Hibernian

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

The international break has brought a conscious uncoupling of Hibs and American billionaire Bill Foley's Black Knight group.

The split was apparently on good terms, with the two sides citing philosophical differences over the future direction of the club.

Foley wanted Hibs to be a feeder club for Bournemouth and that was never going to cut it with the fans or the Gordons, in all honesty.

It seems like it was a huge waste of everyone's time. How on earth can you go from agreeing a multi-million-pound deal with talk of multi-club models and all that comes with it, to diametrically opposed views in less than two years?

In truth, Hibs never appeared interested in operating as part of the group, and this feels like a wasted opportunity.

Foley says the owners "weren't listening" to him after Hibs lost to Kelty Hearts early in David Gray's tenure and the club leaked that the American wasn't happy with the appointments of Malky Mackay and Gray.

Of course, Gray steered the side to a third-place finish last season, so there was some vindication for Ian Gordon's decision-making. And you won't find many fans who would have wanted Gray pushed out to make way for an alternative head coach without good reason.

From Foley's most recent comments about looking for other clubs to be run to serve Bournemouth, ultimately Ian Gordon has done the right thing to kick that into touch.

Hibs should never exist for the betterment of another club. Any future partnerships must put Hibernian's ambitions front and centre. This doesn't necessarily mean they can't operate within a multi-club model – but it they do, it should work on the principle that every decision made at Hibs is for the benefit of Hibs.

It looks like a wasted opportunity, maybe less so for Hibs and more for Foley. He was fortunate enough to own a piece of a great club, and his lack of respect for the traditions and history of Hibs means he's missed out on being a part of whatever the future holds for us.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

We asked for your views on what one thing you would change at Hibs.

Here's what some of you said:

Neil: Bring in another striker. We haven't scored enough goals for the chances we have created. We need to be more clinical, which would have turned some of our dropped points into wins. Hopefully it will be addressed in the January transfer window.

Ryan: Stop conceding late goals.

Daryl: Better deals for transfer fees for our players, it needs to be better.

Keith: We need more aggression in the team. I would like a Billy Bremner type in the middle of the pitch. A tenacious box-to-box fighter is required. We're too soft.

Gav: Finding a replacement for Lewis Miller. When Chris Cadden isn't playing Josh Mulligan drops to right wing-back. He does a great job in that position but is such a loss to the centre of the park. A nitpick maybe as I think we have recruited well in the summer, will be interesting to see the comings and goings in January.

Daryl: Better transfer fees for our players. We've been screwed a lot in recent years, needs to be better.

Ringo: More wins instead of sometimes playing for draws, especially at Tynecastle. I'd like to see Hibs go for it more, it's not rocket science.

Captain Martin Boyle, Junior Hoilett, Dylan Levitt and Elie Youan are among the Hibernian players out of contract at the end of the season. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Former Hibernian defender Paul Hanlon believes it's too early to say whether he will be considered for the Raith Rovers manager's job after the veteran player, 35, was placed in interim charge. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum has admitted he was "disappointed with the process" that led to St Mirren being disallowed a goal against Hibernian despite saying the decision reached was the correct one.

He told the governing body's The VAR Review show that officials had a "very near miss" in disallowing Marcus Fraser's goal during Hibs' 3-0 Scottish Premiership win.

Collum said there was a failure to initially check whether the cross came from behind or in front of the St Mirren defender.

However, he stated the right decision was ultimately made in retrospect.

Collum did accept St Mirren had been wrongly denied a goal in their 2-2 draw with Hearts.

Midfielder Mark O'Hara was ruled to been offside when he impeded Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland before Miguel Freckleton found the net at a time when a goal would have put the Paisley side 3-1 ahead.

"We have to be careful about disallowing goals for something so minor," Collum said. "We have been too forensic here, over-analysing something."

After an impressive end to last season, securing third place and European football, Hibs have been picking up where they left off.

With 18 points from 12 games, David Gray's men are once again occupying third, although have blown hot and cold at times.

Josh Mullgian has looked the pick of the summer signings while record buy Thibault Klidje has shown glimpses of his prowess.

