@Bayern, Squid, pompey: Cheers guys, appreciate it!
@Neal: Oh shh you Gaway!
@Pauker: You really need to stop these hidden messages, they're so obvious now.
@jason: Nooooo! Thank you
@P-Kiddy: Who's Limmy? Good choice
@Walter: Cheers Walt, excellent choice too

Where's my thanks?

@Justice: Thank you for the praise

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

It's the 18th July 2013 here at Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh.
There's a strange mood around here currently, as Ally McDaid's Hibernian team prepare to take on FC Utrecht in the Europa League qualifying stages, his first match in charge.

News of a couple of new signings has firmly planted itself in the minds of many a Hibs supporter, among them the ones who clog up the messageboards on a daily basis, and those who, whisper it quietly or they might hear you, occasionally check Sky Sports News and then pretend that they're in-the-know to their peers.

A congregation of fans look like they don't know whether they want to cry with dismay, or happiness. Paul Hanlon, a product of Hibs' own fine youth academy departed the other day for an undisclosed fee (disputed heavily by the fans, with some suggesting it was practically a free transfer and some, of the younger generation admittedly, claiming he went for "like £4million, seriously!") to Reading. This seems to be a fairly unpopular decision by McDaid in general, with mumbles of "fucking disgrace" to be heard by those who listened closely enough.

However, Hanlon's own replacement has gained a much welcomer reception. Fitz Hall, formerly of QPR, Crystal Palace and, less talked about by him we're sure, Barnet fame, was officially unveiled as a new Hibernian player earlier today. The fans around Easter Road haven't stop talking about him, just as Reading new-boy Hanlon has been a hot topic today, although the word choice used by Hibees in Hall's case has been far less, how shall we put it, foul-mouthed.

T. Taiwo, that's Tom to you and me and with no direct relations to, we can assure you, former Milan defender Taye, also left Hibs' training ground for the last time earlier today, poised to sign for newly-promoted Partick Thistle in a deal worth up to £50 grand, hoping that his new team, the third but somehow second best team in Glasgow can handle the very best team in Glasgow, Celtic.

Young, energetic winger Adrian Luna has been spotted in the home end of the stadium, having just signed a three year deal with McDaid's boys. Fans appear to be erring on the side of caution with this one, considering just about nobody inside the ground knew who he was two weeks ago.

But after a woeful pre-season, which featured two young sides losing to lower-division opponents by the odd goal, another 1-0 defeat thanks to a calamitous own goal to the much higher ranked Valenciennes and a goalless draw to the misleadingly-named Young Boys, the fans will do just about anything for a goal right now, so rather than jumping onto the pitch themselves and giving it a go, they'll have to put some faith in this unknown winger for now.

Also joining in a bit of a two-roles-for-the-price-of-one deal is Michel Kuipers, who looks set to become the club's backup goalkeeper...and scout.

And then there was the high profile signing of the bunch. Jose Semedo, a player who played for Portugal at youth levels, has signed on a lucrative loan deal from Sheffield Wednesday down south, and could be transferring permanently in the summer.

And as if there wasn't already enough to fill the brains of Edinburgh's emerald army, Ally's just one of a few dozens managers attempting to sign the veteran Salif Diao, but faces stiff, and most likely unbeatable competition from such clubs as Bologna and Lorient. Yeah, because that's going to happen, isn't it Ally?

How did the words to that song go again?

I don't even know.. Lol at Kuipers.

Luna! He was amazing for me in my Barca B save!

Europa League Heartbreak

The Netherlands. Thursday, 25th July 2013. It's around 9:15PM local time.
They were almost there. Following the goalless draw (shock) back in Scotland a week ago, a laughably bad own goal from their Dutch opponents had seemingly sent Hibernian into the next stages of the Europa League qualifying rounds. It was so close they could touch it.

