Hibs hold historic Fans Forum in Dublin

On November 26, 2002, Hibernian FC Chairman Ken
Lewandowski, Commercial Director Steven Powell and
Manager Bobby Williamson held a Fans' Forum in Dublin.

The audience comprised of an estimated 80+, including
a delegation from Northern Ireland Hibs SC, and was
ably hosted by veteran Dubin Hibs SC (Erin Go Bragh
SC) stalwart Paul Flynn.

Q - "As Irish Hibs fans we do not have daily access to
local/national Scottish newspapers. As you are
relatively new to your positions could you tell us a
little about yourselves and your roles at the club?"

A - SP explained how during his career he spent 23
years in the US, and also time in the UK. His previous
experience includes DJ and station manager at a radio
station, and a football player.

His current role is very much behind-the-scenes,
looking at various different ways of improving the
commercial performance of the club.

KL explained how his career began as an engineer in
the radar industry. He joined the HFC board in a
non-executive position 3 seasons ago, and he is
currently the Non-Executive Chairman.

His role involves running the Board, providing
objectives and strategies for the executives, who run
the business affairs. BW gave a brief run down on his
career as a football player with Clydebank, Glasgow
Rangers, etc. and explained how he became manager at
Kilmarnock. From there he joined Hibs, which he felt
was a real compliment to his managerial abilities.

Q - "Ian Murray and Gary O'Connor are two of Hibs best
young players. What are the club doing to keep these,
or will Hibs continue to be an unsuccessful nursery
club to Celtic and Rangers?"

A - KL explained that Rod Petrie is well versed in
contractual arrangements, and the club does try hard
to keep the talent it has, but if someone desires to
play football elsewhere it can be impossible to keep
them.

BW explained that agents and particularly the press
fuel a lot of the speculation about players wanting to
play for Celtic/Rangers. He used the example of Gary
O'Connor who was recently linked with a move to
Rangers.

One comment in an interview with Gary was taken out of
context, which led to almost everyone believing he was
going to move to Rangers, which was untrue.

Q - "Will Bobby Williamson be allowed to strengthen
the squad when the transfer window opens in January,
especially if there is a chance of qualifying for
Europe (short term loss for long term gain)?"

A - BW explained that the current squad consists of 31
players with first team potential, some of whom have
yet to prove themselves. He is continually watching
out for new players in all divisions of the Scottish
League, but he has a limited budget (for fees and also
wage bill), and gave the impression he is happy to
work with what he has for now.

He is working closely with Rod Petrie on this subject.


Q - "We believe that you, Steven Powell, were
responsible for increasing Tampa Bay Mutiny's ticket
sales by over 170%. What plans do you have in the
pipe-line to ensure 'sold out' signs go up at ER every
week?"

A - SP explained how there is a big difference between
sport in the USA and in Scotland, it being a much more
entertainment-orientated day out in The States.

One major change has been moving away from just
targeting the 'prawn sandwich football fans' i.e.
business class supporters etc.

Hibs have realised that they need to create revenue
from a much wider spectrum of society. One initiative
has been to contact supporters who formerly held
season tickets, and find out why they no longer attend
ER. So far the response has not been very positive,
but it is ongoing.

Q - "When will the construction begin on the 4th stand
(East Stand) at ER and how will it be financed? Is the
development dependant on the Ireland/Scotland Euro
2008 bid?"

A - KL explained that if the joint Euro 2008 bid were
successful, the Scottish Executive would release cash
for the development of stadiums in Scotland. If this
were to happen, ER has a very good chance of being
developed. Also other options of funding are to be
discussed. KL is very much in favour of this
development happening.


Q - "The Old Firm feel they are now too big for the
Scottish game, and as a result there are now two
leagues within one. What future do you see for SPL in
relation to the Old Firm? Would a Scottish League
without the Old Firm be good for the rest of Scottish
football and would it be a success?"

A - KL agreed that there are currently 'two leagues
within one'. He feels that the other 10 clubs do need
the Old Firm, but there needs to be a lot of changes
for the current structure to continue.

