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Mixu: Short break no big deal for Hibs



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Published Date: 13 May 2008
By COLLEEN PATERSON
HIBS manager Mixu Paatelainen insisted today that his players will be fresh and raring to go when their InterToto Cup campaign kicks off – despite having only four weeks rest.
The Easter Road side narrowly missed out on a place in the UEFA Cup for next season as a result of Motherwell's win over Aberdeen on Saturday and Hibs' defeat to Celtic the following day.

That means Hibs will be playing InterToto Cup football next season and, although the SPL doesn't reach its climax until May 22, the second-round match against either Elfsborg of Sweden or the Faroe Islands' FVB Torshavn, will take place on July 5.

That gives the Hibs players just four weeks' break before they return to training on July 23 but Paatelainen expects them to be champing at the bit for their crack at the InterToto – a competition which could still given them entry to the UEFA Cup.

The Hibs manager said: "Because we are in the InterToto we have a short close season, there are only four weeks for the players to get away and spend some time with their families.

"But they will come back refreshed from the break I am sure.

"Players all want to be out there and involved in games and any disappointment that they feel at missing out on the UEFA Cup will be gone within a couple of days.

"I'm sure they will all enjoy their holidays but they will also be looking forward to coming back and getting ready for the new season as well."

Paatelainen admitted that he personally was disappointed to miss out in his first season in charge of the Easter Road side and added: "I felt that we had a great chance of qualifying for the UEFA Cup next season, we took it right down to the last couple of games.

"I knew that we needed to take something from Celtic Park and unfortunately it didn't happen, it was always going to be difficult.

"We created a few good chances and their goalkeeper did well with a couple of saves as well.

"We passed the ball well, so I was pleased with that and I thought that every single one of my players gave 100 per cent."

Hibs reserves lost 4-0 to a strong Celtic side yesterday, the Glasgow side netting two goals in either half to seal the comfortable victory.

Darren O'Dea and Ryan Conroy put the Parkhead side in front before the break before Evander Sno and former Hibs striker Chris Killen made sure of the victory.

The full article contains 434 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 13 May 2008 11:19 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Hibernian FC
 
1

The Wookie,

Edinburgh 13/05/2008 11:11:16
May only be a 3 week break depending on who Hibs draw in the Leith Gala Day Football tournament - about as relevent as the Inter Tattie in footballing terms...

Gimmae a call when you played in the Champions League Qualifiers
2

Lenny,

13/05/2008 11:24:04
Wookie

What a sad bitter Jambo you are sounding these days. The Jambo equivalent of Mix602 in fact.

Not taking the downfall of Hearts very well are you? Ah well, never mind. Is there a bottom 6 cup that you guys are playing for just now?
3

Amburno,

space 13/05/2008 11:37:01
What if Rangers lose the Scottish Cup?
4

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 11:49:36
Ignore the silly jambo - I'm surprised any of them have the gall to stick their head above the parapet but good on them for doing so - cant be easy being a jambo these days.

Think Aston Villa are playing in the the Leith Gala Day too? Theyre certainly in the Intertoto cup at least. I look forward to Martin Oneill avoiding the dog turds as he bounces along the touchline..... Damn didnt ignore him.


Can I get a replacement page for my hibs calender for June?- dont fancy looking at Mr Collins and Mr Craig for a whole month!!
5

John H,

edinburgh 13/05/2008 11:55:26
Talking about the Scottish Cup.
At the weekend I noticed a comment from Lex Gold in the press that he had been asking the SFA to play SC ties to a finish for some time. I have been asking when the decision was made to play semi finals or was it singular a semi final this season. The Rangers St Johnstone semi is the only semi in the history to have been played to this end. I had previously written to the SFA for an answer to this but received no answer from them. Does anyone know when this decision was taken? I have been searching sites relating to the said cup and Scottish Football but can find no mention anywhere.
6

The Wookie,

Edinburgh 13/05/2008 12:00:24
2 & 3#...

Just having a wee bit fun boys - been a pretty crap season all round for both Edinburgh teams - well unless you count making the top 6 as a sucess - if so they you set your standards pretty low these days!!!
7

Jim W,

13/05/2008 12:08:14
Depends on how you look at it no.8

Most Hearts fans will see it as a poor season by their standards but Hibs could still conceivably finish 4th which given their poor spell between Nov and Jan would be a decent finish league wise to most of their fans?
8

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 12:15:17
#9

I guess - but I'd rather not have had the crap Oct to Jan. - Seems to do us quite a lot that spell of the season. Seem to remember in the McLeish/Sauzee days we had a similar crap spell when challenging.
9

,

13/05/2008 12:19:08
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
10

The Wookie,

Edinburgh 13/05/2008 12:19:53
9~..Hi Jim

4th would be kinda OK....but what it could have been!!!

