ROSS: GORD IS ON OUR SIDE
HIBS v LIVINGSTON
JACK ROSS is confident Hibs are in safe hands as they chase their European dream – because US-based owner Ron Gordon ‘gets’ football’s traditions.
Plans for a European Super League have been slammed as being detached from reality.
And the fact many of the 12 breakaway clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and AC Milan are owned by Americans fuelled fans’ fury at the ‘franchise’ nature of the closed-shop being proposed.
Gordon is also based in the States, but Hibs boss Jack reckons that is all he has in common with the other owners because having being born in Peru of Scottish ancestry he will keep the Hibs fans onside as they bid for success.
He said: “Because of his background, he’s Peruvian, I speak to him a lot about his heritage, and football is the national sport there.
“So he’s grown up in a country like Scotland in terms of it being the national sport.
“His affection for the game has come from a very early age and it hasn’t been diluted.
“One of the things he enjoys most about his involvement with Hibs is the traditional part of it, how much it means to supporters and people in the city.
“That’s why, when he comes over, he enjoys spending the length of time he does here because it allows him to experience that first-hand.”
Jack – and no doubt Gordon – is keen to experience European football first hand next season.
A win over Livingston tonight will boost their hopes of finishing third and playing in the group stages of either the Europa League or Europa Conference League.
Ross said: “European football’s something I’ve not done.
“So far, I feel I have been quite lucky with the different experiences and achievements I have had.
“But, to have the chance to manage in European competition is something I would like to do, and for our players it is a big one; they are getting more excited about it.”
Midfielder Alex Gogic also has his sights on Europe. He said: “It’s one of my biggest goals to play in Europe. Hopefully I’ll achieve that.”