Fans and players need to quickly get behind new arrival, says Pat Stanton

PAT Stanton has issued a rallying cry to Hibs players and supporters to get behind their new manager Colin Calderwood, and end a decade of instability at Easter Road.

The former Hibs captain and manager said yesterday's 5.15pm appointment of the former Scotland defender had "come right out of the blue", but he believes Calderwood might have what it takes to instil some harmony within the Easter Road squad. He also hopes the new arrival can cheer fans, who have become weary at the high trunover of managers at their club in recent years.

John Hughes parted company with Hibs a fortnight ago after a dismal start to the season, and before him John Collins and then Mixu Paatelainen left the club after relatively short stays in the job.

Calderwood is the first man since Tony Mowbray to arrive at Hibs with no previous connection to the club, and while Stanton rejects the notion that being a former player has any bearing on a manager's performance in the post, he does believe the Stranraer-born 45-year-old could be a breath of fresh air.

"What we need everyone to do is get behind the man," Stanton told The Scotsman last night. "The players, the crowd, every last one of us, have to get behind him and get Hibs settled again. There have been far too many comings and goings with managers and I hope this time it works out."

The name Calderwood was originally installed as the bookmakers' favourite when Hughes departed at the beginning of the month, but it was Jimmy of that ilk rather than Colin, who was first mentioned as a contender. Stanton admitted: "It was a big surprise and not a name that was really mentioned, but he was in for the job when John Hughes was appointed, and Hibs will have done their homework on him.

"At least he has two good games coming up to get to know the players before the first derby of the season against Hearts at Easter Road (on 7 November). Hibs have got Aberdeen and then Dundee United away, both very tough places to go, and that should tell him everything he needs to know about his players. For me, you always find out more about players when you are away from home. They need to roll their sleeves up and apply themselves that little bit more, because some of them are 'homers' and only feel comfortable in front of their own fans. Hopefully he's quick to learn and has them in shape by the time of the Hearts game."

Hibs' win against Kilmarnock on Saturday - overseen by caretaker duo Alistair Stevenson and Gareth Evans - was their first at Easter Road since March. Calderwood will definitely have the fans on his side if he makes it two in a row by doing what Hughes failed to do - beat Hearts.