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.

Amid a brutal start to the 24/25 season had Hibs circling around the bottom end of the Premiership, Foley and his Black Knight investors were 100 per cent behind the call to keep Gray in situ, in the hope that the former Scottish Cup-winning captain turns things around. The Gordon family also remained confident that results will improve. Hibs would finish third.

13. Backing Gray (23/11/24)

Amid a brutal start to the 24/25 season had Hibs circling around the bottom end of the Premiership, Foley and his Black Knight investors were 100 per cent behind the call to keep Gray in situ, in the hope that the former Scottish Cup-winning captain turns things around. The Gordon family also remained confident that results will improve. Hibs would finish third. | SNS Group

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Hibs appointed Garvan Stewart as the club's new Head of Recruitment. It was stated "Stewart’s skillset will allow the Club to reap the rewards from Black Knight Football’s scouting and player data resource." He spent 12 years at Bournemouth as Head of Performance Analysis and Head of Recruitment Analysis, holding the latter position for two years.

14. Bournemouth influence (03/12/24)

Hibs appointed Garvan Stewart as the club's new Head of Recruitment. It was stated "Stewart’s skillset will allow the Club to reap the rewards from Black Knight Football’s scouting and player data resource." He spent 12 years at Bournemouth as Head of Performance Analysis and Head of Recruitment Analysis, holding the latter position for two years. | SNS Group

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Kensell arrived at Hibs in 2021 but made way earlier this year.

15. CEO exit (23/01/25)

Kensell arrived at Hibs in 2021 but made way earlier this year. | SNS Group

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The Gordon family promise to continue writing off their losses as Hibs owners – including taking a whopping £7 million hit revealed in the latest accounts.

16. Major losses (07/02/25)

The Gordon family promise to continue writing off their losses as Hibs owners – including taking a whopping £7 million hit revealed in the latest accounts. | SNS Group

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