John McGlynn insists Hearts finishing ahead of Hibs would be a major plus in season full of lows

THE Jambos have dealt with tax issues threatening the club's future but McGlynn reckons defeating Hibs would be a major achievement.
John McGlynn John McGlynn

HEARTS boss John McGlynn admits finishing above arch rivals Hibs in the SPL would be a great achievement after the Jambos crisis season.

The Gorgie men have topped their city rivals in five seasons out of seven since being bankrolled by owner Vladimir Romanov.

But events off the pitch have threatened to derail McGlynn’s debut season.

Stars who helped Hearts to their famous 5-1 Scottish Cup victory over Hibs last spring have been lost.

Then there’s been a tax bill that threatened to close the club, wage disputes and an extended signing ban.

Meanwhile Hibs raced to the top of the SPL earlier this season as Pet Fenlon rebuilds and stabilises the side.

But McGlynn said: “Fans of both sides want to finish ahead of their rivals.

“They want to go to their work and say to fans of the other club ‘We have one up on you’ kind of thing. We will use that as motivation.

“There was a 10-point gap between us at one point but we’ve clawed some of that back.

“It would be fantastic to close the gap even further by taking three points off a Hibs side who have had a very good season.”

McGlynn reckons beating Hibs in front of the Jambos crowd would be a perfect start to a New Year.

He’s still searching for his first win over the Hibees and said: “It’s a full house, great atmosphere, a derby game – it’s going to be electric.

“It will be the first time I’ve led the team out in a derby game at Tynecastle.

“All the other games, as caretaker and this season, have been at Easter Road.

“2012 was a great year for us but next year can be great too and we have a League Cup semi-final against Inverness to look forward to.

“We want to start the year on a high – and there’s no better way to do that than winning the derby.”

Taken from the Daily Record