On This Day in 2006: Discipline first on agenda as John Collins signs three-year deal at Hibernian

HIBERNIAN'S new manager John Collins will meet the Easter Road players for the first time today and insist that they must improve their on-field discipline.

Chris Killen was sent off and six players booked in the 2-1 defeat by Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Monday which led to John Park, the caretaker coach, claiming that the players had to learn how to channel their aggression in a positive manner. Collins, who yesterday signed a three-year deal, said the players had to keep a lid on their tempers to ensure success.

"Aggression is a must-have, but must be controlled," said Collins, who has appointed the former Celtic, Hibs and Newcastle United coach Tommy Craig as his assistant.

"When it is not controlled, you run into problems. I think, against Aberdeen, a few of the boys channelled their aggression the wrong way and, hopefully, that is something we will put right over the coming days." Collins said he had offers to return to football during his three years out of the game but made it clear it was always going to take a high-profile job, like the Easter Road one, to entice him back.

"Football is in my blood and I had 19 years in it," said Collins. "When I retired, I said I wanted to spend time with my beautiful family and watch them grow up but always had the intention to come back into the game as a manager. I was so keen on the job I contacted Hibs and made them aware I was interested.

"I've a group of good young players to work with and, if they listen and work, they can get better. It is my job to make sure they don't stagnate and I will keep driving them forward. Being the new Hibs manager is a real privilege and I realise a lot of managers with more experience than me have had to start further down the line."

Collins said he was keen to continue playing the attractive football for which Hibs were known under Tony Mowbray and he hoped the style of his team would reflect the way he had performed on the park.

"I don't think there will be any surprises in the way my team plays," said Collins, who added that Mark Proctor, who took charge after Mowbray's departure, had been offered a new role at the club.

"The ball is round and it is meant to roll. You start at the back and play through the midfield, with lots of movements and other attributes like aggression, passion and commitment. Without those you don't become a good player and you don't have a good team."

Collins, 38, acknowledged that some people would think the club was taking a gamble on a man who has no managerial experience but pointed to the fact that his assistant, Craig, was one of the most experienced coaches in the business.

Meanwhile, the managerial vacancy at Dunfermline took another couple of twists last night, with their former player Ian Ferguson now in the frame. The one-time Ranger was a motivational figure in his time at East End Park and it is understood that an approach has been made to him.

Craig Brewster, who has just quit as Dundee United manager, was believed to be a front runner for the Dunfermline job but he is considering an offer from Greek club Ionikos, for whom he played for five years.