Hibs eager to ‘put bee in their bonnet’

Josh Campbell celebrates his derby goal at Easter Road on 27 DecemberImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Josh Campbell celebrates his derby goal at Easter Road on 27 December

Hibs sit fifth, 19 points behind Hearts. David Gray’s side are in a tussle with Motherwell to finish fourth, which would guarantee a place in the Conference League qualifiers.

Making up points in that mini-race is likely to be an afterthought for most supporters at the weekend, though.

When Hearts suffered final-day heartache in 1986, losing out on goal difference to Celtic, a meagre crowd at Easter Road celebrated wildly as their team fell 2-1 to Dundee United and finished eighth in a 10-team division.

Albert Kidd scored both Dundee goals that day as Hearts faltered and a decade later received the player of year accolade from a Hibs’ supporters group in Australia.

“If we can put a bee in their bonnet and stop them from doing what they want to do, then that is what we want to do, naturally,” Hibs defender Warren O’Hora reported last week, politely picking his words.

Hearts will cross the city having picked up just one point from their past four games on the road.

Hibs won the last derby on their own patch, a 3-2 thriller in December, when they spurned a chance to go 4-0 up early in the second half and ended up clinging on.

Gray’s side were unbeaten at home in the derby last season, with a win and a draw, while Hearts have been victorious in only one of their past seven league visits.

“Sunday is a big one,” Murray added. “That is Hibs’ chance to dent their hopes. I hope Hibs win that, obviously.”

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What do other Hibs fans think?

Schadenfruede plays a huge part in footballing rivalries, so are Murray and Taylor out of touch with how Hibs fans are feeling? Or are there a few who could handle an almighty title party on the other side of town?

We put the question ‘would you like to see Hearts win the league?’ out there and here are a selection of the (useable) replies…

Brian: I always reported that I’d like for someone outside the Old Firm to win the league, but now that there’s a real possibility of Hearts winning it, I realise that I meant anyone but them!

Neil: I don’t think Hearts need to win the league to improve Scottish football. The fact the Old Firm haven’t run away with it this season is good enough. The main thing is to create more of a level playing field, which is what has happened this season at least. Hearts are in with a shout but the last thing I want is for them to win it!! Hearts winning the league would be to Hibs fans what 1966 is to Scotland fans.

Rob: It would be good for Scottish football for someone out with the Old Firm to win. But personally don’t care if Hearts do it, tbh.

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George: As a Hibby, I come from the same place as Andy Murray. We need to beat them this coming weekend in order to progress our hope for European football next season. However, that reported, it would be great to see the Old Firm hold on Scottish football broken, even if only for one year, because they will buy their way back to the top as they continue to out-earn the rest of Scottish clubs.

Murray: I think it’s a bid sad that most Hibs fans would rather see Celtic or Rangers win the league. Anybody but the Old Firm is my motto and still is as a lifelong Hibs fan. Hearts winning would shake things up, it would also pull Hibs up to improve.

Iain: Yes and no! Nice to see someone else win league, think Hearts have done well but unfortunately let themselves down recently. Rangers to win I think.

Gary: Absolutely not. It’s been a long time since Rangers won it so talk of “Old Firm dominance” is a bit skewed when it’s really just been Celtic winning it, bar once, for the last dozen plus years. So I’d far rather see Rangers winning it again than Hearts, if we are just hoping for a change.”

Mark: It’s quite embarrassing for Scotland that only two teams have won the league in over forty years, but, obviously, Hearts are the last team any Hibby would want to win it instead. However, if Hearts breaking through the glass ceiling leads to other teams, especially Hibs, winning the league in the near future, it might be good for everyone in the long run. Scotland needs more big teams, with bigger stadiums, putting in a challenge.

Graeme: Eh, No.

Related topics

  • Scottish Premiership
  • Scottish Football
  • Heart of Midlothian
  • Football
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