Jobs on the line at Hibs

Sunday 29 April 2012

Hibs winger Ivan Sproule insists safeguarding the jobs of the clubs' non-playing staff is just as important as lifting the Scottish Cup.

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The 31-year-old's excitement at contesting the May 19 Hampden showdown against Edinburgh rivals Hearts has been tempered by the threat of relegation from the SPL. Sproule is aware demotion to the First Division would have a severe impact on the club's finances, and most likely result in redundancies.

So instead of being swept away on the tidal wave of hyperbole that has engulfed the cup final, Sproule carries the burden of knowing the team's fortunes are inextricably linked to those who perform the less glamorous duties.Hibs, who are being chased by basement side Dunfermline, face a crucial period of three games in nine days, starting this afternoon at St Mirren."We have a responsibility as players to keep Hibs in the SPL," said the Northern Irish cap. "If that didn't happen, there would be implications for a lot of people within the club. I know it's a drastic thing to talk about, but that's what it comes down to at the end of the day.These games are just as big to save people's jobs as well. That is as big a task as the cup final."You have to feel pressure, I feel pressure every day coming in to provide for my wife and kids. I'm sure there are other people here within the club, within the admin, kitchens, the people that clean the stands, worrying about their jobs. "For me winning the cup final would be great along with keeping the club up, but it's just as important if you save people's jobs. You're making other people, and yourself, happy."Sproule, who has a year left on his contract, added: "As a playing staff, it's something we had a chat about, that the squad would not be as big if we got relegated." Manager Pat Fenlon, meanwhile, can't wait for the day when the pressure that his side have faced since his November appointment is lifted."It's been like that for a while. You just need to deal with it the best you can, but we've probably got used to it. I am looking forward to the day when that weight is lifted off the players' shoulders. I would like to get to the end of that as soon as possible."Darren Johnstone

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Jobs on the line at Hibs

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