Who hates the derby?

[He's here!]

Personally I detest this fixture. I used to go to almost all of them, from a young kid in the 1970s up until a few years ago. Now I don't even watch them on TV.

Why is this? Whether it's a getting older thing I don't know, but whereas once I loved the tension/build-up around these fixtures I now find it tiresome, almost stressful, and I feel there's far too much fixation (especially from Hearts) on these games. Sure it's a magnificent feeling when we win, but when both teams are in the same division there's always just a few weeks until the next one comes along and you have to deal with the whole rigmarole again. Personally I've preferred it when we've been in different divisions as I can just about handle the occasional cup clash between the sides.

I loathe the way defeat in these games can take so much longer than a run of the mill fixture to shake off and I've found in recent years that finding something more wholesome/enjoyable to do most likely involving something in the open air (hillwalking, weekend away, golf etc) far away from the game is better for my mental and physical health than fretting over the game and gives me a sense of perspective.

The way I feel about it nowadays, if the fixture was erased from the calendar and both sides agreed to an even split of the points I'd be perfectly content.

[Since452]

Said the same. Hate it. Only enjoy them when we win. Everything else is just stress and anxiety. Personally wouldn't mind if we never played them again.

[JXM73]

Ffs grow a pair, derbies are what football is all about... feel for teams that dont have them and have to make one up...

[JimBHibees]

Love it the biggest games of the season. What football is all about.

[Keith_M]

Hate it when we lose, love it when we win.


Surely that's the whole point though?

:dunno:

[Moulin Yarns]

I can't believe that I'm saying this, but I agree with He's here!

The last Derby I was at was just after the new East stand opened and I was in section 44. The atmosphere was toxic, and I think it is partly down to segregation and the fans being braver knowing that the other fans couldn't get at them physically.

[Wilson]

Love it.

[Bangkok Hibby]

Just stay away from social media including here after a defeat. Life will be easier.

[B.H.F.C]

Get nervous as hell at the games but derbies are what it’s all about.

Love the atmosphere. Love beating them.

[Forza Fred]

I’ll tell you after full time tomorrow

[hibee-boys]

I’ve reached the stage in life where the joy of a win far exceeds the sense of disappointment after a loss, bring it on😎

[worcesterhibby]

I do think that the rise of social media has made the aftermath of a defeat, much, much more toxic. It used to be hearts fans I would avoid after a defeat in a derby, now I don’t mind taking the friendly abuse from hearts fans I know, but avoid all Hibs related social media like the plague. You just know this place, Facebook and Twitter will be awash with Hibs “fans” slating the players, calling for the manager to be sacked, shouting about “big games” and listing players “not fit to wear the jersey”. The abuse that our own team and management will face if we lose will be horrific.

I love the match, I love the tension and of course I love it when we win, but don’t expect to see me anywhere near this place if we lose, or even draw when we were winning, it will be the playground of trolls, bullies and just a lot of nasty unnecessary hate.

[Since452]

My mental health would be better without it. As would my productivity at work the week before.

[erin go bragh]

Some thread this ,, what a pile of 💩

[EdinMike]

I will admit, I avoid this place if we get beat for a few days cause I know it’ll be nuclear levels of meltdown ! 😅

[Bridge hibs]

The day I hate a derby will be the day I jack football in for good, dislike defeats but when we win just cant beat having the bragging rights for a while, nerves just the same now as when I attended my first derby as a 12 year old 🇳🇬🇳🇬

[JimBHibees]

I do think that the rise of social media has made the aftermath of a defeat, much, much more toxic. It used to be hearts fans I would avoid after a defeat in a derby, now I don’t mind taking the friendly abuse from hearts fans I know, but avoid all Hibs related social media like the plague. You just know this place, Facebook and Twitter will be awash with Hibs “fans” slating the players, calling for the manager to be sacked, shouting about “big games” and listing players “not fit to wear the jersey”. The abuse that our own team and management will face if we lose will be horrific.

I love the match, I love the tension and of course I love it when we win, but don’t expect to see me anywhere near this place if we lose, or even draw when we were winning, it will be the playground of trolls, bullies and just a lot of nasty unnecessary hate.

Absolutely spot on in terms of the fallout after defeat. Seems like extreme reaction is the default. Completely uneccesary and often without context or balance. You play against teams of similar levels you aren't always going to win.

[Jones28]

A win makes the pre match anxiety so so worth it.

[He's here!]

Ffs grow a pair, derbies are what football is all about... feel for teams that dont have them and have to make one up...

