Hibs group HibeesBounce backs calls for change

PROMINENT Hibs supporters’ website The HibeesBounce have added their voice to the campaign to oust chairman Rod Petrie, and have called on owner Sir Tom Farmer to sell up.

Hamilton celebrate beating Hibs in their Premiership play-off. Picture: SNS

Letters containing six key points have been handed in at Easter Road to Sir Tom, Petrie and the club’s new chief executive Leeann Dempster, calling for radical change to the way the club is run after their relegation to the Championship.

The letter says: “As you are aware there is currently an unprecedented level of discontent amongst Hibs fans regarding the downward spiral and mismanagement of our football club over a significant period of time. Certain feelings and opinions seem consistent with the vast majority. . . and we would like to detail these to you, the current club custodians.

1) The lack of ambition shown on the football pitch, institutional acceptance of poor results in exchange for infrastructure and poor levels of engagement (with fans, with the media etc.) have left the fans of our once great club disconnected and humiliated and as a result they are leaving Hibs in their thousands. The situation has been worsening for a considerable amount of time and there is now no confidence in the current board to turn it around. If needed, seek outside investment to spend on the team to ensure a return to the Premiership at the first time of asking. Put in place a wage structure that highly rewards success, but allows us to punish failure.

2) Unless swift and major changes are made to the running and ownership of the club there is a possibility that we may never recover.

3) Rod Petrie must accept a large amount of the responsibility for our current situation and as such his position is untenable. His presence at the club is now a major problem and he therefore needs to leave/be replaced.

4) The appointment of Leeann Dempster is broadly welcomed. For her to be effective and retain credibility the handover should be brief and Mr Petrie should not be involved in the club in any capacity going forward.

5) While Sir Tom Farmer has helped the club in the past and much of what he has done for Hibs is very much appreciated by the whole Hibernian family, his presence (or more accurately, his lack of it) has been holding the club back for some time. Now is the time for a change in ownership. . . genuine communication that Sir Tom is willing to work towards this goal would be welcomed.

6) Our members feel an absolute disconnect between themselves and the club. Let’s start talking Hibernian up again, work the media to the club’s advantage, stop this constant spin, cringeworthy PR and communication. Start treating us, the fans, with some respect; we will be here long after all of you have gone. Let’s get our club back on track, it’s time for change.”