Just over two years ago, Foley made his intentions clear to buy into Scotland, as he looked to make Hibs the undisputed third force in Scotland. He said: “I’m fascinated by the Scottish Premier League (sic). They play hard, Scots are tough. They play a tough brand of football. And I believe there are opportunities to make one of the No. 4, 5 or 6 SPL teams to get them to No.3 and they play in Europe. I believe we can pull that off with not a gigantic investment – and be a minority investor, be supportive of that club."placeholder image
Just over two years ago, Foley made his intentions clear to buy into Scotland, as he looked to make Hibs the undisputed third force in Scotland. He said: “I’m fascinated by the Scottish Premier League (sic). They play hard, Scots are tough. They play a tough brand of football. And I believe there are opportunities to make one of the No. 4, 5 or 6 SPL teams to get them to No.3 and they play in Europe. I believe we can pull that off with not a gigantic investment – and be a minority investor, be supportive of that club." | Getty Images

Bill Foley and 22 key Hibs moments that have paved path to stake sale talks as new disagreement sparks endgame

By Ben Banks

Sports editor and journalist

Published 12th Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
Updated 12th Nov 2025, 12:28 GMT

Bill Foley is looking to sell his minority shareholding at Hibs after less than two years.

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.

In the first managerial appointment since they official got on board, David Gray was named Montgomery's successor at head coach.

9. New gaffer (06/06/24)

In the first managerial appointment since they official got on board, David Gray was named Montgomery's successor at head coach. | SNS Group

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Foley goes public in slamming the Hibs hierarchy after a League Cup group stage loss at Kelty Hearts, unamused by the appointment of Gray as head coach and Mackay as sporting director. He said: "So far, they really haven’t been listening to our input. I believe they will listen to our input now. We have a very good relationship with Lorient. They are listening and are hiring the right people to develop that club."

10. Division emerges (22/07/24)

Foley goes public in slamming the Hibs hierarchy after a League Cup group stage loss at Kelty Hearts, unamused by the appointment of Gray as head coach and Mackay as sporting director. He said: "So far, they really haven’t been listening to our input. I believe they will listen to our input now. We have a very good relationship with Lorient. They are listening and are hiring the right people to develop that club." | SNS Group

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With a deal for Owen Bevan not happening, no Bournemouth players made the move to Hibs in the summer of 2024, with Emiliano Marcondes spending time on loan in Leith in the second half of the prior season. Hibs weren’t interested in headlines. Only players who could pitch up and produce the goods.

11. Recruitment blank (03/09/24)

With a deal for Owen Bevan not happening, no Bournemouth players made the move to Hibs in the summer of 2024, with Emiliano Marcondes spending time on loan in Leith in the second half of the prior season. Hibs weren’t interested in headlines. Only players who could pitch up and produce the goods. Photo: Michael Steele

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Then-Hibs chief executive Ben Kensell and then-director Ian Gordon and Kensell travelled to Las Vegas during the October international break in 2024 to meet with Foley, fellow Hibs director Ryan Caswell and the president of Black Knight Football Club, Tim Bezbatchenko. Relations between the billionaire Bournemouth owner and the Scottish branch of his sporting empire were claimed at the time to be healthier than ever.

12. US summit (22/10/24)

Then-Hibs chief executive Ben Kensell and then-director Ian Gordon and Kensell travelled to Las Vegas during the October international break in 2024 to meet with Foley, fellow Hibs director Ryan Caswell and the president of Black Knight Football Club, Tim Bezbatchenko. Relations between the billionaire Bournemouth owner and the Scottish branch of his sporting empire were claimed at the time to be healthier than ever. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group

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