HISTORY

Formed in 1875 by Irish immigrants, Hibs were a footballing force in the 1880s, but hit the buffers in 1891 and had to be reformed a year later.

The Edinburgh club entered the Scottish League in 1893 and won the title in 1903, a year after their second of their two Scottish Cup triumphs (they have been beaten finalists nine times, most recently last season).

Boosted by their legendary ‘Famous Five’ forward line, Hibs won three titles in five years between 1948-52.

Their last trophy was their third Scottish League Cup triumph in 2007, when Kilmarnock were beaten 5-1.

STADIUM

Hibs played at four different grounds before putting down roots at Easter Road, in the North-East of Edinburgh, in 1893.

Before the Taylor Report demanded the stadia be all-seated, Easter Road had vast banks of terracing on three sides, which meant it could hold big crowds (the record being 65,860 for the derby against Hearts in January 1950.

The pitch was noted for its pronounced slope, but this was removed in 2000.

The redeveloped ground (all four stands have been built since 1995) now has a capacity of 20,421.

Easter Road will stage its fifth Scotland game against Australia next month.

SQUAD

Forward Leigh Griffiths became Hibs’ fifth close-season recruit when he re-signed on loan from Town’s Championship rivals Wolves last week.

Manager Pat Fenlon has recruited Coventry defender James McPake on a permanent deal after bringing him in on loan last season.

Tim Clancy, another central defender, has moved from Motherwell, while new midfielder Paul Cairney made his name at Partick Thistle.

New goalkeeper Ben Williams, once of Manchester United, has played against Town for Colchester.

Town fans might also recall midfielder Ivan Sproule from his days at Bristol City and former MK Dons defender Sean O’Hanlon.

MANAGER

One-time Chelsea trainee Pat Fenlon is one of the few players to have worn the colours of all Dublin’s ‘big four’, St Pat’s, Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne, and as a Catholic from Dublin, caused a stir when he signed for Belfast Protestant club LInfield in 1993.

As a manager, the 43-year-old took Shelbourne to back-to-back Irish titles in 2003 and 04. There was another in 2006 before he moved to Bohemians, winning successive titles in 2008 and 09 as well as the FAI Cup and League of Ireland Cup.

Fenlon, pictured above, became Hibs boss last November and won a battle against relegation as well as taking the club to the Scottish Cup final.

PAST MEETINGS

Just as with Kilmarnock, Town will be making their first visit to Easter Road, their only other meeting with Hibs being in West Yorkshire in March 1956.

The star-studded Edinburgh side were preparing for a European Cup semi-final showdown with Reims while Town were fighting (unsuccessfully as it turned out) against relegation from the top flight.

A 13,490 crowd saw Town beat Hibs 3-2 with goals by Len Quested, Dave Hickson and Ron Simpson putting the home team in the driving seat.

Lawrie Reilly and future Scotland manager Willie Ormond, both members of the Hibs ‘Famous Five’ replied late on.