2003–04 Hibernian F.C. season
Encyclopedia
Season 2003–04 was a disappointment for Hibernian
, as the team again finished in the bottom half of the league
, and was knocked out at the first stage of the Scottish Cup
. The main highlight of the season was the run to the 2004 Scottish League Cup Final
, which Hibs reached by defeating both halves of the Old Firm
. This also ended in disappointment, however, as the Final was lost 2–0 to Livingston
. A month after that defeat, manager
Bobby Williamson was allowed to leave the club to manage Plymouth Argyle
.
, Stephen Glass
and Yannick Zambernardi
, Hibs again struggled in the league. Financial problems meant that the club had sold or released many of its senior players during Bobby Williamson
's time in charge, and even Williamson's own long term contract was renegotiated to a shorter term and lower salary. The Hibs board were also apparently willing to allow Plymouth Argyle
to take Williamson when made an approach in April 2004. Williamson's assistants, Gerry McCabe and Jim Clark, took charge of the team for the remainder of the season, with Tony Mowbray
appointed soon after its conclusion.
Source: SPL official website
clubs who had not automatically qualified for European competition, Hibs entered at the last 32 stage (second round) of the competition, in which they defeated 9–0 at Easter Road
. Hibs were then given another home draw in the last 16, against , which Hibs won 2–1. In the quarter-final, Hibs were again drawn to play at home, but this time had to face league leaders . Despite falling behind early in the second half, Hibs won 2–1 thanks to a late goal by Kevin Thomson
. Hibs were then given another tough draw for the semi-final, playing the other half of the Old Firm
, Rangers
. Nonetheless, Hibs won the tie 4–3 on penalties
, with Frank de Boer
's miss sending Hibs through. These two upset victories sent Hibs to the Final
, where they met Livingston
. Hibs sold a remarkable 37,000 tickets for the game, suggesting that the club still had the drawing power to be a major force in Scottish football. The match ended in major disappointment, however, as Livingston won 2–0 to lift the trophy.
Daniel Andersson was the only player to appear in every match, playing in 38 SPL
matches, five League Cup
ties and the one Scottish Cup
tie.
|}
Hibernian F.C.
Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
, as the team again finished in the bottom half of the league
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
, and was knocked out at the first stage of the Scottish Cup
Scottish Cup
The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
. The main highlight of the season was the run to the 2004 Scottish League Cup Final
2004 Scottish League Cup Final
The 2004 Scottish Cup Final was played on 14 March 2004, at Hampden Park in Glasgow and was the final of the 57th Scottish League Cup. The final was contested by Hibernian and Livingston. Livingston won the match 2–0, thanks to goals from Derek Lilley and Jamie McAllister.-Match details:...
, which Hibs reached by defeating both halves of the Old Firm
Old Firm
The Old Firm is a common collective name for the association football clubs Celtic and Rangers, both based in Glasgow, Scotland.The origin of the term is unclear. One theory has it that the expression derives from Celtic's first game in 1888, which was played against Rangers. However, author,...
. This also ended in disappointment, however, as the Final was lost 2–0 to Livingston
Livingston F.C.
Livingston Football Club is a Scottish association football club based in Livingston, West Lothian. The club currently plays in the Scottish Football League First Division.The club was founded in 1943 as Ferranti Thistle, a works team...
. A month after that defeat, manager
Head coach
A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
Bobby Williamson was allowed to leave the club to manage Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
.
League season
With the Hibs squad "stretched to its limits" by injuries to Ian Murray, Grant BrebnerGrant Brebner
Grant Ian Brebner is a Scottish association football player, who currently plays for Australian A-League side Melbourne Victory. Born in Edinburgh, Brebner joined Manchester United as a 16-year-old in 1994, and although he was a member of the club's successful youth side, he failed to break into...
, Stephen Glass
Stephen Glass (footballer)
Stephen Glass is a Scottish professional footballer currently playing for Carolina RailHawks in the North American Soccer League....
and Yannick Zambernardi
Yannick Zambernardi
Yannick Zambernardi is a French professional football player, currently without a club.-Career:Zambernardi started his career with Ligue 1 side Bastia in 1997 but failed to make any appearances. He then moved to his hometown Ajaccio, firstly playing for Gazélec Ajaccio and then AC Ajaccio...
