Hibernian F.C.

infobox football club
clubname = Hibernian
current = Hibernian F.C. season 2008-09


fullname = Hibernian Football Club
nickname = Hibs
Hibees
The Cabbage
founded = 1875 (as Hibernians)
ground = Easter Road,
Leith, Edinburgh
capacity = 17,500
owner = flagicon|SCO Sir Tom Farmer
chairman = flagicon|SCO Rod Petrie
manager = flagicon|FIN Mixu Paatelainen
league = Scottish Premier League
season = 2007–08
position = Scottish Premier League, 6th
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body1 = 1A732F
rightarm1 = FFFFFF
shorts1 = 1A732F
socks1 = 1A732F
pattern_b2 =
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pattern_ra2 =
leftarm2 = 1A732F
body2 = fff000
rightarm2 = fff000
shorts2 = fff000
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Hibernian Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. Along with their rivals Hearts, they represent the city in the Scottish Premier League. The club was founded in 1875 by Irish Catholics,Crowther, Stuart. [http://www.hibs.co.uk/news/more.php?id=A944_0_1_0_M "The Origins of Hibernian - 3"] , Hibernian F.C. official site. ] but this identity has been downplayed to the point where support for the club is based on location rather than religion. Hibernian's Irish heritage is still reflected, however, in the club's name, colours and badge.

The club's name is usually shortened to Hibs. [The address of the fc|Hibernian official site is is www.hibs.co.uk] [http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/scotnick.html Scotland - Club Nicknames] , Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. ] The team are also called "Hibees" (pronounced "high-bees") and the "The Cabbage", [http://www.midfielddynamo.com/clubs/clubs_nicknames.htm Top 10 Club Nicknames (British)] , Midfield Dynamo. ] a shortening of the rhyming slang for Hibs of "Cabbage and Ribs", by the club's fans. Hibs supporters are known as "Hibbies" (singular: "Hibby").

Home matches are played at the Easter Road stadium, which is all-seated and has a capacity of 17,500. [http://www.scottishgrounds.co.uk/hibernian.htm Hibernian] , Scottish Football Ground Guide. ] The club has played at Easter Road since 1893, having previously played at Hibernian Park. Hibernian has won the Scottish league championship four times, most recently in 1952. The club has won the Scottish Cup twice, but not since 1902.Black, Jim. [http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2251647,00.html Hibs' Cup of woe adds to strife of Reilly] , "The Observer", 3 February 2008. ] The last appearance in the Scottish Cup final was in 2001, where the team lost 3–0 to fc|Celtic. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scottish_cup/1343842.stm Celtic lift cup to complete Treble] , BBC Sport, 26 May 2001. ] The last major trophy won by the club was the 2007 League Cup, when fc|Kilmarnock were beaten 5–1 in the final.Lindsay, Clive. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/6456647.stm Kilmarnock 1–5 Hibernian] , BBC Sport, 18 March 2007. ]

History

Foundation and early history

The club was founded in 1875 by Irish-born football enthusiasts from the Cowgate area of Edinburgh, who named it Hibernians Football Club, which means "Irish Football Club". The name is derived from Hibernia, the Roman name for Ireland. James Connolly, the famous Irish Republican leader, was a Hibs fan during this period. [Vallely, Joanna. [http://sport.scotsman.com/hibernianfc/God-squad-signs-up-to.2798179.jp God squad signs up to play host to Hibs past] , "Edinburgh Evening News", 4 August 2006. ] There was some sectarian resistance initially to an Irish club participating in Scottish football, but Hibs established themselves as a force in Scottish football in the 1880s. In 1887 they became the first club from the east coast of Scotland to win the Scottish Cup and they then defeated Preston North End in a match described as the "Association Football Championship of the World Decider". [ [http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football-news/2008/01/23/on-the-record-86908-20294852/ On The Record] , "Daily Record", 23 January 2008. ]

Mismanagement over the next few years led to the demise of Hibernians, who became homeless and ceased operating during 1891. A reformed club called Hibernian was established and they acquired a lease on a site in late 1892 that was to become known as Easter Road. Hibernian played its first match at Easter Road on 4 February 1893.Campbell, John. [http://www.hibs.co.uk/news/more.php?id=1447_0_1_0_C Origins of Hibernian - New Beginnings] , fc|Hibernian official site. ] Despite this interruption, the club today views Hibernians and Hibernian as one continued history and therefore counts the honours won by Hibernians, including the 1887 Scottish Cup.

