Yes its been a while but work has led me far from access to technology again (well there was an internet caff but I was in no condition to be in such a public place) an I also made the trip tae Valencia fur the best 60 minutes dear Alba has had under Der Terriers tutelage.

By the way it was a craic an a half there, Spain is a great country tae visit anyway (i.e. cheap peeve an friendly locals) but theres usually something special about the fans that follow our national hero's tae these daft friendlies or out the way trips. Cutting a long waffling, though nonetheless riveting, story short inside the ground the atmosphere danced closely to the action on the pitch, there was fight, growl & determination all with a current of energy running through it.  Reminiscent of days gone by the Tartan Army an the hoardes of mercenary foot soldiers that attach themselves took over the ground in voice an spirit an proved yet again how formidable an opponent we are when mobbed up.  It was reckoned it took the divine intervention of some higher being to cut the lights an then open the heavens sluice gate to prevent embarrassment to our hosts on an off the pitch, well after drinking Spanish wine aw day most notions seem acceptable.  But what a great time tae play a match, 10ish at night, imagine derby games or even against the Hun being played at this hour, betcha attendances would be up somewhat, mind you so would probably hospital admissions an police arrests but hey if it means saving our beautiful game………………

Monday - 20th September

Fantastic picture on the back page of the ginger Judas listening to the sands of time running out on him.  Unlike previous occasions where he had some other ship to jump to it looks like Ecky has finally run aground, though apparently the manager at MK Dons is looking to move on so there may be an opportunity.  Oh aye by the way Eckmeister in response to the headline, we can write yous off already, in fact most of us have

But whats this? Hibs on the front 'cover' of The Winner, the Retards fantastic free 24-page guide to all the football action, will wonders never cease, are we actually getting recognised for the burgeoning talent of Scottish youth that seem to be making their way? Nah wait that would be maybe too much to ask for just now, its only coz we played one half of the Rantic an surprisingly there was a dubious linesman/refereeing decision, (which now according all & sundry was a correct refereeing one, damn I hate that when the weegies are right)

Onto the match report as we slide onto the regular middle pages for Rantic & opponents.  Overall we get a good rating, i.e. "in the end a draw was a fair result" was about the best the rag could offer.  I didn't actually get to see the game but due to some fantastic satellite trickery I managed to listen in to Radio Scotlands commentary and I could tell by the noise the Hibs fans were making that it must have been encouraging stuff to behold.  Nothing gets ma cockles tickled more than hearing raucous renditions of "We are Hibernian F.C./We hate jam tarts & we hate Dundee/….." so if you are reading this an were there, cheers ye make many a far off Hibby happy.

We even get the man of the match in Steven Whittaker (oh yeh no Larsson) an the Phantom Pie Hurler of auld Easter Road has struck again it seems! The linesman Francis Andrews was assaulted by various items according to the radio but in print it seems that a solitary local meat filled pastry delight wapped off his napper.  What was funnier was Virgin radios sports round up on Monday, 1st up was the European Ryder cup performance over the septic tanks (get it rite up yous) an 2nd was the Phantoms activity at the holiest of grounds.  Apart from the result this story prompted all the converted Hibbies doon here to have a chat with me as they checked to make sure "That'b your Hibs lot that done that wunnit?" We obviously have some kinda protest reputation at least in amongst the big smokes fitba fraternity, though they did all congratulate Hibs on giving it a go against the Sellick.

One bizarre thing that fills me with trepidation was the lack of mention of Deeks Riordan in the rag. His name was constantly getting mentioned (an pronounced incorrectly, fur fecks sake how man how) on the radio so am a wee bit para that his lack o mention in the weegies bible is some prelude to him being snatched from us. Deeks ma man if yer oot there, I can ask on behalf of all Hibs (an common sense) please forget yer possible career as a Rantic reserve player or as a forgotten Engerlish League 1 or 2 attacking midfielder for now. Gie us a few years an you develop yerself into the player we all deserve then if ye leave you'll surely be more of a finished article an a credit to yerself an where yer from. But you ken yerself you'll always be a member of the Hi-bees Family.

I cant not mention Thornton Hibs in their reported win over Carnoustie, just because well their Hibs!! But am no sure about the Killie looking strips!

Tuesday - 22nd September

More praise for our team, albeit fi Hibs fans, in the Hotline phone in. Cue more para attacks for me as I read into this as some coded reference from various players agents that they are "up for sale".  I text Hibs results an that every week to ma brothers an faither who are working in a few European mainland countries, one bro text back "Aye I reckon that Mowbray will b sound 4 hibs which means in 18 moons he'll b managin celtic". Its this doomsday type scenario wur used to by now, anything of quality disnae stick around for too long.  How ye wish that the present squad & management buck this trend an decide to dig in an make something of it for Hibs in the long term, ye can only dream but.

'back door' Yogi (as he's kent doon the YLT 20) has an interview printed, though more times spent praising Sellick than anything else. The bananny flats best ever player has alluded to his desire to possible managing in the engerlish premier league/division/ship/crucible. No so sure on that big man but mind you who in their right mind will argue wi you anyway!

Apart from the obligatory mention of Yogi being a former Hibby an that referee Dougie Mc Donald is in charge of the game against A/deen that's our collective whack fur the day.  Roll on the Scotland on Sunday

Until the next time mines a large voddie & coke

Easy

Jockney Green