Thank God that's over!
Another season over, and not before time according to Rachel...

Well the 2003/2004 season is now over for Hibernian FC and all I can say is I’m quite glad to see the back of it.  This season will be written off in my memory and now all I can do to cheer myself up is to look forward to the beginning of season 2004/2005 which is only a matter of weeks away thanks to our involvement in the Intertoto Cup this coming season.  Over the past few weeks I haven’t had much time to pay any attention to football and yes I am ashamed of myself for it so I have to take some time on my deserved days off by looking back over the season gone by, both the highs and the lows.

The first high of the season was of course that Derby win with that goal by Garry O’Connor.  I will never forget the tension as I sat watching the game on the TV with fellow Hibees and having to leave the room a few times as well.  The relief when we finally beat our Edinburgh rivals for the first time for a long while.  I remember dancing in the street and never being happier.  Ah those were the days!

Other highs of course were the games in the CIS Cup bar the Final of course but more on that later.  The games against Rangers and Celtic in the semis and quarters respectively were just two of those special games for me.  Emotions of jubilation and joy were just three of the emotions that ran through my mind when the final whistle went at both of these games.  Mind you with the Rangers game it was only after the penalty shoot out that the joy arrived.  To stop both the Old Firm winning one of the domestic trophies was great, shame it wasn’t us that managed to hold the Cup in our hands though as if anyone needs reminding about that pain.

Dejection in one of the low points of the season at Hampden Park  (sns)

The young players coming through into the first team was a major high for the fans especially as they have turned out well for the club and look to show much promise as Hibs set about making a team for the future because of Scottish football’s financial difficulties at this time.  These guys have been shining lights and it would be wrong of me to pick out any player in particular.  They have brightened up what was a dreary season at times and to watch their youthful enthusiasm pay off was fantastic.

Unfortunately there were some lows as well.  The CIS Cup Final for obvious reasons was a heartbreaker for me.  Two finals attended and none won, that’s my record so far! Our run in the Scottish Cup was also a little disappointing this year not only because we didn’t progress but we also lost the services of Grant Brebner in that match for the remainder of the season pretty much.  Injuries to players were also a low of the season.  Brebner, Murray, Glass and Zambernardi were long term injuries for the club this season while Kevin Thomson and Derek Riordan also picked up injuries at the end of the season although Derek will be back a lot quicker than Kevin will after his cruciate ligament damage.  Our league placing was the final low of the season for me.  We all hoped for top six and that was not achieved which was a disappointment to many.

A positive for the coming season is the season ticket prices which I must congratulate Hibs on.  These prices are making season tickets more affordable for many and hopefully many people will take advantage of these prices and commit their money to Hibs this season which will help the club in the uncertain financial climate that football is in at the moment.

All that is left to say is now I am looking ahead to next season and I wish the playing staff a good rest period before commencing training again very soon.  Enjoy your break guys and see you next season!