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It started with a big money investment - but Bournemouth owner Bill Foley looks set to look elsewhere after a new disagreement with Hibs.
The American buisnessman invested into the Premiership side in February 2024 through his Black Knight Football Club, and took exception to the hire of David Gray as head coach and Malky Mackay as sporting director that summer. It looked like water under the bridge though as a third place finish was clinched last term, and Garvan Stewart arrived as head of recruitment following a lengthy Bournemouth stint, but new division has emerged.
Foley is looking for Hibs to take more of a feeder club form for Bournemouth and that is a no-go for chairman Ian Gordon, who will not risk any chance of the Easter Road side being diminished by Black Knight’s vision. It’s been a topsy turvy ride with several major moments, but here are 22 moments that paved the path from initial interest to selling up for Foley at Hibs.
5. Victory (27/02/24)
Bill Foley's £6million investment at Hibs via Black Knights Football Club was voted through at the club's AGM. Shareholders voted for his £6m investment and he took up a 25% stake. Photo: Ryan Pierse
6. Taking centre stage (08/03/24)
Foley joins the Hibs board – signalling his intent to play an active role in the latest addition to his footballing network. | Getty Images for A-Leagues
7. Root and branch (17/04/24)
Amid a bottom six finish under Nick Montgomery, the Hibs board confirmed that Foley’s Black Knight group were to lead a root-and-branch evaluation of the football department at East Mains, with a focus on raising standards and expectations. | SNS Group
8. Malky's arrival (14/05/25)
A sporting director arrives under Foley's watch, with Malky Mackay taking a key role upstairs at Easter Road. | SNS Group