Hibs extend Early Bird season ticket offer but warn of 'intense financial pressures' as Leeann Dempster addresses refunds

Hibs have thanked their fans for their “extraordinary backing” during the coronavirus shutdown by extending their Early Bird season ticket offer.

However, the club has also warned of the “intense financial pressures” faced as a result of the cancellation of fixtures and lost commercial revenue as chief executive Leeann Dempster addresses season ticket refunds for the first time.

The Early Bird scheme, which allows supporters to save up to £60 on tickets for next season, has been set a new deadline of Thursday, June 4 at 5pm, which will coincide with the seat release date.

Fans will also be able to take up the finance option over a 10-month instalment plan with the club meeting the interest costs.

Dempster said she was grateful for the response so far with over 6000 season tickets already sold for next season.

"Given how uncertain these times are and given the uncertainty around our game, that is a heart-warming and generous response from our supporters," she told the club website.

“Many have said that they fully understand the uncertainties around next season but have bought to show their support for and solidarity with the club.

"We are grateful to all those who have felt able to buy a season ticket already or may feel able to make that commitment in the weeks to come.

“However, I need to stress again to supporters that we fully understand that not everyone feels able to buy, and the need to look after family first in these difficult times.

"Also, those who do decide to buy need to be fully aware that we simply do not know when or how the season will kick off at this stage.

“Events are unfolding very quickly, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that the form next season will take is unlikely to enjoy any clarity for some time.

"While your continued support is vital to us, and we are grateful for everything you are doing, it is important that we continue to have an open and transparent dialogue with you.”

With the current season still unresolved and the possibility of remaining fixtures either being cancelled or played behind closed doors, the club also warned that any requests for season ticket refunds would exacerbate the financial difficulties.

The club statement added: "Some fans have generously intimated they would not be seeking a refund. Should supporters seek a full refund for games not played, it would compound the scale of the intense financial pressures the club already faces given that the budget for the season has already been committed.

“Lockdown has left the club unable to raise matchday or commercial revenues, our sources of income, since mid-March and with no respite on the horizon."

However, club chief Dempster added that the club would work with fans to find a solution.

She added: “We know that everyone has individual needs and many people face real challenges and so the club will seek to deal fairly with all supporters. We are working on a range of solutions which we will outline if the season does end prematurely.”