The rollercoaster of expectation and emotion has never been more noticeable than this season at the Leith San Siro. We have a team playing some of the finest football since the days of the 6-2 victory over Hearts, not only has it been good, it’s been consistent. There are still blips in the learning curve of Tony’s Young Team but together they are becoming a force to be reckoned with.

It wasn’t so long ago that one defeat would’ve taken weeks for both the players and the fans to get over. The defensive frailties have been, for the most part, sorted out although Simon Brown does still like to keep us all on our toes with the occasional fumble. We’re spoiled for choice in midfield and even without regulars Glass, Beuzelin and Murray (Ian) the team have kept up the good work. Up front we have arguably the deadliest strike partnership in Scotland, maybe even Britain, as both Garry O’Connor and Derek Riordan look well on the way to bagging more than 20 goals apiece. Not bad considering that Derek is playing almost as a winger.

O’Connor looks lean enough to be mistaken for his striking partner and has regained the touch and pace that seemed to desert him last season. In Riordan we have someone who is not afraid to shoot from anywhere and is never far from the target. He’s also the dead ball specialist we’ve needed since the retirement of Franck Sauzee.

Sadly, with Hibs fans being what they are, there are still some who are not happy, if indeed they ever were. This season they’ve been spoilt by the quality of the performance on display and any performance that’s not quite up to the set standard is mercilessly ripped apart by a fickle support. What they don’t seem to realise is that the sort of performance Hibs gave against St.Mirren was still miles better than anything witnessed under Bobby Williamson (the CIS Cup run excluded). If that’s Hibs playing poorly, then give me that any day. If you thought that was bad you should try watching Dunfermline or Kilmarnock regularly!

Let’s hope that by the end of the season we Hibs fans have something to smile about and an excuse to find the key to the trophy cabinet. Now where did we put it…?

The Cat

=^..^=

2 March 2005