Hibs 'looking to hit the ground running' says Lee Johnson as he reacts to early Edinburgh Derby

Hibs boss Lee Johnson insists his side are looking to hit the ground running, as he offered reaction to the Scottish Premiership fixtures for the 2022/23 season.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Hibs travel to St Johnstone on the opening day before hosting Hearts in a mouthwatering Edinburgh Derby clash at Easter Road the following weekend.

The club’s remaining fixtures in the first five games see them take on Livingston at Almondvale and Rangers in the Capital before heading to Paisley to face St Mirren.

Read More
Aiden McGeady to Hibs: Lee Johnson speaks on speculation linking winger with Eas...
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Johnson played in a derby as a player during his brief spell at Hearts and is eager to experience the occasion as a manager.

"Straight away you look for the big games that you want to experience as an individual and a team, and of course you look at the first game, which is massive,” he told Sky Sports.

"You want to get off to a good start. It's a new regime and a new playing style, and we'll be looking to hit the ground running. We've got this period in pre-season to absolutely nail it.”

Admitting that he was eagerly anticipating the early match between the two Edinburgh clubs, Johnson revealed that a desire to experience a proper rivalry had played a part in his decision to come north.

Lee Johnson is eagerly anticipating Hibs' first home game of the new season as they welcome Hearts to Easter RoadLee Johnson is eagerly anticipating Hibs' first home game of the new season as they welcome Hearts to Easter Road
Lee Johnson is eagerly anticipating Hibs' first home game of the new season as they welcome Hearts to Easter Road
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"You couldn't get a better home game to kick off the league campaign. It's a really big derby, I was lucky enough to play in it and it’s one of the main reasons that I wanted to come up, to experience that,” he explained.

"My managerial derbies so far haven't been exceptional. I missed the Bristol derby, I would have liked that. I didn't get Newcastle-Sunderland either.

"I think Oldham-Rochdale is probably the best I’ve experienced so far so this one will be a big game and it’s one I'm looking forward to.”

The Easter Road boss also turned the spotlight onto the supporters, pointing out that he was eager for the Capital club to make a strong start to the campaign.

"It’s not about me, it's about the fans and getting off to a really good start and no better way to try to win that game over your local rivals."

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.