I See No Pressure: Calderwood

10 September 2011 10:53
Perhaps if Colin Calderwood did feel some pressure, or show some emotion, it would appease the Hibs fans It must be worrying for Hibs fans to read that manager Colin Calderwood insists that he does not feel under pressure despite sitting at the bottom of the league. Three points is the entry next to the Easter Road club from their opening five league fixtures, including a never-enjoyable 2-0 derby game defeat to Hearts before the international break.. However, Calderwood insists he has a sufficient calibre of players to drag the club away from the foot of the table - and relieve any pressure mounting on his position as manager. He said: "I'd feel more pressure if I didn't look at my group of players and think that we have an excellent squad. We have an outstanding chance of winning this match on Sunday (against Aberdeen) and I think we have an outstanding chance of progressing forward. The start to the season has not been good - we didn't want to be bottom of the league after five matches. We're now all match-fit, we've got greater strength in depth in the forward department and if we learn from mistakes then we'll make great strides forward. I'm excited and looking forward to the next five or so games." Some of the positivity can certainly be attributed to the addition of Leigh Griffiths to the Hibs ranks. The lifelong Hibs fan has impressed his new manager in training since joining the club on loan from Wolves last month, and Calderwood expects a big impact from the Scotland Under-21 international over the next few weeks. He lauded: "I think 'exciting' is a good way to describe Leigh - he is certainly that. His quality of finishing and desire to get shots off and be in the right position for the team has been very rewarding. He's going to be a hit, a player with a real wow factor. He's a big Hibs fan, and he won't be outside in any demonstration - he'll be in the dressing room ready to help his team." Calderwood is putting a brave face on things as Hibs fans prepare to mount a protest tomorrow outside Easter Road ahead of the game against Aberdeen. It has been suggested that fans could gather outside the Main Stand to protest against the perceived failure of the manager, who has endured a record of 22 losses in 38 games since taking the helm in Leith. WhileCalderwood has acknowledged the disruptive force such a measure could have, he has backed the majority of fans to drown out any protests as the players seek to leapfrog the Dons. He said: "It could have a negative effect if it bleeds into the stadium But I expect it to be overridden by the vast majority of the support, because they come to support the team. Our actions can lead the way - nobody ever boos a winning team, and I don't expect that to happen. We'll have the majority of fans on our side and we're delighted to have a game at home and a chance to get ourselves off the bottom."

Source: FOOTYMAD