[DavidMc]

Hibs have bright future - Collins

Manager John Collins believes the completion of Hibs' new training complex will make his job much easier.
"In two months' time we'll have a first-class facility," said Collins. "It will make a huge difference to me, the players and staff.

"We will have everything on site; gym, canteen, Astroturf pitches.
"And we won't have to jump in minibuses and waste time going down through the traffic every day to get to the training ground."

While the complex should improve life for his players, Collins also thinks it will play a big part in attracting future personnel.

"I think that there is no doubt that if you have a player who has several offers and you take him to your stadium, we have a lovely ground here, then take him to your training ground then that's good," he added.

"We couldn't take anyone to our training ground before, so if he has a choice of a club with a first-class training ground and one with a club which has not really got one it makes sense he would pick the one with the training ground because that's where 90% of the work gets done.

"Ten per cent is in the stadium but 90% is on the training pitch."

During his playing career, Collins enjoyed the benefits of good facilities with Monaco, Everton and Fulham.

And he is glad to see Scotland catching up with other nations.

"I don't think it's just Hibs, we are behind in general," said Collins.

"Celtic and Rangers have got theirs up and running, and also Hearts, but most of the other clubs don't have their own training grounds.

"Celtic are a massive organisation and they have just got their training centre built so I think it's something that has been neglected in Scottish football for too long."