At this time of year in the football world important issues such as becoming champions, winning trophies, qualifying for Europe and relegation/expulsion are all focused on. The outstanding support from the Hibs fans has allowed the club to be competitive from the word go in 2020/21 (thank you) - The team haven’t been out of the top 4 in the league all season. I can’t think of a better way to thank the supporters (and close off the most surreal periods in most of our lives) than by bringing the oldest trophy in world football back home to Leith. Embrace the stress of the run in and thrive under pressure to do the job. Time for new heroes.
Always available if you need me for anything kpower@hibernianfc.co.uk
March was fairly light. So it is only right to balance that out with an action packed April - AGM, Some great performances, Season Ticket release and more.
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AGM
The club thanked the supporters who stepped up in one of most challenging years most can remember. There was also thanks to the staff at Easter Road, the football department and HSL & many supporters who contributed financially to the club.
There was time to look back at the sporting performance of reaching the latter stages of cups, revamping the squad with a younger, smaller and balanced feel. Looking back towards the business performance - 11,000 season tickets, reduced the operating costs, launched a new website, commercial growth, New PA system and new initiatives: Greenest club in Scotland and Thank You NHS.
Looking forward - European Football, Continue to invest & improve the first team, Reinvest & improve the Development Squad and appoint a new CEO. Building on the new PA system already completed there was talk of further investments off the park - new screens, updating the tired stadium, hospitality improvements and focus on the pitch straight after the last home game of the season. Social Media platforms will be upgraded, more creative ticketing products and launch of Hibs membership programme
Final note to all was everyone is indispensable and necessary to our success. Building on our Season Ticket numbers to help continue our momentum is key.
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Season Tickets
Last week the club launched season tickets for 2021/22, confident we'll have a football resembling close to normal as can be.
The club has released all options at the start to be as flexible as possible and for those who renew the club will be offering a number of additional benefits as a thank you for the support over the current season and last year.
Remember… #ThisIsOurCity and The club will be there for you when you're ready.
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CEO Search
I'm expecting next time I update this will be complete - nearly there.
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I would like to update you on what I’ve brought to the board’s attention on behalf of supporters.
Supporter Loyalty Recognition.
It is key we keep our supporters backing front of mind, finding ways to reward our fans for the fantastic backing.
KP - Great to see the club acknowledge this on the website via the season ticket release - "The Club actively looks at additional ways to recognise the loyalty of supporters and will continue to do what we can to provide value for supporters"
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Scottish Cup
The time and date for the Scottish Cup semi final with Dundee United has been set. Saturday 8th May at 4pm. Hampden Park. Live on Premier Sports TV.
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Return to Stadia
May and June is going to give us a great indication of where we might start from come August (crazy to say there is no certainty with something that is only just over 3 months away).
Currently Scottish Government protection level advice states:
Outdoor seated and open space events are advised to operate with a maximum capacity of 2,000 people.
Outdoor grouped standing events are advised to operate with a maximum capacity of 1,000 people.
Seated indoor events are advised to operate with a maximum of 400 people.
At the minute the club is to work towards plans of 2m social distancing. The club is confident it can get more than 2,000 into Easter Road safely and following guidance.
The process (at the time of writing/moment) is if we want more than 2,000, we need to apply to the local authority, and if we want more than 5,000, that goes to Scottish Government for approval.
I expect a lot to change between now and August/September/October but that's where we're currently at.
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Some really insightful and great articles floating around April
Ethan Laidlaw - who is the young Hibs striker?
Tom Wright from Hibs Historical Trust shares some history and links the club has with Leith
Graeme Mathie talks about interest in our talent
David Gray hungry for more
Talented youngsters
Hibs 90s nostalgia
Different football environment for Hibs youngsters
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Some fantastic content (as always!) coming from Hibs supporters.
Hit these channels onto your favourites to get the full list of uploads on each platform.
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Enough is enough.
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Hibernian Supporters
A huge thank you, as always, to fans who have been able to back the football club financially in these times.
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Club news
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Remember to register your new online account on the new Hibernian FC website
KP - an important reminder to get yourself organised with a new online account on the new Hibernian FC website. This will act as a single sign-on for all platforms in the future (e-ticketing at the moment). A better experience. Important for season ticket renewals.
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External links
KP - Barry article recently.
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Hibernian Community Foundation
Hibees are buzzin'
KP - Loving the play on words here.
https://www.hiberniancommunityfoundation.org.uk/News/chief-executive-officer-vacancy
KP - Charlie Bennett has transformed the Community Foundation in his time here and is moving on to pastures new. Wishing him all the best.
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Tremendous.
Loving this.
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Clubstore is back open, Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.
KP - Ticket Office will shortly reopen too on a phased basis with the reduced staff it now has. Details later next week.
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This is what it feels like to be Hibs
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I found myself at the stadium recently to help with a sponsor opportunity and in the company of two very young Hibs fans. Hit home how big the impact of returning to Easter Road will be not only for us but our younger ones, some maybe seeing it for the first time. What a feeling that is going to be.
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Keep doing what you do.
If you need me to help with anything, please just shout.
May is massive. Catch you on the other side of it.
"First to wear green. We never give up. We'll fight to the end. To bring home the cup".
KP