Yogi's excited by prospect of big crowd as Falkirk visit Hibs

Published on Wednesday 25 November 2009 08:36

JOHN HUGHES is licking his lips at the prospect of Saturday's game against Falkirk attracting the biggest crowd of the season at Easter Road thanks to initiatives which have been given a massive thumbs-up by the Hibs boss.

The first game in nearly a month at Easter Road looks set to be watched by a bumper crowd and not only because Hibs are sitting third in the SPL thanks to a great opening to the season.

The match is the second of four games designated as 'Hibs Kids' matches which will see youngsters up to 14 years old gain free admission providing they are accompanied by an adult and also collect their ticket from the Hibs Ticket Office before 5pm tomorrow.

On top of that, Saturday's crowd also looks set to be boosted by the growing impetus behind Hibs Reunited, a supporter-led initiative between Hibs.net, the Supporters' Association and Hibees Bounce.

It is asking Hibs fans who attend games regularly at Easter Road to take along a friend to a game who perhaps hasn't been to watch Hibs for some time.

While the game against Celtic earlier in the season attracted 14,221 – the biggest crowd of the season so far at Easter Road – just under 14,000 turned up for the last home game against Aberdeen.

However, helped by the two initiatives, Hughes is hoping his side could be cheered on by more than 15,000 fans for the visit of his former club this weekend.

"There really is some great work going on behind the scenes at this club and these two initiatives have to be applauded," said the Hibs manager.

"I reckon the Hibs Reunited scheme might add 1,000 to the gate and, if we can get 500 youngsters coming along through the Hibs Kids initiative, then we might be talking about a crowd of 15,000-15,500 on Saturday. That would be great as it would create a cracking atmosphere and my advice for the fans would be 'get there early'."

Meanwhile, Hibs season ticket holders are being asked to contact the club if they have not yet received their new access card.

To enter the stadium, season- ticket holders should hold their card ready to show the turnstile operator with the barcode facing up and toward the operator. The operator will have a hand-held scanner to read and authenticate the barcode.

The club are advising West Stand season-ticket holders to arrive as early as possible on Saturday to facilitate a smooth entry into the ground. South, East and North Stand holders should use their existing season-ticket books as usual this weekend.