And remember back to the start of the campaign you were top of the league at some point were you not??

And before Lenny has another go at this old Wookie- I here-by fully accept that Hibs have had a better season than Hearts..... (once every 10 seasons is allowed)
11

idoc,

13/05/2008 12:21:28
#5 rangers wont loose the scottish cup if Rev Mcc is the ref.
12

Made_In _Leith,

Edinburgh 13/05/2008 12:24:58
#8 A hertz fan talking about standards!!! Aye good one mate. Just remember, your yam "friends" celebrated Hibs getting relegated more than hertz winning the cup.
13

Made_In _Leith,

Edinburgh 13/05/2008 12:26:39
#12 So the last time we qualified for Europe by finishing 3rd in the league (Aberdeen were 4th, where were the yams?) is erased from the history books?
14

The Wookie,

Edinburgh 13/05/2008 12:39:13
14 & 15..

Yep 1998 was a particulary good year - We win "THE" cup and you go down...Happy days...

Correct you did finish 3rd to qualify for the UEFA cup...well done - it beats the Inter Tattie (Is this your 2nd or 3rd appreance in Europes bottom feeder tournament?)

Whilst we split the Old Firm and came 2nd to qualify for the Champions League qualifiers - can you say that about your club...Nah cause you have never appeared in any part of the Champions League - must be that big club...wee club thing again
15

KingKenny,

13/05/2008 12:41:28
I hope Hibs back Killen and Riordan. but not easy. anyway Hibs can win Intertoto.And SPL Teams better play for Europe..More SPL Team will play Europe.
16

Jubilee,

13/05/2008 12:43:15
I would suggest that 4 weeks rest would take us up to 23 June and not 23 July - tsk tsk Coleen!

I don't think Hibs have remarkably better players than Hearts but the difference a decent set-up and a proper manager makes is plainly obvious.
17

Made_In _Leith,

Edinburgh 13/05/2008 12:45:29
#16

There you go, the rare yam that mentions the cup win before our relegation.

"Champions League" the tournament for the top 20% of the richest leagues. Surely a misnomer if there ever was one. So you qualified for the qualifiers of a money-making venture for Europe's (and the former USSR)top teams. That certainly gave you the opportunity to get emptied twice. Beat the Hibs to that one.

And don't mention bottom-feeders. We get enough empty headed, inbred yams on here as it is.
18

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 12:49:36
#12

Yes we were top of the league at one point - just like we were in the McLeish days. Consistency is what lets us - and hearts down at every turn. Is it strength in depth that breeds consistency? crooked referees? better quality players paid more money (mind you that should have helped hearts in theory - as should strength in depth)Rangers and Celtic unsettling players? The press? Our expectations? Its genuinely frustrating (and great of course)to get within touching distance of a breakthrough sometimes. It would just be so good if the sectarian sisters could be properly put in their place one day by Hibs AND Hearts.

I guess slow growth at Hibs is the best way but progress is very slow even though its there. Sometimes you just want to grab Tom Farmer and say "come on! dont you fancy us up there too? NOW!" We have to have a blend of good youngsters and good experienced pros. The youngsters are good but the experienced guys arent the best.



19

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 12:52:46
#16...........and I guess your going to tell the Celtic/Notts Forest/Aston Villa Fans they havent won the European Cup cos its not the same one hearts got into the qualifying round of
20

The Hallucinist,

13/05/2008 12:55:42
#18 hibs don't have better players than Hearts. F00l!!
21

The Wookie,

Edinburgh 13/05/2008 12:55:57
20#...you are spot on!!!

I must admit we have problems at Tynecsatle with Mad Vlad...but I must admit I kinda enjoy the lunacy!!!

It is all coming home now to roost now with regard to the Dodgy refs - at least he and the B#'Ls to be first to say it!!!

It must be very frustrating being a Hibby - you have no debt - Sir T is loaded - if he would only spend 2/3 million on a few decent players you could really give the Old Firm a run.....that's if you could get honest competent refs!!!

22

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 13:00:14
its frustrating being a Hibs OR HEarts supporter I imagine.