A significant change at the time of the club's reformation was that players were no longer required to be members of the Catholic Young Men's Society. Hibs are not seen today as being an Irish or Roman Catholic institution as it was in the early years of its history.Kelly, John. [http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/35861602-53459094/content~content=a778574287~db=ai~order=page Hibernian Football Club: The Forgotten Irish?] , "Informaworld", May 2007. ] For instance, the Irish harp was only re-introduced to the club badge when it was last re-designed in 2000. This design reflects the three pillars of the club's identity - Ireland, Edinburgh (the castle) and Leith (the ship). Geography rather than religion is now seen as the primary reason for supporting Hibs, who draw most of their support from the north and east of Edinburgh. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/3148651.stm New capital groundshare plan] , BBC Sport, 13 August 2003. ] Spiers, Graham. [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article2797038.ece Edinburgh derby is the jewel of game in Scotland] , "The Times", 3 November 2007. ]

Hibs had some success after being reformed, winning the Scottish Cup in 1902 and their first league championship a year later. After this, however, the club endured a long barren spell until the Second World War, failing to finish high in the league. The notorious Scottish Cup drought began as they reached three cup finals (two in consecutive years), but lost them all.

The Famous Five

Hibs' most successful era by far was in the decade following the end of the Second World War. The forward line of Gordon Smith, Bobby Johnstone, Lawrie Reilly, Eddie Turnbull and Willie Ormond, collectively known as the Famous Five, is regarded as being the best forward line in the history of Scottish football. [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/bobby-johnstone-729354.html Bobby Johnstone] , "The Independent", 24 August 2001. ] The quality of the Famous Five is shown by the fact that all five players are in the top six of Hibs' all-time goalscorer list, and Easter Road's north stand is named in their honour.

Of the five, only Ormond cost Hibs a transfer fee, £1200 from fc|Stenhousemuir. [ [http://www.fatsandbald.freeuk.com/HallOfFame/FamousFive/WOrmond.htm Willie Ormond] , "Fats and Bald". ] Reilly, Johnstone, Smith and Turnbull were signed from youth or junior leagues. [http://www.hibs.co.uk/FamousFive.php Our Legends - The Famous Five] , fc|Hibernian official site. ] The first time Hibs used all five in the same team was on 21 April 1949 in a friendly match against fc|Nithsdale Wanderers. The forward line remained in place until 1955, when Johnstone was sold to fc|Manchester City. The great forward line, together with players like Bobby Combe and Tommy Younger, largely contributed to league championships in 1948, 1951 and 1952. The team were perhaps unfortunate not to win more trophies, as they finished second to fc|Rangers in 1953 on goal average and second to Rangers by a point in 1950.

First British club in Europe

Despite only finishing 5th in the Scottish League during the 1954-55 season, Hibs were invited to participate in the first season of the European Cup. At that time the European Cup was not strictly based on league position. 18 clubs who were thought would generate interest across Europe and who also had the floodlights necessary to play games at night were invited to participate.Wilson, Richard. [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article545013.ece European Union] , "The Times", 17 July 2005. ] Floodlights had been used at Easter Road for the first time in an Edinburgh derby friendly match against fc|Heart of Midlothian on 18 October 1954. [ [http://www.londonhearts.com/scores/games/19541018.html Mon 18 Oct 1954] , "London Hearts". ]

Hibs became the first "British" club in Europe because the Football League secretary Alan Hardaker persuaded the English champions fc|Chelsea not to enter into the first season of the European Cup. [Glanville, Brian. [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article385542.ece The great Chelsea surrender] , "The Times", 27 April 2005. ] In the 1956-57 season, fc|Manchester United became the first English club to appear in the European Cup. [ [http://www.europeancuphistory.com/euro57.html Season 1956-57] , "European Cup History". ]

Hibs played their first tie against Rot-Weiss Essen, winning 4–0 in the Georg-Melches-Stadion and drawing 1–1 at Easter Road. They defeated Djurgårdens IF to reach the semi-final, but in that tie they were defeated 3–0 on aggregate by Stade Reims, who had the famous France international player Raymond Kopa in their side. Reims lost 4–3 to Real Madrid in the final.

