Lewis Stevenson full of sympathy for troubled relegation rivals

AFTER the devastating news that their club had been put into financial difficulties and was unable to pay full wages on time due to Rangers’ administration, you would be forgiven for thinking that Dunfermline Athletic might not be inspired to do their best against Motherwell today.

Not surprisingly, the players at second bottom Hibs have been keeping an eye on events at the other relegation contenders across the Forth, and are wondering how feelings will be in the East End Park home dressing room today. Hibs entertain St Mirren at Easter Road just as the Pars take on high-flying Motherwell, and depending on results, relegation might seem more or less possible for either club.

Lewis Stevenson, for one, thinks Dunfermline’s embattled squad may have a similar reaction to the Hearts squad who rallied to the maroon colours when their pay packets were light or even non-existent earlier this season.

“It’s horrible to hear when things like that happen,” said Stevenson. “They’ve got mortgages to pay and people to feed. It’s not nice, but I’m sure they will get through it. It could probably galvanise you if you are all in it together and you try to not let the things outside affect you. It could be a positive on the pitch – although we’re hoping it isn’t. But we all hope they get it resolved as soon as possible.”

It is entirely apposite that Stevenson was concerned about fellow professional players’ dependants, as he has just acquired one. His fiancee Julia gave birth to their first child, a boy, by emergency Caesarean section the night before Hibs’ fine win at Kilmarnock last Saturday.

“There’s always that worry, especially when it’s your first,” said 24-year-old Stevenson. “I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s good and the missus and the baby are doing well. I was a bit tired going into Saturday’s game but adrenaline got me through it.”

In 1994, the Brazilian World Cup-winning star Bebeto famously celebrated the arrival of his son Matheus – now playing for Flamengo in Brazil – with a baby-rocking celebration after he scored against the Netherlands. Stevenson had wanted to emulate him.

“I was hoping to score so I could get the Bebeto out,” quipped Stevenson.

For those who record these sort of things, Stevenson’s son has been called after his dad – sort of.

“His name is Louie,” explained Stevenson. “Nine months to think up a name and I just called him my nickname...”

As Stevenson happily admitted to a lack of imagination, he was also ruefully assessing his lack of goals. “There’s more chance of me having another bairn before this match than scoring,” he joked.

“I scored against Inverness at Easter Road last year, that was my first goal after 120-odd games – so it’s not the best ratio. Obviously it would be a great end to the week if I could get a goal as well as a win – but the win’s more important for the team.

“You try to work on every part of your game and I’ve had a few chances in recent weeks, and I’ve heard people say that if you get in the right positions then the goals will come. I was through against Celtic and had a chance against Aberdeen, so I’m getting the chances, hopefully one day I’ll take them.”

Stevenson needn’t worry about scoring if he manages to maintain his recent impressive form centred on an exceptional work-rate down the left side. He said: “I’ve always really been in and out the team, so I’m enjoying the run of games. I’m feeling good and working hard.”

If a goal comes, however, he won’t have the problem he admitted to after scoring his first against Inverness when he hadn’t a clue how to revel on the pitch. This time, he’ll know how to celebrate – with a Bebeto, of course. Not surprisingly, the players at second bottom Hibs have been keeping an eye on events at the other relegation contenders across the Forth, and are wondering how feelings will be in the East End Park home dressing room today. Hibs entertain St Mirren at Easter Road just as the Pars take on high-flying Motherwell, and depending on results, relegation might seem more or less possible for either club.

Lewis Stevenson, for one, thinks Dunfermline’s embattled squad may have a similar reaction to the Hearts squad who rallied to the maroon colours when their pay packets were light or even non-existent earlier this season.

“It’s horrible to hear when things like that happen,” said Stevenson. “They’ve got mortgages to pay and people to feed. It’s not nice, but I’m sure they will get through it. It could probably galvanise you if you are all in it together and you try to not let the things outside affect you. It could be a positive on the pitch – although we’re hoping it isn’t. But we all hope they get it resolved as soon as possible.”

It is entirely apposite that Stevenson was concerned about fellow professional players’ dependants, as he has just acquired one. His fiancee Julia gave birth to their first child, a boy, by emergency Caesarean section the night before Hibs’ fine win at Kilmarnock last Saturday.

“There’s always that worry, especially when it’s your first,” said 24-year-old Stevenson. “I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s good and the missus and the baby are doing well. I was a bit tired going into Saturday’s game but adrenaline got me through it.”