But I did find it odd to be agreeing with mad vlad I must say....odd and slightly disturbing
23

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 13:06:05
still id rather be a hibs supporter than a supporter of those poisonous teams in the west.
24

John H,

edinburgh 13/05/2008 13:06:43
Come on lads and lassies. Is there an answer to post number 7?
25

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 13:08:19
dont understand the question - are you asking when the replay was dropped from the scottish cup semis?
26

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 13:10:30
i guess after hibs and dunfermline slogged out two pulsating matches live on telly last year Lol
27

Spamhead,

Bathgate 13/05/2008 13:19:02
Not good for Scotlands co-efficiency

Hibs will get knocked out of Europe before we all get back from the Trades?

QOS will get further In Europe lmao
107
28

,

13/05/2008 13:22:56
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
29

,

13/05/2008 13:24:07
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
30

stats ,

EDINBURGH 13/05/2008 13:26:45
#7

the answer to your question
after the dunfermline hibs replay in 2007 which was the lowest ever crowd it was decided that the semis are decided on the day

ther is ongoing discussion over the other ties
31

hibbywul,

13/05/2008 13:31:03
#5: If and it's a humoungous if rangers lose, Queen of the South will qualify for UEFA next season, it has already benn agreed.
32

stats ,

EDINBURGH 13/05/2008 13:37:01
#5 not #7

the answer to your question
after the dunfermline hibs replay in 2007 which was the lowest ever crowd it was decided that the semis are decided on the day

there is ongoing discussion over the other ties
33

Phil MaGlass,

Holland 13/05/2008 13:39:53
Champions League qualifiers hahahahahahahaha,pretty pathetic.up their with your tennants soccer sixes success.
34

Rolland,

13/05/2008 13:41:24
Now guys, its almost over so enjoy it while you can, as Hearts will resume normal service next season with a good crop of youngsters to add to the quality of Larry and co we will be a major force once again.

Forget the Killen's and Riodans even if you could afford the wages do you think WGS would let Riodan prove him wrong by banging in the goals at another club. Riodan is a nothing player and will amount to zilch serves the wee ned right. As you can't afford them its all pie in the sky stuff, they'll end up at some lower english div 1 club as they can provide a reasonable wage unlike the hobos pitance.

Still something never change another season goes by and the Scottish Cup still hasn't seen Leith.
35

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 13:43:59
Dear oh dear ....and still they come
36

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 13:45:16
Surpised you didnt start that "you watch out next season" rubbish at Christmas
37

Ghengis McCann,

Edinburgh 13/05/2008 13:55:54
#34, Rolland - make your way back to the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, son, the orderlies are out looking for you. Time for your injection. It's for your own good. You know that you need help with those deluded fantasies.

If we had a £36m debt like the Yams, we could probably buy two Scottish Cups every 50 years as well. But I think we'd rather keep our club instead, thanks all the same.
38

Johnny Jambo,

13/05/2008 13:58:05
A lot of Hearts fans might laugh at the ITT Cup but I bet there is not one of us who would like to be having a go at it this year.

The problem is that the SFA make the decision who is the country representitive and Hearts won't get a sniff.
39

Rolland,

13/05/2008 13:58:25
#36

No need to start it then, since xmas you've beaten Hearts how many times ? Clean sweep next year boy oh, will be watching you lot do your empty seats impressions yet again.

What have you acheived this year ? "nearly debt free is it" well the transfer window is about to open again might be completely clear soon eh. Whoops I forgot no one left to sell they are all gash. You should pick up some more Grenta players after the weekend in the cheap though.

So do tell what have Hibs acheived this season, big panyliner is just about to be found out and I expect it will start in some footballing backwater in the Inter Diddy cup, a competition that Hearts have never lowered themselves to enter. That is the difference in class though eh guys back to yer gutters.
40

Rolland,

13/05/2008 14:02:00
A lot of Hearts fans might laugh at the ITT Cup - Understatement of the Season JJ, we are rolling about the stands laughing our heids off at the wee teamers once again.

As for 37 we are still around we are still spending, it is all in hand as has been stated many times before.
41

Lenny,

13/05/2008 14:03:05
Wookie

Nice to see you are so impressed with your team getting beaten in the Champions League QUALIFIERS. It really is a fantastic achievement. Well worth the £10M or so debt that your club racks up a season.

