Ross backs US owner in plans to convert Hibs into top-four challenger

HIBERNIAN head coach Jack Ross insists he shares owner Ron Gordon’s ambitions of being in the top four in every competition as he prepares for their Scottish Cup quarter-final against Inverness.

Ross has the chance to fulfil Gordon’s demand at the first time of asking when the Championship promotion hopefuls visit Easter Road tonight.

United States-based Gordon unveiled his plans for the club on Wednesday and Ross believes he is right to aim high.

“When I came into the job, people asked about my ambitions for the club, I said we viewed the two domestic competitions as a chance to win silverware. That should always be the case for us,” said Ross.

“In any cup competition, you always need elements of fortune with regards to the draw and these one-off games but we should always believe we have a chance of winning the competition and progressing to the latter stages.

“Friday night represents another opportunity to do that and I don’t think there’s anything wrong in believing that should be the aim for us at the start of every season.”

Gordon announced his five-year plan at his first annual general meeting, stating he hoped to double the player budget by 2023.

“I heard Ron’s presentation,” Ross said. “It was part of the attraction of coming to the club in the first place because, when I met him initially, I had a feel for what he wanted to achieve at the club.

“I don’t view my position as one that’s simply about being able to spend lots of money. It’s about being part of a club that progresses and becomes better. But certainly I believe there’s a bigger picture, his ambition and plans for the club are exciting f or everyone involved, those that follow the club and those that work within it.”

Jack Ross is preparing his side to face ICT tonight.