Last year, it was the resurrection of the Straiton proposal. This time, it was the announcement that Tony Mowbray had been appointed the new manager of Hibs.

My initial, admittedly all-too-hasty, reaction to the news was one of disappointment (possibly, because he wasn't even on the radar, never mind the list of potential candidates, during the weeks of frenzied speculation). Now that I'm back home, however, and after some quiet meditation (or should I say medication), I have found myself seriously warming to the idea of
Mogga occupying the hotseat. F**** sake, I would even say my enthusiasm is back!

If he delivers even half the game he has talked since landing the job, then we could be in for some exciting times ahead. While Mowbray will always be remembered as a rugged, uncomprimising centre-half, he has come across as an articulate, forward-thinking young manager who seems to recognise the traditions and expectations of Hibernian and their supporters, and has placed an emphasis on bringing  entertaining football back to the Leith San Siro. Easier said than done I know, but it's a good start.

His smooth PR skills are a far cry from Boaby's and while results will always speak louder than words, I think he deserves the FULL backing of the Hibs support from the start. Give the man a chance.

I've heard some supporters mention warily that his reputation has taken a bit of a dent from the jobs he has been KBd for down south, at Hartlepool and Blackpool for instance, but for me that's irrelevant. Obviously, his face did not fit at either of these clubs, and hopefully that will transpire to be their loss. The Hibs board have obviously been hugely impressed with
what he has got to offer, and while events in recent months don't allow me to place any great degree of trust in the Big Lebowski and his fellow directors, I also like what Mowbray has to say and I feel he might be the refreshing change that we badly need.

He seems to be a keen student of the game, has a bit of style about him, and plenty of charisma. He's also come here with an open mind and has promised to apply that same open mind to his search for an assistant. It's got to be better than simply cramming the dugout full of faceless Largs Mafia types. I also saw one interview where he stressed that he doesn't want a No 2 who's simply going to agree with each and every one of his ideas - he wants someone he can bounce ideas off and someone who has the bottle to stand up and disagree with him when necessary. It will interesting to see who that assistant will be - but please, let's not have the same circus of endless speculation that surrounded the search for Boaby's successor. I don't think
I could take it!

And so, in a few short weeks, Mogga's work will begin in earnest. A couple of quick weeks training, and straight in at the deep end - the Intertoto Cup!!

Seriously though, I think the players - particulary the younger members of the squad - will be rejuvenated by a man of the stature of Mowbray. For me, his Celtic connection is simply not important (just as Boaby's Rangers connection was never and issue), and I wish him all the best in carving out a reputation for himself as a Hibs legend. God knows, we need one.