, Hibs again struggled in the league. Financial problems meant that the club had sold or released many of its senior players during Bobby Williamson
Bobby Williamson
Robert "Bobby" Williamson is a former association footballer who is currently manager of the Uganda national football team. He previously managed Kilmarnock and Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League and Plymouth Argyle in the Football League Championship.-Playing career:As a player, Williamson...
's time in charge, and even Williamson's own long term contract was renegotiated to a shorter term and lower salary. The Hibs board were also apparently willing to allow Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
to take Williamson when made an approach in April 2004. Williamson's assistants, Gerry McCabe and Jim Clark, took charge of the team for the remainder of the season, with Tony Mowbray
Tony Mowbray
Anthony Mark "Tony" Mowbray is an English former professional football player, who is currently the manager of Middlesbrough...
appointed soon after its conclusion.
Results
Final table
| P | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Celtic Celtic F.C. Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the... |
38 | 31 | 5 | 2 | 105 | 25 | 80 | 98 | UEFA Champions League 2004-05 Group stage |
| 2 | Rangers Rangers F.C. Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses... |
38 | 25 | 6 | 7 | 76 | 33 | 43 | 81 | UEFA Champions League 2004-05 Third qualifying round |
| 3 | Hearts Heart of Midlothian F.C. Heart of Midlothian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Gorgie, in the west of Edinburgh. They currently play in the Scottish Premier League and are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian... |
38 | 19 | 11 | 8 | 56 | 40 | 16 | 68 | UEFA Cup 2004-05 First round |
| 4 | Dunfermline Athletic Dunfermline Athletic F.C. Dunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They currently compete in the Scottish Premier League.... |
38 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 45 | 52 | |||
| 53 | ||||||||||
| 5 | Dundee United Dundee United F.C. Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, the club changed to the present name in 1923... |
38 | 13 | 10 | 15 | 47 | 60 | |||
| 49 | ||||||||||
| 6 | Motherwell Motherwell F.C. Motherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. The club compete in the Scottish Premier League and are one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998... |
38 | 12 | 10 | 16 | 42 | 49 | |||
| 46 | ||||||||||
| 7 | Dundee Dundee F.C. Dundee Football Club, founded in 1893, are a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their shirt colour is dark blue. Dundee currently play in the Scottish First Division, having been relegated from... |
38 | 12 | 10 | 16 | 48 | 57 | |||
| 46 | ||||||||||
| 8 | Hibernian Hibernian F.C. Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts... |
38 | 11 | 11 | 16 | 41 | 60 | |||
| 44 | UEFA Intertoto Cup 2004 second round | |||||||||
| 9 | Livingston Livingston F.C. Livingston Football Club is a Scottish association football club based in Livingston, West Lothian. The club currently plays in the Scottish Football League First Division.The club was founded in 1943 as Ferranti Thistle, a works team... |
38 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 48 | 57 | |||
| 43 | ||||||||||
| 10 | Kilmarnock Kilmarnock F.C. Kilmarnock Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Founded in 1869, "Killie" is the oldest club currently in the Scottish Premier League. Home matches are played at Rugby Park... |
38 | 12 | 6 | 20 | 51 | 74 | |||
| 42 | ||||||||||
| 11 | Aberdeen Aberdeen F.C. Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen... |
38 | 9 | 7 | 22 | 39 | 63 | |||
| 34 | ||||||||||
| 12 | Partick Thistle Partick Thistle F.C. Partick Thistle Football Club are a professional association football club from Glasgow. Despite their name, the club are based in the Maryhill area of the city, and have not played in Partick since 1908... |
38 | 6 | 8 | 24 | 39 | 67 | |||
| 26 | Relegated to First Division 2004-05 Scottish First Division 2004-05 The 2004–05 Scottish First Division was won by Falkirk.As league champions, Falkirk were promoted to the Scottish Premier League. Partick Thistle and Raith Rovers were relegated to the Second Division, and Second Division winners Brechin City and Stranraer were promoted.-Table:-Top... |
Source: SPL official website
Scottish League Cup
As one of the SPLScottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
clubs who had not automatically qualified for European competition, Hibs entered at the last 32 stage (second round) of the competition, in which they defeated 9–0 at Easter Road
Easter Road
Easter Road is a football stadium located in the Leith area of Edinburgh, Scotland, which is the home ground of Scottish Premier League club Hibernian . The stadium currently has an all-seated capacity of 20,421, which makes it the fifth-largest football stadium in Scotland. Easter Road is also...