But then came the heartbreak moment which, don't lie, you were all expecting from the title. Two fantastic goals in the last 10 minutes, from a single player, inspired FC Utrecht to a 2-1 comeback victory.

Ally McDaid was dancing again. But this time he was dancing around in frustration, kicking every ball himself, as if he wanted to be on that field right now, to make the difference. James Collins had missed two great chances before the goal, but hey, they were going through anyway, right?

Obviously not.

The final whistle blew, and the home fans chants of "Who are ya, who are ya?" echoed around stadium, invaded McDaid's thought process, followed the team all the way home.

McDaid is looking distraught right now. He refused to shake the hands with the referee or his assistant, seemingly thinking that one of the goals were offside, just to give himself that little glimmer of hope, but he's obviously wrong.

Those who purchased a season ticket for Easter Road in the upcoming year may now wish to reconsider their purchases.

I took over the club and fancied myself king dictator sultan of Hearts, and quickly instilled my system on the team. One of my football heroes is Johan Cruyff, and I have installed a 3-4-3 and 4-3-3 system based off his philosophies, quickly passing the ball around in triangles, probing the defense, waiting for them to make a mistake, and in defense swarming the man with the ball and forcing them to make a mistake. Since we were going to play a style that involved a lot of running and high tempo, I focused on fitness first, then getting the systems down. It sounds suicidal for a club like ours, but we're 15 points down. We have nothing to lose. We have to fly to where everyone else has to walk to.

While I was in control of what happened on the pitch, I was not in control of what I put on the pitch. Soon after I accepted the job, I met sworn enemy, I mean, administrator, Steven Thomson. He's in control of all ingoing and outgoing transfers for now. Of course, there are no ingoing transfers, of staff or players, so I can't do much, while I watch McDaid start to reshape the club in his own image. I'm not worried, though.

Our first game saw River Plate travel to Tynecastle Stadium, and I saw some good things with our pressing and attack, we got blown out of the water, 5-2. Then we went over to the Crusaders' ground and dominated them, but narrowly won 1-0. After that*, the rest of the preseason was a blur and somehow we got to a 7-0 victory over Glenavon and a 3-2 win over Dungannon.

I had to fine one of my players, Callum Tapping, because he skipped training, and I am not going to tell my players that that's acceptable. He, and the other players, are understandably unhappy due to our finances, but they have contracts. It's not their business.

The season is about to begin, and I'm not sure if we're ready, but we'll have to be anyway.

(*My last two friendlies were simmed by the game because Rab and I got desynced.)

RAB, Y U DESYNC?!?!? Anyways, great update Eb, hopefully you'll get a freebie that will blow Rab and Hibs out of the water

Way to blow that lead you fool @Rab

I'm starting to think that even with the points deduction, Hearts will conquer Edinburgh. Pull ya wee finger out, McDaid!

Just read through all of this, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it:P I love the way you both write your updates

Oh, and Rab...Unlucky vs Utrecht! Must have been heart wrenching to concede those two late goals

We started off the season with a tough road draw against St. Johnstone that ended 0-0, and were presented with another tough test, the first Edinburgh Derby as manager of Hearts. Hibs were struggling themselves, being dealt a tough 1-0 loss to Motherwell to start the season.

In the days leading up to the game, Ally McDaid and I hurled insults and profanities at each other, knowing it was in good fun (hopefully on his part too) and made some great press in the media. Being a manager is one of the few jobs in the world you can call a rival a "fucking wanker" and get away with it.

Although we played well and dominated possession against Hibs, they took the lead in the 37th minute when Nuno Gomes headed in a free kick. I was yelling at everybody since I was sure Gomes had pushed our goalkeeper and that the goal would be disallowed, but it stood. My opposite number usually presents a nonchalant demeanor, but I knew he had to be breathing a sigh of relief after that one. We had to work harder, but we couldn't find the finish, and ended up losing.

I feel so disappointed for failing the fans, but there will be a next time, and I will prove this was a fluke.