But please tell me what is the furthest Hearts have got in Europe. As Im sure you are aware Hibs have reached the Semi finals of not one but TWO European Competitions. Invited or not, fact remains Hibs have reached the European Cup Semi and Hearts have not. Big team my lil' white ass.
42

Prof,

13/05/2008 14:05:32
#10 Yes Hibs did get to the top of the SPL but that was under Collins and he apparently was rubbish, having only won one cup for the club. Things have clearly improved and it looks like Hubz are happier in the Inter Tattie, finishing 5th and winning the prize for the best handwritten accounts.
43

Lenny,

13/05/2008 14:06:35
Rolland

Back on spouting cr@p again I see.

You can try and belittle Hibs all you want. The League doesnt lie, and right now your team is not only cr@p but is the laughing stock of Scottish Football. How you can critisise anything about Hibs when your own stupid WEE club is in such a mess defies belief really. Just makes you look more stupid than usual really.
44

Lenny,

13/05/2008 14:07:21
Prof

You convienently forget to mention the TWO rather large runs of games Collins had without winning....
45

Iain Bhern,

13/05/2008 14:08:32
#39, What have Hibs acheived this season? More than Hearts have sonny that's what. And before you go spouting off about not lowering yourselves to enter a competition remember this, it was your club's owner himself who said that Hearts would proabably enter the inter toto cup if they failed to qualify for Europe by other means. But of course that's just one more broken promise. Bottom line is that this season has been more of a success for Hibs than Hearts, why not just live with it. It's not the end of the world, although in your case I wish it was!
46

Rolland,

13/05/2008 14:09:24
After a poor season for both Edinburgh teams Stevie Frail bumps into to Pantyliner as Pantyliner leaves CC's. They head over to the Conan Doyle for a pint and chat about the season just gone by.

Stevie Frail soon asks Pantyliner what his ambitions are for the coming season.

Well says Pantyliner after the poor defence of our Diddy Cup last year we hope to put in a stronger effort this time round. After just missing out on Europe we hope to go one better and make 3rd in the league. As usual I don't expect we will see the Scottish Cup in Leith.

Pantyliner then ask SF what his ambitions are.

Stevie say's I hope to have full control of team selection.

Pantyliner starts laughing that's a bit far fetched is it not.

Stevie says well you started it.
47

Rolland,

13/05/2008 14:13:10
#45 - More than Hearts, well Hearts have achieved nothing, what do tell have Hibs achieve..... I'd say nothing making it the same as hearts.

Oh unless we count "nearly being debt free" some achievement guys what a way to go, Whoop Whoop Whoop.
48

blackley,

Edinburgh 13/05/2008 14:14:30
What a bitter lot these Hearts supporters are. It really is most upsetting. You'd think they would get behind Edinburgh's representatives in Europe.
You've had fantastic success these last few years, Hearts, so let someone else have a go!
49

vladamir romanov,

13/05/2008 14:15:24
prof why don't you do us all a favour and release the hostages you have in your cellar....NONCE
50

Prof,

13/05/2008 14:17:23
#44 Lenny No matter how you juggle the results, Collins has actually won something.

#41 Surprised you are back on the big/wee club thing however I would be more impressed if Hibs actually won one of these cups.
51

Mike D W,

13/05/2008 14:18:43
Many Hibs fans will remember to days of Bobby Williamson where Top 6 seemed just a pipe dream.

Now Hibs are at a stage where only Top 6 is acceptable.

Finishing 4th this season would be good considering the upheaval in playing personnel and managerial staff we have seen.

There are always a number of clubs competing for the 'coveted' 3rd spot in the SPL. This year Motherwell, Dundee Utd, Hibs (with a late surge) and Aberdeen (with an even later surge) all gave it a good go. Congratulations to Motherwell.

It is sad that these clubs are only playing for 3rd place, but Kevin Keegan says 16 teams in the Premiership are playing for 5th, so maybe not that unusual.

Of course, it would be nice to see one of the diddy teams break into the monopoly that is the Big Three (Old Firm plus Hearts), but seems the league will be split between these 3 massive teams for the foreseeable future.

I heard about a diddy team coming second recently, but it only turned out to be Hearts fulfilling their destiny.
52

Lenny,

13/05/2008 14:24:54
Prof,

Have said before I will always be grateful for that too. The Cup win was a fantastic success.

