Tom saved Hibs from threat of Mercer bid

HIBS have led tributes to former owner Sir Tom Farmer after he passed away aged 84.

- BY ROSS PILCHER

The Kwik Fit garage founder died peacefully at his home on Friday.

He entered Easter Road folklore, though, when he stepped into buy the club in 1990 when then Hearts owner Wallace Mercer launched a controversial takeover bid which threatened the very existence of the Leith club.

Mercer wanted to “merge” the two capital clubs but in reality, Hibs would have disappeared as his plan was to keep playing at Tynecastle in maroon as Hearts.