Hibs boss calls for calm in derby heat

JOHN HUGHES claims he was conned when he played in his first Edinburgh derby - and hopes he's not left seeing red in his first as a boss.

The Hibs' boss, above, was sent off early in the second half of his derby debut at Tynecastle 13 years ago.

As he prepares to lead his side back to the scene of the crime on Saturday, he warned them not to get sucked in by the atmosphere.

He said: "I was sent off in my first derby after Stephane Paille conned referee John Rowbotham.

"There was a scuffle in the box, I came running back and he said something so I just patted him on the head.

"He went down, but I should have known better and not got involved.

"So it's important we just go and play our style of football and not get involved in anything.

"It's not always a great game but it's just good to be involved in them, whether it's as a player or a manager.

"Sometimes these game are settled by a piece of individual skill or a bit of luck.

"Look at the last derby when Hibs were decimated by injuries but went there and won 1-0."

Hughes loved playing in the derbies, none more so than when Hibs won 3-0 at Tynecastle a decade ago.

Dirk Lehmann, Kenny Miller and Franck Sauzee scored that day and Yogi said: "That game sticks out for me. From early on, it was just all Hibs fans' cheering. Being Leith born and bred, I know what it means to the supporters.

"I can't remember my first derby as a fan but I've been at quite a few as a supporter. We all stay in the same city and, for 90 minutes on a Saturday the rivalry can get intense but after that, we all live together and work together.

"The bottom line is that the two teams need each other and it's good for Scottish football to have two strong Edinburgh teams.

"Come Saturday, it's down to who wants it. If it goes your way, it goes your way, but there's an added edge to it because of what it means to the supporters.

"You have to make sure that your football does the talking on the day, simple as that. I loved playing in derbies but, for me, it's only good when you win."

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