If you could choose never to have become a football fan would you do so?

[Pretty Boy]

I reckon football, or more specifically Hibs, played a massive part in the break up of a long term relationships I had. In fact there's no reckon about it, it was the key factor. I went through a spell of not missing Hibs games for pretty much anything. I refused to attend a wedding with my then partner because it clashed with an away game at Fir Park, I missed the birthday party of a mutual friend because Hibs were away at Kilmarnock on the same day and any family events she invited me to on a Saturday just didn't happen. It was embarrassing for her having to make excuses for and try to explain my behaviour. She also had to deal with the mood swings when Hibs got beat and I sulked on a Saturday night and was insufferable in company. The truth is I did care for her but I love Hibs and she was acutely aware of that. It's not something I'm particularly proud of but at the time it's how I felt. In recent times I've become far less intense about Hibs. I still essentially insist we don't make any plans for days Hibs are at home but away games are a luxury now. Life moves on and other things start to matter more.

In many ways I could argue I'd be happier if I had never taken an interest in Hibs and I'd probably have a more varied list of interests and hobbies. On the flip side I'd never have experienced the highs of March 07 and May 16, I'd not have made the friendships I've made through supporting Hibs and I'd never have seen some of the places I have. I don't really care much about football on the whole but Hibs, or any club someone supports, are so much more than that to me. It's part of my identity and part of who I am. Would I have chosen to do things differently? Quite possibly. Knowing all I know would I have chosen never to have been a Hibs fan at all? Definitely not, best decision I ever made.

[Dashing Bob S]

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I reckon football, or more specifically Hibs, played a massive part in the break up of a long term relationships I had. In fact there's no reckon about it, it was the key factor. I went through a spell of not missing Hibs games for pretty much anything. I refused to attend a wedding with my then partner because it clashed with an away game at Fir Park, I missed the birthday party of a mutual friend because Hibs were away at Kilmarnock on the same day and any family events she invited me to on a Saturday just didn't happen. It was embarrassing for her having to make excuses for and try to explain my behaviour. She also had to deal with the mood swings when Hibs got beat and I sulked on a Saturday night and was insufferable in company. The truth is I did care for her but I love Hibs and she was acutely aware of that. It's not something I'm particularly proud of but at the time it's how I felt. In recent times I've become far less intense about Hibs. I still essentially insist we don't make any plans for days Hibs are at home but away games are a luxury now. Life moves on and other things start to matter more.

In many ways I could argue I'd be happier if I had never taken an interest in Hibs and I'd probably have a more varied list of interests and hobbies. On the flip side I'd never have experienced the highs of March 07 and May 16, I'd not have made the friendships I've made through supporting Hibs and I'd never have seen some of the places I have. I don't really care much about football on the whole but Hibs, or any club someone supports, are so much more than that to me. It's part of my identity and part of who I am. Would I have chosen to do things differently? Quite possibly. Knowing all I know would I have chosen never to have been a Hibs fan at all? Definitely not, best decision I ever made.

This. Strongly identify here and thank you for your honesty. I've loved a few women, most slightly less, but a couple slightly more than I do Hibs. The second two have obviously been the most lasting. It might seem a bit sad but I don't regret loving Hibs either more or less than those people. It's just where one happens to find oneself at that particular given point in time. No right or wrongs to it. In fact I'm retrospectively glad Hibs wrecked some romances it would have been boring to be with the same person year after year. It's a short life and nice to experience multiple relationships throughout it. So thank you Hibs, for stopping me for getting too tied down in a rut when it wouldn't have been good for me.

I've managed to pursue quite a few other interests/obsessions, often through the friends I've made at ER, so it's been as enabling as it has been limiting. More importantly, I've made friends from all walks of life, and football is one of the few places that offers that. Many of my closest friends just wouldn't have been friends at all without Hibs.

[BILLYHIBS]

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I reckon football, or more specifically Hibs, played a massive part in the break up of a long term relationships I had. In fact there's no reckon about it, it was the key factor. I went through a spell of not missing Hibs games for pretty much anything. I refused to attend a wedding with my then partner because it clashed with an away game at Fir Park, I missed the birthday party of a mutual friend because Hibs were away at Kilmarnock on the same day and any family events she invited me to on a Saturday just didn't happen. It was embarrassing for her having to make excuses for and try to explain my behaviour. She also had to deal with the mood swings when Hibs got beat and I sulked on a Saturday night and was insufferable in company. The truth is I did care for her but I love Hibs and she was acutely aware of that. It's not something I'm particularly proud of but at the time it's how I felt. In recent times I've become far less intense about Hibs. I still essentially insist we don't make any plans for days Hibs are at home but away games are a luxury now. Life moves on and other things start to matter more.

