Hibs fans vent displeasure over new home strip

HIBERNIAN yesterday announced they are honouring the Famous Five after launching their home kit for the new season. But the controversial design has not gone down well with some fans, many venting displeasure on an online supporters’ forum.
By DARREN JOHNSTONE
Published 4th Jul 2014, 01:08 BST
Hibs defender Paul Hanlon models the new kit. Picture: Malcolm McCurrachHibs defender Paul Hanlon models the new kit. Picture: Malcolm McCurrach
Hibs defender Paul Hanlon models the new kit. Picture: Malcolm McCurrach

Dispensing with the traditional white sleeves, the club have opted for a “solid” bottle green shirt, white shorts and black socks. The legend “Their memory marches on” is spread across the left shoulder.

The look is meant to replicate the kit worn between 1923 and 1929 when the Famous Five – Gordon Smith, Bobby Johnstone, Lawrie Reilly, Eddie Turnbull and Willie Ormond – were born. The celebrated five, regarded as some of the club’s greatest players, helped Hibs win three league titles from 1948 to 1952, an era when the jersey had white sleeves.

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Just 24 hours after chief executive Leeann Dempster said in an open letter to fans that she was concerned about season-ticket sales, supporters took to Hibs.net to express their views on the new strip. One, under the name of Hibee_Dave said: “Slap in the face after slap in the face after slap in the face. Nice idea but it’s cheap looking c***.”

BroxburnHibee added: “If they wanted to honour them then why not the strip they wore????” Portyhibernian said: “That’s not a fitting tribute to the famous 5, all that is is a training top with a Hibs badge chucked on it.”

The kit, on sale from this morning, is to be worn against Vale of Leithen tomorrow in Hibs’ opening pre-season friendly and new manager Alan Stubbs’ first game in the dugout.