by Stuart Crowther

Date: 11th May 2002

We have a game tomorrow! .....but the 2001/02 suffering finally comes to an end! IN RECENT MONTHS IT SEEMED THAT THIS nightmare for Hibernian fans that has been the 2001/02 football season would never end, but tomorrow afternoon at around 4.45pm in Perth, Hibernian will finally troop off the park and put behind them a season that promised much and it seems delivered only pain! Paul Fenwick last night looked back on the season with the same disbelief felt by everyone else connected with the club.  After a superb year that promised a great future for the Hibees, the Easter Road side fell to the curse of the Old Firm challengers, following a season as best of the rest in the SPL with a dismal campaign that only demonstrated the futility of any non-OF club even attempting a sustained challenge in the SPL.  Changes are on the horizon, and like all professional footballers in Scotland Fenwick may not like what these changes bring, lower wages and fewer employment opportunities for footballers who for too long have perhaps had it all their own way. Fenwick found himself a victim of the rapid changes in management at the club that at one point, albeit briefly, threatened Hibs will relegation.  The Canadian international found himself out of the side when Bobby Williamson arrived, but he knew the score and understood exactly where the former Killie chief was coming from.  Fenwick said: "The gaffer did say when he came to the club that if the guys he selected did the job, then they would be in the following week as well.  He has been true to his word on that and I have no problems with the manager, although of course I would rather be playing but then so would other players." Fenwick found a way back into the side last time out against Dundee, and with Gary Caldwell doubtful for the trip to Perth looks again to be in the starting line-up against St Johnstone tomorrow. Fenwick - glad the season is over Our however is John O'Neil, protected by Williamson against any possible booking against his former club that would lead to a 2-match ban at the start of next season, while Frederic Arpinon is another doubt through injury.  This is likely to provide an opportunity at some point for youngsters Kevin Nichol, Alan Reid, Mark Dempsie and Mathias Doumbe - the last two of these seeking to show they are worthy of new deals this summer.  While the game is of the meaningless variety, Bobby Williamson insists his side go out on a high point, something underlined by Fenwick when he said: "I'll be glad to see the back of this season, but our only goal now is to win this game and finish on a high."  It remains to be seen just how many will be there to see such a finish, as most Hibs fans it seemed turned their attention away from football some weeks ago! These same fans will be looking ahead once again however, and planning how they will travel to Finland to watch Hibs in their pre-season preparations in July.  The club last night confirmed their destination and provisional dates and venues.  The club will be based in the northern Finnish city of Oulou, flying out on 19th July with game against Tervarit the day after, on 23rd v PS Kemi, 25th v Premier side VPS and 27th against FF Jaro, another Finnish Premier side.  The squad will return to Edinburgh on July 28th to prepare for the opening SPL match on August 3rd.