Hibernian Supporters Panel.

[HNA12]

https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/2025/april/03/introducing-the-hibs-supporters--panel-/


The supporters panel will be meeting for the first time later this month. Made up of individual supporters and representatives across the various fan groups hibs.net are pleased to say we will be taking part. Any item to be considered for the agenda needs to be submitted before the 11th of May so if any of you have something you think should be discussed then please mention it on this thread,

[matty_f]

Good luck with it, guys - hope it's a success.

[worcesterhibby]

You could start by thanking Sir David and his staff for using a football defibrillator and getting the blood pumping through the heart of the club again :agree:

[marinello59]

Ticketing priority for away games. Loyalty points?

[Billy Whizz]

https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/2025/april/03/introducing-the-hibs-supporters--panel-/


The supporters panel will be meeting for the first time later this month. Made up of individual supporters and representatives across the various fan groups hibs.net are pleased to say we will be taking part. Any item to be considered for the agenda needs to be submitted before the 11th of May so if any of you have something you think should be discussed then please mention it on this thread,

Are Hibs going to publish who’s on it, would be nice to know

[marinello59]

Are Hibs going to publish who’s on it, would be nice to know

Yeah, there will be profiles put up on the website apparently.

[stalbanshibby]

I hadn't spotted that the club had done this, but I'm really glad they have.

It's a bit medieval that clubs hadn't offered a forum for supporters. When the going was really rough earlier in the season, and Kensall was still around, we were all asking about who the muppets running the club were and that they had no accountability. I remember many a thread on that and contributed to a few myself.

One of the things I saw was that particularly in England, clubs had started to engage more proactively with various official fans forums, with commitments to meet with fans 2-3 times a season with Board members and senior people within the club. In fact the FA made it mandatory that clubs have that IIRC.

So to see this at Hibs is great. Just great. Adds to the already amazing feel good factor around the place at the minute.

So good luck to whoever has applied and is part of the panel.

[the_ginger_hibee]

Ticketing priority for away games. Loyalty points?

This!

Longer-term there needs to be a solution, the club must have a plan? We can't rely on a scheme that was open only for one pre-season, years ago, as the sole marker of loyalty, forever.

No scheme is perfect, but most clubs/nations do loyalty points for a reason.

[Viva_Palmeiras]

I hadn't spotted that the club had done this, but I'm really glad they have.

It's a bit medieval that clubs hadn't offered a forum for supporters. When the going was really rough earlier in the season, and Kensall was still around, we were all asking about who the muppets running the club were and that they had no accountability. I remember many a thread on that and contributed to a few myself.

One of the things I saw was that particularly in England, clubs had started to engage more proactively with various official fans forums, with commitments to meet with fans 2-3 times a season with Board members and senior people within the club. In fact the FA made it mandatory that clubs have that IIRC.

So to see this at Hibs is great. Just great. Adds to the already amazing feel good factor around the place at the minute.

So good luck to whoever has applied and is part of the panel.

It’s like going Back to the Future (we’ve been here before post 2012 with LWT) but a wise move IMO if done well. With one of the candidates I’m hopeful of this turns out to be the calibre.

[marinello59]

A wee bump for this one.

[RIP]

It’s like going Back to the Future (we’ve been here before post 2012 with LWT) but a wise move IMO if done well. With one of the candidates I’m hopeful of this turns out to be the calibre.

What we found with Lets Work Together was that every board member and manager we met was a dyed in the wool Hibby just like us. It made a nonsense of the suggestion that they didn't care about the club as much as we did.

Looking forward to the updates.

[hibsforeurope]

Have the successful applicants been contacted for this?

[Frazerbob]

Here's the panel.......


https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/supporters/hibs-supporters-panel/

[Gmack7]

John Robertson, I had heard he was a hibby in his younger days right enough

[18Craig75]

Block 7 might finally get held to account on some behaviour….

[Hibernian Verse]

John Robertson, I had heard he was a hibby in his younger days right enough

Might be his Son who is a Hibby

[Hibernian Verse]

Can someone copy and paste? I can't get it to load on any device

[Pretty Boy]

Here's the panel.......


https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/supporters/hibs-supporters-panel/

Looks a good mix there.

Some well known faces on the list. Well done to them all for stepping up and hopefully it's a fruitful process.