Off the pitch, businessman Bill Foley, who invested £6m in Hibs last year, has sold his 25% shareholding back to the Gordon family.

The international break provides the chance to pause for breath and reflect after a frenetic few months at Easter Road.

So, if you could change one thing about Hibs' season so far, what would it be?

Tell us here.

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Hibs and Dundee have agreed an undisclosed compensation package for Josh Mulligan following the midfielder's summer move to Easter Road.

The settlement removes the need for an independent SPFL tribunal to determine the fee for the Dark Blues academy graduate.

Mulligan, 23, signed a four-year deal with Hibs and has become a key player, earning a first Scotland call-up for last month's World Cup qualifier against Belarus.

Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay said: "Josh is an exciting young Scottish talent and we have been pleased with his development since his arrival this summer. We look forward to seeing continued progression in his game.

"We would also like to thank Dundee for the amicable negotiations and agreed outcome."

Dundee said both sides are "satisfied with the outcome" and added: "Both clubs have worked constructively to reach a settlement that reflects the considerable investment – in time and in coach development – that Dundee has made to help Josh establish himself in the Scottish Premiership."

We asked for your thoughts after Hibs and Bill Foley parted ways, with the American businessman selling his 25% stake back to the Gordon family.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Gordon: Hibs are right to end relationship with Black Knight, we should never be in a structure where we are a feeder club.

David: This has been a missed opportunity for sure. Apart from some bit-part loan players pulling on the shirt there didn't appear to be a long-term plan as part of the relationship. You just need to look across Edinburgh to see how Hearts have embraced the investment and approach to make a difference so this seems like we never really took full advantage for whatever reason.

David: What exactly has Black Knight done for the club? No loan deal for Ben Gannon-Doak (or any other young player on fringes of Bournemouth - or other BK franchise - playing squad), plus perils of cross-ownership devaluing any actual qualification for Europe against a depreciating amount of Monopoly monies hardly seems a best-fit partnership.

Vini: No surprise really. Hibernian don't want to be a feeder club for Bournemouth and Foley is spitting out the dummy. I am sure Hibs have learned useful lessons, but don't want to be controlled by a minority shareholder. I think that is the right thing for us.

Willie: Been little if any impact from this partnership. Hopefully Gordon gets back full control and looks for an investment partner who actually wants to move us forward.

Thomas: Yet more false dawns under the Gordons. Promised this would be game changing but failed to deliver again. The best way forward now would the Gordons selling up completely.

Keiran: Great news, we have never and will never be a feeder club for anyone, plenty of others out there willing to invest in the club without expecting a cut-price deal for our best talent which is clearly what Mr Foley and co eventually expected.

Gerard: Don't think Black Knight brought anything to the table that benefited Hibs anyway.

Colin Moffat
BBC Sport Scotland

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When Bill Foley's £6m investment in Hibernian got the thumbs up from shareholders in early 2024, then chief executive Ben Kensell described the deal as "game changing" for the Easter Road club.

Now Foley and Hibs have gone their separate ways, with the Gordon family buying back those shares, and the truth is very little changed at all.

Fans will always get excited when an American billionaire rolls up, although some were wary of becoming a feeder club for Bournemouth, who sit at the top of Foley's footballing pyramid.

Along with Foley's money, two directors arrived from his Black Knight group and Garvan Stewart made the switch from Bournemouth to become head of recruitment.

But there was to be no stream of talent coming from Premier League, or any other club in Foley's stable. Barely a trickle.

Emiliano Marcondes saw out the last six months of his Cherries contract on loan with Hibs, a deal that was arranged while Foley awaited Scottish FA approval to take on his minority share.

Nathan Moriah-Welsh followed the same path at the same time, for a small transfer fee, and has since left for Mansfield Town, while injury scuppered a loan for defender Owen Bevan.

And that was it for movement between the clubs, bar Hibs' training ground visit to England's south coast and pre-season friendly in July of this year.

