Hibs boss in ‘feeder club’ claim – gaffer Gray addresses Gordon family buyout of billionaire Bournemouth owner
Hibs boss in ‘feeder club’ claim – gaffer Gray addresses Gordon family buyout of billionaire Bournemouth owner.
According to a former club captain, you can’t appreciate the passion of Scottish football unless you play it.
Hibernian manager David Grey has backed the Easter Road board’s move to buy out wealthy Bournemouth owner Bill Foley. And the former club captain believes his boyhood idols should never accept being a “feeder club” in any structure.
Foley’s first investment of £6 million in exchange for a minority ownership in Hibs sparked enthusiasm as the club discussed the possibility of player mobility within the Black Knight stable, which includes not only Bournemouth but other teams in France, Portugal, and New Zealand.
However, the Gordon family, which has always held complete ownership, purchased back Foley’s shares last week, with chairman Ian Gordon claiming “philosophical differences in our visions for the club.”
Decision shows ‘magnitude’ of Easter Road club
Grey, who was still a player when Ron Gordon seized ownership of Hibs in 2019, feels the late chairman’s family is dedicated to carrying out his ambition.
And that certainly does not involve establishing a subsidiary in a multi-club arrangement. The manager stated, “I believe it just demonstrates the magnitude of this club. It is not a feeder club for anyone.
“This is a club that aspires to be successful on its own and to always improve. “You can’t truly appreciate the size of Scottish clubs unless you work or play there.” I’ve been playing down south for years, and everyone usually talks about Rangers and Celtic.
But until you come up here and feel it, see it, and look at Easter Road, which has 20,000 people, Tynecastle, Aberdeen, and so on. The Scottish fans crave it because they are so passionate about their teams. I believe that’s what makes it so special, and it simply shows how big the football club is.
And things like European football this year remind me of when Ron was here; he always wanted to see his team play in Europe and take that next step, wanting to drive the club forward. Can we do this more consistently?
“Ian has obviously taken up that mantle and is constantly pushing it forward. My role is always to attempt to connect what happens on the pitch with what is going on behind the scenes.
“I believe they deserve success for all they’ve put into it. And it’s my job to attempt to restore that.”
Buy-back of shares a sign of ‘investment and vision’
In response to a buy-out that entails another substantial investment by owners who incurred a loss of over £7 million in the most recent reports, Grey said:
“I think, as you rightly say, it’s well above my pay grade; it’s what happens above me.” The Gordon family’s investment in the club demonstrates their vision and commitment to its success.
I believe the football club is extremely fortunate to have such ownership, a chairman like Ian, and people who are so passionate about what they do.
“I see a huge difference between the club I joined 11 years ago and where it is now, and the direction they want to take it.” There is also a lot of money involved in doing so, so I consider football clubs to be really fortunate to have such an owner and chairman.
“I believe it’s positive.” I don’t want to talk ill of anyone; I simply believe it demonstrates the level of investment and direction the football club wishes to take, ensuring that we do everything possible to propel the team forward.
And that’s definitely Ian’s ambition and mindset moving forward.”
Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.