New season, new spirit

New season, new spirit

Welcome back to the obsessive world of Hibernian FC.

After the disappointing 1-5 loss in the cup final to neighbours and rivals Hearts, and after just escaping relegation, it was obvious that Hibs had to change a lot of things for the new season.

The team also had to respond to the fans, who continue to show their strong support despite the poor performance of the players. This year there are 8,000 season ticket holders (socios), around 1,000 more than last year.

Eleven old players have left the club and five are on loan (cedidos).

Ten new players have joined the team plus two more on loan.

They include a new second goalkeeper; a player from Finland called Shefki Kuqi; Ryan McGivern on loan from Manchester City, a Northern Irish international who played against Portugal in October; and Jorge Claros, who recently played for Honduras in an 8-1 win against Canada after being given an international place because of his good play for Hibs.

One of the best of the new players, though he’s only on loan, is Leigh Griffiths, currently the top goalscorer in the Scottish Premier League. He has scored 11 goals so far this season. Hibs are trying to get his loan period extended.

So how is the team playing this year?

So far, we are unbeaten at home; we drew 2-2 with Celtic at their stadium in Glasgow; we lost in the Scottish League Cup to a second division team; we have twice been top of the league for 24 hours; and we’re equal top with Celtic at the moment.

Apart from losing in the Cup, it has been one of the best starts Hibs have had in many years! Something we have in common with Barça this season.

Top 3 Scottish Premier League 6/10/12
Team	Played	Goal Difference	Points
Hibernian	9	3	15
Celtic	7	6	14
Aberdeen	9	3	14

On Saturday 6^th October after beating Dundee 3-0 to go top of the table, Pat Fenlon the Hibs manager said, “Winning football matches gives you confidence. I don’t think where we are in the league is a real concern.” This type of modesty and realism is a good thing for the club.

Unfortunately, the next day Celtic won and they went top again.

Top 3 Scottish Premier League 4/11/12
Team	Played	Goal Difference	Points
Celtic	11	10	21
Hibernian	12	7	21
Inverness CT	12	5	18

On Saturday 3^rd November, we won 2-1 against St. Mirren to go top once again. However, Celtic again played on the Sunday and are first, but on equal points with Hibs. Celtic have a better goal difference.

Fenlon was again practical about the situation, “We’ll enjoy it but we are not shouting from the rooftops.”

Andy Murray has had a good year winning Olympic gold in the singles, silver in the doubles, and the US Open Grand Slam. Andy and his brother Jamie are both Hibbies and used to regularly go to matches. Since Andy has started to win, so have Hibs! I hope it continues.