John Hughes hopes Hibs turn tears into cheers on emotional day in Leith

Published on Thursday 25 February 2010 22:23

WHILE a giddy mixture of nostalgia and emotion will undoubtedly hang in the Easter Road air tomorrow afternoon, John Hughes hopes any sorrowful frowns have turned to jubilant smiles come full-time.

Victory over St Johnstone, to avenge their biggest defeat of the season against the same opponents ten days ago and put their European tilt back on track, is important to the Hibernian manager. But, for various reasons, a home success will mean so much more to all connected with the Edinburgh outfit. "It's a poignant day, very nostalgic," confirmed Hughes, so neatly.

If the week for those of a green-and-white persuasion has been harrowing given the deaths of Easter Road heroes Alan Gordon and Bobby Smith, more tears will be shed as the fans' favourite East Stand holds its final match tomorrow before being torn down.

Hughes, the Leith-born Hibee, who has completed the remarkable transition from supporter, defender, and captain to manager, knows more than most the significance of the day. He, like so many, wants to remember it fondly, for the right reasons.

"Obviously, we've just lost two of the Hibs legends," he said. "I knew Bobby a little bit better. I always reminded him of that, his big head of hair, his great smile and he was the most humble boy.

"In terms of Alan, he was a qualified accountant – a football player with brains. All our condolences go to their families and it would be a nice if we could go and get a result on Saturday for these guys.

"Also, with the East Stand, that's the place I used to get in, over the wall. We all used to meet down at the bottom underneath the floodlights. I'm quite sure there are guys who have stood in the same position, sat there for a number of years. Hopefully we get the win to wave goodbye to the stand."

At Hughes' unveiling last summer, he spoke in passionate terms of his love of the East enclosure, where he marvelled at his heroes – Ralph Callachan, Alex Cropley and Pat Stanton. His mind yesterday also drifted back to the summer of 1990 and the 'Hands Off Hibs' rally, as fans united against Wallace Mercer's plans to merge them with Hearts.

"Remember Joe Baker kissing the turf? I was standing on the terracing with all the Leith boys," he beamed. "We all have memories, but you need to move on. I've seen the plans for the new (6,400-seated) stand to complete the stadium and if it replicates the atmosphere that comes out then onwards and upwards."

Gordon and Smith will be acknowledged in a tribute before the game, and players will wear black armbands. Hughes hopes the spirit of the occasion lifts his charges, their three-game losing slump leaving them just a point ahead of Dundee United.

He added: "I try and instil the history of the club into the dressing room, but it's up to them to have that pride and appreciate being here. I think Ian Murray sat with his old man in that East terracing. It's good we have these guys, they play with a real passion. That's what you're trying to instil at any club.

"Let me pick three right at this moment – Everton, Aston Villa, Birmingham. There is a real siege mentality there, a one-for-all attitude and that's what we're trying to do as well."

St Johnstone will fancy their chances of upsetting the script, victorious twice against Hibs this season. Hughes, who admitted he picked the wrong team in Perth for last week's 5-1 reversal, has been pouring over the video with his squad. He wants a reaction.

"The game over after ten minutes," he admitted. "I can sit here, say we're sitting third in the league, still in the Scottish Cup, but it's an absolute kop out. We're coming into the business end of the season, it's time to roll the sleeves up and make sure we pick up as many points as we can."