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Cheaper than the Old Firm

(A young David with his Dad in 2016 after Hibs won the Scottish Cup)

Our Training Officer David is the next Sporting Memories Scotland team member to share his love of football, speaking on his journey following Hibs and the national team. 

At one of our staff team meetings we were talking about Donna’s recollections of being a Hearts FC supporter – which you can read here – and our Training Officer, David Gallacher started chatting about his life long love of Hibernian FC.  

Now for those of you who don’t know Scottish Football, Hearts and Hibs are both Edinburgh teams, both top tier and, may we say, the rivalry is almost as intense as Rangers and Celtic or for our English readers, Manchester United and Manchester City. 

Nevertheless, we asked David if he’d be willing to do a short interview and here it is! 

When did you start following Hibs? 

David: “I think I might have been about five or so and taking an interest in football. At least that’s’ what family photos show. A very youthful me in an AC Milan top kicking a ball about with my older brother. I do vaguely recall going to matches with Dad and my brother and probably fell asleep by half time.” 

(A very young David looking very cool in his shades and full football gear)

What was the first game you actually remember clearly? 

David: “It has to be Scotland v Trinidad & Tobago at Easter Road. Why it sticks in my mind was that we were late and had to run up the road to the turnstiles. But the rush was worth it as Scotland won 4-1.” 

When did it all become serious, this passion of Hibs? 

David: - “By the time I was in secondary school I was a weekly visitor to games both home and away. May 2010 has to be a stand out moment when Hibs played Motherwell FC and a total of 12 goals were netted in that match. Sadly it was a draw but still a record as the highest scoring match in the Scottish Premier League’s history.” 

How did Hibs perform in the silverware department? 

David: – “Often up there, near the top but the elusive Scottish Cup never seemed to materialise. But I was so glad to be able to be there in 2016 when Hibs beat Rangers with a winning goal from David Gray in stoppage time to snag a 3-2 victory. I can’t begin to describe the emotion of that match – finally they’d done it after 114 years. And I was there – incredible! 

That game restored my devotion to the “Hibees” after swearing to give it all up a few weeks earlier when we lost 2-1 to Ross County in the Scottish League Cup final!” 

We know it’s not just Hibs that you follow, you also avidly support the Scottish National team. 

David: – “Yes, I clearly remember my Dad queuing at Safeways and Morrisons for international tickets. Sometimes he was lucky and got them and sometimes he was as unlucky as the team itself. The first time I experienced the highs and lows of following Scotland was in 2007 when they were playing Italy for a place in Euro 2008. A late goal from Italy put paid to those dreams with a 2-1 defeat.” 

You went to Germany last year for the Euros though. 

David: – “Yes, I did and it was just brilliant. I managed to see all three Scotland games in the actual grounds. I was with some football loving friends and being able to join them in the excitement and atmosphere was something I’ll never forget.” 

(David with friends at Euro 25 in Cologne before the Switzerland game)

Finally, you are a Glasgow area lad as is your Dad, how on earth did you end up supporting an Edinburgh Club? 

David: – “I am not really 100% sure but I do know that attending Rangers or Celtic games is an expensive business, Hibs games were cheaper so I suppose it grew from there – thank you Dad”. 

Thank you David for taking the time to chat to us and we are mighty glad that Easter Road is a cheaper choice than Ibrox or Celtic Park.