Source: FOOTYMAD
Wotherspoon In Limbo
David Wotherspoon was given his chance of first team football by John Hghes. What happens now? Midfielder David Wotherspoon was stunned to hear that John Hughes had left Easter Road. 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 league, proved to be the final straw with the Leith club announcing that they had parted with Hughes "by mutual consent". 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. He said: "Paul Hanlon had been on Facebook and the Hibs website to see if the rumours were true and they were. 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. It was obviously a sad occasion for them. It is a real shock to me. I thought he would be there for the long run. After the St Johnstone game, there was disappointment and upset, as there had been for the last six games or whatever. 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. The manager has had a huge impact on my career, he kickstarted it. I had just moved up to the under-19s and he put me in to the first team. I wasn't expecting such a quick start to my career. But he had faith in me and stuck with me and I really appreciate that. I got to know him over the past couple of years and he showed a real enthusiasm and passion for the club. 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." Wotherspoon admits that Hughes' departure leaves him and all the other Hibs players in a nervous state of limbo. He went on: "I don't have a clue who the new manager will be, we will wait and see what happens. 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. It can be a nervous time for a player when a new manager comes in. I had a great time under John Hughes and obviously played so many games for him. So it will be a fresh start for me and for everyone else. We just have to all work hard and battle for our own places. I'm hoping the new gaffer that comes in takes a liking to me. But, whoever comes in, hopefully the team can improve on their results." Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is ScottishFitba Net
