Veteran keeper wants the capital derby atmosphere to remain but without the mindless antics of a few
Before the Edinburgh derby experiences an away fan lockout similar to the Old Firm, David Marshall has beseeched the supporters of Hibs and Hearts to cease their rocket mayhem.
As the Jambos captain prepared to attempt a first-half penalty on Wednesday, the Easter Road goalie found himself in the line of fire as lighters and a bottle opener were hurled towards Lawrence Shankland from the Hibees end. While he waited to take a corner, Hibs playmaker Emiliano Marcondes was also singled out by the home crowd.
The clubs are collaborating to find the offender. Marshall, though, worries that the offenders have not only gone too far, but are also endangering one of the greatest environments in Scottish sport. “Some of the stuff thrown on could cause serious injury,” the speaker stated. It ruined the pleasant atmosphere that was there. The athletes adore having fun there. The Edinburgh derby is a significant event that creates a great atmosphere because both sets of fans attend in greater numbers than the Old Firm.
“It’s hostile, it’s good. But there’s a line that was crossed on Wednesday. It’s difficult to manage. It’s not Hearts’ fault or the stewards’ fault that people are chucking things on.
Luckily, nobody was hurt. We really hope that such things can stop because the last thing we want is for the atmosphere and fan turnout to be impacted in any way.
Marshall acknowledges he hasn’t made up his mind on whether this season will be his final as a professional and that he turns 39 next week. The two-year-old Joe Hart, who is the keeper for Scotland and Celtic, has already decided to hang up his gloves this summer.
One thing is certain, though: Marshall wants to win the Scottish Cup with Hibs before deciding what to do with his future. Ross County is the next team to compete for a top six position today.
When asked if he planned to retire, he replied, “You never know.” We’ll assess the situation and decide in the summer.
It wasn’t surprising at all to Joe. He has achieved success down south and played at such a high level. He has performed well at Celtic the past few years and played football for his country, so I imagine he’s reaching a point where he misses those evenings.
I can therefore relate to someone who has spent a lot of time playing that level. It does wear you out, both mentally and physically.
Next up is Craig Gordon. Is he not Benjamin Button? It’s nice to have him back. We’ve chatted by text a couple times, and he seems happy.
Goalkeepers have always required a little more time, but the intensity of the training has decreased.
The field of physiotherapy and nutrition has advanced significantly in the past several years. Thus, it should come as no surprise that elite goalkeepers are currently in their 40s.
“My contract expires in the summer, and the club and I will meet to discuss our options then. It is the correct course of action. The cups here at the club are enormous. Pictures of David Grey scoring the game-winning goal in 2016 are all over this place.
And Hibs is a big deal, as everybody who joins the team understands. It is the goal of every player here to win a cup. In my opinion, the club should strive to routinely challenge for third place going ahead.
“Obviously, this season will be a stretch for us, but the goal must be to perform well in the cup and secure a spot in the European competition.”
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