Hibs: Final Answer

Alison Mackie, Myreside: "We have the players to achieve third place, but can John Hughes turn it round? Only if he accepts that other managers have produced teams that stop Hibs playing in the now rigid manner that he dictates, his tactics have to be more flexible and allow players to perform in their own positions.

"Currently we have Derek Riordan at left midfield. No good. Sol Bamba at centre half, not his best position and John Rankin, Lewis Stevenson, Liam Miller and Kevin McBride as the midfield. Not good as all teams always have five in there against us and, if Hughes can't see this and change his tactics, then we won't make third spot."

Ian Garratt, Wardie: "After the week we have endured it's all down to the players to produce their early season form to at least have a chance of third. No more backstabbing and everyone has to pull together. If we can show the rest of the football world we are strong mentally to overcome this slump, then we have a chance. If we end the season third, unbeaten in the last eight games (we have already had an eight-game unbeaten run this season), then we can go in to next season's campaign with a confident and positive outlook."

Jim Henderson, Muirhouse: "If we can regroup and the players can get their form back then we're only a couple of points off third and we play Dundee United in midweek. A result there and we are geared up for what comes to face us after the split."

Hugh Templeman, Bathgate: "The fans are hurting, and the only way that the players and manager can repay them is to get third spot. Most fans would have given up a top-six place for a Cup win but as that has now been conceded tamely, it's up to Hibs as a club to regroup, rally the troops then get out on that park and prove they are worth our support, and by bagging third spot it will finish the season off well. We have the skills, we have the ability but do we have the bottle? It's up to Hughes and his players to prove that to us all."