Hibs captain plays down talk of player revolt

Rob Jones insists his fellow Hibernian players did not ask for the sacking of John Collins during last week's revolt against the manager.

The Hibs captain has promised Collins he has the full backing of the dressing room following a week of turmoil at the Easter Road club.

Several first-team players complained to chairman Rod Petrie about the training methods and team selection of their boss, while he was on a football trip to France last week.

But Jones claims the axing of Collins was never on the agenda as far as the rebel players were concerned.

Speaking after crisis talks between Collins, his assistant Tommy Craig and the squad yesterday morning, the Hibs skipper said: "While we accept that the actions of the players have generated a huge amount of media interest, as a squad we were deeply disappointed that someone chose to make the issue public.

"While we understand that, we believe it is important to set the record straight in one important regard.

"At no point did the players ask for, or seek in any way, the removal of the management.

"I would like to reassure everyone that this will never happen again as long as I am in the dressing room.

"We apologise to the management, supporters and board of the club for any distress or embarrassment that has been caused."

The player revolt dominated the build-up to Sunday's goalless Tennent's Scottish Cup tie against Dunfermline, which will be decided by a replay on Tuesday, April 24.

And, with plenty still to play for this season, Jones has assured Collins of the "100% backing" of every single player from now on.

He added: "The first-team squad met with the manager and assistant manager today (Monday).

"The meeting was very positive, and I am speaking for the squad when I say that we are all very happy with the outcome.

"We will not be going into detail about the content of that meeting - that should stay in the dressing room.

"However we would like to take the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the club and state our 100% backing for the management team."