Thanks Tony!

[Jamie]

It’s happened! writes John Knox.

The scenario that every single Hibs fan feared, and at the worst time. Tony Mowbray is leaving us. And while a lot of fans are angry at the the news – he is leaving a far better club than he one he joined in May 2004. This man has transformed our great club.

When he came to us 2 and a half years ago, everyone was shocked, and most disappointed at what looked like an easy, cheap option for the board – and how wrong we were. It became apparent as quickly as Tony’s first interview as manager that this guy had something. He had a passion for football. Not just for winning games, but for football.

When Tony arrived at Hibs he told the fans, "I would like to let the supporters know that my philosophy is all about fast-flowing, passing football with a cutting edge.

"That is what I will be working to instil here at Hibernian, and that is what I am determined our supporters will see.

"They want to win, and they want to be entertained. It is our job to give them that."

YAMS??

And oh how we were ALL seduced by it! The difference here was while a lot of bosses talk the talk, Tony walked the walk, or rather, passed the pass! We became the team everyone wanted to watch, and it felt brilliant.

It’s simple when you think about it, play football people want to watch, and more people will come to watch, and boy that’s what happened. In Mogga’s short time at ER, season ticket sales have doubled. No longer do Hibs fans have to go to the cinema on a Saturday, as there is far better entertainment down Easter Road way – the numbers show this. To date we have 9,500 season ticket holders, hopefully this number will continue to grow under our new manager.

Tony’s record in his time was played 110, won 52, lost 40 and drawn 10, and within these stats lie some of the greatest games Hibs have played in many, many years. The tankings of Hearts and the taking apart of Celtic at Parkhead have had us all going to work all week with smiles on our faces, but it has been our persistent bludgeoning of Rangers during Mogga’s tenure which will always be the sweetest memories of the past 2 years for me.

They must HATE us for consistently embarrassing them, and that’s just the best! Even now I still watch young Clerie Hibee’s video of the two 3-0 games set to Queen’s “Don’t stop me now” and I can’t stop laughing. After the turgid crap that was Williamson’s time at Hibs, Tony Mowbray gave us the ultimate feel good factor, and I’ll always be grateful.

So the search is on for our next boss, and I pray that the board can find someone who can continue Tony’s fantastic work with our young guns, and take us to the next level. This new man will need solid backing from the board, and I hope they deliver, as we are on the verge of something huge at Easter Road, and the suits need to do their bit to make this happen.

Tony Mowbray. The Hibees Bounce thanks you for turning our club around. For making us look forward to Saturday again. For giving us the best brand of football, the worlds ever seen!