Headline: Hibs Owner Ian Gordon Invests in Fans and Team Amid Club Challenges
The Gordon family continues to demonstrate their strong commitment to Hibernian FC, both financially and emotionally. Last week, club owner Ian Gordon made headlines by personally funding £40,000 at the fan zone bar for traveling supporters in Ghent.
This gesture has been well-received, as it reflects an owner who is understanding the responsibilities of being a custodian of the football club. However, Gordon faced scrutiny when he was appointed head of recruitment under his late father, Ron Gordon, which led to some backlash from fans. Despite the challenges, the Gordon family remains dedicated to continuing Ron’s legacy.
The family has made efforts to keep ticket prices affordable for home European matches and the recent League Cup game against Partick Thistle. Season ticket prices have remained unchanged since the previous season, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the fan base during financially challenging times.
Despite the club reporting significant operational losses in recent accounts, the owners have opted not to increase prices, focusing instead on fostering a strong connection with the supporters. As the summer transfer window unfolds, Hibs have managed to retain key players and recently added the promising Jacob Devaney, who excelled last season on loan at St Mirren from Manchester United. Hibs also hold an option to buy the midfielder.
This approach not only emphasizes the owners’ investment but also showcases their preference for a low-key, humble operation while still aiming for success on the field. The Gordon family is striving to do the club proud during this pivotal time.
It’s clear to see the Gordon family are heavily invested – financially and emotionally – in Hibs.
Not for the first time, club owner Ian Gordon last week put his hand in his pocket and stuck £40k behind the bar at the fan zone for travelling Hibees in Ghent.
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It’s refreshing to see, and not taken for granted, an owner appears to be learning what it means to be a football club custodian.
Gordon drew suspicion and criticism from supporters when he was slipped in quietly as head of recruitment while his dad, the late Ron Gordon, was running the club. So fierce was some of the abuse, Ian could have been forgiven for wanting no more to do with Hibs.
It is to the Gordon family’s credit that they carried on Ron’s work and financial backing.
They’ve kept ticket prices down for home European ties so far this season, along with the League Cup game against Partick Thistle, and season tickets stayed in line with the previous campaign – frozen from the season before that.
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With the club reporting significant operating losses in the last accounts, you could understand the owners wanting to squeeze a bit more out of the support but they’ve done the opposite.
They deserve some success at the club. So far this summer we’ve held on to our most valued players (though that could change in the coming days) and have bolstered the squad, most recently with highly-rated Jacob Devaney, who shone last season on loan at St Mirren from Manchester United.
Hibs have an option to buy the young midfielder and this is yet more evidence of the owners putting their money where their mouth is – or it would be, if they shouted about it.
Typically though, they go about their business quietly and modestly, and they’re doing the club proud at the moment.
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