Turnbull's Tornadoes

Hibs frequently participated in European competition during the 1960s, famously winning ties against Barcelona [Leslie, Colin. [http://sport.scotsman.com/hibernianfc/Kinloch-still-treasures-shot-at.4182599.jp Kinloch still treasures shot at glory] , "The Scotsman", 13 June 2008. ] and Napoli. [ [http://sport.scotsman.com/hibernianfc/Classic-Match-Hibs-5-.3907874.jp Classic Match: Hibs 5–0 Napoli, 29 November 1967] , "Edinburgh Evening News", 24 March 2008. ] The club achieved little domestically, however, until former player Eddie Turnbull was persuaded to return to Easter Road as manager in 1971. The team popularly called "Turnbull's Tornadoes" finished second in the league in 1974 and 1975, and won the League Cup in 1972. The club also won the Drybrough Cup in 1972 and 1973, and recorded a 7–0 win over Edinburgh derby rivals Hearts at Tynecastle on New Year's Day 1973.

After the mid-1970s, however, the team's performances went into decline as Hibs were replaced by the New Firm of fc|Aberdeen and fc|Dundee United as being the main challengers to the Old Firm. Turnbull resigned as manager and Hibs were relegated in 1980. They were immediately promoted back to the top division in the following season, but the club struggled during the 1980s, failing to qualify for Europe until 1989.

Takeover bid by Hearts

After mismanagement during the late 1980s, Hibs were on the brink of financial ruin in 1990.Murray, Scott. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2001/may/03/sport.comment Merger memories] , "The Guardian", 3 May 2001. ] Wallace Mercer, the chairman of Edinburgh derby rivals Hearts, proposed a merger of the two clubs, which he believed would produce a club who could compete on a more even footing with the Old Firm. [ [http://www.hibs.co.uk/Club_History.php Club History] , fc|Hibernian official site.] Hibs fans, however, believed that the proposed merger was more like a hostile takeover, and they formed "Hands off Hibs" to campaign for the continued existence of the club. [ [http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_football.cfm?curpageid=417 Hands off Hibs] , Scottish Football Association official site. ]

The campaign succeeded when a prominent local businessman, Kwik-Fit owner Sir Tom Farmer, was persuaded to acquire a controlling interest in Hibs. The fans were able to persuade him to take control despite the fact he has no great interest in football. He has subsequently taken a "hands-off" approach to his ownership. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/6089742.stm Farmer content with Hibs backseat] , BBC Sport, 26 October 2006. ] Farmer was persuaded in part by the fact that an ancestor of his had been involved in the rescue of Hibs from financial ruin in the early 1890s. After the attempted takeover by Mercer, Hibs had a few good years in the early 1990s, winning the Skol Cup in 1991 and finishing in the top five in the league between 1993 and 1995.

Recent history

McLeish

Soon after Alex McLeish was appointed as manager, Hibs were relegated to the First Division at the end of the 1997–98 season. [Buckland, Simon. [http://www.sportinglife.com/football/scottishpremier/hibernian/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/98/05/02/SOCCER_Hibernian_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=hibernian Hibernian 1 Dundee United 2] , "Sporting Life". ] The club immediately won promotion back to the SPL as they finished 23 points ahead of second placed fc|Falkirk. Hibs consolidated their position in the SPL in the following season by finishing sixth. Hibs then enjoyed a very good season in 2000–01, as they recorded six consecutive victories in August and challenged the Old Firm until Christmas, eventually finishing third in the league. Hibs also reached the final of the Scottish Cup for the first time in 22 years, but lost 3–0 to fc|Celtic at Hampden Park. Unfortunately, this meant that McLeish attracted interest from other clubs and he departed for fc|Rangers in December 2001. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/1701609.stm Rangers unveil McLeish] , BBC Sport, 11 December 2001. ]

