Morning all,
That’ll be another month whizzing past. How are things at your end? Green light at the end of the COVID tunnel starting to appear. Keep doing what you do. I'm always available for supporters should they need help (Hibs related or not) - kpower@hibernianfc.co.uk.
We’ve not taken all the opportunities presented to us since I last put out an update - and that’s frustrating - there is always room for improvements, more wins and playing the type of football we’ve seen in chunks this season so far and with 7 games in December (kind in opposition running order when compared against the last two years) there is a big chance to really kick on into 2021. Let’s do it Hibs.
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This week the club announced that Leeann Dempster will be leaving the club (remaining in role to ensure a smooth transition). Lots of great words passed on from supporters and players (current and former), better than anything I can add. Her leadership over the last 6 and a half years sets the club up perfectly for the next chapter and most importantly for future generations of Hibernian supporters. Thank you Leeann. Leeann: “The club had been relegated when I joined, and I was determined – with the help of a terrific group of people – to rebuild and restore the club to make its supporters proud on and off the pitch. The Cup win was the highlight, of course, but there have been many fantastic moments.
“I think it is genuinely the right time, both for the club and for me, to move on to a new chapter. It has been an intense and fulfilling time of my life. I have grown to love the club and the Hibernian family, but the club is in good hands and has an exciting future ahead of it. I wanted to make sure Ron settled in following the transaction, and I think we have achieved that. I’ve enjoyed working with him and I have learned a lot in the process. Supporters should be optimistic and excited about Ron’s plans for the club’s future, and I know they will continue to support the club in the magnificent fashion that they have done during my time, especially during recent months when they absolutely stepped up when we most needed them.
“I thank every one of them for making this job such an enjoyable one. Now I look forward to the excitement of taking on a new challenge.”
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I would like to update you on what I’ve brought to the board’s attention on behalf of supporters.
Return to support route map
We all want fans back at Easter Road when it's safe to do so. The club has worked with great effort on a number of different plans to get ready for our return and it would be great to share some of these plans with supporters in a timely manner.
KP – I've also had a lot of feedback regarding performances of recent. I can't influence our results but I can certainly pass on supporter feelings & comments (positive and constructive) and continue to do so without edit.
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Hibernian seal strategic partnership with Charleston Battery
https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/article/hibernian-fc-seal-strategic-partnership-with-charleston-battery
At the start of the month the club confirmed the formation of a strategic partnership with Charleston Battery, based in South Carolina in the US.
KP - The club stated earlier in the year (and again at the AGM in February) that they intended to enter into partnerships with different clubs to widen their network and this one is the first. Charleston are absolutely ecstatic to partner up with a club with such a fantastic history and brand as Hibernian. Hopefully some of our development players can take up learning in a completely different environment. The partnership extends our scouting network and opens up collaboration on other aspects too (sports science, marketing, ticketing, sponsorship, community engagement - always good to learn with new eyes).
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Hibernian Supporters October donation
______________________________ Darren McGregor treasuring mentor role
Darren McGregor spoke earlier in the month about loving the mentor role at the club. He also states his appreciation for pulling on the famous green and white jersey the older he gets, it means the world to him. Extract from his interview with Scott McDermott below. “Sometimes as young men we may mask our feelings. But he (Nisbet) sees Hibs as a sanctuary, somewhere he can forget about his troubles.”
“So I just said to him: ‘Look, I don’t want to make a big song and dance but I know how you’ll be feeling so I’ll be here if you need to talk.”
“I didn’t want to put any pressure on. I just wanted to let him know that I’d experienced it and I’ll be there for him.”
“I’m sure every other guy in the dressing-room is the same. It’s just about being a human being and recognising when someone is going through a tough time after trauma in their life.”
“You have to let them know you’re there. Especially when you get older, there’s a duty of care to some of the younger players.” “I remember what it was like at 24 and not being sure where to turn.” “As long as he knows the support is there, you don’t need to shove it down anyone’s throat.” “The reason I reached out is because I never really had that. Maybe I never looked for it.” “I was always a guarded person. I tended to keep my emotions quite close and, with hindsight, that maybe hurt me by not dealing with it.” “Credit to Nizzy for the way he has acted throughout and how mature he has been. It has been remarkable.”
“Football can help massively, that’s your release. I found that as well.” “Any bad news, you can leave outside because this is a sanctuary. The main thing for Kevin is to keep training well. His emotions might bubble up sometime – or never bubble over. It depends how he takes it. But as long as he knows there are guys in the changing room looking out for him. This could be the making of him. When you suffer trauma or difficult times you either use it as motivation, inspiration to go on and be successful, or you can let it destroy you. Knowing the character of Nizzy, I’m sure it will be the former and he’ll use his dad to motivate him for the rest of his career.” “I don’t regret seeing out my career here because the chance I was given a year and a half ago was unbelievable.”
“We were probably one of the first clubs in Scotland to offer contracts like this, where I have a responsibility to mentor and look after the young boys, helping them to develop.”
“But as a footballer, I still feel I’ve got a lot to give as well.”
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Hibs Speyside - Spirit of Hibernian Whisky
https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/article/hibernian-fc-rare-find-whisky ______________________________ Hibernian Community Foundation 2020 Christmas Appeal https://www.hiberniancommunityfoundation.org.uk/appeal/christmasappeal This festive season, the Hibernian Community Foundation want to do their part to support those who are vulnerable this December. This year they have delivered food parcels, clothing and shoes to schools and communities over this very challenging period of our lives and they want to continue to do so over the Christmas period and into the New Year. This Christmas, they are looking for your support to help make a difference. https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/article/community-foundation-help-deliver-food-parcels ______________________________ Club news Ally & Lewis meet Darren McGregor https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/article/ally-and-lewis-meet-darren-mcgregor KP - the next brothers to play for Hibs. First to call that one (well first that isn’t their family).
Formalwear partnership with Marc Darcy Menswear
https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/article/hibernian-fc-announce-partnership-with-marc-darcy
The Common Thread - Staff on Thistle Ward and Stanley's Story
https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/article/the-common-thread-emotional-touchpoints-thistle-ward
https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/article/the-common-thread-stanleys-story
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Historic Hibernian Subbuteo craft
https://twitter.com/westwood_ts/status/1331991469767397376?s=21
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Daniel Norris with his retro retake of our current badge
https://twitter.com/danknorris/status/1330473562055041025?s=21
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These articles recently caught my eye
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/55041457
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55049449
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54791629
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This is what it feels like to be Hibs.
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March on into December like Ernie the Sausage dog (Instagram: ernie.thesausagedog - https://instagram.com/ernie.thesausagedog?igshid=zlu0zuzv4md0)
KP
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