Hibs break record and stretch credulity

When John Hughes was appointed as the latest manager of Hibernian last summer, plenty of fans believed he might be the man to take the club to the next level.

Instead, his team has careered through this season in erratic fashion, much like Hibs have since anyone can remember. If Hughes has had an influence, it's that the swing between high and low points is even more pronounced than it was.

Last night's 6-6 draw at Fir Park (a record scoreline in the 12-year history of this SPL format) summed their season up - great first half, terrible second.

Back in January, Hibs were on Celtic's coat-tails, with pundits wondering if they could in fact finish above the Glasgow club this season. Hughes, mindful of the gulf in resources between even a spluttering Celtic and Hibs, dismissed that possibility, but stated in public that "he wanted third".

Since then, Hibs have crashed into an appalling run of form that's seen two wins from 17 and dumped the club down in 5th place in the League. Last night offered an opportunity to climb above Motherwell into 4th, which would at least guarantee a crack at the Europa League. But they blew it.

The scoreline is even more incredible when you watch highlights of the game. Hibs won an entertaining and open first half 4-2, with a hattrick from striker Colin Nish (who was rumoured to have been dropped following his criticism of the Hibs support).

Hibs then went 6-2 ahead with 25 minutes to go... and then collapsed, with keeper Graeme Smith at fault for at least two of Well's goals. He couldn't do anything about the equaliser, though - a beautiful shot across the goal from Lukas Jutkiewicz which could have been a contender for goal of the season.

Before the game, Hughes claimed that only "one or two" Hibs fans weren't supporting him. If that's the case, they've got very loud voices, because dissent is booming from the fan message boards.

Which is the real Hibs team? The one that chased the Old Firm so hard up until January, or the side that currently seems incapable of hanging on to a lead. Yet again, Hibs find consistency eludes them.