There was a minor spat in the summer of 2024 when Foley told BBC Sport the "other ownership group" was "not listening" to Black Knight input, suggesting "they will do better" if they did.

It was widely reported Foley did not approve of the decision to make Malky Mackay sporting director or the appointment of a rookie head coach in David Gray.

However, clear-the-air talks followed and all appeared well as Hibs recovered from a dreadful start to finish third in the Scottish Premiership last season.

Before his 25% Hibs stake was ratified, Foley had revealed his plan to take a Scottish team to "number three [behind Celtic and Rangers] with not a gigantic investment".

The 80-year-old, who did not once attend a game in Edinburgh, spoke then of being "supportive" but was never likely to be a silent partner and perhaps grew impatient with his lack of influence. Hibs chairman Ian Gordon cited "philosophical differences in our visions" when announcing the "amicable" split.

The feeder club notion was dismissed repeatedly by those at Easter Road and at the Black Knight group and, with no obvious feeding going on either way, what was the arrangement ever going to achieve?

Hibs announced eye-watering losses of over £7m in February and now the Gordon family will be paying a similar sum to Foley. That outlay could delay or derail some of their plans.

But the overriding feeling is that, while the club may have picked up some valuable best-practice advice over the past 20 months, Hibs are pretty much back where they started.

Grayy took Hibs to number three last term and that's what supporters care about. The Foley episode will soon be forgotten.

Image source, Getty

Hibs and Bill Foley look set to part ways, with the American businessman in the process of selling his 25% stake in the club back to majority shareholder, the Gordon family.

Bournemouth owner Foley paid £6m for his Hibs shareholding in February 2024, but both he and the Gordon family have agreed the partnership - described as "game-changing" by former Easter Road chief executive Ben Kensell - is not working.

Foley was critical of the appointments of head coach David Gray and sporting director Malky Mackay, telling BBC Sport in July last year: "If the other ownership group at Hibernian listen to us they will do better."

Hibs fans, are the club right to cut ties with Foley and end this partnership? Or is it a missed opportunity?

Let us know your thoughts.

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Grant Hanley is in good shape to feature in Scotland's World Cup qualifiers away to Greece and at home to Denmark as he continues a late career renaissance at Hibernian.

The 33-year-old started the opening goalless draw in Copenhagen and the 3-1 win over the Greeks at Hampden, but was rested for the subsequent victories over group minnows Belarus.

However, the experienced centre-half made his 11th start for Hibernian in the 3-0 win over St Mirren and goes into the key double-header in the rhythm of first-team football.

He had missed much of 2023 after rupturing his Achilles and made a combined 14 starts for Norwich and Birmingham over the course of the past two seasons, although Scotland boss Steve Clarke did chose him for every Nations League fixture in 2024.

"I wouldn't say I was going into it feeling any different than I have previously because I always did as much as I could to get myself right," said Hanley, who has 64 caps.

"There's been some moments that were difficult to push through.

"But here and now, I'm so glad I did because I'm really enjoying my football and playing regularly. The plan was to come and play for a massive club, which I'm doing, and also keep my international career going. So far, so good.

"It was a big part of coming to a club like Hibs. But the reality is, you've got to get yourself on the pitch, you've got to get minutes and you've got to play well. Otherwise, the national team wouldn't be a thing.

"There's too many good players trying to get your place. It's up to me to keep performances up and stay fit and hopefully that can last as long as possible."

Hanley, who made his Scotland debut in 2011, insists he will not take anything for granted, with a possible World Cup place on the horizon.

"I don't think too far ahead of myself," he said.

"There was a period of time this summer where I was out of contract and there were days where you're going running yourself.

"It takes real grit and determination to take yourself through that and put yourself in a position where you're fit enough to come in to a team where the competition's so high in every position. That's the reason you work so hard."

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

It was a day short of year ago on Saturday night that Hibs trudged off the park at Easter Road after a 2-1 defeat to St Mirren, prompting loud boos from the stands and a statement from the board backing David Gray, who was looking like he had run his race at the club.

