Hibs star Martin Boyle has expressed disappointment over the sacking of Jack Ross, hinting at the atmosphere in Leith two days before meeting Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup Final.
Boyle signed a new contract at Hibernian under the auspices of former St Mirren and Alloa manager Ross. He’s been instrumental to Hibs’ more successful moments, particularly getting the side to the final itself.
Indeed, it was Boyle who fired Hibs to Hampden, with a hat-trick against Rangers [BBC].
Earlier this week, Lewis Stevenson expressed his own frustration at the situation.
Socceroo Boyle doesn’t sound remotely pleased about the managerial situation at Hibs either. Clearly, there’s some bad feeling around Easter Road as Celtic and the Premier Sports Cup Final draw ever closer.
Boyle said [BBC]: “Personal opinion, it wasn’t great. Not a great situation.
“It was obviously not my decision but certainly one that I don’t agree with. I’d probably say harsh. Ultimately, he still kept the squad together and we still believed in what we wanted to achieve.
“Signing a new contract under him and obviously probably a bit part of why I signed as well, he showed a lot of belief in what he wanted to do with the club.
“Yeah, the run of results wasn’t great but look at the position we’re in now – a League Cup final. We’re two points off fourth with half the season to play. Looking back, I think it was probably deserved that the old gaffer should’ve been leading us out on [Cup Final] day.”
Hibs in turmoil ahead of Celtic Cup Final clash
Sacking Jack Ross was clearly not a popular decision amongst the Hibs players. They’ll be feeling that, they might’ve let him down, but also that it was an extremely premature decision.
Sure, their form wasn’t great, but there was still – as Boyle points out – half a season and a Cup Final left. If anything, the Hibs board have massively sabotaged their own chances of winning silverware.
At least, for Celtic, that’s the hope. Although to be honest, this is a Hibs team we’ve comfortably swatted aside this season.
From a Hoops point of view, Celtic shouldn’t be remotely affected by this. There ought to be no extra motivation needed for Ange Postecoglou’s Bhoys.
Probably, though, it does help us somewhat. There’s clearly a fracture at Hibs, caused by Ross’ premature dismissal from the dugout.
With just two days to go, Hibs are in some turmoil, and their star man is not pleased at all.
Suits us fine.
Read more: Ralston’s brilliant insight on what Ange Postecoglou has brought to Celtic
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