Sauzée and Williamson

Fans’ favourite Franck Sauzée was appointed as Alex McLeish's replacement, [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/1711001.stm Hibs choose Sauzee] , BBC Sport, 14 December 2001. ] despite the fact he had no managerial experience. A disastrous run of form followed [ [http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/11/06/the_joy_of_six_terrible_manage.html The Joy of Six: terrible managerial stints] , "The Guardian", 6 November 2007. ] and the club was being sucked into a relegation battle by the time he was sacked as manager in February 2002, after only 69 days as manager. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/1833764.stm Hibs sack Sauzee] , BBC Sport, 21 February 2002. ] Sauzée was replaced by Bobby Williamson, who proved to be unpopular with the Hibs support. [Moffat, Colin. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/3644519.stm Few Hibees will mourn Williamson] , BBC Sport, 20 April 2004. ] Despite this, a string of exciting young players including Garry O’Connor, Derek Riordan, Kevin Thomson and Scott Brown emerged. These players featured heavily as Hibs eliminated both halves of the Old Firm to reach the 2004 Scottish League Cup final, [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/3460147.stm Hibernian 1–1 Rangers (4–3 pens)] , BBC Sport, 5 February 2004. ] only to lose 2–0 to fc|Livingston. Williamson departed near the end of that season to manage fc|Plymouth Argyle.

Mowbray

Tony Mowbray was appointed Hibs manager in May 2004. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/3741809.stm Mowbray is new Hibs boss] , BBC Sport, 24 May 2004. ] He promised fast-flowing, passing football, with which he realised the potential of the young players who had come into the team under Bobby Williamson. Hibs finished third in his first season as manager and he won the manager of the year award from the Scottish Football Writers' Association. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/4505709.stm Hartson wins writers' top prize] , BBC Sport, 2 May 2005. ] Hibs got off to an excellent start in the following season, which prompted speculation that they could challenge for the championship. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/4388404.stm Mowbray delighted for Hibs fans] , BBC Sport, 29 October 2005. ] Injuries and the sale of Garry O'Connor to Lokomotiv Moscow [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/4752964.stm Lokomotiv complete O'Connor deal] , BBC Sport, 7 March 2006. ] exposed a lack of depth in the squad, which meant that the club finished a distant fourth in the SPL and were beaten 4–0 by Hearts in the Scottish Cup. Mowbray left Hibs in October 2006 to manage West Bromwich Albion. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/6043410.stm Mowbray leaves Hibs for West Brom] , BBC Sport, 13 October 2006. ]

Collins and Paatelainen

Hibs appointed John Collins to replace Mowbray. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/6097278.stm John Collins confirmed as Hibs manager] , BBC Sport, 31 October 2006. ] The team won the CIS Cup under Collins' management, but he then resigned during December 2007. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/7153893.stm Collins resigns as Hibs manager] , BBC Sport, 20 December 2007. ] His tenure saw the club sell star players including Kevin Thomson, Scott Brown, Ivan Sproule and Steven Whittaker. Collins blamed frustration over the lack of funds available to replace these players as his reason for resigning.

Former Hibs player and Finnish international Mixu Paatelainen was appointed as manager on 10 January 2008. Hibs were eighth in the SPL when he was appointed,Spiers, Graham. [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article3168684.ece Mixu Paatelainen ticks all right boxes but can he rescue Hibernian?] , "The Times", 11 January 2008. ] but improved results under his management ensured that they finished in the top six of the league for a fourth successive season.

