Hibs selling East Stand branding

HIBS are seeking a sponsor for their new East Stand as part of the Easter Road outfit's determined pursuit of new revenue-generating streams.

The South Stand has already been rebranded in a deal with investment firm Lyxor Asset Management and now the club are in talks with a number of possible backers for the new stand which will complete the redevelopment of their ground and lift capacity to 20,250.

Hibs believe the prospect of Europa League football will appeal to potential clients as will the fact television cameras will now be sited on the opposite side of the pitch, giving them maximum exposure.

Today Fife Hyland, director of communications and marketing, said: "We have to be as creative as possible to generate revenue, to look at every opportunity and make sure we don't miss anything in generating revenue to put back into the team.

"The Lyxor deal is going well and there is significant interest from a number of parties thinking about doing the same with the East Stand.

"We are confident in being able to put together an attractive package and the fact the television cameras will be stationed in the West Stand looking across the pitch to the East will provide a terrific platform for businesses or brands."

Under Hyland, Hibs have stepped up their off-field activities, a three-year deal with kit manufacturer Puma having been followed by the news that the club are on the brink of clinching five further sponsorship contracts covering cars, beer supply, betting, players' shorts and media rights at the ground. He said: "It's a tough market in the current financial climate but as a football club we can help other businesses in getting their message out there. We've been working hard."