It was brilliant to hear Hibs fans celebrating at Easter Road again on Saturday after a run of three home games without a win.
And what about Jake Doyle-Hayes’ two screamers? Right out the top drawer and I sent video clips of both to Ireland boss Stephen Kenny on Sunday just to make sure he was aware.
But more on that later. Because as nice as it was to hear the Leith roar back it was tempered with a sound I just cannot fathom.
Seventy-eight minutes into the game, Hibs 1-0 to the good, Drey Wright is thrown on for a bit of security and fresh legs by Shaun Maloney.
And his very first touch moments later is met with boos so loud you’d have thought he was wearing a Hearts strip with I Love Robbo on the back.
I couldn't believe it and it’s bang out of order. What good is booing him going to do anyone?
You need to realise it’s not just the player it’s the entire team that can lose focus and energy from that.
His first touch was a safe pass sideways and there was a roar of anger.
Shaun Maloney actually turned to the main stand with that WTF look on his face. No wonder.
If Scott Allan or Chris Mueller had played that ball then there wouldn’t have been a word.
It’s horrible and I experienced it with Derek Townsley a couple of decades ago. He was a real target for Hibs fans because he was a winger who was 6ft 5in.
He had a big languid style that perhaps didn’t help but on his day big Del was good. It’s just that other days he wasn’t!
Del got it tight and there was one game in particular we were getting a doing and he was taking pelters. It affected every Hibs player because we were thinking ‘do I give him the ball?’
Del was a giant but in the dressing room he was absolutely distraught. His wife and kids were there listening to this. It was horrible.
Before we could really say anything to him he was head down and out the door and I remember coming out in the papers and saying it was out of order, the fans had to get off his back because he’s trying his best.
I thought I had a bit of credit in the bank with the support but the boo boys turned on me the next game!
At least it gave Del a break.
It’s the same with Drey. Fans are well entitled to their opinions as they pay good money to go to the game.
But I’d urge them not to boo their own players and certainly not on their first touch of the ball.
It saps energy from the legs. What do you do? Hide?
Shaun clearly fancies him as a player. That was his sixth appearance since the new manager came in and he had other options to bring on at a crucial stage with the score 1-0 but chose Drey.
He gives the team calmness and keeps the ball well. He might not ping 30 yard passes onto someone’s toe but he’s a hard worker and keeps things ticking over.
But he’s got no chance when he’s getting booed as soon as he touches the ball.
It’s a shame because there were so many positives from Saturday’s 2-0 win. No more so than the performance of Doyle-Hayes.
I sent my old boss Kenny the video clips and if he plays like that every week he will get in the Ireland squad.
It just goes to show football really is a funny old game.
Two or three weeks ago Stephen came over to watch Jake. He never had a great game and cost Hibs the goal that won St Mirren the game. He’d have been gutted after that.
Then on Saturday a gang of his pals come over from Ireland to watch and he was absolutely outstanding. His two goals aside he was everywhere and it was by far his best game in a Hibs jersey.
I think the fans will be looking to chip in and get his mates over every weekend now!
His second strike is the thing of dreams and his tail was clearly up from getting the opener. The technique is unbelievable, taking it on his chest and executing the perfect volley, not trying to burst it.
It reminded me a bit about a volley I scored at Ibrox which I may have mentioned once or twice...
Hearts are within range now and although it’s a big ask to try and catch them they’ve had the chance to cement third but they’ve left the door open.
Hibs just have to keep chipping away at them and see where it takes them. Hopefully there will be another two derbies before the end of the season.
It’ll take everyone pulling in the same direction though and that’s why booing their own has to stop.
