HIBERNIAN supporters are to be given the chance to question the club on its future ownership in a "major series of debates and discussions" to be led by chief executive Leeann Dempster.
Against the backdrop of a failed £3.5m bid for the club by a consortium led by financial advisor David Low and former chairman Malcolm McPherson, as well as continued pressure from the Forever Hibernian fans' group fronted by former fans' favourite Paul Kane, the Easter Road club are to meet with supporters from next week to help form a way forward for the coming years.
Every fan has been promised an input into the get-togethers and has been reassured that "nothing is off the table" as the club's hierarchy attempts to re-engage with a support that has been left disgruntled by relegation, failed management appointments and a series of on-field disappointments on major stages.
Chairman Rod Petrie, who stood down in the summer to allow Dempster to take over the day-to-day running of the club, has been the subject of a movement to oust him from Easter Road completely, but he remains the trusted representative of owner Sir Tom Farmer in the boardroom.
His input is almost certain to be raised during the talks, as will the possibility of supporter representation on the board and how best to build bridges between directors and the community.
Dempster said: "I said to supporters about a month ago we were going to move into a major series of debates and discussions with them about the future of the club. We want to get that kicked off.
"It's not just going to be for season-ticket holders. It will be for shareholders as well, obviously, but it will also be for the regular supporter who walks up.
"We're looking to get the series of meetings kicked off just after the Dumbarton game [next Tuesday]. It will be an opportunity to come and speak directly to us on a one-to-one basis, on a group basis and there will be a digital element to that as well.
"We want to use that as the base for what the club looks like, not just in two or three years' time but what is it going to look like when we're 150 years old in 2025. I'm excited about that. It's going to be a major piece of work, but I think it's important we get it done, it's important we listen.
"We've got our own ideas, we've got some ideas and we've had some ideas put to us by other groups as well. The consultation process is certainly going to get under way. Nothing's off the table."
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