Derby Days

Previously, at Hibernian F.C...

Portuguese legend Nuno Gomes (yes, that Nuno Gomes) signed on. Clearly frustrated at his team's total lack of goals, it seems as though Ally McDaid's gone a little bit...daft. Gomes in his day was an extraordinary player, but with five senior strikers now in his books, and with a one-striker system seeming most likely, this high-costs transfer is very, very risky.

Nuno started but was powerless as Hibs sank to a late 1-0 defeat to Motherwell; Hibernian dominated possession and had more shots but deservedly lost to Bob McHugh's late winner.

Finally, Irish defender Rob Kiernan has joined McDaid's side for a fee of approximately £100k. He joins Gomes, Jose Semedo, Fitz Hall and Antonio Luna as new signings.

To the present

Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh.
Ahead of his fourth match in charge, and the massively anticipated Edinburgh Derby match with his old friend Dave Gordain, Ally McDaid is attending a pre-match press conferences.
"Dave Gordain has gone out of his way to criticise you earlier today, in fact he referred to you as a "fucking wanker". So do yourself and Dave not get on very well, I presume?"
Ally simply sits there and chuckles. "No comment!" he beams.

"Now Ally, are you confident of beating Hearts?"
McDaid slowly gets out of his seat as he leans closer to the microphone.
"LET'S BE FUCKING 'AVING YOU!" he screams, scaring some of the reporters in the front row into leaning backwards a little. Ally McDaid casually walks out of the room to a chorus of camera shutters.

Saturday. 3:00PM. Kick-Off
McDaid prances down the Heart of Midlothian tunnel, glancing up to the large home crest engraved on the ceiling. His arrival pitchside is greeted, as you'd expect, by fifteen thousand booing Scots in harmony. "Oh shut up you lot!" he kids, as he approaches his opposing manager.

They embrace each other with a pat on the back and a murmur of "good luck", and promptly head for their dugouts. The match begins.

Not even three minutes are on the clock and McDaid is already out of his seat, screaming instructions at bewildered players. Nuno Gomes is getting a few shocked looks from supporters of both football clubs in the city, as he jogs around the centre circle waiting patiently for a touch of the ball.

Hearts are having their chances though. The ringing emotions of "OOOOO" around the ground may tell just how close they came to taking the lead. A visibly nervous McDaid sways back and forth around his technical area, hands in pockets, while his opposing number sits with a look of disbelief that his team haven't scored.

The match is approaching half time. Hibernian have a free kick from around the half-way line, as the towering figure of Fitz Hall strolls up to the opposite penalty box along with his teammates. The free kick is whipped in, Nuno Gomes gets to the ball, and IT IS IN THE BACK OF THE NET.

Gordain is pleading with the fourth official. The vast majority inside Tynecastle are screaming for a foul. Even Ally seems to be shocked. There are no wild celebrations from the Hibs boss, despite the rest of his camp offering hugs and handshakes.

The goal stands. Controversy arises.

The rest of the game is being dominated by the Jambos. Ally McDaid is frantically making changes to his side and with large gestures of the body, tells his team to retreat and hold on for dear life. The whistles and jeers ring out, brining an eerie atmosphere to three of the four stands, while the fans in green sit with their hands over their mouths, praying for the full time whistle. It can't come quickly enough.

Deep into injury time. A dangerous free kick hits the penalty are. Headed away, Hibs begin to break...AND THE FINAL WHISTLE IS BLOWN.

Ally McDaid offers his deepest condolences to a distraught Dave Gordain as his players head for the away end to applaud its fans. The Hearts end couldn't be any more different, however, as players and coaching staff, unused substitutes and supporters of all ages continue to argue until the very end with the officials. But the damage has already been done.

McDaid enters the dressing room, and with one quick wipe of his brow, breathes a sigh of relief for the first time. Edinburgh is green. For now.

Great win Rab! Great writing, I was biting my nails