Anyone who thought the election of two supporters representatives to the Hibs’ board was merely a token gesture by the club to appease the long suffering fans have been proved wrong.
In January this year Frank Dougan and Amit Moudgil joined the board as Non Executive Directors and now, almost one year into the role, ‘Big Frank’ has provided an update on their many duties.
In a statement published on the club website, ‘Big Frank’ said: “When I was first put forward as a candidate for the post of Non-Executive Fan’s Representative Director, I believed that the role may only involve attending short board meetings. But, we hold formal board meetings once a month that last all day. Over and above these meetings, in our role we are also asked to take on a number of other responsibilities in and around the Club.
“I have been recruited onto the sub-committee of the board which covers the whole Academy set-up, it includes the running of the Hibernian Training Centre, the philosophy of youth recruitment and training within the Club.
“Another role that I have taken up is regarding the in-house catering, and a team has been set-up to co-ordinate and plan all aspects of an event. This team meet prior to any events, and we strive to ensure the best service for all involved.”
Amit and I also attend various meetings, including supporters’ branches and the Working Together, as well as fans group functions. Personally, I have become a member of the Hibernian Disabled Supporters Association.
“As Amit touched upon last month, I attend a number of funerals and memorial services. These are very sad events, but it gladdens my heart when the families realise the deceased’s favourite team has a representative there to pay their respects. I was at Colin Jackson’s memorial service and while at the Hibernian Development Squad’s game against Rangers at Murray Park, Rangers’ commentator, Tom Miller, thanked me and Hibernian for our attendance.
“I have also manned the phones when we called existing shareholders and season ticket holders regarding the share issue and I assisted in sending 1000 letters to shareholders. It was great to speak to so many supporters and I would like to thank all who have helped, whether buying shares direct or via HSL, as we have reached 20% fan ownership. I am confident we will reach our target of being a majority fan-owned club.
“A loyalty points scheme was initiated earlier this year and I have been very involved. A few lessons have been learned and we will continue to work hard to improve the system. To this day, we have never been in a position where anyone wanting a match ticket has had to be turned down, however that may change with the games against Rangers and St Johnstone coming up.
“Having a team on the park that is a joy to watch and earning positive results has made our roles easier. I would like to thank Alan Stubbs and everyone involved for playing the Hibernian way, and for putting a smile back on the face of the support. Long may it continue.
“Amit and I are keen to engage with fans and at most games I am in the West Stand Lower, and at away matches I will be in amongst the travelling support. You will also find me at the Development Squad fixtures.
“I started off by saying that I did not expect my role a non-exec director to be an onerous one, but I was very wrong. In my election address I said that I would resign if I found the role only to be a PR exercise or that my views and input was not given credence, but I can now assure you that that has not been the case.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
