I begin with an apology. Thanks to Ron Turnbull for giving me loads of historical background on Hibs and for sharing my distaste of Old Firm fans. If we should meet we will no doubt talk of lost youth and wonder why the passing years have been so cruel to us. I'm sorry it has taken so long to acknowledge your correspondence Ron but, as my aquaintances would tell you, I'm a lazy sod.

In my last column I mentioned the Franki Valli song 'Greece' so it is only fitting I should mention him again when talking of the game against AEK Athens at Easter Road. The song that springs to mind about that game just has to be 'Oh What a Night' (In case you think I am a bit of a numptie I will point out that I am aware that it is spelt 'Grease' and the other song is actually called 'December 1963' or something similar) The first ninety minutes was the best performance I have ever seen from a Hibs team. The passion and commitment shown was outstanding and everyone present was swept along in the emotion of the night. The support from the crowd was relentless and even the fairweather fans who only turn up for games like this deserve a pat on the back. The communal singing of 'Sunshine on Leith' was a joy to behold and brought tears to the eyes, setting thousands of otherwise manly bottom lips quivering. So, we are out of Europe but achieved a stunning victory on the night. Proud to be a Hibee? Damn right I am.

A swift return to league business saw us turned over by the mighty Livingston, a result not entirely unexpected given the energy expended three days earlier. Let us allow Livvi to enjoy their moment of glory while they can and wait patiently before extracting revenge, in an Infinite Justice kind of way, at the appropriate time.

I am actually writing this on Sunday 21st October having just returned from another trouncing of the weakest team in Edinburgh. Two wonderful goals from wee Ulises should have been the beginning of a rout but Hapless of Midlothian managed to keep the scoreline respectable, unlike this time last year. As the song goes... Cheer up Craig Levein, oh what can it mean? etc etc.

I am now going to digress and talk about popular music. As you are a loyal reader I am going to reward your loyalty by telling you about the best local rock band you are likely to see. Black Rose are a Thin Lizzy tribute band and you don't need me to tell you that Thin Lizzy were the best rock band ever. Black Rose is fronted by Eddie who looks nothing like Phil Lynot but sounds exactly like him when performing. Eddie's main regret in life is that he was not born black and Irish and called Philip Parris Lynot. The two guitarists, Paul and Phil, are absolutely superb and never miss a note, also, as they probably have not consumed as many drugs as Lizzy's axe men, can actually sound better than the originals. Paul is a big Gary Moore fan and his playing on 'Parisienne Walkways' and 'Still Got The Blues' is absolutely stunning. I have seen the band three times now and they have used two different drummers, Colin and Angus, and both are equally as good as the legendary Brian Downey. As a life-long Thin Lizzy fan, yes, I have all their records and have even shed a tear at Phil Lynot's grave in Howth, I can listen to Black Rose with my eyes closed and imagine that it is Thin Lizzy playing. I suspect that only true fans deserve to play in a tribute band and these guys are the best so if you do nothing else worthwhile with your life get yourself along to the Regent Bar, Montrose Terrace, on December 8th and be prepared to rock your socks off and have a jolly time. Please note that the wearing of leather trousers is not required and, frankly, looks ridiculous if you are not Jim Morrison. If you are really lucky you might even see the other Black Rose joining in for a song or two.