I don't think it's anything to do with 'manning up' etc, I just feel as I get older that I could happily do without being shackled to the outcome of an event I have zero control over. Any fun I used to derive from the derby has simply drained away. Getting older has made it increasingly easier to shrug off other, non-derby, results (though last season's cup final still stings!) but it's the braying in your face triumphalism that comes with having city rivals (and living in the city) that makes a derby such a nausea-inducing affair for me. It's buried too deep within me after supporting Hibs all my life to simply walk away from it, but limiting myself to just checking the score afterwards (sometimes if we're away I'll even leave it until the next day before looking for the score) rather than letting the game dominate my day definitely helps to dilute things.

[Pretty Boy]

Hearts and Rangers are the 1st fixtures I look for when the list is released. The rest I just take as they come.

I love everything about the derby. The build up, the nerves, that palpable excitement just before the teams come out, the atmosphere that tells you it means more and even the OTT reactions post game. If we win it's ridiculous, if we lose it's the same albeit at the other end of the spectrum.

A common social media question on footbal pages is 'if you could attend any game what would it be?' For me it's Hibs V Hearts every day of the week. I don't get how any team who has a local rival can answer with anything but a game against said rival.

[JimBHibees]

Hearts and Rangers are the 1st fixtures I look for when the list is released. The rest I just take as they come.

I love everything about the derby. The build up, the nerves, that palpable excitement just before the teams come out, the atmosphere that tells you it means more and even the OTT reactions post game. If we win it's ridiculous, if we lose it's the same albeit at the other end of the spectrum.

A common social media question on footbal pages is 'if you could attend any game what would it be?' For me it's Hibs V Hearts every day of the week. I don't get how any team who has a local rival can answer with anything but a game against said rival.

Agree totally no other game has the same sense of build up and joy when we win and despair when we lose. Love it.

[Peevemor]

I used to love derby day. There was about 15-20 of us, 50/50 Hibs/Hearts, who would meet up for a few pints before the match then get together again afterward - whatever the result. Sometimes you got it tight and sometimes it was them but they were always great days/nights.

I don't know how much Romanov & social media has changed supporter relations, but I do know that "my group" are still getting together and will be doing so post match tomorrow.

Apart from anything else, the football itself is often pretty dire in derbies and the result doesn't always reflect the match.

For me the day was always about the craic and if we ended up with the bragging rights then all the better.

[Billy Whizz]

I just don’t enjoy going to Tynecastle, but enjoy the Derby’s at ER

[SHODAN]

Derbies are the ****ing worst and they're also amazing. I hate the ****ing things so much, wouldn't trade them for anything.

[Leithenhibby]

Ffs grow a pair, derbies are what football is all about... feel for teams that dont have them and have to make one up...

This, every time.

#ThisCityIsGreen 💚

[Eyrie]

I hate the losses and love the wins.

Fortunately I've got a couple of things to do tomorrow afternoon, so it's easier to be distracted afterwards if things go wrong.

[hibbysam]

Best days of the season, especially at Tynie. Meet my jambo pals after the game for some pints and the usual 5 minutes of one side giving the other side it large before laughing about how piss poor the game was. The bile during the game is outstanding and the pre match shenanigans are what makes it all worthwhile!

[FilipinoHibs]

They are very stressful. But I would not miss for the world. Lucky to have followed Hibs from 1968. So plenty of ups and downs. Hate those thieves with a vengeance and all they stand for.

[ekhibee]

I don't normally like getting into any conversations about Hearts, but here's my halfpennies' worth. Hearts get lots of free publicity through Sportsound and the Evening News, that's not something you can say about other derbies. Yeh, it's great when we beat Hearts, but unlike a lot of people on Hibs.net, I have no interest in Hearts at all, I don't watch them at any time, I don't listen to Sportsound or read the Evening News, I make a point of avoiding anything to do with them or even discussing them with family members or work colleagues, and I haven't been to Tynecastle for over 20 years. All of that is my choice to do so, I'm not taking a moral stance over it, I just have no interest in them at all, consequently I don't attach any more importance to games against them than against any other team. When we beat them it's 3 points, same as when we beat Livvie or Ross County. That doesn't make me necessarily right, it's just my choice.

[Hermit Crab]

Nah, I love it. Hearts away is the first fixture I look for when the fixtures come out. Favourite away day and favourite away ground. Love the atmosphere in our end.

I don't hate Hearts either, I only detest them for 90 minutes then its back ti the pub with mates. Hate the OF far more than any dislike I have for Hearts.

[expresso]

What I hate about the derby is everyone knows Hearts are going to come out scrapping and fighting from the start everyone except Hibs sometimes.