Colours and badge

Hibs' main colours are green and white, which they have worn since the club was formed in 1875. [http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Scottish_Football_League/Hibernian/hibernian.htm Hibernian] , "Historical Kits". ] The strip typically has a green body, white sleeves and a white collar. The shorts are normally white, although green has been used in recent seasons. The socks are green, usually with some white detail. Hibs have used yellow, purple, black, white and a dark green in recent seasons for their alternate kits. [Morrison, Elaine. [http://www.hibs.co.uk/news/more.php?id=2765_0_1_0_C Away Kit Yellow Fever] , fc|Hibernian official site. ] [ [http://footballshirts.dk/group.asp?group=1196&sub=1181 Hibernian F.C.] , "Classic Football Shirts". ] [ [http://www.football-shirts.co.uk/fans/new-hibernian-0708-shirts_243 New Hibernian 07/08 Shirts] , "Football Shirts", 18 June 2007. ] The club first used an alternate kit in 1977 when television companies refused to broadcast their games if they used their home colours, which were being sponsored. [Bailey, James. [http://www.footballshirtculture.com/20080102984/history/football-shirt-culture-by-james-bailey.html Football Shirt Culture] , "Football Shirt Culture", 2 January 2008. ]

In the first few years of the club's history, Hibs wore green and white hooped shirts. This was the inspiration for the style adopted by Celtic. [Turner, Georgina and Dart, James. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2005/nov/23/theknowledge.sport Nicking the shirts off their backs] , "The Guardian", 23 November 2005. ] Hibs wore all-green shirts from 1879 until white sleeves were added to the shirts in 1938. This was similar in style to fc|Arsenal, who had added white sleeves to their red shirts earlier in the 1930s. [http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=The+Club&article=344300&Title=Kit+Design Kit Design] , fc|Arsenal, 21 March 2007. ] In 2004, the colour of the shorts was changed to a green which matched the shirts, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of a 2–0 friendly win in October 1964 over Real Madrid. [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0043/page04.shtml Hibernian reach the first European Cup semi-finals 1956] , BBC. ] Hibs wore green shorts in the match to avoid a colour clash with Madrid's all-white.Crowther, Stuart. [http://www.hibs.co.uk/news/more.php?id=A340_0_1_0_M Hibs kit tribute to class of '64] , fc|Hibernian official site. ] Hibs have worn green shorts in all but one season since 2004.

Stadium

Hibs played on The Meadows for the first two years of their history, [Lugton (1999), pp226-227.] before moving to grounds in Newington (Mayfield Park) [Lugton (1999), pp227-232.] and Bonnington Road, Leith (Powderhall) [Lugton (1999), pp229-230.] in different spells between 1877 and 1879. After the lease on Mayfield Park expired, Hibs moved to a ground known as Hibernian Park, [Lugton (1999), pp232.] on what is now Bothwell Street in Leith. The club lost the lease on that ground, which contributed to the demise of the old Hibernians club. [Lugton (1999), pp275.] The new Hibernian club obtained a lease on a site just off Easter Road in 1892 and have played their home matches at the Easter Road Stadium ever since.

Before the Taylor Report demanded that the stadium be all-seated, the ground had vast banks of terracing on three sides, [http://www.easterroad.com/ Hibernian Football Club (Hibs), Easter Road Stadium] , www.easterroad.com] which meant that it could hold crowds in excess of 60,000. Easter Road's record attendance of 65,860, which is also a record for a football match played in Edinburgh, [ [http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/sport/Magical-Bara-to-cast-spell.3310893.jp Magical Barça to cast spell before Hearts' record crowd] , "The Scotsman", 28 July 2007. ] [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/6920204.stm Hearts heading for a home record] , BBC Sport, 27 July 2007. ] was set by an Edinburgh derby played on 2 January 1950. [http://www.londonhearts.com/scores/games/19500102.html Mon 02 Jan 1950] , "London Hearts". ] [ [http://www.londonhearts.com/scores/images/goldpages/1950010205.htm Crowd picture] , "London Hearts". ]

The pitch was noted for its pronounced slope, but this was removed in 2000. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/scottish_premier/730435.stm Hibs bid farewell to slope] , BBC Sport, 29 April 2000. ] The ground is currently all-seated and has a capacity of 17,500. Besides staging Hibs matches, the stadium has played host to four Scotland international friendlies, all of them since 1998. The most recent international match played at the ground was a friendly played between Ghana and South Korea just before the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