[Chuck Rhoades]

Fagan from B7 in the panel 🤣

[hibsforeurope]

looking at the Hibs first thread, Loyalty points/membership scheme would be a good point to raise early at these meetings.

[Logie Green]

Fagan from B7 in the panel 🤣

I wonder if he’ll bounce anyone out of their seat at the meeting?

[CropleyWasGod]

Fagan from B7 in the panel ��

Don't see a problem with that.

AIUI, the panel is supposed to represent all sections of the support. It would be wrong IMO to exclude one part, just because some people don't like them.

If the guy turns out to be a prick, so be it. That's the nature of open fora.

[Pretty Boy]

Don't see a problem with that.

AIUI, the panel is supposed to represent all sections of the support. It would be wrong IMO to exclude one part, just because some people don't like them.

If the guy turns out to be a prick, so be it. That's the nature of open fora.

:agree:

I think people need to be honest with themselves as well and admit Block7 do a lot of good stuff. Of course that is caveated with the 'but....' that Matty mentioned on the other thread and which was was very difficult to disagree with but it doesn't negate the fact that there are positives to having a vocal and enthusiastic supporters group.

The club know that their displays, noise, visuals and so on are all marketable and have used them in marketing campaigns down the years, as they did with their predecessors in Since1875 and Section 43. They also know they are the most vocal support inside the stadium and travel away regularly in numbers to back the team. It would be daft not to include a group who can contribute positively while also having the chance to directly address the negatives with a wider group of supporters being given the chance to discuss their own concerns and those of the fans they represent.

[wookie70]

The thing needed most with B7 is a dialogue with other supporters. There are plenty suggestions that folk are staying away from away games because of them. I was working at Aberdeen and the last press of the shutter was taking a photo of one of our now Supporter's Panel members wrestling with police and stewards. That photo was in the press along with another story that negates lots of the good stuff happening at Hibs. By all means a seat at the table to begin with but the behaviour and seat at the table cannot coexist for any length of time. This should be seen as a way to build bridges but B7 need to change their behaviour to stay at the table

[Frazerbob]

:agree:

I think people need to be honest with themselves as well and admit Block7 do a lot of good stuff. Of course that is caveated with the 'but....' that Matty mentioned on the other thread and which was was very difficult to disagree with but it doesn't negate the fact that there are positives to having a vocal and enthusiastic supporters group.

The club know that their displays, noise, visuals and so on are all marketable and have used them in marketing campaigns down the years, as they did with their predecessors in Since1875 and Section 43. They also know they are the most vocal support inside the stadium and travel away regularly in numbers to back the team. It would be daft not to include a group who can contribute positively while also having the chance to directly address the negatives with a wider group of supporters being given the chance to discuss their own concerns and those of the fans they represent.

The club also know that B7 are vandals (they just need to look out the window), thugs and bigots who have a track record of intimidating and fighting fellow Hibs fans, opposing fans and stewards in our own stadium and others. They unarguably cause division within the support yet they invite their leader onto this panel. Sorry but it's a ridiculous decision IMHO.

[Pretty Boy]

The club also know that B7 are vandals, thugs and bigots who have a track record of intimidating and fighting fellow Hibs fans, opposing fans and stewards in our own stadium and others. They unarguably cause division within the support yet they invite their leader onto this panel. Sorry but it's a ridiculous decision IMHO.

I think it's a 'just enough rope...' scenario.

If they come on board and engage then it's a chance to iron out the much discussed issues and everyone is happy. If they don't contribute positively and continue with the problematic behaviour then you cut the leader loose and move on (which still doesn't resolve the issues but at least they can't then claim they were never given a chance).

[overdrive]

Fagan from B7 in the panel ��

Interesting professional background he has (management in the security/stewarding industry) given some of what B7 have been accused of, particularly in recent weeks.

FWIW, I was impressed with him at the last derby. I'm in the front row of the FF Upper and there was some aggro between B7 members and some folk in my row at the derby prior to that when the banner was put up. He really smoothed things over before the banner drop at the last derby. I didn't actually know for sure he was the guy folk called Fagin at the time but suspected it was given how folk had described "Fagin" on here.

[CapitalGreen]

I think it's a 'just enough rope...' scenario.

If they come on board and engage then it's a chance to iron out the much discussed issues and everyone is happy. If they don't contribute positively and continue with the problematic behaviour then you cut the leader loose and move on (which still doesn't resolve the issues but at least they can't then claim they were never given a chance).

