Fire in Lennon good for Hibs, says Swanson
IT IS 340 million years since Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh last blew its top. But that did not stop Danny Swanson being warned to beware of volcanic eruptions when he returned to his native capital to sign for Hibs.
Despite being briefed by close friend Darren McGregor about the ferocity of Neil Lennon’s occasional post-match rants, Swanson still found his first full experience of his manager losing his temper a ‘scary process’.
And that was despite Swanson not even kicking a ball in the 2-2 draw with Motherwell that left an enraged Lennon accusing his side of defending like Under-8s.
For Swanson, though, it is clear Lennon is a winner. And that the high standards he demands will serve Hibs well after they beat Livingston 3-2 in the Betfred Cup on Tuesday to reach a fifth semi-final in the last 18 months.
‘I was warned about (Lennon’s post-match rants) before I came here,’ smiled Swanson (below). ‘Darren McGregor told me all about it. But it’s bad, like! It’s bad.
‘Sunday was worse. We were in to watch the Motherwell game back and it was a scary process.
‘I wasn’t playing on Saturday, so watching the DVD I could say it wasn’t my fault. But I was still worried the gaffer would moan at me for something!
‘But it was needed — and it helped. You can see the passion he oozes. People always say: “Neil Lennon is a winner” and you can see it in moments like that. He takes his job very seriously.
‘If we have not done our jobs, we have to expect criticism and we have to accept it. If the boys needed shouted at, he will do it but he’s the first to praise you as well, so it works both ways. And when we are doing well he is brilliant.’
It was the nicer side of Lennon that coaxed a fine performance out of Swanson against Livingston. Behind to Alan Lithgow’s goal, the former St Johnstone midfielder fulfilled a boyhood dream by scoring a spectacular first goal for his heroes.
Rafa de Vita put Livvy back in front, but Swanson’s big night at Easter Road ended happily as goals from Martin Boyle and an Anthony Stokes penalty secured a final-four berth.
‘I’ve never played under anyone like the gaffer before but he helped me on Tuesday,’ said Swanson. ‘He spoke to me before the game. He was very positive. He took me aside, told me to relax and enjoy myself and, thankfully, I repaid him with a goal.
‘Did scoring for Hibs feel as good as I had envisaged as a boy? It did, but I always pictured scoring up the other end, in front of the Famous Five Stand. But it was fine. Everyone from my family was there to see it. It wasn’t on the season books, so I had a lot of requests for tickets.
‘Scoring my first Hibs goal was a relief more than anything else. After every game, I was thinking: “I still haven’t scored yet”. I was getting texts about not scoring from friends — not best friends, just friends. My best friends know better than to do that! ‘Thankfully it’s happened and I feel a weight off my shoulders. I can relax a bit and, hopefully, that’ll help me.’
For Swanson, scoring his first goal for Hibs was an emotional moment for a more tragic reason. He dedicated it to the memory of murdered friend Shaun Woodburn (30), who was killed last Hogmanay near Leith’s Gladstones bar, which is owned by Danny’s dad, Peter Swanson. ‘I always dedicate my goals to Shaun,’ he said. ‘But that was an extra special one. I know his dad, Kevin, was at the game so that made it special. Shaun was a big part in my decision to join Hibs and I am sure he will be very proud. That goal was for him, definitely.’