Hughes feels humbled by Hibs fans' reaction

Published on Tuesday 23 June 2009 10:16

JOHN HUGHES has admitted he's been "humbled" by the warmth of welcome he's received on his return to Easter Road as manager of Hibs.

As a former captain of the club and a lifelong supporter himself, Hughes knew full well just how passionately fans felt about the Edinburgh outfit.

But even he has been taken aback by the homecoming he has enjoyed, one which sent sales of season tickets and the newly launched home and away strips soaring.

Although his squad of players were on holiday as he was revealed as successor to Mixu Paatelainen, Hughes threw himself into his new job, spending almost three hours working in the club shop as he took the opportunity to meet supporters.

Revealing he'd been stunned by the reaction of fans, he said: "I've been taken aback. I've never had that big ego, I've always been brought up to be humble and respectful.

"It has been humbling to see the reaction of supporters but it's also been vibrant.

"Everyone is starting to get excited although I think they realise we are going to have to dig deep to get it right on the pitch. That's my job and I'm looking forward to it."

Being Leith born-and-bred it would come as no surprise to find many Hibs fans are also personal friends of the new manager but, he insisted, he'll have to force himself to become divorced from all that.

He said: "It's great some of them are mates of mine and the welcome they've given me has been fantastic.

"As a fan, a former player and ex-captain I know what this club means to so many and it drives you on. But, while I have the same love for the club, I have to be able to stand back from it all, take an overview of what is going on and concentrate on the football. The infrastructure is all there, the support staff and the club has grown ten-fold since I was here as a player which is a credit to the board of directors.

"Doing well on the pitch is our over-riding aim but, as manager, part of my job will also be to get through to the players, everyone involved that we are all in it together, to make sure we are in and about the community, working on a close-knit bond between fan and player."

Meanwhile, Falkirk goalkeeper Dani Mallo has opened the door to join up with his old boss at Easter Road.

The 30-year-old Spaniard, whose current deal with the Bairns expires at the end of this month, said: "Hibs is a great club with history and passion and the coach already knows me.

"John Hughes opts for passing football and has passion to try and play the game in the same style as Barcelona."