The green Glasgow invasion
Hibs fans from all over the world set to descend on Hampden in huge numbers…

HIBS FINALLY RELEASED DETAILS REGARDING THE NUMBERS OF TICKETS applied for by Season Ticket and CIS Cup Semi Final stub holders last night as the fans from around the world tried to ensure that they could meet today's deadline for getting their applications in to secure a ticket for the final which is just over two weeks away.  With just under 22,000 tickets applied for to date, the national stadium is set to be turned into a sea of green and white as Hibbies from all round the globe make their way to the club's first Cup Final since May 2001.

Speaking on the official website last night, Director of Communications and Marketing Colin McNeill was clearly delighted in the way that Hibs fans had responded to the call to Stand Up And Be Counted, although with Hibs record of reaching finals in recent years, that was never going to be in any doubt.  ”I am delighted with the way the whole operation is going and would like to offer special thanks to the ticket office staff who have worked long and hard to ensure everything goes smoothly. The deadline for Season Ticket holders was yesterday (Wednesday 25 February) but we are happy to allow an extension of that for those few that didn’t manage to get here in time."  With just hours left for those that are applying for a ticket on the back of being at the semi final, McNeill was able to provide details of when the remainder of the 30,000 tickets originally applied for will be on general sale.  "The public sale will commence at 7.30am on Tuesday 2 March 2004 and at the moment we look like having around 8,000 to 9,000 tickets available for issue. It looks like that sea of green is going to become a reality!”

A repeat performance from the Hibees looks certain  (hibs.net)

A thought must go out to those working in the ticket office just now who are putting in an enormous amount of work, including substantial overtime this weekend, to ensure that everyone is seen and that tickets will be available on time this week for personal collection in the North Stand concourse from Wednesday or via Recorded Delivery.

Meanwhile Bobby Williamson is set to keep both the Livingston management team and Hibs fans guessing on his starting line-up for the final.  With Gary Smith playing in Monday night's Under-21 game without any adverse reaction and Colin Murdock due back in training, the Hibs boss could have a much changed squad available for the Hampden trip.  "I have a good idea of what I want to go with but it won’t necessarily be the same side as plays this weekend.  Saturday may be our last SPL game before the final, but it doesn’t represent the players’ last chance to stake a claim for Hampden.  We have a couple of under-21 games in the two weeks before the final if we need to chase anyone’s fitness while I can also organise further closed-doors matches if I feel it is necessary."

The forthcoming Under 21 fixtures could see Hibs giving another trial to radio communications between the manager and the players!  Alan Reid revealed that he wore one of the trial systems during the recent clash with Rangers at Easter Road and was reasonably happy with the way that it went.  "Already a lot of managers sit in the stand and pass instructions down to the dug-out according to what they are seeing or have someone sitting in the stand passing messages down to the touchline.  Perhaps something like this might work at places like Ibrox and Parkhead where, because of the noise of the crowd, managers and coaches find it difficult to get instructions passed onto the pitch - particularly to players on the opposite side of the park.  You also couldn’t have all 11 players wired up, that would make it impossible and I also think you’d need to find a more suitable earpiece to wear as having it taped in isn’t ideal.  Overall, though, it was a worthwhile exercise. Whether or not we try it again will be up to the manager. If he feels something like this can help make the team better then that will be his decision."

Hibs have also confirmed the details of the final fixture change which has been caused by making it through to the final.  With the original League card showing Hibs travelling through to East End Park on Saturday 13th March, Dunfermline have agreed to move the game back to Tuesday 13th April with a 7.45pm kick off.