Hibs get further cash boost from Hibernian Supporters

Sums raised go towards player budget

The Hibernian Supporters organisation has been donating funds to the club to offset the effects of the coronavirus pandemic

Hibs have been boosted by a further donation of more than £30,000 from fans' organisation Hibernian Supporters Limited (HSL), smashing last month's record-breaking effort of £24,500.

The group revealed yesterday that its number of donors has surged by more than 1,000 since June 15, as fans have dug deep to help support the club during the financial uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent hiatus of the Scottish game.

HSL chairman Jim Adie confirmed that a sum of £30,265 had been handed over to the club, representing the total donations from members and contributors during the month of July.

Adie told the Evening News: "We are all absolutely delighted with these figures.

"The response from our members and donors has been fantastic, bearing in mind the difficult economic circumstances many are facing.

"I said six weeks ago that it would be terrific if we could add around 1500 new members and we are now two-thirds of the way there."

At the start of the pandemic, HSL chiefs were hopeful of recruiting 4,000 donors that, from an annual financial point of view, could potentially around £400,000 to the Easter Road club's player budget.

Adie added: "This is a very difficult financial period for the club but the season starts on Saturday and we are all reminded of what this is all about.

"We want to give head coach Jack Ross the best chance of getting us right up there in the league, and getting back into Europe.

"At the moment, all donations received by HSL are being directed towards the club for the playing budget and nothing else.

"On behalf of all of my fellow directors I would like to thank every single supporter who has contributed to these numbers."

HSL Director and former Hibs captain Jackie McNamara paid tribute to the fans for their efforts, adding: "As I have always said, the supporters are the lifeblood of the club and it is just incredible to see ordinary supporters rally round the club in this way.

"These figures are not made up of big, chunky donations from wealthy fans but lots of ordinary men, women and children donating what they can."

On top of the monthly donations, HSL has also taken steps to introduce more promotional activities designed to boost membership.

Adie explained: "Naturally supporters want to help but we have also been doing more promotional activities.

"We have introduced a fun currency for our members called "Francks," and you can guess where the name came from.

"This recognises different levels of contribution and opens up the opportunity for members to win prizes and rewards.

"Our latest initiative closes on Saturday and gives new members the chance to win two season tickets."

Any Hibs fans keen to get involved are invited to join HSL, the second largest shareholder in the club, at hiberniansupporters.co.uk.

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