Fans’ Group Confident of Hibernian Takeover

Paul Kane is confident that the fans’ group, ampoule Forever Hibernian, symptoms can still secure a controlling share and complete a takeover of Scottish club, Hibernian.

Due to tax and investment issues, their initial attempt to purchase a 51% stake in the Easter Road club was rejected by owner Sir Tom Farmer.

Farmer, a 73 year-old multi-millionaire, bought Hibs 23 years ago but the club is currently run by chairman Rod Petrie, who has received much of the blame from the fans for the club’s relegation to the Scottish Championship in May.

Despite the recent setbacks, the Forever Hibernian spokesman and former Hibs midfielder Kane, still believes they can succeed with the takeover.

The main objective of Forever Hibernian is to own a 51% majority shareholding through a membership scheme and have promised to attract finance for the remaining 49%.

‘‘Stage one was to get in dialogue with the club but our first proposal was turned down,’’ said Kane, speaking to Sky Sports News.

‘‘We’re now at stage two – Tom and Rod want the fans heavily involved in the buying of the club – so we have come up with a scheme for a Hibernian fans’ co-operative.

‘‘The fans will own 51% and other investors will own 49%. And there’s nothing better than fans owning 51% and keeping control of the club.

‘‘Sir Tom has kindly told us he wants the community involved and they will want to see people they know and trust – and we’re Edinburgh people.’’

But Kane, 49, who enjoyed 8 years at the Edinburgh club, says a price is yet to be agreed regarding the purchase of the club.

‘‘We’ve got over the first hurdle so we’re going into dialogue and will probably make an announcement in four or five weeks,’’ he said.

‘‘We’re in for the long haul and we will convince the fans at the next press conference. By then the lawyers and financial guys will have had a look at it.

‘‘It will be black and white and transparent and I think the fans will buy into it.’’