Source: PA
Jefferies makes case for Hughes staying
Hearts manager Jim Jefferies has praised the character of under-pressure John Hughes and suggested it was too early for calls for his removal as Hibernian boss.
Hughes has come under mounting pressure at the Easter Road helm, with Hibernian having failed to win at home in nine games, the last two of which ended amid a chorus of boos from supporters.
Hibs, who travel to Celtic in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League on Saturday, exited the Co-operative Insurance Cup this week - as did Hearts - leaving Hughes with four wins from the last 26 games in all competitions.
But Jefferies, who managed Hughes at Falkirk in the 1990s, has backed the Hibs boss to turn fortunes around. He said: "John Hughes is the most determined character I've ever come across. Sheer determination is his biggest strength and when it comes to a test of character there is nobody with any more than Yogi (Hughes).
"They've just got to make sure they stick with him. This is September, the season finishes in May. In May last year he took them to fourth in the league and took them into Europe for the first time in six years.
"Why is everybody panicking in September? He could easily go on a run of games. He believes the boys will come right and he's got to get them going. Right now maybe their confidence is a bit low, whereas last year at this time they were flying."
