‘I’m working players hard’, says Hibs caretaker Brown

The caretaker manager has vowed to instil his own ideas if he is still in the role on Saturday, which will be his first match in charge.

Brown assumed control after Colin Calderwood was sacked on 6 November and Hibs have already announced plans to hold a pre-match media conference with the former Hearts assistant at the helm on Thursday.

Brown, who has been tipped in some quarters for the job on a permanent basis, told Hibernian TV: “I’ve got my own ideas and if I’m here to pick the team then I’ll pick the team I think is right.

“I’ve been here a wee while now and I think I’ve got to know everybody’s best and worst points.

“I know what is required and one thing this team hasn’t been is competitive enough.

“One thing I’m intent on doing is making this team more competitive when we play Kilmarnock.

“The players have got to start playing. Basically what’s been happening at East Mains over the past few days is a lot of hard work.

“We’re preparing for Kilmarnock and I’m just working the players as hard as I can. So lots of hard work, but hard work never killed anybody.”

Hibs go into the game one point and four places above the bottom of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. Their previous game, a 1-0 home loss to Dunfermline Athletic, was followed by fans’ protests against the board and chairman Rod Petrie in particular, and there was more evidemnce of dissatisfaction at the club’s AGM.

But Brown, who joined Hibs two months ago, has called for unity on Saturday.

“The game against Kilmarnock is a big test for everybody associated with the club,” said Brown who had eight years at Rugby Park, one of many assistant manager roles he occupied alongside Jim Jefferies. “The supporters play a massive part in that. I know things haven’t gone well and people pay their money and they’re entitled to criticise.

“But I think with the situation we’re in at the minute we need to get everybody behind the team.

“In the stands and particularly on the pitch, everybody needs to realise that all that counts now is Hibs getting results and the supporters play a massive part in that.”