Hibs boss relishes unpredictable path of SPL campaign

The former Scotland star has seen a string of eye-raising results since succeeding John Hughes as manager at Easter Road, his own side causing something of an upset by beating champions Rangers at Ibrox only days after a miserable derby day defeat. So far this season, the top flight has been littered with surprise results such as SPL new boys St Mirren beating Dundee United at Tannadice, Kilmarnock winning 3-0 at Tynecastle and Inverness Caley crushing United on Tayside to go along with draws at both Ibrox and Celtic Park.

The upshot is a league table with a distinctly unfamiliar look to it with Caley riding high in fourth while Killie, the favourites for the drop before a ball was kicked, have enjoyed a renaissance under Mixu Paatelainen to sit sixth.

Under Calderwood, Hibs have, as they were when Hughes was in charge, been on the receiving end along with the rest as they've struggled to find any measure of consistency, those successive wins over Rangers and Motherwell having been followed by a defeat in Inverness and a dire goalless draw with St Johnstone. But, while he'd obviously rather have seen Hibs pick up more than the 15 points they've managed thus far, Calderwood firmly believes the fact the outcome of so many matches cannot be predicted can only be good for the league.

He said: "I think it adds to the enjoyment and anticipation. I've enjoyed it, every team we have played against has been well organised and with a game plan which has made it very interesting."

And he believes it will be no less so on Saturday when Hibs travel to face Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park, a venue they twice left empty-handed last season. Accies enjoyed a draw at Easter Road earlier in the season and, again, Calderwood is anticipating another close-fought encounter.

He said: "Hamilton are a team which can pose problems, they have one or two very interesting players which makes Saturday an attractive game."

Meanwhile, Hibs legends Lawrie Reilly and Pat Stanton will be at the club's superstore between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday along with author Ted Brack to sign copies of their respective books for supporters.

HIBS' clash with Dundee United at Easter Road on Wednesday, December 29 will now kick off at 7.15pm.