Ron Gordon underlines importance of Hibs Scottish Cup triumph as he gives assurances over selling policy

Hibs owner Ron Gordon underlined the importance of victory in Saturday’s Scottish Cup final as he eyes further investment in the Easter Road first-team squad.

Hibs owner Ron Gordon. Picture: SNS

Despite late changes to the Uefa’s access list, there is still a possibility that a win at Hampden will guarantee Hibs or opponents St Johnstone group-stage football in European competition next season. Even if that doesn’t transpire, a place in the third qualifying round of the Europa League, with a spot in the Conference League play-offs there as insurance, is still a significant prize for either side.

Qualification for the Europa League Conference will be worth at least £3 million with prize money and gate receipts, while fans will have their pick of three European away days.

Gordon did state, however, that he’s not in any rush to sell Hibs’ best assets. There’s significant interest in Josh Doig, Ryan Porteous, Kevin Nisbet and Martin Boyle, but the American businessman wants to build a squad, not tear one day.

He told the Que Golazo podcast: “A year-and-a-half later, we’re bleeding our cash and we’re in a difficult position. But despite that we’ve done some great things.

“If we win then the club will be in a stronger position to make some investments. We’ll be in Europe and I want us to go as deep as we can.

“In the past, the club has had a reputation for selling players very quickly and getting cash in the door. I’m of a different opinion in that I think we have to build a competitive team. There will be times when we have to sell, no doubt. That’s part of the business of football.”

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our sports coverage with a digital sports subscription.