Source: Team_Talk
Wotherspoon stunned by Hughes departure
Hibernian midfielder David Wotherspoon revealed his shock at hearing manager John Hughes had left Easter Road.[LNB] Hibs have not won since the opening day of the season and the 2-0 defeat by St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Saturday, which left the visitors joint second-bottom of the Scottish Premier League, proved to be the final straw with the Leith club announcing that they had parted with Hughes "by mutual consent".[LNB]However, Wotherspoon, with the Scotland Under-21 squad preparing for the European Championship play-off against Iceland to see who goes through on to next summer's finals in Denmark, insists he had no idea that Hughes' tenure was coming to an end.[LNB]He said: "Paul Hanlon had been on Facebook and the Hibs website to see if the rumours were true and they were.[LNB]"We tried to contact some of the boys and they said the manager came in this morning and said that he and coach Brian Rice were off.[LNB]"It was obviously a sad occasion for them.[LNB]"It is a real shock to me. I thought he would be there for the long run.[LNB]"After the St Johnstone game, there was disappointment and upset, as there had been for the last six games or whatever.[LNB]"But there was no change in mood and nothing to indicate that this was going to happen so it came as a real surprise to me."[LNB]"The manager has had a huge impact on my career, he kickstarted it," Wotherspoon added.[LNB]"I had just moved up to the under-19s and he put me in to the first team.[LNB]"I wasn't expecting such a quick start to my career.[LNB]"But he had faith in me and stuck with me and I really appreciate that.[LNB]"I got to know him over the past couple of years and he showed a real enthusiasm and passion for the club.[LNB]"He has a real determination so hopefully he will bounce back straight away because he has that about his character and I wish him all the best."[LNB]Wotherspoon admits that Hughes' departure leaves him and all the other Hibs players in a nervous state of limbo.[LNB]"I don't have a clue who the new manager will be, we will wait and see what happens," he said.[LNB]"When I'm with Scotland I will be keeping in touch with people back at the ground to see what's happening and what the mood is like.[LNB]"It can be a nervous time for a player when a new manager comes in.[LNB]"I had a great time under John Hughes and obviously played so many games for him.[LNB]"So it will be a fresh start for me and for everyone else.[LNB]"We just have to all work hard and battle for our own places.[LNB]"I'm hoping the new gaffer that comes in takes a liking to me.[LNB]"But, whoever comes in, hopefully the team can improve on their results."
