Talk of the Town: Chips were down for Hibs players

FORMER Hibs captain Pat Stanton has – literally – lifted the lid on life at Easter Road during his 13 years and 680 games by revealing what was under the saucepan lid when the club provided players' lunches.

Writes Pat in his new book Hibs Dream Team by Black and White Publishing: "We would have chicken, steak or fish. I didn't think there was much to find fault with. I was wrong. Team-mates were sure the mashed potatoes being served were of the instant variety. I was told to tell the manager his players wanted 'real tatties'.

"When I told the manager (Bob Shankly) there was silence for what seemed half an hour. 'No change,' he said."

So much, then, for that old joke about football teams planting potatoes on the ground during summer so that they'll have something to lift the next season!

Joey's mean margarita is in the mix for Mexico

IT USED to be the navy you joined if you wanted to see the world – now it seems the way to become a globetrotter is to be able to mix a mean margarita.

Fresh from his attempts to win the World Cup and become a champion cocktail maker in New Zealand, Tigerlily's Joey Medrington is hoping to land a jaunt to Mexico, by winning the first Cazadores Hunt in Edinburgh and reaching the UK finals in London.

Taking place today, the contest is hoping to find the finest bartender from 27 entrants.

Planning nightmare

THERE are times at planning committee meetings that councillors look like they would rather be anywhere else than the City Chambers.

And for some, it seems that place would be in their bed.

A final decision on Network Rail's proposed tram and rail interchange at Gogar recently had to go before full council for approval because of planning laws.

Labour councillor Eric Milligan, a member of the planning committee, didn't seem entirely pleased to be discussing the issue again.

Recalling the planning meeting a few weeks earlier, he told councillors: "It was a hot afternoon, the deputations were long and the speeches were longer. Frankly, I had difficulty keeping my eyes open."

White House to bleak house

HE'S probably the most powerful man on the planet so who better it seems to share a flat with.

According to a new survey, almost one in five students in Edinburgh would choose to share a pad with President Obama.

Somehow though, we can't imagine Mr Obama doing the washing up and putting the bin out.