Hibs manager Shaun Maloney has thanked the Easter Road fans for their patience and support as he tries to implement changes at the Hibees – and hopes to repay them tonight with a result against Motherwell.
The new Hibs boss has been in charge for five weeks and has made a steady start to life as a manager but is well aware of how important having the fans on board is too.
While there have been some grumbles – particuarly after the Scottish Cup slog against Cove Rangers – fans are buying in to what Maloney is trying to do and he’s hoping that the performance against the Steelmen leaves the fans happy.
“The fans have been very good and really supportive,” Maloney said. “There is a real sort of appreciation of what the players are trying to do. It’s very different from what’s been asked of them before, but the fans are going to be vital moving forward.
“I must give them something that they’re proud of and we’re 5 weeks into that process. I think the fans understand it.
“Hopefully, they are as patient as they can, but immediately they have been really good. I want to give them more positive feelings.”
A win for Hibs would see them leapfrog Motherwell in fourth place in the table but defeat for Maloney’s side would leave them sitting five points behind the Steelmen.
If there is a repeat of the sluggish performance that came against Cove, Hibs could be in real trouble – but there is enough quality at Maloney’s disposal to avoid that.
Most importantly for the Cabbage though is getting the win and if that comes with a sloppy performance, there won’t be many Hibs fans complaining.
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