Evening News 3rd July 1999

Lawrie in scheme to raise famous fivers for Hibs

Hibs legend Lawrie Reilly today threw his weight behind a unique initiative which, ultimately, aims to be raising £1 million a year for Easter Road boss Alex McLeish.

The ERIN Community Trust was launched in May with the sole objective of investing cash raised from fans or businesses in Hibs.

They hope, by inviting fans to invest as little as £5 a month to raise £300,000 in their first year and eventually a seven-figure sum annually.

So far 300 supporters world-wide have registered an interest via the internet while 20,000 application forms have been printed. They will be distributed to fans at Easter road at the opening games of the season and by post.

Reilly, a member of the Famous five side and a Wembley hero for Scotland, has now agreed to become a trustee for the organisation. which already has the backing of another former Hibs star, Craig Paterson.

He said: "These are supporters who are determined to channel their passion for hibs in a positive way and I am happy to stand with them in this new and exciting initiative."

Jillian Binnie, spokesperson for the trust, said: "Lawrie is a living legend at Hibs and in Scottish football generally. We are sure Hibs fans everywhere will recognise the significance of his signing up to the trust."

"The impact of Lawrie joining us will most certainly reflect itself in the number of applications we receive and Hibs fans will be comforted to know such a footballing giant will be helping to make the all-important decisions as to how trust revenue is spent."

Fans seeking information on the trust can do so on the internet (http://www.erintrust.org), by writing to PO Box 707070, Edinburgh, or by phoning the hot line 01501-762848 (7am-7pm).