Sunset on Hibs: The Plot to Destroy Hibernian

The summer of 1990 cast a long shadow over Hibernian Football Club, as events unfolded that would become a defining chapter in Scottish football history. At the heart of the storm was David Duff, then Chairman of Hibs, who found himself grappling with a hostile bid led by Wallace Mercer, the controversial Chairman of Hearts. Mercer's audacious plan to merge the two Edinburgh clubs under the banner of 'Edinburgh United' was little more than a thinly veiled attempt to eliminate Hibs and secure dominance for Hearts. As rumours circulated and battle lines were drawn, the mood among Hibs supporters swung from disbelief to mounting fury, knowing full well that their beloved club’s very existence was under siege.
Behind the scenes, the machinations were both ruthless and complex. Duff, confronted with increasing pressure from internal shareholders eager to sell, refused to surrender. He understood that the proposed merger would ultimately lead to Hibs' downfall. The boardroom became a battleground, with former allies turning on one another, and shadowy figures from the world of Scottish business slipping in and out of meetings. Among them was the influential Tom Farmer, whose role would prove pivotal as the drama unfolded. Public protests erupted, and the fans—the lifeblood of the club—rallied behind Duff, fighting to preserve their heritage.
Beyond mere boardroom intrigue, the period was characterised by unforgettable moments both on and off the pitch. The book vividly recounts the tales of Hibs legends like John Collins and Andy Goram, whose heroics provided hope during a period of uncertainty. Tales of tense European nights behind the Iron Curtain and tense matches where the outcome seemed to mirror the club's perilous situation abound. Duff’s ambition was always to see Hibs at the summit of Scottish football, but the events of 1990 would not only thwart those dreams—they would upend his life, leaving scars that endured long after the dust settled. 
Above all, "Sunset on Hibs" is a stark warning about the perils of greed and short-term thinking in sport. Duff's perspective reveals the potential threat to a football club's soul when financial interests take precedence over tradition and loyalty. The story is a tribute to the resilience of Hibs and their supporters and a reminder that football is about far more than money—it is about identity, belonging, and the fierce loyalty of a community unwilling to let its club die. Wallace Mercer, the former chairman of Heart of Midlothian (Hearts), passed away in 2006.