The stats tell a very different story to the one you are telling re the League results however.
53

Iain Bhern,

13/05/2008 14:25:50
Rolland I'd say that a top six finish was more successful than a bottom six finish. I'd say that a still possible fourth after a spell of winning virtually no games is better than a still possible eighth. I'd say that not being constantly talked about in the media because of the antics of your owner and chairman is preferable. I'd say that having a manager that the players call boss or gaffer is better than them calling him by his nickname thereby showing no respect. I'd say that having a manager who has the coaching qualifications necessary to take the team into Europe is preferable. I'd say that not being a total tube like you is infinitely better.

Oh and by the way, the only way the Scottish Cup will be seen in Leith is a Leith team were to win it. Easter Road Stadium is in Edinburgh not Leith and Hibs are and always have been an Edinburgh team.
54

Ghengis McCann,

Edinburgh 13/05/2008 14:29:34
Rolland - why on earth did you come to the big city and deprive your village of a perfectly good idiot?

I think what Hibs achieved is a safe top six place, a good shot at third place and the consolation prize of some Intertattie fun next season. As opposed to failing to make the cut, struggling even to be best of the rest and having to withdraw one's Intertattie application to avoid the embarrassment of being turned down - like the Yams.

Couldn't even beat us in the East of Scotland shield and yet they still come on here gloating. They must all be born with an extra arrogance chromosome or something.
55

Rolland,

13/05/2008 14:37:48
#54 - No but we are born with an ounce of ambition, what does your ambition amount too ? Being Debt free ?

Thanks for the rants guys, hang in there eh, what joy it must be to think at the start of the season you could possible make top six.... and with a wee bit of luck get into the proper UEFA cup, once every ten years, unlike the Jambo's who are there more often than not.

Keep up the ambitious plans guys the rewards for top 6 are huge as they say. Good luck with your soon to be debt free club.
56

Lenny,

13/05/2008 14:45:41
Rolland,

Continue talking nonsense all day if you like, it wont change the fact that Hibs are better than Hearts. In fact right now you could say we are in a different league.
57

vladamir romanov,

13/05/2008 14:47:59
roly you've been at the smarties again, what did your dietician tell you!
58

Prof,

13/05/2008 14:59:35
#55 Rolly. Thats the big difference between the clubs. Hibs are over the moon about getting 5th. For Hearts its totally unacceptable, as is coming in 6th/7th/8th etc. Let them have their moment of joy - one of them is even bragging about winning the East of Scotland Sheild. What next the Windsor fives or Tranent Gala?

59

Lenny,

13/05/2008 15:06:32
No prof, read above, most Hibs fans are sayoinghtis season is a disapointment. Where is anyone saying they think this is a good season? Provide just one quote please.

Does it hurt you that Hibs are better than Hearts? So are Falkirk though, so its not exactly much to shout about is it. Hearts were a good team a few years ago.
60

,

13/05/2008 15:07:17
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
61

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 15:15:04
I'm not over the moon about being 5th

Hearts are quite right to be devastated to finish 8th

When youre in that sort of position where the OF hoover up everything you grab whatever bits of comfort you can get be it a league cup, a scottish cup (I know I know) a tennants sixes cup or even an east of scotland sheild. Does anyone actually win the Intertoto cup??

Its time both Hibs and Hearts gave the OF a proper run for their money. Arent you just a bit tired of the smelly weegies being so smug there in their sectarian fueled money piles.

Ok crack on with the Hibs knocking if it makes you feel better but we're both pretty easy targets to be honest.

Oh and give a rest with "you havent beaten us since Christmas" - you only played us once because you couldnt make top 6 - muppets
62

Ghengis McCann,

Edinburgh 13/05/2008 15:34:52
#5, Rolland - you're like a weeble, man. Doesn't matter how often you are kicked over, you just bounce back for more ridicule. Bit like the Prof really - there is really no topic about which he can't spout the most ridiculous, pointless, irrelevant nonsense.
63

Prof,

13/05/2008 15:42:22
#59 Actually I don't think Hibs are better than Hearts. They're both cr@p. I'm talking about expectations. Doesn't mean you are not ambitious but you yourself said you liked the club to develop slowly and not take any financial risks. Probably just as well, as #62 and #60 brains are already scrambled. its very doubtful if they could cope mentally with getting 3rd place.
64

Badboy,

13/05/2008 15:45:14
You know sumfin you HEARTS fans reek with jealousy over Edinburghs only team worth a mention ( HIBERNIAN FC ).
65

Badboy,

13/05/2008 15:47:07
Do us all a favour and stay on your own threads.

