[Greenmachine]

This is the question I have been asking myself for the last couple of days, and i still cannot work it out. It is also what worries me the most about this whole sordid affair.

The players concerned knew Collins was going to be out of the country on Monday, so by all accounts they have had a secret meeting amongst themselves, then requested a meeting with the chairman. Why did Petrie agree to this meeting? He knew JC was out of the country, so he should have just said no to the players, then informed the manager that some of his players were wanting to speak to him about apparent "problems" with the managers methods.

I can't imagine John Collins being very happy about his chairman agreeing to meet with players, and him having "no knowlege about any meeting". I don't think we are being told half of the real reasons as to why these players felt it necessary to have a secret meeting with Rod Petrie about the manager. It will certainly be more than just to do with personality clashes, extra training, or squad rotation IMO. In fact, i cannot think of another club where players have felt so bad about a situation that they have felt the need to do this behind the managers back, maybe other can.

What really concerns me is that despite his strong reassuring words and defiance today, if JC feels he is being undermined or has lost the respect of the senior players in the dressing room, he may decide enough is enough at the end of the season. He doesn't need the money. This would be a disaster for Hibs as Collins has done an excellent job so far IMO, and has started the process of creating a winning mentality at the club.

Please get this sorted out pronto Hibs.