The Edinburgh derby has served up some crackers through the years but also more than its fair share of dreary affairs best forgotten as soon as the full-time whistle sounds. However, whichever version is on show next weekend, Billy Brown is adamant there can be no repeat of the shameful scenes that blighted the last city showdown.
Brown is most memorably associated with the fixture as assistant twice to Jim Jefferies and as Gary Locke’s No 2 at Hearts, but he also fulfilled the same role across the city at Hibernian. He wants to see both capital clubs flourish and is confident they will “come good” this season.
As chairman of the League Managers Association in Scotland, the 67-year-old has another reason for wanting the latest episode of the east-coast rivalry to grab the nation’s attention for all the right reasons. When Neil Lennon was struck by a coin at Tynecastle and Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal was allegedly assaulted by a supporter in front of the away support, passion slipped dangerously into acrimony and football into conflict in a Hallowe’en horror show.
“The last derby was unacceptable,” said Brown. “Some people who pay to get into football think they can do what they want and shout what they want, and conduct themselves how they want. But I don’t think that will happen this time. Neil Lennon is a big target for these types of people and that will not happen at Easter Road. I hope everybody behaves themselves and we enjoy the occasion and have a great game.”
With the winter shutdown starting once the dust settles at Easter Road, Saturday’s match replaces the trad-itional New Year derby so beloved of supporters. Mostly characterised by a festive party mood, Brown is optimistic there will be just as raucous an atmosphere, but staying on the right side of reason, and the law, ahead of Hogmanay.
“One of the highlights of my football life was being involved with Edinburgh derbies on New Year’s Day,” Brown said. “Jim [Jefferies} and I used to love them. There was a certain atmosphere, an unbelievable atmosphere, at those games, and hopefully this can replicate that.
“I’ve been involved with Edinburgh derbies over the last 20 or 30 years and also the number of damp squibs would fill a lot of Guy Fawkes nights! I just hope this one isn’t. I hope it’s a great game, and the best team, and the most positive team, wins it.”
Had this meeting taken place early in the campaign, it could have been a top-of-the-table encounter. Hearts sprinted out of the blocks with 11 wins from their opening 13 matches but, amidst a litany of injuries to key personnel, seven games without a victory dented their aspirations. Hibs lifted themselves into second in September but their own seven-match winless streak saw them slip alarmingly down the table.
Whoever comes out on top this time round, Brown is confident both clubs can ease themselves into the top-six mix come the end of the season.
“You can say that not everything’s as rosy as it was earlier in the season for both teams,” continued Brown. “But if Hearts had beaten Livingston last Friday night they would have gone top of the league. So, recent performances from Hearts might not have been great, but I’m sure once they get injured players back at the top of their game, particularly Steven Naismith, the team will prosper from that.
“Hibs had a good result last Sunday against Celtic and drew with a good Rangers team in midweek, so I think we’re heading for a cracking derby.
“I think both teams will try to win the game. Hibs are at home and they always attack and so I think it will be entertaining. It’s a hard one to call, this one, and the league’s that tight that three points can help shoot you back up there.
“I’m one of these people that goes to watch Hibs and Hearts, and I want the two of them to do well, and I think as the season goes on they’ll both finish in the top six. I’m sure both teams will come good; I’ve got every confidence that both of them will do well at the end of the day.”
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