How did you become a Hibs fan?
Growing up, my dad and older brother were Hibs supporters. I begged my father to get me and my friend tickets to watch us play Liverpool in September 1975 in the UEFA Cup because I really wanted to see Kevin Keegan. We actually managed to get his autograph before the game! We stood in the old East terracing. I’m under 5ft tall, so I couldn’t see anything of the game but the atmosphere was fabulous!
What’s been your favourite all-time Hibernian game?
Like any time-served Hibs fan my favourite game would have to be THAT Cup Final game in May 2016. Sadly my dad didn’t live to see it but his photo was in my pocket. My favourite games at Easter Road have been some of the really crazy ones, like the 6-2 against Hearts with Mixu turning somersaults and more recently the 5-5 against Rangers with Lenny just being Lenny.
Who’s your all-time favourite Hibernian player and why?
It has to be Franck Sauzee! He was just a joy to watch and brought such grace and class to Hibernian. He had so much talent. I remember his celebrations in the 6-2 game against Hearts. I think it was heartbreaking the way it all ended. Maybe one day we will be lucky enough to see him back so we can show our appreciation properly.
What was the pandemic like for you?
I retired from teaching in January 2020 and then in the March we were locked down. We had big travel plans that didn’t happen. We’ve got family in Houston in America that we still really want to see and missed a few family events but we’re all healthy which is the main thing. It has been tough times for everyone so it’s important to stay positive.
Tell us about your teaching career?
I was a teacher in West Lothian, Fife, and then latterly in Edinburgh. It was always great to joke with the kids about football and Hibs. I was a primary teacher and then became a learning support and behavioural support teacher. I’ve seen one or two of my old pupils at Easter Road too and I’ve been caught standing on my seat shouting at folk before hearing, ‘Hiya, Miss!’ They’d then come and see me and be like, ‘I saw you at the football’.
Who would you like to teach in the Hibs squad?
I’d have loved to have taught Darren McGregor because he’s the kind of guy who has a real character and has matured into such a leader. I think football has been really good for him. I’ve always loved the cheeky characters, too. A former player I’d have loved to teach would be John McGinn because he’s all that’s good about young Scottish guys; his attitude, his jokiness and he’s got his head screwed on!
Is everyone a Hibs fan in your family?
My husband, Innes, is probably still a Dundee United fan at heart, but he has had his Hibs season ticket for 20 odd years. The first game we went to together was actually against Dundee United. It was Kevin Harper’s first game for Hibs. We won 5-1. We sat in the same end together, but after that he’s often paid to go in the away end. We used to wave to each other! It’s all good natured, we even put a bet on with the loser paying for post-match takeaway. Thankfully, he’s been buying them recently! Sunshine on Leith was also our first dance at our wedding.