During the club's annual general meeting in September 2007, Hibs told their supporters that they would hold a consultation process on the redevelopment of the east side of the ground, [ [http://www.hibs.co.uk/news/more.php?id=2717_0_1_0_C Supporters views are vital] , fc|Hibernian official site.] which began during April 2008. [ [http://www.hibs.co.uk/news/more.php?id=2696_0_1_0_C East Stand Consultation] , fc|Hibernian official site.] Hibs have announced plans which would mean increasing the capacity of the stadium to just over 20,000. After posting their accounts for the year ended 31 July 2008, Rod Petrie stated that the development was on hold until sufficient cash resources could be obtained to finance the project. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/7615752.stm Hibs accounts delay stand plans] , BBC Sport, 14 September 2008.]

Rivalry

Hibs' traditional local rivals in Edinburgh are Hearts. The Edinburgh derby is one of the oldest sporting rivalries in world football. [ [http://www.edinburgh-inspiringcapital.com/live/leisure/spectator_sports.aspx Spectator sports] "Edinburgh - Inspiring Capital"] Graham Spiers has described it as "one of the jewels of the Scottish game". The clubs first met on Christmas Day 1875, when Hearts won 1–0 in Hibs' first ever match. It wasn't until their five-game struggle for the Edinburgh Football Association Cup in 1878 that the two clubs became dominant in Edinburgh. Hearts won 3–2 after 0–0, 1–1, 1–1 and 1–1 draws. The clubs' most notable meeting occurred in the 1896 Scottish Cup final, which Hearts won 3–1.

The two clubs are of approximately equal sizes, as they have grounds with similar capacities and have both been champions of Scotland four times. Hearts have won more cup competitions and have the better record in derbies, with 269 wins to 195 in 604 matches. [ [http://www.londonhearts.com/scores/tea/hibernian.html Hibernian] , "London Hearts".] Approximately half of all derbies have been played in local competitions and friendlies.

Hibs recorded the biggest derby win in a competitive match when they won 7–0 at Tynecastle on New Year's Day 1973. The biggest winning margin in the derby was a 10–2 Hearts victory in a friendly match played on 12 August 1893. The biggest victory in a Scottish Premier League derby a 6–2 win for Hibs at Easter Road on 22 October 2000. Hibs' current manager Mixu Paatelainen scored a hat-trick in that game. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/985212.stm Six-goal Hibs break Hearts] , BBC Sport, 22 October 2000. ]

Supporters and culture

Irvine Welsh

The works of author Irvine Welsh, particularly "Trainspotting", contain several references to Hibernian. The team is often mentioned in casual conversation and is the team many of his characters support. Visual references to Hibs are noticeable in Danny Boyle's film adaption of Trainspotting. [ [http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/1996/feb/04/featuresreview.review Would the real Irvine Welsh shoot up?] , "The Observer", 4 February 1996.] Begbie wears a Hibs shirt while he plays five-a-side football. During the famous baby-on-the-ceiling/detox scene, many posters and pictures of Hibernian can be seen on the walls of Mark Renton's bedroom.

In the final short story of the trilogy "The Acid House", Coco Bryce, a boy from the "Hibs firm", is struck by lightning while under the influence of LSD in a Pilton park. His soul is transferred to the body of an unborn child from one of the more affluent areas of Edinburgh. [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/arts/writingscotland/writers/irvine_welsh/works.shtml BBC] ] The final scene of the film adaptation of Welsh's work shows Coco in the baby's body strapped to his mother's back with a Hibs top in the pub chanting "Oo to, oo to be, oo to be a Hibee".

In "Marabou Stork Nightmares", the main character, Roy Strang, hails from Leith and becomes a Hibs supporter, and then eventually becomes part of a Hibs firm.