In many ways I could argue I'd be happier if I had never taken an interest in Hibs and I'd probably have a more varied list of interests and hobbies. On the flip side I'd never have experienced the highs of March 07 and May 16, I'd not have made the friendships I've made through supporting Hibs and I'd never have seen some of the places I have. I don't really care much about football on the whole but Hibs, or any club someone supports, are so much more than that to me. It's part of my identity and part of who I am. Would I have chosen to do things differently? Quite possibly. Knowing all I know would I have chosen never to have been a Hibs fan at all? Definitely not, best decision I ever made.

I can relate to this.

Pretty Boy is describing Billyhibs here.

Ever since I saw the green strips with the white sleeves running out under the the famous high pylon floodlights reflecting off the green grass to a 40000 crowd back in 1968 I have been hooked

Hibs are my team my life they are me.

Without doubt I would be financially better off without my love of HIBS

My decisions regarding attending HIBS games home and away at the expense of family events have left my nearest and dearest scratching their heads but safe to say over the years they have become used to it.

Some may describe it as an addiction a habit or selfishness on my part but it is part of my very being part of who I am it is difficult to explain only a true Hibby would understand

My youngest attended his first Cup Final in the rain sleet and snaw of March 2007 and thought that HIBS winning cups was the norm?

Little did he know.

My daughter was pissed that me and my two sons swerved her Birthday bash on 21st May 2016 to attend the Cup Final at Hampden. Her actual birthday was the 24th. It was a no brainer to us but try explaining that to her that it was a win win situation ��

I don’t know what I would do without HIBS?

Looking back over the last fifty years I would have it no other way.

[lyonhibs]

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I reckon football, or more specifically Hibs, played a massive part in the break up of a long term relationships I had. In fact there's no reckon about it, it was the key factor. I went through a spell of not missing Hibs games for pretty much anything. I refused to attend a wedding with my then partner because it clashed with an away game at Fir Park, I missed the birthday party of a mutual friend because Hibs were away at Kilmarnock on the same day and any family events she invited me to on a Saturday just didn't happen. It was embarrassing for her having to make excuses for and try to explain my behaviour. She also had to deal with the mood swings when Hibs got beat and I sulked on a Saturday night and was insufferable in company. The truth is I did care for her but I love Hibs and she was acutely aware of that. It's not something I'm particularly proud of but at the time it's how I felt. In recent times I've become far less intense about Hibs. I still essentially insist we don't make any plans for days Hibs are at home but away games are a luxury now. Life moves on and other things start to matter more.

In many ways I could argue I'd be happier if I had never taken an interest in Hibs and I'd probably have a more varied list of interests and hobbies. On the flip side I'd never have experienced the highs of March 07 and May 16, I'd not have made the friendships I've made through supporting Hibs and I'd never have seen some of the places I have. I don't really care much about football on the whole but Hibs, or any club someone supports, are so much more than that to me. It's part of my identity and part of who I am. Would I have chosen to do things differently? Quite possibly. Knowing all I know would I have chosen never to have been a Hibs fan at all? Definitely not, best decision I ever made.

When I think of my prioritisation early on in my relationship with my now wife, it makes me cringe.

Binned off a weekend that had her traveling through from Glasgow because it was the East Stand's last hurrah. Left her to sleep at a friend's in EDI after passing out and missing 13 calls from her after a 12 hour derby day session. Those 2 are the highlights, but there's doubtless more.

Fortunately I snapped out of that pronto, but still the purest elation I've ever felt was at the final whistle on 21.05.2016.

[Kojock]

Remember the Hibs are for life not just for Christmas.

[One Day Soon]

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I reckon football, or more specifically Hibs, played a massive part in the break up of a long term relationships I had. In fact there's no reckon about it, it was the key factor. I went through a spell of not missing Hibs games for pretty much anything. I refused to attend a wedding with my then partner because it clashed with an away game at Fir Park, I missed the birthday party of a mutual friend because Hibs were away at Kilmarnock on the same day and any family events she invited me to on a Saturday just didn't happen. It was embarrassing for her having to make excuses for and try to explain my behaviour. She also had to deal with the mood swings when Hibs got beat and I sulked on a Saturday night and was insufferable in company. The truth is I did care for her but I love Hibs and she was acutely aware of that. It's not something I'm particularly proud of but at the time it's how I felt. In recent times I've become far less intense about Hibs. I still essentially insist we don't make any plans for days Hibs are at home but away games are a luxury now. Life moves on and other things start to matter more.