Definitely a better means for fans to get their thoughts across to them rather than on a message board thread that members of B7 will likely never see.

[marinello59]

Anything else people think we should raise?

[Pretty Boy]

Anything else people think we should raise?

I'm not sure how workable it is because of the set up between the club and foundation but maybe more crossover between the social media output of the club and the community foundation.

It often feels to me that a lot of the good work the Foundation does gets a lot less traction on social media than the club stuff does. Obviously it's never going to get the same amount of interaction but the clubs reposting it, retweeting it etc might help. There is a lot of stuff I think people would be interested in that maybe gets missed because far less people see the Foundation stuff when compared to the club. As an example I didn't realize there was a foodbank collection on Saturday past because I missed it on their socials, had the club reposted that I would have contributed and I'm sure many others are the same.

Hopefully that makes sense.

[skankomcphee]

:agree:

I think people need to be honest with themselves as well and admit Block7 do a lot of good stuff. Of course that is caveated with the 'but....' that Matty mentioned on the other thread and which was was very difficult to disagree with but it doesn't negate the fact that there are positives to having a vocal and enthusiastic supporters group.

The club know that their displays, noise, visuals and so on are all marketable and have used them in marketing campaigns down the years, as they did with their predecessors in Since1875 and Section 43. They also know they are the most vocal support inside the stadium and travel away regularly in numbers to back the team. It would be daft not to include a group who can contribute positively while also having the chance to directly address the negatives with a wider group of supporters being given the chance to discuss their own concerns and those of the fans they represent.

I’m not sure what’s the more laughable - that B7 were invited to take part in this forum of that they actually agreed to do so. Can you imagine an Ultras group in say Italy, agreeing to become involved in an official club forum (or indeed take part in marketing campaigns?!) Mind you, I can’t imagine an Ultras group in Italy banging on the doors of the stadium begging to be let in because they were being chased, either.

Block 7 are the most Establishment Ultras group I can think of - kind of a bit like the Kneecap of the Ultras game - and are caricatures of themselves. I fail to see what benefit they bring to the club whatsoever.

[Keith_M]

Ticketing priority for away games. Loyalty points?


+1

[matty_f]

Would the club consider a scheme that would encourage tourists to go to the big away games so they can experience the atmosphere - like a one-off Hibs First for Tiny and Ibrox etc where someone who's never been to Edinburgh or a Hibs game can pay the club a bit more to guarantee a ticket?
They could call it First Hibs because it's their first Hibs game. 😂

[Speedy]

Would the club consider a scheme that would encourage tourists to go to the big away games so they can experience the atmosphere - like a one-off Hibs First for Tiny and Ibrox etc where someone who's never been to Edinburgh or a Hibs game can pay the club a bit more to guarantee a ticket?
They could call it First Hibs because it's their first Hibs game. 😂

:greengrin

[the_ginger_hibee]

Would the club consider a scheme that would encourage tourists to go to the big away games so they can experience the atmosphere - like a one-off Hibs First for Tiny and Ibrox etc where someone who's never been to Edinburgh or a Hibs game can pay the club a bit more to guarantee a ticket?
They could call it First Hibs because it's their first Hibs game. 😂

We already offer that...to Marseille Ultras.

[matty_f]

On a serious note:

it would be good to know how the club is ensuring it’s getting the maximum benefit from the BKFC investment, especially so now that we’re seeing Hearts potentially benefiting from an investment that has at least some parallels.

[Frazerbob]

Anything else people think we should raise?

In light of the latest graffiti near the stadium,I sincerely hope your first action point is to demand Gibby (AKA Fagin) is removed from the panel.

[CentreLine]

In light of the latest graffiti near the stadium,I sincerely hope your first action point is to demand Gibby (AKA Fagin) is removed from the panel.

Maybe being on the panel is better as decent dialogue might allow for some holding to account. Exclusion might be counter productive. It’s good to talk.

[CapitalGreen]

Good start to the panel. Just a couple of days since the profiles went live and members are being targeted online with personal abuse before any meetings have even taken place.

[JohnM1875]

On a serious note:

it would be good to know how the club is ensuring it’s getting the maximum benefit from the BKFC investment, especially so now that we’re seeing Hearts potentially benefiting from an investment that has at least some parallels.

Most important point for me.