Rebus

Hibernian are frequently referred to in the Inspector Rebus series of detective novels by Ian Rankin. Rebus himself is a Raith Rovers fan in the books, [ [http://www.mirror.co.uk/showbiz/tv/todaystv/2007/10/26/rebus-89520-20012661/ Rebus] , "Daily Mirror", 26 October 2007] but his colleague in the later books, DS Siobhan Clarke is a season ticket holder at Easter Road. In the 2006 television adaptation of the series, Rebus is a Hibs fan. [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIkGQkkiM8A rebus the hibee] , YouTube] Ironically the part of Rebus in the 2006 adaptation is played by Ken Stott, who is a Hearts fan. [ [http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=16458882&method=full&siteid=66633&headline=born-to-be-rebus--name_page.html BORN TO BE REBUS] , "Daily Record", 8 December 2005.]

"Heartfelt"

"Scotsman" writer and Hibby Aidan Smith wrote a book called "Heartfelt" that centred around his experiment of supporting derby rivals Hearts during the 2004-05 season. [ [http://news.scotsman.com/aidansmith/Openminded-odyssey-to-heart-of.2675564.jp Open-minded odyssey to heart of Edinburgh football] , "Scotsman", 5 November 2005] Smith said that he based the concept on the television shows "Faking It" and "Wife Swap", testing the hypothesis that someone could change many things in their life, but not their team. [ [http://www.booksfromscotland.com/Books/Heartfelt-9781841584225/Extract Extract from Heartfelt] , www.booksfromscotland.com] [http://www.hibs.co.uk/news/more.php?id=2753_0_1_0_C 'Heartfelt' to be staged at Easter Road Stadium] , fc|Hibernian official site.] Irvine Welsh described the book as "quite possibly the best book I’ve read about football or Edinburgh". [http://www.s1play.com/on-stage/editorial/2251.html True colours] , www.s1play.com] The book has been adapted for a theatre production, which has been staged at Easter Road during the 2007 and 2008 Leith Festivals.

Music

The Hibs anthem "Glory, Glory to the Hibees" was written and performed by Scottish Comedian Hector Nicol. [ [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hibernian-FC-Glory-Hibees/dp/B0000241BM Hibernian FC: Glory Glory to the Hibees] , www.amazon.co.uk] Former Marillion singer Fish is a Hibs fan, [ [http://www.the-company.com/email/e2007-03-27.htm Email 27th March 2007] , Fish official site] who talks about the club during concerts. Fish mentions Easter Road in the song 'Lucky', from the album "Internal Exile". The Proclaimers are "diehard" Hibs fans. [ [http://www.proclaimers.co.uk/2003/the_story.htm The Proclaimers : The Story] , The Proclaimers official website] The title track from the "Sunshine on Leith" album has become a Hibs anthem which is traditionally played before big matches at Easter Road and after the victory in the CIS Cup Final. [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkGxNxiN8rU&feature=related Hibs Fans sing Sunshine on Leith] , YouTube] In their song "Cap in Hand", also from the "Sunshine on Leith" album, The Proclaimers sing: [ [http://www.lyricsfreak.com/p/proclaimers/cap+in+hand_20111477.html Lyrics Freak] ]

cquote|"I can understand why Stranraer lie so lowly"

"They could save a lot of points by signing Hibs' goalie"

Current squad

:"As of 2 September 2008."

Out on loan

Noted players

Arthur Duncan holds the record for most league appearances for Hibs, with 446. All of the Famous Five — Gordon Smith, Eddie Turnbull, Lawrie Reilly, Bobby Johnstone and Willie Ormond — scored more than 100 league goals for Hibs, with Joe Baker the only other player to achieve that milestone. [ [http://www.hibs.co.uk/stats/Appearances_since_1960.php Player appearances for Hibernian F.C. from 1960 to the present day] , fc|Hibernian official site.]