In many ways I could argue I'd be happier if I had never taken an interest in Hibs and I'd probably have a more varied list of interests and hobbies. On the flip side I'd never have experienced the highs of March 07 and May 16, I'd not have made the friendships I've made through supporting Hibs and I'd never have seen some of the places I have. I don't really care much about football on the whole but Hibs, or any club someone supports, are so much more than that to me. It's part of my identity and part of who I am. Would I have chosen to do things differently? Quite possibly. Knowing all I know would I have chosen never to have been a Hibs fan at all? Definitely not, best decision I ever made.

Outstanding post.

Love the highlighted part. Fir Park FFS, that's serious commitment!

I made my wife get straight off a knackering flight back from Boston to come to the 2007 Cup Final with me. Literally from plane to supporter's bus to Hampden. Not sure if that says she's a star, or that I'm a selfish git, or both.

In answer to the original question, no. Apart from anything else 21 May 2016 with my wife, son and daughter and all our friends at the Cup Final was easily one of the most affirming experiences of my life. There's very, very little I'd swap that for. My son and daughter will have that forever, long after I'm gone.

[HoboHarry]

Some brilliant stories on here. My American bride to be had only been in Scotland for a couple of months when we played Dunfermline for the Skol Cup. We watched it at my best mans house with me and my Golden Retriever dog both wearing Hibs tops and my wife thinking it was a normal thing for Hibs to win cups......

[WhileTheChief..]

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And the weird thread of the week award goes to...

I know right.

Next week it will be Should Hibs wear maroon or ground share with Livi or similar.

[BILLYHIBS]

I dunno Pretty Boys post made this thread worthwhile imho

🤔

[One Day Soon]

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I dunno Pretty Boys post made this thread worthwhile imho

🤔

[SRHibs]

I might be alone in this, but I really don’t have much interest in football. I can appreciate a quality goal, or a slick passage of play, but if it’s not Hibs playing then I’m not particularly interested.

[BILLYHIBS]

What about hold up play and the amount of touches a player has in a game regardless of how many goals he may or may not score? 😁

[NAE NOOKIE]

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Sorted that for you

To be fair mate I don't know if I qualify as a genuine 'pailmerk' because I wasn't born in Gala. I don't mind though, there are worse places to live, we even have trains and a Wetherspoons now

[Iggy Pope]

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I might be alone in this, but I really don’t have much interest in football. I can appreciate a quality goal, or a slick passage of play, but if it’s not Hibs playing then I’m not particularly interested.

You should get your CV into BBC Sport. Pundit written all over you!

[SirDavidsNapper]

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I might be alone in this, but I really don’t have much interest in football. I can appreciate a quality goal, or a slick passage of play, but if it’s not Hibs playing then I’m not particularly interested.

I'm with you. If it's not Hibs i'm not that bothered.

[Here’s Lucy!]

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I reckon football, or more specifically Hibs, played a massive part in the break up of a long term relationships I had. In fact there's no reckon about it, it was the key factor. I went through a spell of not missing Hibs games for pretty much anything. I refused to attend a wedding with my then partner because it clashed with an away game at Fir Park, I missed the birthday party of a mutual friend because Hibs were away at Kilmarnock on the same day and any family events she invited me to on a Saturday just didn't happen. It was embarrassing for her having to make excuses for and try to explain my behaviour. She also had to deal with the mood swings when Hibs got beat and I sulked on a Saturday night and was insufferable in company. The truth is I did care for her but I love Hibs and she was acutely aware of that. It's not something I'm particularly proud of but at the time it's how I felt. In recent times I've become far less intense about Hibs. I still essentially insist we don't make any plans for days Hibs are at home but away games are a luxury now. Life moves on and other things start to matter more.

In many ways I could argue I'd be happier if I had never taken an interest in Hibs and I'd probably have a more varied list of interests and hobbies. On the flip side I'd never have experienced the highs of March 07 and May 16, I'd not have made the friendships I've made through supporting Hibs and I'd never have seen some of the places I have. I don't really care much about football on the whole but Hibs, or any club someone supports, are so much more than that to me. It's part of my identity and part of who I am. Would I have chosen to do things differently? Quite possibly. Knowing all I know would I have chosen never to have been a Hibs fan at all? Definitely not, best decision I ever made.

What a fabulous post.

[Ozymandias]

Some brilliant posts on the thread.
Sharing the emotion of the final whistle alongside my son on 21/5/16 was - and probably will remain - up there as one of the most intense and unique feelings I'll ever have. We've talked about it a few times - we think that it is an emotion that just won't be able to be repeated by many sports fans anywhere, ever. The history, the expectation, the nature of the winner and the way the match played out, after for both of us (and I'm sure the majority on the .net) years of paying dues at Brechin, Brockville and Boghead resulted in an emotion that even now is kind of undefinable. I love the fact that it is a common bond between people I'll never meet, and I wouldn't walk back those emotions for anything.