Gretna tonight lads is it?
66

Ghengis McCann,

Edinburgh 13/05/2008 15:49:19
#63 - oh, they've managed 3rd more than once in my lifetime and I coped with it just fine every time. Just like I coped fine with 7-0 and 6-2. But that's history - time to look to the future. It's bright and it's green.
67

just a jambo,

13/05/2008 15:50:53
2 hearts scottish cup winning teams were the opposition for robbies testamonial,tony robinson and the time team are on the case for the next member of hibvermin to have the misfortune to have earned a testimonial.
68

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 15:51:05
Phew I escaped the Profs brain scrambling device.

Personally I'd love the purse strings to be loosened just a bit at Easter Road as I said back in #18. Cant see us mounting a serious challenge without it to be honest and I'm a little fed up after 48 years supporting hibs waiting for a championship or something equally dramatic. Ive seen them finish 2nd a couple of times - no champions league in them days. I dont know how old the rest of you are but I'll wager youve never seen Hearts or Hibs win a championship.
69

Lenny,

13/05/2008 15:52:03
63 Prof

But Hibs ARE better than Hearts. Officially. As Jambos love to tell, when it suits them anyway, the LEague doesnt lie. And right now Hearts are not even good enough to be the best of the bottom 6.

So yes, Hibs are better than Hearts, no question at all really.
70

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 15:53:17
yes very clever #67. Cups are all very well but dont we all want more?
71

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 15:54:44
Like reeeeeallly sticking it to the Dark Side in the West
72

Lenny,

13/05/2008 16:01:44
# 71

Never going to happen Im afraid mate. Throughout the whole of Scottish Football history, take away a few years here and there, one of or both of the Old Firm have completely dominated Scottish Football. And this was before there was the HUGE different in wages etc we have now. Its not going to change. Hearts got themselves in completely incredible debt trying to compete and they still finished miles behind the eventual Champions.
73

vladamir romanov,

13/05/2008 16:02:38
lenny how can you say that cause, if hearts had won 3 more games away from home than inverness had then they would have got some more points th\an them but not hibs, also if hibs had lost 5 more home games they would have had 15 points less, but not less than they would have had if thwe had lost 4 homes and 4 aways, even still the would have had more points than rochdale who would have played leapfrog with motherwell if they had won all thier games and been in the same league as us..........

Now how many people are on the bus
74

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 16:05:41
be nice to think it could though - and occasionally we get close enough to touch it - both of us - surely it cant be that much more tricky to actually do it
75

Ghengis McCann,

Edinburgh 13/05/2008 16:07:16
#67 - your testimonials are better than our testimonials? We've seen some barrel-scraping by Yams around these parts recently, but that really is award winning stuff there.

Only last season we were being told that the Yams were too big a club to bother with the Numpty Cup, now all of a sudden you're bragging about the size of your TESTIMONIALS? C'mon, gie's peace.

#69 - aye, of course the league doesn't lie. Except of course when we are way up there and the Yams are nowhere. In which case, it's all an anti-Vlad conspiracy and the league is telling whopping porkies. In Vlad's real league, the Yams had already qualified for the Champions' League before Christmas, you know!
76

Prof,

13/05/2008 16:08:58
#68 Correct - I've seen Hearts blow three title challenges but never win.
#69 There's two approaches to coming fifth - the British "well" done or the Yank's "Sack that bum ". I go with the 5h/6th/7th - who cares - all cr@p.
77

Lenny,

13/05/2008 16:14:28
Prof,

No where at all am I saying that 5th place is good. although it could be 4th still of course.

All I am saying is that Hibs are better than Hearts. Which is fact. No more really needing said on the subject is there?
78

Neutral Observer,

13/05/2008 16:14:49
# 76 Prof

Wow, sacked for coming 5th. So coming 7th must merit the firing squad at least.
79

Neutral Observer,

13/05/2008 16:16:04
Or sent to Lithuania for a spell as assistant to the assistant coach?
80

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 16:16:49
Ye gods What a dramatic day - first i admit i agree with mad vlad - and now the prof- should I end it all now?
81

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 16:18:49
nah - hibs for the title!!
82

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 16:26:50
theyre coming to take me away
83

vladamir romanov,

13/05/2008 16:27:32
manx

agree with prof,
whiskey bottle of pills noose and a gun or the toaster in the bath
84

Neutral Observer,

13/05/2008 16:31:14
#68 Manxhibby

I am afraid Douglas that you are not going to see the purse strings loosened at Easter Road as long as Rod Petrie is running the club. There is a £10.0 million pound stand to be paid for in the next 12 months and that will put the club back in mortaged debt.

