Beleaguered John Hughes gets sympathy from Tynecastle manager

JOHN Hughes has what it takes to turn Hibs' fortunes around, according to Jim Jefferies. The Hearts manager, who had Hughes on his playing staff when he was boss at Falkirk, said he was sure his Easter Road counterpart's strength of character would mean he was able to deal with the pressure which is mounting on him as a consequence of a string of bad results.

"John has the character to come through this, there's no doubt about that," Jefferies said. "They have just got to make sure they stick with him.

"I heard him say the other night that this is September and the season finishes in May. He got them to May last year in fourth place and into Europe for the first time in six years.

"So why is everybody panicking about September? They could easily go on a run of games."

Jefferies appears to share Hughes' belief that Hibs are doing most things right, and that if and when they strike a little bit of luck their confidence should come flooding back.

"He has said he believes his boys will come right and he just has to get them going," the Hearts manager continued.

"It just takes a game or a couple of games to change things. Confidence is a big thing in any sport. Right now their confidence is a little bit low, but last year at this time they were flying. If they get the confidence back and a couple of results they can do that again.

"John Hughes is the most determined character I have come across and he'll definitely be determined to get things right. He's always had that. I have known him a long time and every time he had adversity he has dealt with it.

"When I first brought him to Falkirk as a player he wasn't so popular and he had to deal with that. And he won them over through sheer determination. That's his biggest strength, and when it comes to a test of character there is nobody with any more than Yogi."

Hughes also found backing from his predecessor, the Kilmarnock manager Mixu Paatelainen. "It's totally unfair," he said. "Big Yogi is a hard-working guy, he's a very likeable guy, honest and straightforward.

"He did fantastically well last season, guiding Hibs to Europe. Sometimes you have a sticky start to the season.

"People have been totally unfair towards him but he will turn it around. I certainly hope so. Yogi is my friend, we played together and he is a likeable character. Other people's reaction is not justified at all."