Lee Johnson in heartfelt Ron Gordon tribute as Hibs boss mourns loss of 'wonderful man and leader'

Lee Johnson has paid tribute to the late Hibs owner Ron Gordon after he passed away earlier last week - with the Englishman stating that when signing for the Easter Road outfit, he chose 'both club and owner'.

Gordon, an American businessman who was previously the president of video game giant Atari, tragically passed away after a battle with cancer aged 68 on February 20. Having revealed his illness to the fanbase via an open letter just weeks before his passing, Gordon confirmed his family would continue to be committed to the club, with the family stating: "We are more determined than ever to see this through. We remain committed to Ron’s vision and long-term plan, supporting all facets of the football club, and working with you all to achieve it.”

And manager Johnson has echoed those thoughts. The former Bristol City boss praised Gordon highly for his support on and off the pitch, detailing his fantastic relationship with the board. And he added that when choosing Hibs as his new club, they were a historical team that had left no doubts in their bid to attract him - but such was Gordon's influence that he 'chose both club and owner'.

Johnson said via the club's social media channels: "We have all felt the pain of losing a wonderful man and leader. Our hearts go out to Kit, Colin, Ian, Callie, and the wider Gordon family.

"My relationship with Ron was a fantastic one and I know how proud he was of all the staff at Easter Road and HTC. Hibs had a big enough draw for me as a fantastic historic club playing in a great league, but in football and management circles there's a quote that you 'pick your club and your owner'.

"The support I received on and off the pitch not only from Ron but from Kit, Ian and Callie, shows