. Hibs were then given another home draw in the last 16, against , which Hibs won 2–1. In the quarter-final, Hibs were again drawn to play at home, but this time had to face league leaders . Despite falling behind early in the second half, Hibs won 2–1 thanks to a late goal by Kevin Thomson
Kevin Thomson
Kevin Thomson is a Scottish association footballer who plays for Middlesbrough and the Scotland national football team. Thomson began his career with Hibernian before joining Rangers in 2007 for a £2m transfer fee. He plays as a defensive midfielder with key attributes of passing and tackling...
. Hibs were then given another tough draw for the semi-final, playing the other half of the Old Firm
Old Firm
The Old Firm is a common collective name for the association football clubs Celtic and Rangers, both based in Glasgow, Scotland.The origin of the term is unclear. One theory has it that the expression derives from Celtic's first game in 1888, which was played against Rangers. However, author,...
, Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
. Nonetheless, Hibs won the tie 4–3 on penalties
Penalty shootout (football)
A penalty shoot-out, referred to as kicks from the penalty mark in the Laws of the Game, is the FIFA official term for a method used in association football to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament following a tied game...
, with Frank de Boer
Frank de Boer
Franciscus "Frank" de Boer is a Dutch former professional footballer, and the younger twin brother of Ronald de Boer. Since 6 December 2010 he is the Manager of AFC Ajax.-Club career:...
's miss sending Hibs through. These two upset victories sent Hibs to the Final
2004 Scottish League Cup Final
The 2004 Scottish Cup Final was played on 14 March 2004, at Hampden Park in Glasgow and was the final of the 57th Scottish League Cup. The final was contested by Hibernian and Livingston. Livingston won the match 2–0, thanks to goals from Derek Lilley and Jamie McAllister.-Match details:...
, where they met Livingston
Livingston F.C.
Livingston Football Club is a Scottish association football club based in Livingston, West Lothian. The club currently plays in the Scottish Football League First Division.The club was founded in 1943 as Ferranti Thistle, a works team...
. Hibs sold a remarkable 37,000 tickets for the game, suggesting that the club still had the drawing power to be a major force in Scottish football. The match ended in major disappointment, however, as Livingston won 2–0 to lift the trophy.
Results
Results
Players In
| Player | From | Fee |
|---|---|---|
 Stephen DobbieStephen Dobbie Stephen Dobbie is a Scottish professional footballer who plays for Swansea City.Dobbie began his career with Rangers in 2002, but did not play in a first team match. He had more opportunities at Hibernian, whom he joined in 2003 and then St. Johnstone whom he joined, initially on loan, in 2005.... |
Rangers Rangers F.C. Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses... |
Free |
 Roland EdgeRoland Edge Roland Edge is an English footballer who plays and coaches at non-league Folkestone Invicta. He previously played professionally for Gillingham, Hibernian and Hull City, making over 150 appearances in total. However, injuries curtailed Edge's professional career and he moved onto non-league... |
Gillingham Gillingham F.C. Gillingham Football Club is an English professional football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent. The only Kent-based club in the Football League, they play their home matches at the Priestfield Stadium... |
Free |
| Stephen Glass Stephen Glass (footballer) Stephen Glass is a Scottish professional footballer currently playing for Carolina RailHawks in the North American Soccer League.... |
Watford Watford F.C. Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade... |
Free |
 Morten HyldgaardMorten Hyldgaard Morten Hyldgaard Lauritsen is a Danish former professional football goalkeeper who played for a number of clubs in English football. He played four games for the Denmark national under-21 football team.... |
Coventry City Coventry City F.C. Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry... |
Free |
 Colin MurdockColin Murdock Colin Murdock is a Northern Irish former footballer.He is currently a trainee solicitor at Manchester law firm George Davies LLP... |
Preston North End Preston North End F.C. Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One... |
Free |
| Gary Caldwell Gary Caldwell Gary Robert Caldwell is a Scottish footballer who is currently the captain of Wigan Athletic and also plays for the Scotland national football team.... |
Newcastle United Newcastle United F.C. Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger... |
Free |
Players Out
| Player | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|
 Frederic ArpinonFrédéric Arpinon Frédéric Arpinon is a former footballer from France.Now coaching at FC Istres, he proposed a link-up with former club Hibs recently.-External links:* *... |
Nîmes Olympique Nîmes Olympique Nîmes Olympique is a French association football club based in Nîmes. The club was formed on 10 April 1937 and currently play in Championnat National, the third level of French football. The club's only achievement was winning Ligue 2 in 1950 and the Championnat National in 1997... |