[Mrimbetween]

Love the Derbies, buzzing about the game right now, canny wait

[DIXIHIBS]

I think social media has changed everything. Win the derby and we are world beaters...lose and we are the worst hibs team ever. The debate online after a derby defeat goes on for weeks and nowadays can cast a shadow over any good things the club may do. Previously a defeat would mean a bit stick from workmates for a few days but now the debate/abuse goes on till the next one. No one wants to lose a derby and a win is brilliant but lets not get obsessed like the hertz. They could get relegated but "we beat hibs 3 times so all is great". The derby is a huge game but a defeat is not the end of world.

[Tommy75]

As a club/fan base we really need to get better at looking forward to and enjoying the big occasion. There is a real nervousness around big occassions that has probably been our downfall over the years. I think Stubbs alluded to this on TFH.

[Peevemor]

As a club/fan base we really need to get better at looking forward to and enjoying the big occasion. There is a real nervousness around big occassions that has probably been our downfall over the years. I think Stubbs alluded to this on TFH.It's nothing new. I remember the LC final win against Dunfermline - the enormous Hibs support didn't relax until Keith scored the second.

[lord bunberry]

I absolutely love them. There’s no better feeling than beating hearts, especially at tynie.

[jeffers]

Stressful and I’ve seen us lose too many against them. But worth it all when we win !

[RyeSloan]

Derbies are the ****ing worst and they're also amazing. I hate the ****ing things so much, wouldn't trade them for anything.

This comes pretty damn close to summing it up for me! [emoji106][emoji1787]

[hibeejeebies]

Personally I detest this fixture. I used to go to almost all of them, from a young kid in the 1970s up until a few years ago. Now I don't even watch them on TV.

Why is this? Whether it's a getting older thing I don't know, but whereas once I loved the tension/build-up around these fixtures I now find it tiresome, almost stressful, and I feel there's far too much fixation (especially from Hearts) on these games. Sure it's a magnificent feeling when we win, but when both teams are in the same division there's always just a few weeks until the next one comes along and you have to deal with the whole rigmarole again. Personally I've preferred it when we've been in different divisions as I can just about handle the occasional cup clash between the sides.

I loathe the way defeat in these games can take so much longer than a run of the mill fixture to shake off and I've found in recent years that finding something more wholesome/enjoyable to do most likely involving something in the open air (hillwalking, weekend away, golf etc) far away from the game is better for my mental and physical health than fretting over the game and gives me a sense of perspective.

The way I feel about it nowadays, if the fixture was erased from the calendar and both sides agreed to an even split of the points I'd be perfectly content.

10/10. All this time I thought it was just me 😁

[PatHead]

Not a fan of them. The matches are usually rotten, often settled by a contentious decision, lots of missed opportunities or bad break against us. Usually very few goals.

I look forward to them as much as I do a match against some team who have no interest in playing and just set out to stop us. Glad when they are finished but hate when we get beaten.

Love it when we win though.

[Allez Hibs]

Personally I detest this fixture. I used to go to almost all of them, from a young kid in the 1970s up until a few years ago. Now I don't even watch them on TV.

Why is this? Whether it's a getting older thing I don't know, but whereas once I loved the tension/build-up around these fixtures I now find it tiresome, almost stressful, and I feel there's far too much fixation (especially from Hearts) on these games. Sure it's a magnificent feeling when we win, but when both teams are in the same division there's always just a few weeks until the next one comes along and you have to deal with the whole rigmarole again. Personally I've preferred it when we've been in different divisions as I can just about handle the occasional cup clash between the sides.

I loathe the way defeat in these games can take so much longer than a run of the mill fixture to shake off and I've found in recent years that finding something more wholesome/enjoyable to do most likely involving something in the open air (hillwalking, weekend away, golf etc) far away from the game is better for my mental and physical health than fretting over the game and gives me a sense of perspective.

The way I feel about it nowadays, if the fixture was erased from the calendar and both sides agreed to an even split of the points I'd be perfectly content.

Can't believe what I've just read. It should be the game we all look forward to the most as they are great occasions and totally the opposite of all that goes with an Old Firm Derby.

Some thread and sums up why our record is pretty woeful in this fixture.

We should have a stronger mentality in this fixture, no question, from all at the club top to bottom, coaching staff to players and fans.

Be brave!

[eastterrace]

It was brilliant back in the sixties and seventies when we usually won but since the eighties it’s been barren with the odd occasions flung in so I’ve no liked them since the eighties. I even mind the game that changed it all was the 3-2 defeat at tynecastle when Robertson scored his first goal against us (a game we should have won ) but we crashed and burned that day .

[JammyDoidger]

I just try and remind myself that it's not me that's actually playing. I have no control over the result, although during the game I feel like I do haha.

