Tam McManus says Hibs top six failure made mockery of 'sporting integrity' complaints after Dundee vs Rangers farce

Hibs boss Nick Montgomery is feeling the heat from angry fans
Hibs boss Nick Montgomery is feeling the heat from angry fans -Credit:SNS Group


Tam McManus insists Hibs' failure to reach the top six made a mockery of their complaints about 'sporting integrity'.

The Hibees raised concerns over the SPFL's decision to allow rivals Dundee to play their rearranged game with Rangers on Wednesday - three days after the rest of the league had completed their 33 games. But tomorrow's clash at either Dens Park or McDiarmid Park is now a dead-rubber after Hibs failed to get the job done at Motherwell, sealing Dundee's place in the top half of the table with a game to spare.

And McManus reckons the Easter Road club should've concentrated on their own affairs first before getting involved in the Dens Park farce. The ex-Hibs striker also believes the board will be under huge pressure if under-fire Nick Montgomery doesn't get off to a positive start next season.

He told the Daily Record: "You look at the two-and-a-bit years since they sacked Jack Ross and it has been miserable. Shaun Maloney, Lee Johnson and now Nick Montgomery haven't been able to get a decent tune out the team. That's two out of the three seasons they've finished in the bottom six. It's totally unacceptable for a club the size of Hibs and the money being put in.

"So questions then fall on the people that are hiring them. It can't all be down to the managers. To be fair, everything off the pitch is good. The hospitality suites, the stadium, the training ground are superb. But that matters not a jot if you finish in the bottom six and don't get to cup finals.

"The biggest mistake was sacking Ross after he had just got them into a cup final. They've then had a succession of managers and constant turnaround and it's got Hibs nowhere. I said last week they need to stick with Montgomery to bring a bit of stability.

"He deserves a second transfer window to have a proper crack at turning things round. But he certainly needs to get off to a good start next season or he will be in real bother. If it doesn't work out and Montgomery falls on his sword there will be serious questions asked about the decision-making of those at the top of the club.

"There were tried and tested managers available at various points during those sackings - Derek McInnes, Neil Lennon and Stephen Robinson to name three. Guys that know the league and how to win matches, how to see out games and finish in the Euro spots. All the things Hibs haven't been able to do this season.

"The last-gasp collapse against Motherwell that cost them a top-six spot on Saturday put the nail in a really horrible season and the fans are scunnered with it. To make matters worse the punters have had to watch Hearts stroll to third spot and get themselves into a Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers this weekend.

"Hearts have had a great season and that sticks in the throat of all Hibees. Their reaction to their own players at Fir Park said it all. The failure to get the win required for top six also made a mockery of Hibs' complaints about sporting integrity last week after the Dundee-Rangers game was put back until after the original split date.

"Just concentrate on doing your own job - go and beat Motherwell. They couldn't do that and the complaints have blown up in their face."