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Fenlon has helped Hibs rise to second place in the Scottish League. Lynne Cameron/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Interview

League of Ireland harder to manage in than Scotland - Fenlon

The Hibernian boss also explained why he thinks his side are doing so well this season.

THE LEAGUE OF Ireland is harder to manage in than the Scottish League, according to Hibs boss Pat Fenlon.

Speaking to Off the Ball, the former Shelbourne and Bohemians boss explained that while he believes the standard is better in Scotland, it’s more difficult to manage Irish sides because “you’re basically trying to do everything”.

He said that he was “not getting carried away” with his side’s promising start to the season, even though they currently sit in second position in the league, having been relegation strugglers last year.

Asked about the reasons behind this drastic turnaround, Fenlon said: “We just changed players in the dressing room.

“When I came in we had 29 players, out of those players we have four left.

As to his requirements for new players, he said that while it was necessary that they had the requisite quality, the player’s “character” and “how they conduct themselves off the park” was also crucial.

He pointed to the increased levels of support Hibs have been receiving as further evidence of their success.

“We sold between 7 and 8,000 tickets before a ball was kicked.

“On Sunday there was over 17,000 [at home to Hearts] – that shows they think we’re heading in the right direction.

He acknowledged that Hibs players had somewhat of a wild reputation when he took over, and that a change in the “culture” of the club was necessary.

“There’s been plenty of stuff about players in the papers over the years,” he said, adding: “We’re still in that plan of re-building.”

He added that he is hopeful league rivals Celtic will progress in the Champions League tonight, saying: “It’s good for the game in Scotland, the fact that they’re doing well.”

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