MARTIN BOYLE was ready to run through a brick wall for Lee Johnson long before the manager ran into one of his own at Easter Road.
Unfortunately his horror ACL injury not only ruined the Hibs forward's campaign last year, it crept into the start of this one too.
Boyle will always be grateful to Johnson for pulling out the stops to ensure he got back to Leith after his big move to Saudi Arabia turned sour.
He just never got a proper chance to repay him due to the agonising knee injury that also robbed him of a chance to star at the World Cup for Australia.
Johnson's sacking after Saturday's defeat to Livingston - which leaves Hibs bottom with no points - is hardly ideal preparation for a European away day against Aston Villa.
But Boyle is adamant the turmoil of the last few days can't be allowed to disrupt the occasion everyone has worked so hard to secure, even if Johnson is nowhere near it.
For the third time in less than two years, club hero David Gray has been appointed as caretaker boss.
And even starting with a five-goal deficit after the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off, Boyle believes a little pride can be restored.
Esta historia es de la edición August 31, 2023 de Daily Record.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 31, 2023 de Daily Record.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
CLOSE LOOK
Boss Bren will have old target Ademola in his sights yet again
NO PLACE LIKE ROME BALLE
Captain Callum channels spirit of 2019 as he plots another Euro glory night for Bhoys on Italian soil
We kept foot on Gas.. Celts should do the same
La Dea gaffer knows what it's like to suffer Champs League beatings but urges Rodgers to never change side's style
Butt of luck
Gunners edge to win after Martinelli strike goes in off keeper's backside
IT COULD BE CUE!
Snooker's new Golden Ball will now be worth $1million
GET ON TOUR BUS BOYS
Rory urges Warriors stars to aim for British Lions spot
I had to choose who to save.. it's unbearable still
Field worker recalls horror of 1984 famine in Ethiopia
My pal Walter made special me feel
McCoist hails impact of mentor Smith
Toony rallying call to wear poppies and change lives
SCOTLAND rugby coach Gregor Townsend has urged people to show they care by wearing a poppy.
PUTIN PORT ATTACKS DELAYING VITAL AID
PM: Russia risks starving millions by hitting ships