Hibernian players have been capped at full international level for 18 different national teams, with 59 Hibernian players appearing for Scotland. James Lundie and James McGhee were the first Hibs players to play for Scotland, in a 1886 British Home Championship match against Wales. [http://sport.scotsman.com/football/Memorabilia-mixes-with-poignant-tales.4138731.jp Memorabilia mixes with poignant tales in new Easter Road exhibit] , "The Scotsman", 31 May 2008.] Lawrie Reilly holds the record for most international caps earned while a Hibs player, making 38 appearances for Scotland between 1949 and 1957. Joe Baker became the first player to play for England without playing for an English club.

Noted managers

Hibs did not appoint a manager before 1903 because they did not incorporate until then and the club was run by a committee. [Mackay (1986), pp98.] Hugh Shaw, Eddie Turnbull, Alex Miller and John Collins are therefore the only Hibs managers to have won major trophies, as one of the four league championships and both Scottish Cup wins were achieved while the club was run by committee. Willie McCartney took charge of part of the 1947–48 season, but he died in office on 31 January 1948. [Mackay (1986), pp156.] Bobby Templeton, Bertie Auld and Alex McLeish all won second tier championships.

Achievements

Major honours

*"'Scottish Premier League
**Winners (4): 1903, 1948, 1951, 1952
**Runners-up (6): 1897, 1947, 1950, 1953, 1974, 1975
*Scottish Cup
**Winners (2): 1887, 1902
**Runners-up (9): 1896, 1914, 1923, 1924, 1947, 1958, 1972, 1979, 2001
*Scottish League Cup
**Winners (3): 1972, 1991, 2007
**Runners-up (6): 1950, 1968, 1974, 1985, 1993, 2004

Minor honours

*"'Scottish Football League First Division [The Scottish Football League First Division is a second tier championship.]
**Winners (5): 1894, 1895, 1933, 1981, 1999
*Southern League CupThe Southern League Cup formed the basis of the Scottish League Cup, which started in 1947. Not every team entered the Southern League Cup, which was held during the Second World War, so it is not considered to be a full honour.]
**Winners (1): 1944
*Drybrough Cup
**Winners (2): 1972, 1973
*Summer Cup
**Winners (2): 1942, [The Summer Cup was contested in place of the Scottish Cup, which was not contested between 1939 and 1946.] 1964

Records

Attendance
*Highest attendance: 65,860 vs Hearts, 2 January 1950. [http://www.hibs.co.uk/Honours.php Club Honours] , Hibernian F.C. official site.]
*Highest average home attendance: 30,700 in 1951-52 season. [cite book| first=David| last=Ross| title=The Roar of the Crowd: Following Scottish football down the years| publisher=Argyll publishing| year=2005| id=ISBN 9-8781902-831831| pages=94]

Single game
*Biggest victory: 22–1 vs Black Watch Highlanders, 3 September 1881.
*Biggest competitive victory: 15–1 vs Peebles Rovers, 11 February 1961.
*Biggest league victory: 11–1 vs Airdrie, 24 October 1959 and vs Hamilton, 6 November 1965.
*Biggest defeat: 0–10 vs Rangers, 24 December 1898.

Caps and appearances
*Most capped player: Lawrie Reilly, 38 for Scotland.
*Most league appearances: Arthur Duncan, 446.

Goals
*Most goals: Gordon Smith, 364.
*Most goals in a season: Joe Baker, 42 in 1959-60.

Transfers
*Record fee received - £4,400,000 for Scott Brown from Celtic in 2007. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/6661737.stm Brown completes switch to Celtic] , BBC Sport, 16 May 2007.]
*Record fee paid - £700,000 for Ulises de la Cruz to Deportivo Quito in 2001. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/1377817.stm Hibs set to buy De la Cruz] , BBC Sport, 14 June 2001.]

References

*cite book| last=Lugton | first=Alan | title=The Making of Hibernian 1 | publisher=John Donald Publishers Ltd | year=1999 | isbn=0-85976-509-1
*cite book| last=Mackay | first=John | title=The Hibees | publisher=John Donald Publishers Ltd | year=1986 | isbn=0-85976-144-4

Notes

External links

* [http://www.hibs.co.uk/ Official club website]
*
* [http://sport.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=169 Hibernian news] from "The Scotsman"