The windfall receipts on the transfer market are unlikely to be repeated in the near future, certainly not at the extraordinary level of the last 3 years:

£M

O'Connor 1.6
Riordan 0.25
Sproule 0.6
Thomson 2.0
Whittaker 2.0
Brown 4.4
Murphy 1.5
____
TOTAL SALES £m 12.35

Less Transfers in (1.35)

SURPLUS £m 11.00

So, after spending £4.5 million on the training complex, that would be a £3.5 million funding gap to build the new stand.
85

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 16:31:17
all at the same time i guess would make a good job of it - good bye cruel world
86

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 16:34:03
#84

I appreciate your well laid out appraisal of the situation

Ah well - theres always the hope that Sir Tom - who appeared on the rich football list at I think above number 50 might have a vlad moment ( only a moment mind)
87

Lenny,

13/05/2008 16:40:51
# 86

Have just posted another story but its relevant here. You have to remember that Petrie did spend big whilst in charge at Hibs. He signed off the signings of Sauzee, Latapy, Zitelli to name but a few. The result was some fantastic results but no cups, and 18M debt.

Thats is why Hibs wont splash silly cash again. It has been proven it doesnt work. Look at Hearts.
88

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 16:46:08
I know I know - but we dont have to put up with this maximum 3rd place forever - just a little cash splash pleease. Can we get a player Tom. Can we get a player Tom. Can we get a player Tom Can we get a player Tom Can we get a player Tom Can we get a player Tom.

Worked on me when the kids wanted a dog. Mind it took a little longer.
89

Jubilee,

13/05/2008 17:00:40
There's no use asking Tom - he has more important things to spend his money on than the contract of some overpaid, petulent "athlete" with a 50% chance of coming a cropper and enraging the fans.

Hibs won't see another penny of STF's fortune because that is how it should be. If we get the stadium right, the youth development right and the management of the team right success will follow. We can't spend more than we have and at the moment we don't have too much. That will change once the capital investment process is finished - patience isn't a virtue displayed by many football fans but in this case it is a necessity.
90

manxhibby,

13/05/2008 17:03:18
Thanks - thats the second reason to top myself after agreeing with prof. Thank christ the seasons almost over and I can get an ingestion of optimism over the summer.
91

Mike D W,

13/05/2008 17:30:23
#89 Spot on.

Hibs run a very tight ship, but still manage to produce a reasonable Top 6 football team, win the League Cup and develop their infrastructure through both the training ground and the stadium. Labelled by Hearts fans as unambitious.

Hearts splash a huge amount of cash, exist at the whim of some slightly deranged ex-submariner and have ONE very good season, only to sink to bottom 6 'glory'. Yet they have a monopoly on ambition.

I think not.

Yes, Hibs fans will have to be patience. Not a renowned quality in any football fans.

Yes, Hibs will meet setbacks on the way.

Yes, Hibs will sell players to larger teams, unfortunately including the Old Firm, but hopefully for a good price.

Lack of ambition? No.

The ambition for Hibs is to have a successful team on the park, competing in Cup competitions (yes, including the Scottish Cup), qualifying for Europe and, if possible, mounting a sustainable challenge to the might of the Old Firm. This is probably the ambition of all SPL teams outside the OF.

However, to do this we realise that we have to create a secure financial model, proper infrastructure, good youth setup to compliment the team on the pitch.

Hibs realised this a long time ago and are moving forwards toward their goals.

My questions to the more knowledeable Hearts fans would be:-

1. Why do you see the Hibs way of achieving their ambition as wrong?
2. If Hearts have another poor season, will it still be because of transition or will it be because the way your club is run is unsustainable?
3. How long will it be until the thought of coming 2nd in the SPL seems a very distance memory?
92

Dood,

13/05/2008 17:36:56
#91 - Spot on. Best post in a while.

In summary Hibs are finding their feet after staring oblivion in the face. Lose the debt, get the infrastructure right off the park and then in the future, self sufficiency will dictate that Hibs will find success. It's not rocket science in theory but it's difficult to achieve. And as we're achieving it, I reckon the current stewardship of the club are doing well.

In the meantime, a period of being patient is not a big ask.
93

kiwidoug,

22 In A Row 13/05/2008 18:31:45
For the upteenth time - did Zibby ever get into the Hibs Hall of Fame?

One of you must know!!!!!
94

Jubilee,

13/05/2008 19:05:21
It takes a certain degree of pretention to have a hall of fame when your "fame" as a club is a pretty limited. There is no greater vanity than considering oneself worthy of special recognition.