[CentreLine]

Good start to the panel. Just a couple of days since the profiles went live and members are being targeted online with personal abuse before any meetings have even taken place.

Seriously, whats wrong with people? Its a very sick world we’re in right now,

[Scouse Hibee]

In light of the latest graffiti near the stadium,I sincerely hope your first action point is to demand Gibby (AKA Fagin) is removed from the panel.

Surely that would be counter productive? B7 receive a lot of criticism, admittedly some of it does seem justified but surely having a direct line of communication with them can only be a good thing.

[jeffers]

Surely that would be counter productive? B7 receive a lot of criticism, admittedly some of it does seem justified but surely having a direct line of communication with them can only be a good thing.


I was certainly no angel in my late teens/early 20s but I am a bit surprised that Block 7 are involved given some of their antics at games especially given the club are fully aware of it.

[matty_f]

Surely that would be counter productive? B7 receive a lot of criticism, admittedly some of it does seem justified but surely having a direct line of communication with them can only be a good thing.

A line of communication with them already exists (as it does with several panelists). I think they put Hibs in a really difficult position because giving them a seat at the table can be seen as condoning their behaviour - as does letting some of them have Hibs First memberships or allowing the displays. What are the consequences to Block Seven for fighting stewards and opponents, the graffiti, some questionable songs etc that all bring the club's name into disrepute?

I probably agree that it's better to include them than not, but I think they'd a very strong case to be made to say that they need to put the horse before the cart and show that they can behave in a manner that makes their voice credible before they get that seat at the table.

[jeffers]

A line of communication with them already exists (as it does with several panelists). I think they put Hibs in a really difficult position because giving them a seat at the table can be seen as condoning their behaviour - as does letting some of them have Hibs First memberships or allowing the displays. What are the consequences to Block Seven for fighting stewards and opponents, the graffiti, some questionable songs etc that all bring the club's name into disrepute?

I probably agree that it's better to include them than not, but I think they'd a very strong case to be made to say that they need to put the horse before the cart and show that they can behave in a manner that makes their voice credible before they get that seat at the table.

Agreed. Though tbh after seeing them in action after the first game of the season at Paisley in full view of our Security Officer (or whatever his title is) it was pretty clear the club were not prepared to do anything about them.

I can’t imagine previous Hibs boards engaging actively with the CCS.

[Scouse Hibee]

A line of communication with them already exists (as it does with several panelists). I think they put Hibs in a really difficult position because giving them a seat at the table can be seen as condoning their behaviour - as does letting some of them have Hibs First memberships or allowing the displays. What are the consequences to Block Seven for fighting stewards and opponents, the graffiti, some questionable songs etc that all bring the club's name into disrepute?

I probably agree that it's better to include them than not, but I think they'd a very strong case to be made to say that they need to put the horse before the cart and show that they can behave in a manner that makes their voice credible before they get that seat at the table.

I can’t really argue with any of that, but the line of communication that you speak of has been directly between them and the club. At least this new line of communication will be more open to allow us to actually hear what their response is to many of the issues you have mentioned. Or at least I hope that will be the case.

[DH1875]

A line of communication with them already exists (as it does with several panelists). I think they put Hibs in a really difficult position because giving them a seat at the table can be seen as condoning their behaviour - as does letting some of them have Hibs First memberships or allowing the displays. What are the consequences to Block Seven for fighting stewards and opponents, the graffiti, some questionable songs etc that all bring the club's name into disrepute?

I probably agree that it's better to include them than not, but I think they'd a very strong case to be made to say that they need to put the horse before the cart and show that they can behave in a manner that makes their voice credible before they get that seat at the table.

Folk comparing B7 and the GB. The GB are in regular conflict with the club and regular sanctions against them (believe it or not). Today for example, they apparently banned from having a tifo display at the game and access to set it up.

[hibsbollah]

I’m not sure what’s the more laughable - that B7 were invited to take part in this forum of that they actually agreed to do so. Can you imagine an Ultras group in say Italy, agreeing to become involved in an official club forum (or indeed take part in marketing campaigns?!) Mind you, I can’t imagine an Ultras group in Italy banging on the doors of the stadium begging to be let in because they were being chased, either.

Block 7 are the most Establishment Ultras group I can think of - kind of a bit like the Kneecap of the Ultras game - and are caricatures of themselves. I fail to see what benefit they bring to the club whatsoever.

