THE new era at Hibernian will unfold at a leisurely pace. New owners often like to make brash, bullish statements about their demands and ambitions but there has been little of that grandstanding from Ron Gordon, the man with the keys now to Easter Road.

That suits Paul Hanlon fine. As both a supporter of the club and a player for the past 11 years, he was as intrigued as any when sir Tom Farmer decided enough was enough and sold the club recently to Gordon, the Peruvian-born, American-based businessmen.

Gordon was at Forthbank on Saturday to see his latest asset inch past Stirling Albion via a penalty shoot-out in their opening Betfred Cup tie and has also spent time with the players at the training ground. Hanlon has been impressed with what the new man has had to say.

“He is not promising the world overnight,” said the defender. “I think there would be alarm bells if Easter he came in and said things like that. It will be steady progress and concentrating on things behind the scenes first and seeing where it goes.

“We had a meeting with him during the week for him to introduce himself, his ethos and how he likes to work in business.

“He wants it to be a happy environment where everyone can come to work. He wants honest, humble hard-working people. That’s what he has had throughout his businesses and it’s worked for him. He’s trying to bring that into a football environment.

“He spoke really well and seems passionate to make a difference at the club. That’s all the players, management and fans want to hear. A guy who is passionate and wants to take the club to the next level.

“We were in great hands before with Sir Tom and what he did for the club was incredible. I’m sure he did his homework because the club was so precious to him. It’s good that we’re in good hands going forward.”

There has been sizeable change on the field, too. This is the start of Paul Heckingbottom’s first full season in charge and he has not stinted in making alterations. All six of his summer recruits started against Stirling – Scott Allan scored the penalty that put them in front before David Wilson equalised in the second half – including two new defenders and a goalkeeper. Hanlon admitted it may all take time to settle down.

“There are new boys bedding in and the manager is trying to suss out his best team,” added the 29 year-old. “He’s trying to implement his style as much as he can. We did a lot of work last season but there has been a big turnover of players. We have to do it all again.

“We’ve had a steady backline in the last few years. The same faces, so when new boys come in it takes a bit of adjusting and creating partnerships. That’s what the training ground is for. We’re working hard every day. Hopefully by the time the first league game comes we’ll be in full swing and ready to go.”

Hibs’ new signings won’t have to go to venues like Forthbank too often or line up against League Two opposition determined to stifle them but Hanlon felt it would serve as a useful introduction to life in Scottish football.

“I think they know what to expect. It’s Scottish football – it’s on the telly enough. But coming to places like this, when boys are digging in against you and trying not to give you an inch, it’s a massive game.”