There may need to be preparations for a league of 10,
and if the Old Firm did leave, there may be better
opportunities for players. It is quite possible that
this situation would be a success.

Q - "Hibs have reported a financial loss of £2.8M for
the last financial year. How much had SKY TV's
departure got to do with this? Who is accountable for
these figures? How do the Board plan to turn around
these huge loss making figures and will 'success on
the park' bare the brunt of any future cut backs?"

A - KL explained how the loss of the deal with SKY TV
did affect the club financially, but was not the sole
reason for the financial loss of last year. The
current TV deal was the third choice - SKY being the
first, and SPL TV being the second (which was also
scrapped).

The current deal with BBC is worth approximately 25%
of what would have been received from SKY. KL went on
to explain that the wage bill of the club (including
running the junior teams etc.) accounts for 76% of
revenue. He compared this to Manchester United, where
less than 50% of revenue is spent in similar ways.

The club are working on both cutting costs and
increasing revenue in ways that will not directly
affect team performance, but this is not an easy task.
He accepted that the Board are ultimately responsible
for any losses and are confident losses will not be as
large next year, and are hopeful that they might even
break even.

He stated the ER is the club's biggest asset, and the
board are exploring avenues to use this asset to
create more revenue e.g. gymnasiums etc. KL also had a
special mention for Sir Tom Farmer for his financial
help, and unquestionable commitment to the club and
community.

He explained that whatever happens with the car park
adjacent to ER, it will benefit the club eventually.

Q - "With tens of thousands Irish fans descending on
Edinburgh for the 6 Nations Rugby international in
February, do the board have plans to develop this
marketing opportunity? Also there are a lot of
tourists travelling from Ireland to Edinburgh, does
HFC see a marketing opportunity here?"

A - KL does not think the Rugby games are a great
opportunity for marketing, as he expects travelling
rugby fans that don't have tickets for the
international, would just go to a pub and watch the
game on TV.

BW added that to target tourists travelling to
Edinburgh would mean an initiative in the airports,
which would cost money.

Q - "Apart from the internet, there is a severe lack
of information regarding Hibs available in the Irish
media. Is there anything that can be done to address
this?

A - KL feels the club can do little to influence what
is printed in the papers etc.

Q - "Do Hibs have an U-12 team? An U-12 team from
Dublin is playing in Glasgow against Celtic, would it
be possible to arrange a similar game with Hibs?"

A - BW explained that Hibs' underage teams begin at
U-13 level. Hibs are involved in coaching local U-12
teams, but do not have a team of their own at that
level.

Q - "Are there any plans in place for a soccer academy
similar to that set up by Hearts and other teams?"

A - BW explained there was a need to nurture young
talent from the age of 13 years onwards. There are
plans to develop such an academy, but land for it
needs to be acquired, and discussions with the local
council are needed.

Q - "How long has Ken been a Hibee?"

A - KL states he has been a 'Bathgate Hibee' all his
life.

Q - "Are there plans to increase Hibs' profile in
Ireland, and can there be anything done to encourage
supporters to travel from Ireland to ER?"

A - SP explained that both Carlsberg and Le Coq
Sportif have good relations in Ireland, specifically
with Cork City FC. There may be a possibility of
friendly games in the future. Fans travelling over to
ER can be accommodated with tickets and helped find
hotel accommodation by contacting the club directly.

Q - 1. "Will we be seeing Hibs play any friendly games
in Ireland in the near future???"

A - BW explained that from his experience with
Kilmarnock, any friendly games played in Ireland can
be a little too competitive, and the players end up
'getting lumps kicked out of them', which defeats the
purpose of the game.

He also feels that the facilities in mainland Europe
are much better and this would be his preferred
destination. However, he is not totally against the
idea.

Ken Lewandowski, on behalf of Hibernian FC, presented
a signed jersey and a signed pendant to the committee
of Erin Go Bragh SC. The Supporters Club also made a
presentation of an inscribed bronze harp to Hibernian
FC to mark the occasion.



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