is based around fitness.

I don’t know why you have an issue with it tbh … Joe Newell isn’t the only player we have ever had thats went for a few drinks when off on a break and won’t be the last either ….

Even down in England the likes of your Grealish’s , Fodens etc all do it .. I’d guess that the ones that don’t are probably in a small minority in fairness..


In Newells case he has more than enough time in there was almost 2 weeks since him going out on a Sunday to prepare for our next game which I’m sure he will…

As to comparing playing staff with non playing staff being irrelevant I seem to remember one of our previous manager getting belters on here for being out before a big game even though it was never proven that he was out on top of his head either…

We can’t lock players and staff up or put them under house arrest .. they’re allowed to live a little as well like the rest of us do.

[Paulie Walnuts]

I don’t know why you have an issue with it tbh … Joe Newell isn’t the only player we have ever had thats went for a few drinks when off on a break and won’t be the last either ….

Even down in England the likes of your Grealish’s , Fodens etc all do it .. I’d guess that the ones that don’t are probably in a small minority in fairness..


In Newells case he has more than enough time in there was almost 2 weeks since him going out on a Sunday to prepare for our next game which I’m sure he will…

As to comparing playing staff with non playing staff being irrelevant I seem to remember one of our previous manager getting belters on here for being out before a big game even though it was never proven that he was out on top of his head either…

We can’t lock players and staff up or put them under house arrest .. they’re allowed to live a little as well like the rest of us do.

And I don’t know why you’re so accepting of it.

Jack Grealish who ended up left out the Euros squad and has struggled to nail down a place at Man City? Hardly a shining example of someone that bevvys too much.

Nobody is asking for players to be locked up or put under house arrest. Theres a whole world of things you can leave the house to do that don’t include going on the lash and ultimately negatively impacting your fitness levels.

[HibbyAndy]

I don’t know why you have an issue with it tbh … Joe Newell isn’t the only player we have ever had thats went for a few drinks when off on a break and won’t be the last either ….

Even down in England the likes of your Grealish’s , Fodens etc all do it .. I’d guess that the ones that don’t are probably in a small minority in fairness..


In Newells case he has more than enough time in there was almost 2 weeks since him going out on a Sunday to prepare for our next game which I’m sure he will…

As to comparing playing staff with non playing staff being irrelevant I seem to remember one of our previous manager getting belters on here for being out before a big game even though it was never proven that he was out on top of his head either…

We can’t lock players and staff up or put them under house arrest .. they’re allowed to live a little as well like the rest of us do.


Have a read of Tony Adams book . Him Merson & Parlour tanned 10 pints every single day after training and hid at the back next day so the boss couldn't smell it :greengrin

[snedzuk]

Have a read of Tony Adams book . Him Merson & Parlour tanned 10 pints every single day after training and hid at the back next day so the boss couldn't smell it :greengrin

Alf Tupper trained on fish suppers as well.

[HibbyAndy]

Alf Tupper trained on fish suppers as well.

True :tee hee:

[superfurryhibby]

Jack Grealish who ended up left out the Euros squad and has struggled to nail down a place at Man City? Hardly a shining example of someone that bevvys too much.

Nobody is asking for players to be locked up or put under house arrest. Theres a whole world of things you can leave the house to do that don’t include going on the lash and ultimately negatively impacting your fitness levels.

There's a whole world of levels when it comes to consuming alcohol two weeks before your next match and who's to say Newell was actually on the lash or that a beer might impact negatively on his fitness levels.

People need to live, that includes professional sportsmen.

[Paulie Walnuts]

There's a whole world of levels when it comes to consuming alcohol two weeks before your next match and who's to say Newell was actually on the lash or that a beer might impact negatively on his fitness levels.

People need to live, that includes professional sportsmen.

Who’s to say drinking alcohol might negatively impact his fitness levels? The experts say that.

[Donegal Hibby]

And I don’t know why you’re so accepting of it.

Jack Grealish who ended up left out the Euros squad and has struggled to nail down a place at Man City? Hardly a shining example of someone that bevvys too much.

Nobody is asking for players to be locked up or put under house arrest. Theres a whole world of things you can leave the house to do that don’t include going on the lash and ultimately negatively impacting your fitness levels.

Grealish was left out of the Euros IMO for the same reason he can’t nail down a place in the Man City team as both have exceptional squads where competition is stiff … Haalands another example .. the vast majority of them do it ..

As to Newell you say he looks unfit and unable to finish 90 minutes .. when was the last time he had a bevvy before the St Mirren game .. days , weeks , months ? …

I no great fan of Newell as I think he’s not the quickest and he has his fair share of poor games though at the same time when he’s on his A-game he’s certainly good .. problem I have is I think we have/are having to relying on him away to much due to lack of options unfortunately ..

I have been critical of him in the past for his performances though going out with his mates for a few pints when we don’t have a game for two weeks I don’t have any issues with as long as he’s putting the effort in on the training pitch and Gym .. going by the type of character he is I think he will be doing exactly that as well .

[Paulie Walnuts]

Grealish was left out of the Euros IMO for the same reason he can’t nail down a place in the Man City team as both have exceptional squads where competition is stiff … Haalands another example .. the vast majority of them do it ..

As to Newell you say he looks unfit and unable to finish 90 minutes .. when was the last time he had a bevvy before the St Mirren game .. days , weeks , months ? …

I no great fan of Newell as I think he’s not the quickest and he has his fair share of poor games though at the same time when he’s on his A-game he’s certainly good .. problem I have is I think we have/are having to relying on him away to much due to lack of options unfortunately ..

I have been critical of him in the past for his performances though going out with his mates for a few pints when we don’t have a game for two weeks I don’t have any issues with as long as he’s putting the effort in on the training pitch and Gym .. going by the type of character he is I think he will be doing exactly that as well .

Haaland drinks? I’d love to see evidence of that. Almost everywhere online suggests he doesn’t, he’s said on a podcast previously that he doesn’t and given his diet I’d be very surprised if he did, especially during the season.

Also, you’re completely guessing whether ‘the vast majority’ of footballers at the very top level drink. What isn’t a guess is that it negatively impacts physical performance.

Anyway, this is a thread about Ben Kensell, not Joe Newell, so I’m not going to sidetrack it any further.

[Hibiza]

Is he still here .

[Donegal Hibby]

Haaland drinks? I’d love to see evidence of that. Almost everywhere online suggests he doesn’t, he’s said on a podcast previously that he doesn’t and given his diet I’d be very surprised if he did, especially during the season.

Also, you’re completely guessing whether ‘the vast majority’ of footballers at the very top level drink. What isn’t a guess is that it negatively impacts physical performance.

Anyway, this is a thread about Ben Kensell, not Joe Newell, so I’m not going to sidetrack it any further.

It was suggested he did at one point though maybe the article was wrong or he doesn’t anymore … of course I’m guessing though if I was to put money on wither more footballers drink than don’t my money would be on there’s more that do ..

As to You having issues with Newell over this one of the best examples of a player enjoying a drink while playing well and also keeping himself in shape is Luka Modrić …

https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2024/01/02/is-beer-the-perfect-post-workout-drink-spains-favourite-tipple-is-being-used-by-top-athletes-to-recover-including-a-huge-real-madrid-star/

[chrisski33]

Can we keep the Newell debate in the Joe Newell thread!