
Sunset on Hibs
The Plot to Destroy Hibernian
David Duff(Author)
Ewan Flynn(Co-Author)
Arena Sport (Publisher)
Published on 2. October 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-1-913759-01-8 (ISBN)
Description
'If you think you know everything there is to know about Hearts owner Wallace Mercer's bid to buy Hibs, think again. Stunning new light is cast on one of Scottish football's biggest-ever stories' - Alan Pattullo
David Duff was Chairman of Hibernian at the most extraordinary time in its history. In 1990, Heart of Midlothian chief Wallace Mercer pushed for a merger of the two Edinburgh clubs. But instead of creating one united Edinburgh team capable of challenging the Old Firm, it became abundantly clear that these machinations would see Hearts flourish and Hibs destroyed. With internal shareholders wanting to sell out, the end seemed inevitable.
David Duff had other ideas. Joining forces with outraged fans he spearheaded boardroom resistance against this takeover, which would have meant the end of the club they loved. For the first time, Duff tells the explosive inside story of the plot to destroy Hibernian and the real motivations of those behind it. Featuring some of the best-known names in Scottish business and football, it is a riveting tale of double-dealing, greed and betrayal.
David Duff was Chairman of Hibernian at the most extraordinary time in its history. In 1990, Heart of Midlothian chief Wallace Mercer pushed for a merger of the two Edinburgh clubs. But instead of creating one united Edinburgh team capable of challenging the Old Firm, it became abundantly clear that these machinations would see Hearts flourish and Hibs destroyed. With internal shareholders wanting to sell out, the end seemed inevitable.
David Duff had other ideas. Joining forces with outraged fans he spearheaded boardroom resistance against this takeover, which would have meant the end of the club they loved. For the first time, Duff tells the explosive inside story of the plot to destroy Hibernian and the real motivations of those behind it. Featuring some of the best-known names in Scottish business and football, it is a riveting tale of double-dealing, greed and betrayal.
Reviews / Votes
'A breathless read... It is a continuation of a century-and-a-half-old story that nearly had a big fat full stop inserted in the summer of 1990. Each derby since has been a bonus as well as a testimony to the strength of will of people like Duff' * The Scotsman * 'For the first time, Farmer's true involvement is put under the microscope' * The Edinburgh Reporter *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Birlinn General
Illustrations
12pp b/w plates
Dimensions
Height: 233 mm
Width: 154 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
348 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-913759-01-8 (9781913759018)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
10/2025
Arena Sport
€11.99
Available for download
Persons
David Duff was Chairman of Hibernian at one of the most extraordinary times in the club's history. Beginning his career as a lawyer in the late 80s and early 90s, he was one of the highest profile figures in Scottish football.
Ewan Flynn is a freelance football writer. His work has featured across the media. He is the author of two books: We Are Sunday League and and When The Year Ends In One, How Tottenham Hotspur's 1991 FA Cup Win Saved the Club and Transformed English Football.
Ewan Flynn is a freelance football writer. His work has featured across the media. He is the author of two books: We Are Sunday League and and When The Year Ends In One, How Tottenham Hotspur's 1991 FA Cup Win Saved the Club and Transformed English Football.