[chrisski33]

hate when we lose, love it when we win. at the end of it all its just a game but understand for some its more.

[MikeyS]

Can't believe what I've just read. It should be the game we all look forward to the most as they are great occasions and totally the opposite of all that goes with an Old Firm Derby.

Some thread and sums up why our record is pretty woeful in this fixture.

We should have a stronger mentality in this fixture, no question, from all at the club top to bottom, coaching staff to players and fans.

Be brave!

So by that token, would you lay our abysmal Derby record firmly at the foot of the fans?

Seeing as players, managers, coaching staff & boardroom personal have a come and gone at some rate and we are the constant do you think our message board "fears" transmit to every group of players we have had the last 30 year?

Not trying to catch you out or anything, it's a suggestion I see a lot on here that we should man up for these games but I can't see the correlation between us on here to the players on the park. It's obviously different at games but I can't ever think of being at a derby and feeling the crowd lose the match for us.

[Allez Hibs]

So by that token, would you lay our abysmal Derby record firmly at the foot of the fans?

Seeing as players, managers, coaching staff & boardroom personal have a come and gone at some rate and we are the constant do you think our message board "fears" transmit to every group of players we have had the last 30 year?

Not trying to catch you out or anything, it's a suggestion I see a lot on here that we should man up for these games but I can't see the correlation between us on here to the players on the park. It's obviously different at games but I can't ever think of being at a derby and feeling the crowd lose the match for us.

My point is that a thread has been started about hating the Derby. Think that says it all.

[MikeyS]

My point is that a thread has been started about hating the Derby. Think that says it all.

I thibk you might be reading in to it too much, words on an internet chat room will not have any bearing on tomorrow's result.

People are allowed to have a differing view on a game. Personally I'd prefer Hearts went burst and we never had to clap eyes on them again, I would stop short of saying I hate the fixture though.

[heretoday]

You know you're alive watching the derby. Every sense is on a knife edge. It's hardly enjoyable though. Stressful more like.

[Iggy Pope]

You know you're alive watching the derby. Every sense is on a knife edge. It's hardly enjoyable though. Stressful more like.

Spot on. I don’t enjoy what it does to me and it’s kicked in already.

[hibby6270]

Have to admit it’s not a game I relish. Especially since the early 70s when my 2 best mates at school were both Jambos (still are). I’d hate their Monday banter after a loss and always felt me giving it the other way didn’t have the same impact on them. Don’t know why that was!!

There’s been highlights of course - 0-7, 6-2, Deek’s 35 yard screamer in 04/05, O’Connor’s last minute winner, Stanton’s injury time equaliser. Equally though there have been some big disappointments - Wayne Foster, 0-4 semi in 2006, “that” Cup Final, Templeton mazy run goal in 2010/11, Ozturk’s 45 yard equaliser.

Let’s see what tomorrow brings. Unbridled joy or desperate despair. GGTTH

[Helensburghhibs]

I love the rivalry of the Derby and the occasion. What I do think though is having a Derby disadvantages us (and them) against the likes of Aberdeen over a season.

[WhileTheChief..]

Craig Levein's take on it....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58505207

[He's here!]

Have to admit it’s not a game I relish. Especially since the early 70s when my 2 best mates at school were both Jambos (still are). I’d hate their Monday banter after a loss and always felt me giving it the other way didn’t have the same impact on them. Don’t know why that was!!

There’s been highlights of course - 0-7, 6-2, Deek’s 35 yard screamer in 04/05, O’Connor’s last minute winner, Stanton’s injury time equaliser. Equally though there have been some big disappointments - Wayne Foster, 0-4 semi in 2006, “that” Cup Final, Templeton mazy run goal in 2010/11, Ozturk’s 45 yard equaliser.

Let’s see what tomorrow brings. Unbridled joy or desperate despair. GGTTH

If you were watching derbies in the early 70s your Jambo mates wouldn't have had much to crow about. Think Hibs only lost two in that entire decade!

[Smartie]

Craig Levein's take on it....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58505207

Quite a good article.

One thing though - he says he chucked Craig Gordon straight into the team when they sold Antti Niemi. I thought he chucked Craig Gordon into the team the week after Tepi Moilanen lost the last minute goal to Garry O’Connor in the game when Grant Brebner was sent off early?

[He's here!]

I love the rivalry of the Derby and the occasion. What I do think though is having a Derby disadvantages us (and them) against the likes of Aberdeen over a season.

Agreed. I think Aberdeen have often benefited a lot from being a one-team city. The baggage that goes with a derby can really disrupt momentum as it's like a mini cup final four (or more) times a season.

