The man in black who had your back
Miller hails character Kenny
KENNY HOPE was one of the men in black at a time when Scottish football was packed full of characters – and just as many chancers.
But he went down as one of the great refs because he always gave as good as he got.
The former SFA whistler, who died recently aged 80, had a reputation of being an official who could be relied on to actually talk to the players – even if they didn’t always like what they heard.
It’s like his infamous incident with Willie Miller – where the pictures didn’t tell the full story.
The Aberdeen legend was caught on camera giving Hope an ear-bashing after picking up a booking against Rangers. It’s fair to say Miller didn’t concur and let the ref know it. But on this occasion the official – whose brother Douglas was also a top ref – decided to let the Dons captain blow off steam.
The SFA actually forced the ref to sit out Scottish Cup ties as punishment for not being harder on Miller.
But the Dons great said: “Kenny was the type of official who was quite happy to talk to the players and explain his decisions during breaks of play. He always had something to say on the pitch and I had great respect for him as a referee. He might not have agreed with your point of view but you could talk to him.”
Miller admits the Gers flashpoint was one of the great Scottish football misunderstandings. In his book, the Don, Miller said: “Our conversation was shown on TV that night but it was edited to look like I was gesticulating in his face and he was doing nothing about it.
“That wasn’t the case. I was just asking why I got booked. The SFA reaction was disgraceful. If they’d asked me I would have explained to them.”
That incident was just one in a career of almost 20 years at the top level, that started in the early 70s when Scottish football was among the best in the business and up to 1991.
SFA head of referee operations Crawford Allan said: “Kenny was universally respected throughout the game by players and managers alike and his dedication to the game cannot be understated. Kenny will be fondly remembered and his contribution will never be forgotten.”
Hope took charge of the 1987 Scottish Cup Final among other big games – but it was his rapport with the players that made him stand out.
He might not have agreed with your point of view but you could talk to him WILLIE MILLER HAD SO MUCH RESPECT FOR HOPE
Speaking to Record Sport a decade ago, he joked: “I remember handling a CelticRangers game and giving a free-kick Bobby Murdoch didn’t agree with to the extent that he directed the four-letter word towards me.
“I asked, ‘How do you spell that?’ and Bobby replied ‘What d’you mean?’. I said, ‘Well, if it’s with a PH you’re all right but if it’s with an F you’re off.’ Then I heard Bobby say to Evan Williams, ‘We’ve got a right f ***** g comedian here’.”
From Lisbon Lions to a few paper tigers, Kenny Hope knew how to tame the
lot of them.
Hibs show incoming boss they’ve found their sparkle again ahead of cup final
suspicion of drink driving. Jordan McGhee took his place in the Dark Blues’ engine room.
News of Maloney had failed to spark a boost in the home attendance. Scott Brown was an interested spectator though, presumably running the rule over Hibs before his Aberdeen side make the trip to Leith next week.
Gray’s side made a positive start and Josh Campbell forced Adam Legzdins into a fifthminute save when he rose to meet a Joe Newell free kick.
Hanlon then headed a Boyle cross wide as the home side piled on the early pressure, although Paul McGowan forced a good save from Matt Macey after 12 minutes with a raking volley.
Hibs were dealt a blow in 21 minutes when Cadden limped off with what looked like a knee knock and was replaced by Doidge.
Gray was desperately seeking a break. And his wish was answered as his side were handed an absolute gift after 34 minutes.
Boyle turned on the afterburners as he broke down the right flank before pitching a cross into the box for Doidge.
McMullan sensed danger behind him and launched into a diving header – only to spectacularly power the ball past Legzdins and into the top corner from 12 yards. It was a stunning header in it’s execution.
But it was no laughing matter for a furious McPake who had seen his own side’s attack turn into an opening goal for Hibs in the blink of an eye.
More good work from Boyle released Doidge whose flick fed
Nisbet but despite going round Legzdins, the striker’s effort was cleared off the line by another ex-Hibee Liam Fontaine.
Dundee enjoyed their best spell just after the break.
Danny Mullen lashed wildly over from six yards with the goal at his mercy just four minutes after the restart.
It was a warning for Gray’s side and the sense of nerves in the stands intensified when Nisbet shot wide after meeting Newell’s cross at the near post.
It was to be the striker’s last action as he limped off after sliding in on Cammy Kerr and he looked in some discomfort as he left the park with the clock now ticking until Hampden. Jamie Murphy replaced Nisbet and within 60 seconds he should have doubled Hibs’ lead. Boyle again did the legwork before throwing in an inch perfect cross to the back post but Murphy was on the stretch and, while his effort was on target, Legzdins got down to make a good save. McPake threw on Jason Cummings and Leigh Griffiths but Dundee saw Ryan Sweeney pick up a second yellow card for dissent.