While the Hibs chief, Ron says sun will shine again on Leith

Hibernian chairman Ron Gordon has “no regrets” about taking over the reins at Easter Road and believes the “sun will shine again” on Leith.

The American broadcasting tycoon says he is hopeful of avoiding further cuts despite the ongoing absence of fans from stadiums across Scotland.

Mr Gordon is the Edinburgh club’s majority shareholder after buying out Sir Tom Farmer and Rod Petrie last year.

Earlier this year, Hibs cut staffing to a bare minimum of senior management, ticket office staff and members of the communications team, amid the coronavirus crisis.

Employees agreed to defer salaries by between 20% and 50% during the football shutdown.

He said: “We had budgeted that some fans would be coming back in January; that doesn’t look like right now so there may be additional trimmings that we have to do.

“But I’m hopeful that we have done things well enough that we’re in a good place.

“The timing has not been right but the dream is still very much alive. We’re doing a lot of positive things at the club under difficult circumstances.

“We’ve had to take a few steps back, which is a shame. I do like the fact that the (club’s strategic) plan is ambitious, we have to dream. We have to set goals that are achievable but not easy.

“All the goals we set out are very good and solid objectives that we can easily pursue when things get back to somewhat normal.”
Ron Gordon, Hibs Chairman

“It’s just a matter of time I think. All the goals we set out are very good and solid objectives that we can easily pursue when things get back to somewhat normal.”

In terms of on-the-pitch performance, Mr Gordon said Hibs are fortunate to have Jack Ross as the club’s manager.

The club currently sit third in the Premiership table, having won five, drawn two and lost one of their opening eight matches.

“I think he’s just a manager that’s very prepared. He’s very thoughtful in what he does. The proof’s in the pudding – so far, so good,” said Mr Gordon.

“I have a very good relationship with Jack. I learn a lot when I talk to him, I kind of probe, have questions. There’s a method to his madness.

“There’s a reason why we are doing the things we’re doing and it’s been great to work with him and just see how he’s approached the current situation because it’s been challenging from a financial perspective to see how we put together the best team that we can with the limited resources that we have.”

Regarding the future, the Hibs chairman says his number one responsibility is to make sure the club is well-positioned to compete once things start to return to normality – whenever that may be.

He said: “It’s difficult times but the sun will shine again. (We are) well-positioned to move quickly to the future that we’re looking for, which is to be a really top-notch club in Scotland, to make our community and supporters proud and to play great football.

“It’s funny, I can think about that but I don’t have a single regret, not for a moment. Despite the challenges, it’s been a great experience.”