Free |
| Derek Townsley Derek Townsley Derek Johnstone Townsley is an English former professional footballer. His clubs included Gretna, Queen of the South, Motherwell, Hibernian and Oxford United... |
Oxford United Oxford United F.C. Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The... |
Free |
| David Proctor David Proctor David William Proctor is a Scottish association football player who plays as a right-back or right midfielder for Scottish Premier League club Inverness Caledonian Thistle.-Career:... |
Inverness CT Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C. Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club from Inverness who compete in the Scottish Premier League. They are currently managed by Terry Butcher and assistant manager Maurice Malpas... |
Free |
| Darran Thomson Darran Thomson Darran Thomson is a Scottish football player, currently playing for Spartans.Thomson played in two games for Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League towards the end of the 2002–03 season as he attempted to earn a new contract from manager Bobby Williamson... |
Inverness CT Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C. Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club from Inverness who compete in the Scottish Premier League. They are currently managed by Terry Butcher and assistant manager Maurice Malpas... |
Free |
| Calvin Shand |
Free | |
 Mixu PaatelainenMixu Paatelainen Mika-Matti Petteri "Mixu" Paatelainen is a former Finnish international football player and the current manager of the Finnish national team, having started the role in April 2011... |
St. Johnstone | Free |
| Ryan Harding Ryan Harding Ryan Harding is a Scottish semi-professional footballer who plays for Alloa Athletic as a defender.Over the course of his career he played for Livingston, Greenock Morton and East Stirlingshire before leaving for Malta.... |
Livingston Livingston F.C. Livingston Football Club is a Scottish association football club based in Livingston, West Lothian. The club currently plays in the Scottish Football League First Division.The club was founded in 1943 as Ferranti Thistle, a works team... |
Free |
| Paul Hilland Paul Hilland Paul Hilland is a Scottish association football player, who played for several clubs in the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League.... |
Berwick Rangers Berwick Rangers F.C. Berwick Rangers Football Club are a football team based in the English Border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, although they play in the Scottish Football League Third Division... |
Free |
| John O'Neil John O'Neil (footballer) John Thomas O'Neil is a Scottish former professional association football player. He represented Scotland once, and played for Dundee United, St. Johnstone, Hibernian and Falkirk in the top division.-Career:... |
Falkirk Falkirk F.C. Falkirk Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Falkirk. It is one of two professional football teams from the town, the other being East Stirlingshire... |
Free |
| Morten Hyldgaard Morten Hyldgaard Morten Hyldgaard Lauritsen is a Danish former professional football goalkeeper who played for a number of clubs in English football. He played four games for the Denmark national under-21 football team.... |
Luton Town Luton Town F.C. Luton Town Football Club is an English professional football club based since 1905 at Kenilworth Road, Luton, Bedfordshire. The club currently competes in the fifth tier of English football, the Conference National, for the third consecutive season during the 2011–12 season.Formed in 1885, it was... |
Free |
Loans Out
| Player | To |
|---|---|
 Nick ColganNick Colgan Nicholas Vincent "Nick" Colgan is an Irish footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Football League One side Huddersfield Town... |
|
| Alistair Brown Alistair Brown (footballer born 1985) Alistair Brown is a Scottish association football player, who plays as a goalkeeper for Stenhousemuir.- Hibernian :... |
|
Player stats
During the 2003–04 season, Hibs used 27 different players in competitive games. The table below shows the number of appearances and goals scored by each player. GoalkeeperGoalkeeper (football)
In association football, the goalkeeper occupies a position that represents the last line of defence between the opponent's offence and his own team's goal. The primary role of the goalkeeper is to defend his team's goal and prevent the opposition from scoring a goal...
Daniel Andersson was the only player to appear in every match, playing in 38 SPL
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
matches, five League Cup
Scottish League Cup
The Scottish League Cup is a football competition open to all Scottish Football League and Scottish Premier League clubs. At present it is also known as the Scottish Communities League Cup owing to the sponsorship deal in place with the Scottish Government. In the past it has been sponsored by...
ties and the one Scottish Cup
Scottish Cup
The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
tie.
|}
External links
- Fixtures & Results, Hibernian F.C.Hibernian F.C.Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
official site - Hibernian 2003/2004 results and fixtures, Soccerbase