Hibs owner warns of ‘difficult decisions’
Hibs owner Ron Gordon has warned that “difficult decisions” will have to be made as the Easter Road club battles to cope with the global coronavirus pandemic.
The virus has forced the indefinite suspension of Scottish football and led to emergency measures being taken at clubs in Scotland.
Hearts have already asked all players and staff to take a 50 per cent wage cut while Dumbarton, Elgin City, and Inverness Caledonian Thistle have also introduced costcutting measures.
Aside from key personnel, all Hibs players and staff have been asked to stay at home while a small group works on plans that should safely see the club through the ongoing crisis.
Admitting that it is “difficult to look to the immediate future with any clarity”, Gordon said in a statement: “There are some certainties – we have lost our revenue streams, while our ongoing running costs remain largely in place, and we anticipate that we will not be playing matches in the coming months. This is clearly not sustainable.”
While acknowledging that Hibs are “better positioned than most to weather the storm”, he added: “We are far from immune.
“The loss of cash in the bank puts our club under the most severe strain and threat.
“We have already begun making operational adjustments to impact our costs and will be taking further steps over the next week or so to mitigate the effects of the crisis on our club.”
The Us-based businessman warned: “Difficult decisions will have to be made.
“But every decision we make will be with two key priorities in mind, firstly to look after our people, and, secondly, to ensure the club remains in as healthy a financial position as possible.
“It is not going to be easy, and we will need every part of the club to play its part to achieve this.
“It was just a few weeks ago that we presented an ambitious and exciting vision and five-year plan for our club.
“Unfortunately, the coronavirus has turned our world upside down, therefore we have all had to pause, to reflect.
“Gratefully, football will be back before long, and with your help and support our club will be back strong, ready to compete and bring joy, excitement and pride to our supporters and city.”
Directly addressing the Hibs fans, Gordon said: “Since my arrival, I have spoken of the concept of “one team, one club”. The idea that everyone is necessary and indispensable to the success of our club.
“The fans, players, sponsors, the academy, the ticket office, the communications team, Hibs Kids, hospitality, coaches, senior management and the board – everyone contributes to our success.
“If there is one thing that is very clear to me, it is that Hibernian supporters everywhere love their club.
“If we all persevere and act with a common purpose, we will endure. It is what sustains us.”
● Four German clubs have pledged a combined €20 million to support other teams struggling to stay afloat after games in the country were suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen will forgo €12.5 million in as-yet undistributed TV money and add another €7.5 million from their own funds. All four clubs played in the Champions League this season, giving them extra income.
The German Football League will decide how the money is distributed.