Absolutely loving football helps of course, and as someone said earlier, I don't really trust people, especially men, who don't like football. I just can't see how anyone can't.

Football has defined a lot of my life - which also has in it a fantastic family, various jobs and other interests, but it has shaped who I am and the friends I have and a lot of the good times I've enjoyed.

Watching Hibs I reckon has cost me in (at today's prices) well north of £100,000 for tickets, travel, beer etc. I also worked out that with watching Hibs, playing, coaching, refereeing, watching my children, and going to random games I've actively had the equivalent of around 780 full 24 hour days directly involved in football in some way. I suspect that is a conservative figure. I wouldn't change any of them, even the ones that were bad because it made the good ones better.
Fitba'? Love it.

[G B Young]

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I reckon football, or more specifically Hibs, played a massive part in the break up of a long term relationships I had. In fact there's no reckon about it, it was the key factor. I went through a spell of not missing Hibs games for pretty much anything. I refused to attend a wedding with my then partner because it clashed with an away game at Fir Park, I missed the birthday party of a mutual friend because Hibs were away at Kilmarnock on the same day and any family events she invited me to on a Saturday just didn't happen. It was embarrassing for her having to make excuses for and try to explain my behaviour. She also had to deal with the mood swings when Hibs got beat and I sulked on a Saturday night and was insufferable in company. The truth is I did care for her but I love Hibs and she was acutely aware of that. It's not something I'm particularly proud of but at the time it's how I felt. In recent times I've become far less intense about Hibs. I still essentially insist we don't make any plans for days Hibs are at home but away games are a luxury now. Life moves on and other things start to matter more.

In many ways I could argue I'd be happier if I had never taken an interest in Hibs and I'd probably have a more varied list of interests and hobbies. On the flip side I'd never have experienced the highs of March 07 and May 16, I'd not have made the friendships I've made through supporting Hibs and I'd never have seen some of the places I have. I don't really care much about football on the whole but Hibs, or any club someone supports, are so much more than that to me. It's part of my identity and part of who I am. Would I have chosen to do things differently? Quite possibly. Knowing all I know would I have chosen never to have been a Hibs fan at all? Definitely not, best decision I ever made.

The kind of response I was digging for...

I've also missed a wedding (possibly two come to think of it) due to it clashing with a Hibs match and there's much in your post which I think many will identify with.

As I get older there's no question my commitment has diluted significantly. Would I now travel from Montrose (where I was working at the time) to Airdrie on my own via public transport for a midweek mid-table league match? Not a chance (we got beat 2-0 by the way) but at the time it seemed an entirely reasonable thing to do.

But to walk away altogether, even if it would in theory remove a layer of stress/worry that has dogged me most of my life...I just don't think it would be possible. Members of my family have been going to watch Hibs since the 1920s so there was never much doubt which team I would follow (though to be fair to my dad and grandpa there was never any real pressure put on me to do so) and as you say supporting Hibs is about more than just being a football fan. It's something that runs much deeper.

I think I'd have to move a long way from Edinburgh to have any chance of unshackling myself. When you've spent significant chunks of your life in other towns and cities where Hibs mean very little you realise that you could walk around for days oblivious to the Hibs score should you choose to do so. However, what I've tended to do at such times is make my support for Hibs as widely known as possible (spreading the gospel if you like). Back in those days the distance probably made me more fanatical! Whether that would be the case these days I'm not so sure.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

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The kind of response I was digging for...

I've also missed a wedding (possibly two come to think of it) due to it clashing with a Hibs match and there's much in your post which I think many will identify with.

As I get older there's no question my commitment has diluted significantly. Would I now travel from Montrose (where I was working at the time) to Airdrie on my own via public transport for a midweek mid-table league match? Not a chance (we got beat 2-0 by the way) but at the time it seemed an entirely reasonable thing to do.

But to walk away altogether, even if it would in theory remove a layer of stress/worry that has dogged me most of my life...I just don't think it would be possible. Members of my family have been going to watch Hibs since the 1920s so there was never much doubt which team I would follow (though to be fair to my dad and grandpa there was never any real pressure put on me to do so) and as you say supporting Hibs is about more than just being a football fan. It's something that runs much deeper.

I think I'd have to move a long way from Edinburgh to have any chance of unshackling myself. When you've spent significant chunks of your life in other towns and cities where Hibs mean very little you realise that you could walk around for days oblivious to the Hibs score should you choose to do so. However, what I've tended to do at such times is make my support for Hibs as widely known as possible (spreading the gospel if you like). Back in those days the distance probably made me more fanatical! Whether that would be the case these days I'm not so sure.

Heading to Murrayfield soon? 😉