Hibs don't have a hall of fame but Hearts do.
95

Dood,

13/05/2008 19:07:05
#94 - Oooohhh wow!! What a big club you are.

Anyway, should you not be away now? Shouldn't you be away to the BIG game tonight?
96

Jubilee,

13/05/2008 19:14:44
My point is that Hearts "hall of fame" is held in the same regard as a Big Mac in a top restaurant. Its cheap, shoddily put together and a poor imitation of what its based on.

Hibs don't have one because self-gratification is a trait of the "Establishment" club in Edinburgh
97

Dood,

13/05/2008 19:17:00
#96 - Whoops, Gotcha now!

My humble apologies.
98

John H,

edinburgh 13/05/2008 20:06:09
7 Still waiting for a difinitive answer.
When was the decision made to finish a Scottish cup semi by extra time and if needed penalties? For those who are curious regards this the facts are.
Rangers v St Johnstone first ever semi to be decided in this way. All I am asking is when was the decision made? I have written to the SFA but received no answer, I have searched various sites to aquire the answer but to no avail. I am not looking for anyone's opinion, I am looking for a legitimate and difinitive answer. Given the fixture conjestion this season, has there been a one off decision made or is this to be the norm? Given the happenings of this weekend and the inability to access this information is it not possible that the real answer could be concealed from the fans. To me this stinks of opportunism and possibly favouritism to a particular club. Winning with no honour seems easy for the so called Old Firm and more so for their fans. Playing the game and adhering to the laws have never really part of their make up as winning is all that matters to them.
Can anyone give me a date when a directive was circulated to the member clubs regarding extra time which is not just an opinion but factual?
Hope to hear from someone who knows the answer because the situation with the Old Firm and the SFA reeks of internal influence and outright favouritism.
The fans and I need honesty over this but I won't be holding my breath to long.
99

Jambo-ree,

13/05/2008 20:21:14
#91 Mike - Interesting to see you defining Hibs as a 'reasonable top 6 team'. You finished 6th last season and could easily do so again not having won a game since the split and scored precious few goals. This makes you a pretty cr@p top 6 team.

Admittedly better to be in the top 6 than outside of it (as we are for the first time since the split was instigated) but please save us the hyperbole about being a reasonable top 6 team - you're just the whipping boys and if that is the limit of your ambition then I hope you're happy with it.

A supporter of team that has not won the SC for 107 years really is not in a position to ask questions about distant memories!
100

Jubilee,

13/05/2008 20:32:27
As Hibs realistically only need a point for 4th (assuming United and the Sheep get beat by the OF on the final day) and as the top 6 teams other than the OF have been pretty inconsistent in general, "average" is just about right. Last season Collins played youngsters in the last 5 games of the season (and was rewarded with 4 points from the OF in the last 2 games).

The fascination the Hearts fans have with our depolorable Cup record is flattering but ultimately irrelevant with the point you're trying (and failint) to make. Still, nothing like doing a "Dode Foulkes" and making irrelevant digs to really water down any credibility your argument might have.

Your team are currently being outplayed by a team who's entire wage bill is less than Laryea Kingston's. I'd be more concerned about that if I were you.
101

Jambo-ree,

13/05/2008 20:42:34
#100 Oh I'm concerned alright, have no fears about that. But again, you're assuming you're going to take something from Aberdeen. If they win they you WILL be 6th (again) and that's not even an 'average' performance. So you took 4 points from the OF and STILL finished 6th? What does that tell you?

No digs in my previous post, just facts.
102

Jubilee,

13/05/2008 20:49:45
The reference to the Scottish Cup was a dig I'm afraid. If I were to finish my post with 7-0 6-2 blah blah that would also be a dig - I choose not to because it isn't relevant.

We play Motherwell on the last day of the season at home - a team who will be celebrating no matter what and a team we beat last time they came to ER. We might not get a point but I don't think Aberdeen will win at Pittodrie either which means at worse we finish 5th and if Celtic thump United we finish 4th on goal difference. I'm not too bothered either way.

I'd expect an improvement next season with less significant player departures than we had last summer and the opportunity for Mixu to form his own team.

And yes, I think we'll finish above Hearts because I believe you will have significant player departures and won't have a manager to form his own team.
103

Jambo-ree,

13/05/2008 20:56:24
Well, let's face it you have fewer significant players this season. Looks like