[GreenCastle]

The only thing I dislike about them is that Tynecastle has such a small pitch that it makes it a completely different game to most as space is so limited.

Watch a game live or on TV at Tynecastle then a game at another stadium and it’s like watching a different sport it’s really that bad.

[WoreTheGreen]

Last time I visited there was Gordon Hunter winner game I absolutely hate going there

[Smartie]

The only thing I dislike about them is that Tynecastle has such a small pitch that it makes it a completely different game to most as space is so limited.

Watch a game live or on TV at Tynecastle then a game at another stadium and it’s like watching a different sport it’s really that bad.

I like the derbies at Easter Road a lot more than I like the ones at Tynecastle.

Last time I was there I hated it (it was the one when Neil Lennon was hit with the coin).

Overpriced ticket. Shambles outside the ground. Get in and be grateful I wasn’t in one of the bottom corners where projectiles were exchanged between the bottom corners of the stands. Football absolutely horrific standard. Stupid histrionics involving the likes of Lennon and Zlamal.

Get a point, don’t lose and go home reasonably happy after being in knots all evening.

I used to love all that but I think my perspective has changed since becoming a parent and I just spent the evening wishing I’d stayed in the house, so that’s exactly what I’ll be doing tomorrow.

And I’m even worse when it comes to Rangers games. Never go to Ibrox any more and stay away from the sash bashes our club likes to put on for them in our home. Just poisonous atmospheres.

[007]

If I hated the derby I'd be too embarrassed to admit it and certainly wouldn't be posting it.

[neil7908]

I don't enjoy them. They are always tight games, and by and large the quality of football is dire. We always seem to stoop down to their level. But I'd miss them if they were gone.

[marinello59]

I love Derby day and I love going to Tynecastle. No other sport comes close to the emotional roller coaster ride that watching your football team play your local rivals gives you. I can’t wait. Funny thing is I am always nervous in the run up but on the day of the game I am making the case for there only being one possible winner…us. OK, it doesn’t always work out. :greengrin

[jgl07]

I certainly hate Tynecastle derbies. Played on a postage stamp sized pitch where flowing football is impossible and hammer throwing is usually the best tactics.

I was there for the Gordon Hunter match and can say it is the only match there against Hearts that I have been to and enjoyed. The only matches I have been to at Tynecastle in the last 15 years are League Cup semifinals, mostly against St Johnstone.

Horrible little stadium, horrible home supporters. What is there to like?

[Liam978]

[QUOTE=Hermit Crab;6689038]Nah, I love it. Hearts away is the first fixture I look for when the fixtures come out. Favourite away day and favourite away ground. Love the atmosphere in our end.

I don't hate Hearts either, I only detest them for 90 minutes then its back ti the pub with mates. Hate the OF far more than any dislike I have for Hearts.[

First time i can ever remember agreeing with you HC. Find myself also agreeing with Neilson. The calmest team will win. They will be their usual 100 mph start, so if we contain that and play to our strengths. Then i predict a 2-1 win .

[He's here!]

I like the derbies at Easter Road a lot more than I like the ones at Tynecastle.

Last time I was there I hated it (it was the one when Neil Lennon was hit with the coin).

Overpriced ticket. Shambles outside the ground. Get in and be grateful I wasn’t in one of the bottom corners where projectiles were exchanged between the bottom corners of the stands. Football absolutely horrific standard. Stupid histrionics involving the likes of Lennon and Zlamal.

Get a point, don’t lose and go home reasonably happy after being in knots all evening.

I used to love all that but I think my perspective has changed since becoming a parent and I just spent the evening wishing I’d stayed in the house, so that’s exactly what I’ll be doing tomorrow.

And I’m even worse when it comes to Rangers games. Never go to Ibrox any more and stay away from the sash bashes our club likes to put on for them in our home. Just poisonous atmospheres.

That chimes with me too. When I previously lived in Edinburgh I was very much part of the pre and post-match pub crowd, and as others have mentioned there's solace to be taken in company if the result doesn't go our way. However, when I moved back here a few years ago I did so as a parent and the matchday experience with kids is very different. In fact, none of my kids remained interested in football, while the regulars I grew up going to games with have mostly either moved away, stopped going or, in a couple of cases, passed away.

Like you, I came to find the tension/poison that accompanies this fixture just plain unpleasant and I ceased to derive any pleasure from it.

[He's here!]

