Ron Gordon, the late owner of Hibernian FC, always wanted to bring a minority partner on board to help achieve his aims for the club, his family has revealed.

In a statement issued shortly after the Easter Road side confirmed Scottish FA approval of the investment proposal by US billionaire and Bournemouth owner Bill Foley, Ian and Kit Gordon addressed the club's supporters, thanking them for their love and support over the 'challenging' last 12 months and reaffirming their commitment to Hibs.

READ MORE - Hibs get Bill Foley investment green light from Scottish FA

They said: "Ron’s vision, and long-term plan [for Hibs], included bringing in a minority partner, like Black Knight, which would help us achieve our goals. We share the same values and ambitions as Black Knight in our partnership. Our continued commitment to building a winning and successful club is unwavering."

The Gordons also outlined their plans for the stadium which include the introduction of a safe-standing section in time for the start of the 2024/25 campaign, the redevelopment of the interior of the Famous Five stand, and further work on the club's Ormiston training base to turn it into a 'high-performance training centre'. 

The statement read: "The Gordon Family and Hibernian FC are excited that the Scottish FA have approved the minority investment proposal into the club.

"There has been a great deal of interest and speculation around this opportunity, we wanted to deliver the news as fully and transparently as possible. In order to achieve this goal, we have worked through negotiations and rigorous steps towards the final outcome. We are now coming to the end of this phase, one that will benefit the long-term future of Hibernian FC.

"Through very positive conversations with the Scottish FA in regard to their rules and regulations, specifically Article 13, and following a series of meetings, we can confirm their approval of our minority investment proposal. With that approval, we have also signed agreements between Black Knight Football Club and Hibernian FC.

"This proposal will be shared at the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in February, which is the final step of ratifying the minority investment. Details on location and timing will be shared and we look forward to seeing and updating all shareholders.

"The Gordon Family would like to thank our Chief Executive, Ben Kensell, for his tireless work and efforts over the last eight months. Ben has played an integral role throughout this process, completing extensive due diligence, and ensuring the growth this investment will help us achieve.

"Ron’s vision, and long-term plan, included bringing in a minority partner, like Black Knight, which would help us achieve our goals. We share the same values and ambitions as Black Knight in our partnership. Our continued commitment to building a winning and successful club is unwavering.

"Over the past 12 months, we have invested in the club and made positive strides. We have improved the infrastructure at Easter Road and HTC, grown our club-controlled income, increased the first-team player budget, and driven the club forward commercially.

"The year ahead includes developing the space inside the Famous Five Stand, introducing safe standing, and continuing to make HTC a high-performance training centre. We take pride in the journey and progress of this football club; our commitment remains to meet the high expectations of Ron and our supporters and achieve sustained success on and off the pitch.

"Lastly, we would like to thank every one of you, our Hibernian FC supporters. The last 12 months have been challenging for the family, and we are immensely grateful for your outpouring of love and support. Our sincerest gratitude to Ben Kensell and Malcolm McPherson for their leadership and to the entire staff for their unity in helping the Club during this difficult time.

"We see the bright future ahead, one of which we can all be proud."