Athens by night - a
Hibee spectacular!
Hibs fans fewer in number but
still making an impact on Athens - JOHN
CAMPBELL reports from the Greek capital
ATHENS ON 12 SEPTEMBER 2001 had a certain party atmosphere to it but then that's hardly surprising as there were upwards of 1000 Hibs fans singing in the streets as they drowned their sorrows at the prospect of having travelled so far only to have the game postponed.
Athens one week later was a somewhat different kettle of fish. Less than 300 Hibs fans had returned for the rearranged tie and they were spread somewhat more thinly on the ground but don't let that fool you intro thinking a good time was not had by all!!
Starting my night off, in the company of Jack Anderson and his brother Rab together with Douglas Andrews we met in the bar of our 5 star Hotel, the Intercontinental.
There we met Dougary Scott and Grant Stott and shared a few beers and some thoughts on how things might go against AEK
(tough life this reporting for Hibs.net lark!!).
Dougary told me: "I reckon that although they seem like they might be a good team, so are we and we have a chance over the two legs, to get a decent result and progress into the next round." This view met with the approval of Grant Stott who added:
"I think Eck McLeish has built a team that could surprise a few folk again this season"
Fewer in number perhaps, but last week's Hibee party in Athens continued
last night! (hibs.net)
Bidding farewell to our celebrity mates, Jack, Rab, Douglas and I headed for the Plaka where we had a really nice meal in very pleasant surroundings. That done we decided to head for the Metropole Bar in Cathedral Square, knowing that Hibs fans would be in attendance there as they'd basically taken the place over just a week before. Sure enough, as we approached I spotted a few familiar faces and so we joined them and settled in for the night.
I asked Alison Campbell how she thought the game might go. "2-1 for Hibs" was her optimistic reply and partner Jim Ross was not inclined to disagree;
"It'll be that or 1-1" he suggested. Next to offer their thoughts was Alex
(Lixx from our Messageboard) who suggested: "I think AEK might win 2-1 but that we'll win the tie over all. Whatever happens I'm sure the fans will enjoy their night at the Stadium"
Husband Derek, who's actually from Aberdeen and supports the Dons, added: "I'm a Don but I'm delighted to be here in Athens following the Hibs"
As the beer flowed and the songs got louder I managed to get the views of both Jockodile and Frank Clark of Stanton Branch, both of whom thought it would be a close game and both of whom wanted to say that all the Hibs fans they'd seen and met that week were fine ambassadors for both Club and Country.
Good to hear that from the guys. Final words to Stelios who is a waiter in the
Metropole: "I am like you, I want my team to win. I think it will be hard for Hibernian although we are a new team with a new Manager. Watch out for our striker Nikolaidis as he is very good. Also, we are good with free kicks near the goal, just like your Sauzee!!"
And so back to my hotel to prepare for my stint on the Grant Stott show - looking forward to that!
As I left the Metropole it was to the strains of "Hibees, Hibees" as sung by the replica top wearing staff under the instruction of Alison and Jim!!!
What are we like??
|
