Settled Hughes says 'I have the best job in Scotland'

Published on Thursday 19 November 2009 23:02

THE thrill of being back at Hibernian has not yet worn off for John Hughes and he yesterday dismissed any possibility that he might be a contender to replace George Burley as Scotland manager. According to Hughes, he is already ensconced in the best job in the country.

His response to the question being asked of every manager in Scotland would have met with prolonged applause from Hibs fans. Hughes has only been at Easter Road for six months. In that time he has led his side to third place in the league, and within sight of the Old Firm. He wants to continue reviving his boyhood heroes and so yesterday added his name to the growing list of those who have asked not to be considered among the candidates to succeed Burley.

"I am not interested," he said. "I have worked ever so hard to get myself this job. And I want to be here for a right good number of years. I have the best job in Scotland. Trust me on that."

But Hughes' kiss-off sentiment was supplied with rather more sweetness than the one delivered to the Scottish Football Association from Graeme Souness, who noted that no manager in the world could make much of the present crop of Scottish footballers. Hughes is a fierce patriot and has previously stated his desire to work within the Scottish international set-up. But while an ad hoc role as an assistant coach would attract him, there is nothing out there likely to deflect him from an aim to turn Hibs into a force in Scottish football again. "It (the Scotland job] is something I might look at down the line again," he said. "But it's a good ten years away. It would be a great honour to manage my country. But not now."

Hughes likes the thought of a Souness or Kenny Dalglish taking over at the helm of Scotland, but appreciates that both have distanced themselves from the post. Also on his own short-list is John Collins, a predecessor of his at Hibs and also an old friend.

"I think it is a great job for someone," he said. "George has lost his job. Being a manager, you don't want to see that happen. I have a great respect for George. I have got to know him really well and he has given me good advice.

"Can we go down the foreign route again?" he asked, while contemplating prospective candidates. "They are right on our doorstep in my opinion. Some are of a good age to get it, like Jim Jefferies and Billy Brown. Then there's also John Collins. Yes, he's a friend of mine. I would admit that. But he is very innovative and would get respect from the players."

Hughes also sent a message to Gordon Smith, the SFA chief executive: "The manager's out there – just make sure you pick the right one."

If the only quality required was enthusiasm Hughes would walk into the Scotland job. There is nothing to suggest he might not one day lead his country. He has steadily built up his reputation as a coach at first Falkirk, and now Hibs. He even gets a hit from the Scottish winters.

"I am very patriotic about my country - I just love it," he said. "And I love this time of year. You get a real buzz. It's about time we started talking our game up."

International football was high on Hughes' agenda yesterday, with the manager alert to the disappointment that exists in his squad as players begin to arrive back at the club. Injury meant Liam Miller did not travel to France with the Republic of Ireland squad, but Anthony Stokes, who featured in the squad but did not play, is due back today. Abdessalam Benjelloun and Merouane Zemmama had their own disappointment to contend with having failed to quality for the African Nations with Morocco.

"Liam is gutted, absolutely gutted," said Hughes, with the manner of the Republic of Ireland's exit in Paris having made it a particularly bitter pill to swallow.

"Coming back here to the dressing room means he is probably in the right place. The boys have been ribbing him. Stokesy will come back tomorrow and I will have to put an arm round him and see what his mind-set is."

Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba will be the only player representing Hibs next summer in South Africa, and Hughes was praying that he returns home from the 2-2 draw with Germany in midweek in good condition, with this weekend's trip to play St Mirren in mind.

"If you look at Hibs' record over the years, we have never seemed to do well in Paisley," said Hughes. "Hopefully we can put that right. But I think St Mirren will be the dark horses this year. I think they will get a top six place.

"To beat them we will have to be at our very best. But I expect us to be at our best. That's the demand I put on the players."