Jack Ross speaks on crowd noise and how lack of fans will affect Hibs

Background noise could be crucial

Hibs will pump in crowd noise to help settle their players against Kilmarnock

Jack Ross has revealed that Hibs will be piping in crowd noise when they take on Kilmarnock in the 2020/21 Scottish Premiership curtain-raiser against Kilmarnock at Easter Road.

With fans still not permitted inside stadiums in accordance with the Scottish Government’s guidelines on large gatherings amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, clubs are exploring ways of replicating the sound of supporters on the terraces to help players become more accustomed to the unusual environment.

The Hibs head coach is keen to try it – especially ahead of the first match of the season, traditionally one of the more better-attended matches early in the campaign.

“We are planning to do the crowd noise, I thought it was okay when they did it at Parkhead when we played Celtic in the friendly the other day,” Ross said.

“A few of the ‘oohs’ and the ‘aaahs’ were out of sync, but the general background noise worked well and I think it helped the players.

“It’s not as loud as it would be if there was a real crowd inside the ground, but I think it does add a bit to the game and helps the players.

“I’m happy for us to do it at Easter Road and I’m sure it will be up to every other club with what they want to do."

But in Ross’ opinion, all the crowd noise in the world won’t be able to adequately fill in for the thousands of fans reduced to following the action on their computers.

“The biggest thing for us will be not having fans in the stadium, because the pre-season games we have had have felt different.

“I don’t think we will ever get used to it because the atmosphere from the supporters is a huge part of our culture and our football. Having that noise in the stadium helps the game and it will be missed.

“Players won’t be able to use the excuse of not hearing me now, although there will be less room to say things that are inappropriate.

“When the players are on the pitch they are fine, but there are a lot of things that are different - from getting into a stadium and where to go once inside.

“But having the pre-season games home and away helped with that because we got a feel for what it’s going to be like."

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