Lee Johnson has revealed he had a go at singing 'Sunshine on Leith' as he opened up on bumping into Hibs fans during the pre-season trip to Portugal.
The new Easter Road gaffer took his squad out of the country for a week of squad building and warm-weather training ahead of their return to competitive action in the Premier Sports Cup this coming Saturday against Clyde.
Johnson - who replaced Shaun Maloney at the helm - opened up on the staff night out that ended up with the Hibees faithful and 20 cameras in his face having a sing-song. The 40-year-old however believes that is exactly what it is all about. Getting that connection between the players, staff and supporters. He believes the trip was also more than worthwhile for his new recruits to get them integrated with the existing pool. The likes of David Marshall and Aiden McGeady have arrived this summer as part of the major summer overhaul in Leith.
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Johnson says the trip has helped build a real team spirit but with the competitive football just six days away - everyone is still fighting it out for starting positions with a starting XI yet to be picked.
He told Hibs TV: "It was. I think probably 200 got stuck on the night out a couple of nights before and couldn't make it to the games.
"But that was really nice. Not just the games but bumping into supporters around the hotel.
"We did have a staff night out into Albufeira where we bumped into a fair few fans really enjoying themselves.
"That's what it's about, that connection. We're trying to build that and not disingenuously. We're trying to make it real.
"Maybe not ideal when I've got 20 cameras in my face singing Sunshine on Leith, but we had a go."
On the team bonding in the Algarve and the positives of making the trip to Portugal, he continued: "The new players have integrated really well.
"I think the starting point of that is the players that were here are really humble lads.
"We've brought people like David Marshall and Aiden McGeady in. The seniors can help the younger lads feel confident and comfortable.
"But we've also got some very experienced youth players. The likes of Jake Doyle-Hayes has at 22/23 has a lot of experience.
"But a team hasn't been picked yet. Everybody's jostling for places and that's understandable
"But at the same time there's been a nice vibe and we're building a real team spirit."
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