Former Hibs favourite Jackie McNamara Sr has jumped to the defence of Hibs fans everywhere in light of Paul Heckingbottom’s recent comments.
The Hibees boss recently stated that ‘anxious’ fans had contributed to their side’s 2-2 draw with St Johnstone (Daily Record). It was a disrespectful comment as Heckingbottom looked to find reason for his side failing to win the match.
Heckingbottom has angered some fans. (photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
Now a former Hibee in the form of McNamara has questioned Heckingbottom’s comments and thinks he should make an apology after his post-match statements.
He told the Daily Record: “I watched the game live on Hibs TV from my home in Spain. You could hear the jeering and the booing from the Hibs fans and it was quite ferocious in places.
“I then read Paul Heckingbottom’s after match stuff online and I was astonished to be honest. The Hibs manager should not be having a go at the punters.
Hibs fans deserve respect according to McNamara. (photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
“They pay their money and they are entitled to let their feelings be known. The Hibs manager cannot afford to lose the crowd.”
As McNamara says, Heckingbottom can’t lose the Hibs support
McNamara spent nine years at Hibs and featured over 200 times between 1976-1985. If anyone knows what Hibs fans expect from their players, it’s him.
The comments were as disrespectful as they were bizarre. New comments from Heckingbottom have seen him lament offside calls that are costing the Leith side goals (Edinburgh Evening News).
He needs to understand their frustrations. (photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Heckingbottom has to stand up and take some accountability for poor performances. Decisions like playing Scott Allan on the right of midfield and dropped points at home will obviously annoy fans.
He can’t afford to lose them. Some have already had enough following his recent comments about the club’s supporters. If similar statements emerge, the whole fanbase will turn on him and might not be scared to let him know about that.
Supporters just want the best for their side. The good will they show towards Heckingbottom will start to evaporate if he continues to slate them in the media.