Most Hibs fans are still behind me, says John Hughes

JOHN Hughes insists he has the backing of all but "one or two" Hibernian fans ahead of what he admits is one of the biggest games of his managerial career.

Hibs manager and lifelong supporter Hughes has been subjected to ever-increasing criticism at the end of a debut season which promised so much but threatens to end in severe disappointment. Saturday's Edinburgh derby defeat was a sixth in a row, the club's worst run of form for 13 years.

They have also won only two of their last 16 games in all competitions to leave what appeared to be certain qualification for the Europa League hanging in the balance. Losing tonight's penultimate Clydesdale Bank Premier League game at Motherwell will end their hopes of finishing fourth, while giving arch-rivals Hearts the chance to overtake them for fifth.

A poll on one of Hibs' most well-known fan websites this week showed almost two-thirds of respondents wanted Hughes out. But the 45-year-old is certain their views do not reflect those of the vast majority.

Asked how confident he was that supporters were still behind him, Hughes said: "One hundred per cent. I think it'd only be one or two.

"I think Hibs supporters know their football. I think they know it's a work in progress."

Hughes pointed out Hibs had already bettered last season's achievements but admitted March's Active Nation Scottish Cup defeat to Ross County may have coloured the views of his detractors. "If they sat back and analysed it, they'd say, 'By the way, that's not a bad first season'," he said. "Aye, the Scottish Cup brings a real disappointment and a little bit of pressure, because we had that opportunity."