Complacency cost us, says McGlynn, as Fenlon makes pledge to supporters

HEARTS manager John McGlynn accused his players of complacency and believing they had only to turn up to secure another derby win over Hibernian yesterday.
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The clubs met for the first time since Hearts' 5-1 rout of their city rivals in the William Hill Scottish Cup final but the favourites were held 1-1 at Easter Road. McGlynn insisted he had warned his squad about taking a win for granted but they had "lost the game mentally".

Andy Driver capitalised on a dreadful mistake by Hibs debutant Alan Maybury to put Hearts ahead before Leigh Griffiths's merited equaliser. Barely 9000 Hibs fans attended the lunchtime game, the club's first at home this season.

"We never got going," said McGlynn. "It may have been that the 5-1 victory – and us getting out of the blocks last week with a good result while Hibs didn't – meant there was an attitude from just about everyone that it was a case of us coming here and just turning up. That backfired, no matter how much we tried to put it across to the players.

"A derby game is a derby, the form book goes out the window. There are lessons to be learned. We didn't get anywhere near the heights we've been achieving recently. We gave the ball away cheaply. We've got to be thankful we took a point."

Hearts must wait to learn whether David Templeton will face a possible suspension for appearing to kick James McPake. The incident went unpunished by referee Willie Collum but was later highlighted on television. SFA compliance officer Vincent Lunny will decide this week whether to issue a complaint against Templeton and offer a two-game suspension.

"I take it the referee saw it," said McGlynn. "He's got two assistants and a fourth official and they're all mic-ed up. I'd have thought if they thought it was a red card they would have given it. I thought David was being fouled and being given a bit of rough treatment so the ref's eyes would have been on it. He must have seen what happened."

Pat Fenlon said "it looked like he kicked out but I'd like to see it again" – but the Hibs manager was keener on praising his team's display and pledging to deliver more for their beleaguered supporters.

"I thought we showed real character and a lot of ability. I was very pleased. We are a long way from where we want to be with the supporters, we owe them a lot more than just getting a point. They are just waiting to get behind us, you can sense that. Even though there were a fair few empty seats it's up to us to make sure we get the punters back. Even the ones who watched us on television today might think there's a bit of character and balls about this team. Today is a step in the right direction but we're not getting overly excited about a point."

Shefki Kuqi attended the game and the 35-year-old former Finland cap, who has played for clubs including Ipswich Town, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, could today sign for Hibs.

Taken from the Herald