The side followed that dismal display with the low point of last season, a 4-1 defeat to Dundee. What followed was a remarkable comeback as Hibs spent the rest of the campaign surging up the table, eventually finishing third.

The 3-0 win in Paisley on Saturday was a good marker on how far the team have come under Gray.

Saints were the only side Hibs didn't beat last season, and the first meeting of the sides this season brought a 1-1 draw mired in refereeing controversy.

Hibs left nothing to chance on Saturday though. It was potentially our best performance of the season and while we benefited from two VAR decisions correcting errors from the linesman to ultimately rule out two goals for the hosts, anything other than a Hibs win would have flattered St Mirren.

Josh Mulligan stole the show, but the performances of the Cadden twins, Chris and Nicky, are worth noting.

The Caddens have come under fire from some fans this season for inconsistent performances, and no doubt Chris would have been stung by his early withdrawal in the defeat to Rangers, but both played with a point to prove on Saturday, and prove it they did.

Hibs finally looked close to the team that marched to third place last season, and should look to kick on from this.

Currently in third, having enjoyed next to no luck all season, with a kind wind we should be looking at the teams above us rather than over our shoulder for the rest of the season.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Hibs earned a 3-0 win in Paisley on Saturday to climb to third in the Scottish Premiership and have two players in my team of the week as a result.

Raphael Sallinger was solid in goal, making five saves on his way to a clean sheet, while Josh Mulligan took his goal superbly.

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Celtic forward Johnny Kenny and Hibernian midfielder Jamie McGrath have been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Hungary.

McGrath, 29, could add to his 13 caps while under-21 cap Kenny, 22, could make his senior international debut.

Both players featured in weekend Scottish Premiership wins, with McGrath assisting Josh Mulligan's opener in Hibs' 3-0 Saturday win away to St Mirren and Kenny opening the scoring for Celtic as they defeated visitors Kilmarnock 4-0 on Sunday - a fifth goal in 11 appearances this season. McGrath also has five goals this term.

Heimir Hallgrimsson's Republic of Ireland are third in World Cup Qualifying Group F, a point behind Hungary and a point in front of Armenia.

Portugal, who visit Dublin on Thursday, are five points clear at the top. Hungary host Hallgrimsson's side in Sunday's final round of group fixtures.

Roma forward Evan Ferguson will miss the Portugal game but could be fit in time for the match in Budapest. Bristol City midfielder Mark Sykes has been ruled out injured.

Watch highlights from St Mirren's 3-0 defeat against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Hibernian's 3-0 win against St Mirren.

Here's what some of you said:

Laurence: VAR went in our favour, so after the decisions we've had so far maybe they do even out over the season. Time to regroup over the international break and hopefully, with a few players returning from injury, we can put a run together and chase down Celtic then Hearts.

Willie: Big decisions and bold team selections from David Gray, got calls from VAR but we were by far the better team. Fully deserved!

Niall: A lot of chat in the build-up that St Mirren were more physical and could bully Hibs, that was fairly comprehensively put to bed. Couldn't ask for more than three goals and the clean sheet. Great to see Chris Cadden bouncing back well after the Rangers debacle too. Time to kick on big time.

John: VAR went in our favour this week but our second half performance was very, very good. Defending in the opposition half instead of sitting in is definitely the best tactics.

Farhaan: Getting into a similar mindset and rhythm as last year, so let's hope it continues. Still missing a Nectar Triantis type player though. Also, still not completely happy with the goalkeeping situation.

Sandy: Fantastic performance and Josh Mulligan deservedly man of the match. Best Hibs watch of the season to date. Onwards and upwards.

Assad: Hibs looked organised, sharp, and confident. They moved the ball quickly, pressed with purpose, and didn't panic under pressure. Three goals, three points and a clean sheet away from home.

Hibernian eased to a comfortable win over frustrated St Mirren in Paisley to regain third place in the Scottish Premiership.

Read the match report here.

Have your say here.

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Hibs head coach David Gray tells Premier Sports: "Delighted for Chris Cadden [to score] because it's something he's been wanting to add to his game.

