New Year’s message from Hibs chairman Ian Gordon

“Today draws a close to another year; one I’m sure that’ll live in the memory of many supporters.

“I am pleased with the progress we made last season not only on the sporting side but also on the business front. I believe we’re in a really good position for further progress in 2026.

“As a family, our aim has always been to achieve and continue Ron’s legacy. Whilst we still have more work to do, I am sure he will be proud of what we have accomplished over the last year.

“We saw everyone come together – supporters, players, staff – creating a unique bond and togetherness, that enabled us to create special moments for the Football Club. It showed how strong we can all be together, hand-in-hand helping our men’s team go on their longest unbeaten run in 77-years and simultaneously turning Easter Road Stadium into a real fortress, our women’s team defying all the odds to become SWPL Champions, and our Academy winning the CAS Elite Under-18 League title. We have also heard Sunshine on Leith multiple times; it’s certainly the best anthem in football. 

“To have all three of our teams competing in Europe in 2025 was also incredibly special, and again something that my father and I had always spoken about. Some of my fondest memories watching Hibs have come in Europe, and specifically over the last 12 months the atmosphere in Midtjylland and Warsaw, and the victory in Partizan, are certainly up there as my favourite moments. 

“2025 has also seen the first half of Hibernian FC’s 150th anniversary celebrations. It’s been great to see a number of eye-catching campaigns, initiatives, and events that capture Hibs’ rich culture, honours, and heritage. I am proud that my family and I are custodians of the Club through this special time and there’s more plans around our 150th year to look forward to in 2026.

“As we look ahead to the New Year, I am excited about the way we’re heading. On the business-side our Chief Executive Dan Barnett has been building out our aligned strategy to help achieve our aims and ambitions, and he will share that with the Club’s shareholders at the AGM in the next coming months. What I can say, is that he, the Senior Leadership Team, and the rest of the staff at the Football Club are currently implementing a number of projects that’ll benefit supporters and the Club for years to come.

“One of those is the development of the Hibernian Training Centre; this is one of our priorities for the years ahead.

“As a club, we have had extensive conversations with the SFA, and appointed local architects and contractors to ensure the development projects hits our key aims; to provide a high-performance training centre for our elite programme for all ages and to have a meaningful benefit to the local community.

“On the sporting side our ambition is simple: for all three teams to compete for trophies and qualify for European football. Our men, women, and academy all have the opportunity to do that, and we will continue to support them, so as a club we have the best possible chance to achieve our goals. 

“Lastly, I wanted to touch upon our decision to acquire Black Knight Football Club’s shares in Hibernian FC. Every decision we make for the Club has Hibs at the very heart of it. The timing was right for everyone, and we thank them for the support they gave us during the partnership. We are confident and excited about the future, I believe the Club is in a good position organisationally and financially, and we have big plans moving forward.

“As we enter 2026, I wanted to thank you all for your magnificent support over the last 12 months. We have created some special memories together and I look forward to that continuing as we enter the New Year.

“Here’s to a successful 2026; we wish you and your families a Happy New Year.”

Ian Gordon

Chairman, Hibernian FC