Hibs boss calls for unity in final Euro push

HIBS boss John Hughes today urged the club's supporters and players to stick together as they enter the final push for a European place.

Fans were outraged after Colin Nish reacted to criticism at the end of the Edinburgh derby by claiming in a newspaper interview that only five per cent of the club's fans knew anything about football.

However, Nish yesterday admitted that he had been wrong to speak out against those in the stands and issued an apology through the club's website.

Hughes says that should be the end of the matter and insisted that his side cannot afford any negative reaction from the supporters to Nish at Fir Park tomorrow night.

He said: "I feel for big Nishy. I think that he's probably spoken when the adrenalin was still pumping after the game. He was as disappointed as the rest of us and he's come out with those comments in the heat of the moment. Everybody is hurting at the result and the way that the last few games have gone.

"He's a great guy to have around the place, he works hard and to be honest, I think that a lot of the work that he does goes unnoticed. He's the guy who does all the chasing back and every ball that we put into that box, he is the one likely to get his head to it.

"He's apologised for what he said and that's the end of it, the best way that he can answer everyone now is to go out and score tomorrow night for us.

We need everyone to be behind us and everyone to be pulling in the same direction."

In his statement Nish said: "As a lifelong supporter of the club, the team's recent results have been disappointing for me – as they have been for all supporters – and that frustration led to me making comments that I immediately regretted.

"Now I would like the opportunity to set the record straight and apologise to the fans for any upset caused."

Meanwhile, Hughes was delighted to see the Under-17s lift the East of Scotland Shield at Easter Road last night after beating Hearts 2-1.

Goals from Daniel Handling and Ross Caldwell gave Hibs victory and Hughes said: "I'm over the moon for the boys, it was great to see them getting the cup last night. I've got to know these boys well over the last few months and they deserve everything that comes their way because they work so hard."