Never mind the World Cup final, the real season kicked off at East End Park yesterday, where Hibs comfortably disposed of Dunfermline 4-0 in a repeat of last year’s pre-season friendly.
The Easter Road outfit, who took the field in their new mint green away strip, were without first team regulars, Sol Bamba, a summer target for Stoke City and Merouane Zemmama who is recovering from injury.
An own goal by Pars defender Andy Dowie after a Colin Nish cross gave Hibs the lead after 23 minutes, and the Easter Road men doubled their advantage a few minutes later when Liam Miller headed home after a trademark Derek Riordan free kick struck the underside of the bar.
Riordan was not to be denied however, and he grabbed the third after good work by Anthony Stokes, before new signing David Stephens scored on his debut to the delight of a large travelling support.
Stokes, who looked lively throughout should have made it five after being put clean through, but his attempt to dink the ball over the Dunfermline keeper Chris Smith was unsuccessful.
To be fair to the Pars, they could have been two up before Hibs took the lead, but for the excellent defensive work of David Wotherspoon.
Yogi started with Mark Brown in goal, his first appearance for the club following his January move from Celtic, and the big keeper had a quiet 45 minutes before being replaced at half time by Graham Smith.
Summer signing Edwin de Graff also made his debut, and did enough, particularly in the second half, to give the fans optimism.
After half time, I lost count of the number of substitutions although both the other signings, Michael Hart and David Stephens made an appearance. Hart slotted comfortably into the right back position, allowing Witherspoon to take up a more attacking role, and the Welsh teenager Stephens showed a maturity beyond his years by coolly knocking the ball into the net following a corner.
Yogi also brought on youngsters Sean Welsh, Scott Taggart and Lee Currie who will no doubt feature in the first team this year. The only down side was a late injury scare to Stokes who limped off.
All in all, a worthwhile exercise for Hibs before they head to Holland where they will play games against Hercales, Den Haag and Vitesse, in preparation for the Europa League qualifying games.
The draw will take place on Friday 16 July, with Hibs guaranteed to avoid the big guns such as Liverpool and Juventus, at least until the next round.So fingers crossed, although I can remember giving both clubs a fright in the early seventies.