I love Derby day and I love going to Tynecastle. No other sport comes close to the emotional roller coaster ride that watching your football team play your local rivals gives you. I can’t wait. Funny thing is I am always nervous in the run up but on the day of the game I am making the case for there only being one possible winner…us. OK, it doesn’t always work out. :greengrin

I find it hard to equate a derby with 'sport' because it's mostly just 90 agonising minutes of desperately seeking victory (or at least avoiding defeat) and the football more often than not reflects that desperation.

I went to an Edinburgh Rugby match earlier today for what, I think, was only the second time in my life. They're a client of a friend of mine so he gave me and the family some free tickets for what was their first game in their new stadium. It was a glorious sunny afternoon, you were allowed to take a pint into the ground, the game was pretty good even though Edinburgh lost and I was able to actually focus on it and appreciate it as a sport without really caring who won. Fans of both sides (opposition was Newcastle Falcons) were also mingling at the bars and food outlets outside the ground, seated together inside and enjoying a bit of banter.

I also plan to watch Emma Raducanu in the US Open tennis final later, which I hope will also be a decent spectacle.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that, for me at least, age/parenthood has brought with it a steady dilution of my appetite for certain things I once used to lap up, the derby being probably the prime example. I could honestly see it far enough.

[Magpie]

Celebrating a goal in a derby hits different. Let’s hope we celebrate a few tomorrow.

[Keith_M]

I used to love derby day. There was about 15-20 of us, 50/50 Hibs/Hearts, who would meet up for a few pints before the match then get together again afterward - whatever the result. Sometimes you got it tight and sometimes it was them but they were always great days/nights.

I don't know how much Romanov & social media has changed supporter relations, but I do know that "my group" are still getting together and will be doing so post match tomorrow.

Apart from anything else, the football itself is often pretty dire in derbies and the result doesn't always reflect the match.

For me the day was always about the craic and if we ended up with the bragging rights then all the better.


:top marks

[Smartie]

Celebrating a goal in a derby hits different. Let’s hope we celebrate a few tomorrow.

The flip side of that is the sheer agony that accompanies a goal for them.

Life doesn’t throw up many situations that feel as raw and sickening.

I guess you have to taste a bit of that along the way to fully appreciate the joy when the boot’s on the other foot.

[Tambo]

Love the derby born in 86 so had a rough start with some good spells mid 90's then Eck Era then another rough period for Stubb's and Lennon to show some fight.

Nervous and excited at the same time.

[WhileTheChief..]

I find it hard to equate a derby with 'sport' because it's mostly just 90 agonising minutes of desperately seeking victory (or at least avoiding defeat) and the football more often than not reflects that desperation.

I went to an Edinburgh Rugby match earlier today for what, I think, was only the second time in my life. They're a client of a friend of mine so he gave me and the family some free tickets for what was their first game in their new stadium. It was a glorious sunny afternoon, you were allowed to take a pint into the ground, the game was pretty good even though Edinburgh lost and I was able to actually focus on it and appreciate it as a sport without really caring who won. Fans of both sides (opposition was Newcastle Falcons) were also mingling at the bars and food outlets outside the ground, seated together inside and enjoying a bit of banter.

I also plan to watch Emma Raducanu in the US Open tennis final later, which I hope will also be a decent spectacle.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that, for me at least, age/parenthood has brought with it a steady dilution of my appetite for certain things I once used to lap up, the derby being probably the prime example. I could honestly see it far enough.

Simply stunning what she has done so far. Really looking forward to this.

[Lancs Harp]

I find it hard to equate a derby with 'sport' because it's mostly just 90 agonising minutes of desperately seeking victory (or at least avoiding defeat) and the football more often than not reflects that desperation.

I went to an Edinburgh Rugby match earlier today for what, I think, was only the second time in my life. They're a client of a friend of mine so he gave me and the family some free tickets for what was their first game in their new stadium. It was a glorious sunny afternoon, you were allowed to take a pint into the ground, the game was pretty good even though Edinburgh lost and I was able to actually focus on it and appreciate it as a sport without really caring who won. Fans of both sides (opposition was Newcastle Falcons) were also mingling at the bars and food outlets outside the ground, seated together inside and enjoying a bit of banter.

I also plan to watch Emma Raducanu in the US Open tennis final later, which I hope will also be a decent spectacle.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that, for me at least, age/parenthood has brought with it a steady dilution of my appetite for certain things I once used to lap up, the derby being probably the prime example. I could honestly see it far enough.

My car needs washing mate if your scratching for things to do during the match. I'll give you a fiver.:wink:

Age thing? Im not sure Im 57 and looking forward to it as much as I have ever done. You lose you take it, you win you give it.

Winning big matches is what football is all about. I cant wait, winning and losing is all part of the game.

