“If you’re proud to be a hibby, proud to be a hibby, proud to be a hibby clap your hands” Cue everyone present throwing their hands together to make a clapping noise.  A lot of the time this was a show of defiance – we’re Hibs fans, and we’re not afraid to let you know it.  But now it’s slightly different; a feeling of sheer pride.  A pride in knowing that when fans of other clubs realise that you support Hibs, they feel a tinge of jealousy.  I’m not saying they want to become Hibs supporters, but they feel jealous in what our club have, and what our club have done recently.

Thursday night had a huge effect on me.  I’ve seen good times and bad at Easter Road, and stayed faithful over the piece – but recently apathy set in.  I hate to say it but I just didn’t really care anymore – that’s why I wasn’t there, and haven’t been present for a long time.  Players that went through the motions, not knowing how blessed they were, directors and such types looking like they were just trying to milk money from the club, and a manager that didn’t seem to grasp what it meant to be manager of Hibernian Football Club.  They didn’t seem to care, so why should I?  I had had my fill.

I thought nothing could awake my passions in Hibs anymore.  Oh how wrong I was.  And I don’t mean the fact that we got to the final.  If we had lost I would still be writing this piece for you now.  The showing against Rangers had a profound effect on me – for the first time in ages I lost my voice shouting about football!! 

The spirit every single one of those players showed at Hampden reminded me how lucky I am to support Hibs.  ‘This is what it’s all about’ I told myself.  “GIT IN THERE HIBEES” Bugger – I’ve woken the bairn up!

Dyed in the wool, born and bred, cut them and they’d bleed green, run through a brick wall for the team hibbys – every single one of them.  Daniel Andersson, Swedish international?  Nah.  After his reactions with the Artita penalty save, it was Danny Anderson fae Leith.  Right?!  Mathias Doumbe?  French?  Heard it!  Matthew Doumbe, season ticket holder until he was 15!  Well, you get what I mean!

There’s clearly a feeling of unity amongst the squad, and they will fight for each other when need be.  I was well impressed when young Thomson squared up to Ross after the blue neds altercation with Edge, I just wish he knocked the wee nyaff out!  And seeing Boaby and the bench go bananas makes me think that maybe they do realise what it means to manage our club.  And of course his dedicating the victory to young David Alexander showed real class.  To remember the lad in such a high emotion moment brought a lump to my throat. 

The final against Livingston is exactly only what the players deserve, but the fans deserve it too.  Believe me, you guys who went to the game were heard a lot more on TV than the great unwashed were.  Celtic fans, best in the world?  Are you kidding me?  It’s piss easy to support a team that’s doing well.  Supporting a team who is not is the hard part.  You should all take a bow.  I lost my faith in the church of Hibernian a wee while ago, and I thought I would never get it back.  I thank every single Hibs player who was on the park, Boaby, and you shower of noisy gets!

All together now: “IF YOU’RE PROUD TO BE A HIBBY, PROUD TO BE……..”

GGTTH

John Knox.

Oh.  I’ll just add.  I’ve stated before that I won’t be a gloryhunter and attend the final.  I couldn’t do it.  But I am getting my season ticket for next season after a couple of year’s absence, and will go to all the games this season when I can wrangle Saturday’s off.  I’m going to Stand up and be Counted too!