Bill Foley to transform Hibs says Nick Montgomery as he reveals Bournemouth inside track that has him beaming

Hibs met with the SFA in a bid to get the thumbs up for the US billionaire to become a minority shareholder.

Nick Montgomery insists Bill Foley’s investment can help transform Hibs on and off the pitch.

Chief executive Ben Kensell and Ian Gordon, son of late owner Ron, on Thursday met the SFA in a bid to get the thumbs up for the US billionaire to become a minority shareholder. The Bournemouth owner wants to help make Hibs the third force in Scottish football. And boss Montgomery said: “That’s the most exciting thing of all, you’re talking someone of Bill’s stature who could realistically choose any club in the Premiership to sponsor or be involved in. But that fact he’s chosen Hibs doesn’t surprise me because of the history and size of the club – and the fanbase.

“It’s exciting for any club to have external investment. We know the history, fanbase and what a fantastic club this is. There are other big teams and we’re definitely down the pecking order, in terms of budgets. We want to be one of the biggest teams every season fighting for those top three or four spots.

“To do that we have to perform on the pitch. The board are always working hard, looking at ways to continue to grow the club off the field.

“The reward can then come on the field where we can possibly upgrade the training ground, look at players out of our reach and maybe build a stronger squad moving forward.

“These are things that will possibly progress in the future but right now we’re in a good place and happy where we’re at.”

Montgomery has been talking to ex-Sheffield United team-mate Simon Francis, part of the Cherries backroom team.

He added: “I’ve got good friends at Bournemouth. What did they tell me about him? That he’s a really successful guy and loves football. A multi-group set-up’s now part and parcel of football.”