Hibs move prominent fans group in bid to boost Easter Road atmosphere

Since 1875 has been housed in the upper tier of the Famous Five stand in recent seasons

Since 1875 has been behind some memorable Famous Five displays over the last couple of seasons

Hibs have announced that prominent fans group Since 1875 will be housed in Easter Road’s East Stand when Scottish football resumes.

The collective, which was behind the now-legendary “Time for Heroes” banner at Hampden Park ahead of the Scottish Cup victory in May 2016, has been pushing for a return to their original home in the stadium and were unsuccessful in attempting to relocate in February.

Chairman Ron Gordon is keen to overhaul the matchday experience at Easter Road and following positive talks earlier this year, the club has now confirmed that the supporters group will be situated in Section 45 of the East Stand when football starts back up again,

Dempster: ‘We hope Since 1875 will be a loud, passionate voice’

Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster said: “We have a strong relationship with Since 1875 and we’ve always tried to work with them and support them whenever possible.

“We don’t always have the flexibility to accommodate every request, but this was one we were determined to help with.

“At the AGM we painted our vision for having the best match experience possible. The long-term impact of the current situation is unknown but we still hold that ambition and will engage with all supporters to achieve that aim when we return.

“Like every single Hibernian supporter, I can’t wait for the day that the team runs out at Easter Road Stadium to a packed crowd – and we hope Since 1875 will be a loud, passionate voice in the atmosphere we hope to create.

“Their Time For Heroes banner from the 2016 Scottish Cup Final is the stuff of legend. Now it’s time for a few new stories.”

‘Join us in making Easter Road a fortress again’

A statement from the group added: “After ongoing discussions with the club we have decided to move back to the East Stand and have been allocated section 45 for next season whenever it comes around.

“Please contact the ticket office on [email protected] if you wish to join us in making Easter Road a fortress once again.”

The core of Since 1875 will be based in rows AA and BB of Section 45 in the East Stand, and the club has vowed to assist fans who have already bought season tickets for other parts of the stadium but wish to move seats to be part of the group.