[Hiber-nation]

Worst part of any season for me is pre-match on Derby Day at the piggery. The walk from Wester Coates through all the carnage going on is awful and there's nothing worse than ending up sitting beside a bunch of halfwits singing about paedophiles. But I will always go because the feeling of a win there is hard to beat. The game when Horgan scored 2 was probably the best day of that year for me.

[Pretty Boy]

When all is said and done what would you hate more. Playing Hearts at New Year or a game against Livingston, Ross County or Dundee as the fixture which is one of the showpiece games?

It's surely a no brainer.

[bigwheel]

When all is said and done what would you hate more. Playing Hearts at New Year or a game against Livingston, Ross County or Dundee as the fixture what is one of the showpiece games?

It's surely a no brainer.

Depends on the score [emoji6]

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

I get where the OP is coming from, but alongside the Scottish Cup Final win, it's the Derby wins that give me the best memories .

[Hibernia&Alba]

I have a love-hate relationship with the derby. It's stressful, and far too often down the years Hibs teams haven't turned up. That said, I have to watch them and winning is a great feeling.

[Allez Hibs]

[QUOTE=Hermit Crab;6689038]Nah, I love it. Hearts away is the first fixture I look for when the fixtures come out. Favourite away day and favourite away ground. Love the atmosphere in our end.

I don't hate Hearts either, I only detest them for 90 minutes then its back ti the pub with mates. Hate the OF far more than any dislike I have for Hearts.[

First time i can ever remember agreeing with you HC. Find myself also agreeing with Neilson. The calmest team will win. They will be their usual 100 mph start, so if we contain that and play to our strengths. Then i predict a 2-1 win .

Neilson and JR on Sportsound earlier as part of the Derby preview. I think Neilson was talking more sense regarding the game - It's just about winning the game. JR on about chests puffed out and momentum.

[B.H.F.C]

Neilson and JR on Sportsound earlier as part of the Derby preview. I think Neilson was talking more sense regarding the game - It's just about winning the game. JR on about chests puffed out and momentum.

Not actually seen what Ross has had to say about the game but did read some comments from Neilson. Basically saying win at all costs which I totally agree with in this game.

I’m fairness, he maybe realised that after getting hounded out for us knocking them out the cup.

[Franck Stanton]

Personally I detest this fixture. I used to go to almost all of them, from a young kid in the 1970s up until a few years ago. Now I don't even watch them on TV.

Why is this? Whether it's a getting older thing I don't know, but whereas once I loved the tension/build-up around these fixtures I now find it tiresome, almost stressful, and I feel there's far too much fixation (especially from Hearts) on these games. Sure it's a magnificent feeling when we win, but when both teams are in the same division there's always just a few weeks until the next one comes along and you have to deal with the whole rigmarole again. Personally I've preferred it when we've been in different divisions as I can just about handle the occasional cup clash between the sides.

I loathe the way defeat in these games can take so much longer than a run of the mill fixture to shake off and I've found in recent years that finding something more wholesome/enjoyable to do most likely involving something in the open air (hillwalking, weekend away, golf etc) far away from the game is better for my mental and physical health than fretting over the game and gives me a sense of perspective.

The way I feel about it nowadays, if the fixture was erased from the calendar and both sides agreed to an even split of the points I'd be perfectly content.


Agree totally, HATE these games, HATE them, I can't sleep for the week building up to them, my appetite goes, wife says I am grumpier, (if that's possible), in short, I am a total wreck for about a week.

[Smartie]

Not actually seen what Ross has had to say about the game but did read some comments from Neilson. Basically saying win at all costs which I totally agree with in this game.

I’m fairness, he maybe realised that after getting hounded out for us knocking them out the cup.

Both managers have a lot to prove when it comes to derbies, so it will be interesting to see how this one pans out.

[Allez Hibs]

I’m fairness, he maybe realised that after getting hounded out for us knocking them out the cup.

Hope JR has realised that too after the semi final.

[MWHIBBIES]

Quite a good article.

One thing though - he says he chucked Craig Gordon straight into the team when they sold Antti Niemi. I thought he chucked Craig Gordon into the team the week after Tepi Moilanen lost the last minute goal to Garry O’Connor in the game when Grant Brebner was sent off early?

You are correct. O'Connors goal got Gordon his debut.

[California-Hibs]

What.Footballs.All.About

[ahibby]

Personally I detest this fixture. I used to go to almost all of them, from a young kid in the 1970s up until a few years ago. Now I don't even watch them on TV.