Actually, Ultras groups actually sitting on the board, having preferential access-and in Marseilles case control and distribution of tickets-is very much part of the model. What the bigger clubs in Europe have is multiple ultra groups per team, so the excesses of one get balanced out by the other, Marseille have at most recent count 7 ultra groups of different sizes and influence.

Its a strange model from a ‘british’ perspective and isnt really part of our football culture, so we’re inheriting a weird hybrid.

[bingo70]

In light of the latest graffiti near the stadium,I sincerely hope your first action point is to demand Gibby (AKA Fagin) is removed from the panel.

What’s the latest graffiti?

[Frazerbob]

What’s the latest graffiti?

Taken from the Block 7 thread.........Originally Posted by LewysGot2 View Post

"Picked up Saints tickets today and cut through Bothwell Street and the bridge...hingers on grafitti already on the bridge for next weekend.
Clearly tagged B7 and lets just say referencing stairs, bears and 66. Get tae...honestly, eh?

There's not one Hibs fan who remotely appreciate that horrible shower but that is a line you don't cross if you have any decency."

[snedzuk]

Agreed. Though tbh after seeing them in action after the first game of the season at Paisley in full view of our Security Officer (or whatever his title is) it was pretty clear the club were not prepared to do anything about them.

I can’t imagine previous Hibs boards engaging actively with the CCS.

With Paisley again on Wednesday I wonder if there will be a repeat.

[matty_f]

Actually, Ultras groups actually sitting on the board, having preferential access-and in Marseilles case control and distribution of tickets-is very much part of the model. What the bigger clubs in Europe have is multiple ultra groups per team, so the excesses of one get balanced out by the other, Marseille have at most recent count 7 ultra groups of different sizes and influence.

Its a strange model from a ‘british’ perspective and isnt really part of our football culture, so we’re inheriting a weird hybrid.

I wonder if this is why the banner got turned back around? Hard to protest something that you're no longer really independent of.

[Jay]

Tin hat on. :tin hat:

I think it can only be a good thing having a representative from block seven on the panel at the outset . The balls in their court where they go with it. It's not like this panel will have any powers or decision making rights, it's opinions and discussions as far as I can see. They're not on the board of directors.

50% ISH ( I'm maybe being kind) of what block seven do is good, some of it really good.We don't expect them to be angels but unfortunately the other 50% is pretty horrendous and totally unacceptable .Shutting them out won't improve those figures. Bringing them into conversations, giving honest praise and confrontation is what they need to hear and maybe they'll listen a little. It would be far better for them if they had more support from the rest of us so they'd be daft not to listen.
But remember it's not a panel to have meetings about Block 7, it's for all of us. They are a very small group within the support so hopefully good things will come from it for all of us. Having a voice is the most important part.

[18Craig75]

First point on the agenda…The Sir Tom Farmer Stand.

[Green Reaper]

First point on the agenda…The Sir Tom Farmer Stand.

100%

[matty_f]

Tin hat on. :tin hat:

I think it can only be a good thing having a representative from block seven on the panel at the outset . The balls in their court where they go with it. It's not like this panel will have any powers or decision making rights, it's opinions and discussions as far as I can see. They're not on the board of directors.

50% ISH ( I'm maybe being kind) of what block seven do is good, some of it really good.We don't expect them to be angels but unfortunately the other 50% is pretty horrendous and totally unacceptable .Shutting them out won't improve those figures. Bringing them into conversations, giving honest praise and confrontation is what they need to hear and maybe they'll listen a little. It would be far better for them if they had more support from the rest of us so they'd be daft not to listen.
But remember it's not a panel to have meetings about Block 7, it's for all of us. They are a very small group within the support so hopefully good things will come from it for all of us. Having a voice is the most important part.

It’s better that they have a voice than don’t, but the more they continue with the problematic stuff the less entitled they should be to a seat at the table imho.

You’re spot on that the panel isn’t about Block Seven, by the way - I’m glad that’s been called out. The panel isn’t an opportunity for everyone else to take shots at Block Seven, and nor should it be.

[Jay]

It’s better that they have a voice than don’t, but the more they continue with the problematic stuff the less entitled they should be to a seat at the table imho.

It definitely could be a stipulation, I agree.

[marinello59]

Just a heads up that this meets for the first time tonight.

[matty_f]

How was it?

[marinello59]

How was it?

A good first meeting. Minutes will be published later but we will have some notes up in the morning.