"He's had a few disappointments this season but he deserves it.

"It's a massive, massive win. It's been very fine margins for us recently. Tonight, it went for us.

"They're very big moments in the game that went for us but all in all I thought we were excellent.

"You have to stand up to the physical challenge of St Mirren and we did that.

"I believe there's a lot more to come from this group. Some of our performances this season have been of a high standard but we may have let ourselves down in certain moments."

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St Mirren captain Mark O'Hara is likely to miss out after aggravating a foot problem while Shamal George is a fitness doubt. Alex Gogic is suspended.

Hibernian trio Joe Newell (groin), Alasana Manneh (hamstring) and Warren O'Hora (shoulder) have trained all week and are available, but Dylan Levitt (appendix) and Rudi Molotnikov (ankle) are out.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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The imminent return of club captain Joe Newell has provided a "real boost" for Hibernian, says head coach David Gray.

The 32-year-old midfielder has not played since 29 December 2024 but has now completed two weeks of full tempo training.

"This is positive for him," said Gray. "It's been a long fight, trying to get fit.

"Having him around, driving the standard and the intensity within training, is a real boost.

"There's an international break coming up, we have a bounce game as well, which will be really significant for him and the boys that haven't played as many minutes."

Fellow midfielder Alasana Manneh is also close to a complete recovery, having been out with a hamstring injury since late August, while Warren O'Hora is fit again after missing the past two matches with a shoulder issue.

Hibs travel to St Mirren on Saturday looking to end a run of eight league games without a win against the Paisley side.

"It's a very competitive league and I expect a tough game," said Gray, who has his side sitting third in the Premiership despite just three wins from 11 games.

"I think they've added well again. He [St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson] does really well in building his squad every year. He's put together a real strong, physical side.

"They're always very well organised. They carry a huge threat, real legs in the middle of the pitch. So you know that's what you're going to face when you go down there, set pieces, huge part of the game as well."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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David Gray has been speaking to the media before Hibs visit St Mirren in the Premiership on Saturday evening.

Here are the key points from the Hibs boss:

• Midfielder Joe Newell - who hasn't played since last December because of injury - is back in contention and Alasana Manneh and Warren O'Hora are available.

• Gray says there has been a noticeable lift in the mood with Newell back training with the first team in recent weeks and "driving standards".

• "Very fine margins" in the past two games have led to poor results but Gray insists there is no need to "rip everything up" with his team selection.

• Steve Clarke has spoken to Kieron Bowie - who has gone eight Hibs games without a goal - about being dropped from the Scotland squad but Gray says the 23-year-old striker is "still learning".

• He adds: "With young players, you don't always have that level of consistency at times. He's fighting against some things, but he's also providing what we're asking him to do, which is positive performances, and he just needs to keep going, and keep seeing that as the end-game for him."

• Gray expects a very tough challenge from League Cup finalists St Mirren, who Hibs haven't beaten in eight league meetings: "He [Stephen Robinson] does really well in building his squads every year. I think he's put together a real strong, physical side. They're always very well organised and carry a huge threat."

• Gray says he constantly reminds his players they are third in the table and in a much better position than they were 12 months ago.

Hibernian head coach David Gray reveals the Easter Road club will be looking at "a few positions" in the January transfer window. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

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• St Mirren are unbeaten in eight league meetings with Hibs (W4 D4) since a 2-1 home defeat in May 2023.

• Hibs have only won of their past six visits to Paisley in the Scottish Premiership (D3 L2), a 1-0 victory in February 2023 under Lee Johnson.

• St Mirren have only lost one of their past 10 home league games (W4 D5), although are winless in two (D1 L1).

• Only leaders Hearts have earned more away points in the Scottish Premiership this season (13) than Hibs (9), who have lost just one of six league fixtures on the road (W2 D3).

• 44% of St Mirren's non-penalty expected goals in the Premiership this season have come from set-plays (4.4/9.9), the highest ratio of any side. However, just 16.9% of Hibs' non-penalty xGA has been from set-plays (2.0/11.7), the lowest ratio in 2025-26.