Hibs duo Stevie Mallan and Ryan Porteous seem to have differing opinions on how the fans will feel if they win the Edinburgh derby.
This is a massive match for both Hibs and Hearts, with both sides struggling in the bottom six. Hibs have won one of their opening five games, whilst Hearts are rock bottom.
Some Hibs fans want Heckingbottom gone, but Mallan believes a win would win the supporters round.
He told the Scotsman: “You have to win. You can lose three or four matches, but win that (the Edinburgh derby) and the fans are back on your side.”
Porteous, however, has a different opinion. Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News, he said: “If we can win and get what we want, I don’t think all will be forgiven but it will be a great stepping stone to where we want to be.”
A Hibs derby win would only paper over the cracks
Make no mistake, despite Hibs’ poor start to the season, they should be beating Hearts. The Jambos are on a wretched run of form, picking up just 28 points since October 28 last year.
Whilst the Hibees are on a downward spiral, it’s not as bad as the situation at Tynecastle, not yet anyway. A defeat would bring about unimaginable fury from supporters.
A win though will only paper over the cracks. This will be Hibs’ easiest game yet and it’s at home. They need to be winning games like this if the top six is still the target this term.
What will win fans over is consistency. A victory over their capital neighbours must be used as a platform to better things, not just a flash in the pan result.
Porteous is on the right lines. A derby win won’t appease everyone, but it’ll be a step in the right direction.