June 4, 1990. It’s a date that still sends shivers down the spines of Hibs fans everywhere. For that’s the day Hibbies woke up to the disturbing news that their club was the subject of a controversial takeover bid by Hearts chairman Wallace Mercer.
With the end of the club a real possibility, the reaction from the Hibs faithful was something like nuclear. Shortly after the news broke, hundreds of angry fans gathered outside the stadium – demanding answers.
Soon, a movement that would be branded ‘Hands Off Hibs’ was born, and over the next few weeks, numerous rallies were held – ultimately leading to Mercer withdrawing his bid and the club being saved from oblivion.
We’ve trawled through the photo archives to retell the story of that merger attempt – and how it threatened to call time on a bona fide Edinburgh institution.
Soon, a movement that would be branded ‘Hands Off Hibs’ was born, and over the next few weeks, numerous rallies were held – ultimately leading to Mercer withdrawing his bid and the club being saved from oblivion.
. Famous three
The Leith Festival was attended by key supporters of the 'Hand Off Hibs' campaign. Proclaimers Craig Reid and Charlie Reid on the open top bus with footballer Gordon Strachan. Photo: Calum McKenzie
. Hands Off Hibs rally
Thousands of fans attended a rally at Easter Road in support of the Hands Off Hibs campaign. Photo: Crawford Tait
. Fans celebrate - no Hibs sale 1990
Fans wearing their Hands off Hibs! t-shirts celebrate the news that Hearts FC chairman Wallace Mercer has withdrawn his offer to buy Hibernian FC football team, July 1990, Photo: Albert Jordan
. Wallace Mercer
Hearts chairman Wallace Mercer wanted to unite the two Edinburgh teams and relocate the new entity to a new stadium on the outskirts of the city. Photo: Jack Crombie
. Eddie Turnbull says no
Holding a copy of the Evening News newspaper, Eddie Turnbull, former manager of Hibernian football club, gives the 'thumbs down' to Wallace Mercer's proposed Hearts & Hibs merger. Photo: TSPL
5. Eddie Turnbull says no
Holding a copy of the Evening News newspaper, Eddie Turnbull, former manager of Hibernian football club, gives the 'thumbs down' to Wallace Mercer's proposed Hearts & Hibs merger. Photo: TSPL
6. David Duff
Mercer's success depended on Hibs chairman David Duff (left) selling his 11 per cent stake in the club. Photo: Stanley Hunter
7. Distraught
A despondent Donna Rodgers, one of the hundreds of angry Hibs fans who turned up at Easter Road football stadium after hearing Hearts chairman Wallace Mercer's plans. Photo: Alan Ledgerwood
8. Kenny McLean
Graham Jenkins and Kenny McLean (right). Mr McLean was chosen to lead the Hands Off Hibs campaign and is credited with convincing Tom Farmer to take control of the club. Photo: George Smith