Why is this? Whether it's a getting older thing I don't know, but whereas once I loved the tension/build-up around these fixtures I now find it tiresome, almost stressful, and I feel there's far too much fixation (especially from Hearts) on these games. Sure it's a magnificent feeling when we win, but when both teams are in the same division there's always just a few weeks until the next one comes along and you have to deal with the whole rigmarole again. Personally I've preferred it when we've been in different divisions as I can just about handle the occasional cup clash between the sides.

I loathe the way defeat in these games can take so much longer than a run of the mill fixture to shake off and I've found in recent years that finding something more wholesome/enjoyable to do most likely involving something in the open air (hillwalking, weekend away, golf etc) far away from the game is better for my mental and physical health than fretting over the game and gives me a sense of perspective.

The way I feel about it nowadays, if the fixture was erased from the calendar and both sides agreed to an even split of the points I'd be perfectly content.

For me its only a game like all league games, especially this early in the season the resulr tomorrow will not affect the final league places. We want to finish third not only to beat the morons.

[Stuart93]

For me its only a game like all league games, especially this early in the season the resulr tomorrow will not affect the final league places. We want to finish third not only to beat the morons.

Na this isn’t only just another league game. Gobsmacked that can be any fans view towards a derby match.

[Radium]

Just seen this thread. I am fortunate to be able to get a season ticket because I love the buzz before a match. I have a ticket to go with my son tomorrow and have that buzz with a little bit extra. The build up will be great and I currently believe that the team will take that onto the park.

I would be the same if I wasn’t going and watching it on the tele.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Allez Hibs]

Na this isn’t only just another league game. Gobsmacked that can be any fans view towards a derby match.

Yep. It's not just another game.

[hibby6270]

If you were watching derbies in the early 70s your Jambo mates wouldn't have had much to crow about. Think Hibs only lost two in that entire decade!

That’s true. Then the 80s were the exact opposite.
I was brought up as a kid/teenager in 60s/70s when it was good times.
Unfortunately have had to put up with the not so good times in derbies from 80s onwards to end of 90s with a few exceptions. Results this century are a bit more even.

[Killiehibbie]

If you don't like games against Hearts what's the point? I often don't like the result but that's different.

[Pagan Hibernia]

Hope JR has realised that too after the semi final.

the semi final was just one of those games. We missed our pen, they scored theirs. It happens.

the 1-3 at Easter Road the previous season when they were relegation fodder was a proper debacle.

[Allez Hibs]

the semi final was just one of those games. We missed our pen, they scored theirs. It happens.


Didn't win the game though. That's all that mattered to us.

[Mickey Weir]

Personally I detest this fixture. I used to go to almost all of them, from a young kid in the 1970s up until a few years ago. Now I don't even watch them on TV.

Why is this? Whether it's a getting older thing I don't know, but whereas once I loved the tension/build-up around these fixtures I now find it tiresome, almost stressful, and I feel there's far too much fixation (especially from Hearts) on these games. Sure it's a magnificent feeling when we win, but when both teams are in the same division there's always just a few weeks until the next one comes along and you have to deal with the whole rigmarole again. Personally I've preferred it when we've been in different divisions as I can just about handle the occasional cup clash between the sides.

I loathe the way defeat in these games can take so much longer than a run of the mill fixture to shake off and I've found in recent years that finding something more wholesome/enjoyable to do most likely involving something in the open air (hillwalking, weekend away, golf etc) far away from the game is better for my mental and physical health than fretting over the game and gives me a sense of perspective.

The way I feel about it nowadays, if the fixture was erased from the calendar and both sides agreed to an even split of the points I'd be perfectly content.

completely agree, I can't stand the derby but mainly because our record against them is so embaressing. Hearts just always seem to want it more and that eats me up.

ill be there today with my sons but I go there in hope rather than expectation.

[Hiber-nation]

completely agree, I can't stand the derby but mainly because our record against them is so embaressing. Hearts just always seem to want it more and that eats me up.

ill be there today with my sons but I go there in hope rather than expectation.

So you were embarrassed to win 2 games in a row at the piggery? Strange...

[hibbydog]

completely agree, I can't stand the derby but mainly because our record against them is so embaressing. Hearts just always seem to want it more and that eats me up.

ill be there today with my sons but I go there in hope rather than expectation.

100% with you. I go to all Hibs games in hope rather than expectation. It’s an attitude I’ve had to develop.

The thing about derbies, and this one in particular, is that over the years Hibs have a long history of building up your hopes then kicking you in the nuts.

I look forward to getting them at Easter Road, but I dread Tynecastle.

Yes we’re a good side and we should be confident today. But that’s on the players and my attitude matters diddly squat to what happens on the pitch.

So I’m braced for a defeat. I’d definitely take a point and I’ll be doing cartwheels following any kind of win.