Marink Reedijk admitted that Hibernian's anthem Sunshine on Leith melted his heart after leading the club to the Premier Sports Cup Final. The Dutch head coach secured his first win at Hampden as his side beat city rivals Hearts 2-1 in the semi-final.
Goals from Martin Boyle and Jamie McGrath booked Hibs a return visit to Glasgow on December 13, where they will face Rangers. Reedijk was serenaded at full-time by the Hibees support, who sang the club's favourite song.
Emotional moment for Reedijk
The 34-year-old believes that type of togetherness can help them achieve success at Easter Road under him. Reedijk is the first man ever to guide Hibs to victory over Hearts at Hampden.
He said: "I don't always show my emotions but it was really touching (Sunshine on Leith). Maybe it looks like I'm an ice king, so to say. Normally in Holland we say ice queen, but I'm an ice king because for me, it is really important that this happens and it comes close to my heart because this is what football is about."
"Guys who inspire people on the pitch with something people off the pitch and in the stands love to see. That is what football is about."
Dominant display against Hearts
Hibs were outstanding against the Jambos, especially in the first half after conceding an early goal to Claudio Braga. Reedijk's side dominated and deservedly got in front before half-time.
They had to battle for the win in the second half but were resilient and could have scored more themselves. Rangers will be huge favourites in the final next month, but the manager says they'll cause any team in Scotland problems if they play like they did against Hearts.
When asked what makes him believe they can win it, Reedijk said: "The performance of today and the performance we showed in the weeks before. If we have even more progression, we can be better and better. We can make every opponent's lives a little bit difficult or very difficult. Finals are special matches but not only based on special moments."
Praise for Boyle and Newell
Reedijk picked out Hibs old boys Joe Newell and Boyle for their superb performances at Hampden. Boyle tucked away their leveller, which Newell played a part in, then the midfielder's shot led to McGrath's tap-in for 2-1.
He said: "Martin was sick during the week and he is a guy who lives by these matches. He is a guy who can disrupt opponents in special ways, a special player in that sense. Therefore, it was no doubt in my mind to put him on the pitch. For Joe, I can only take my hat off in terms of how he copes with the fact that we played three matches in the week."
"Now it's not only that he can cope with three matches but also the performances he put in on the pitch. Today he was important with a hand in the two goals."
Hibs fully merited their derby win and Reedijk loved the whole experience of beating Hearts and leading the club to a final. He said: "In the first half I really enjoyed how we played football, how we dominated the game on the ball, how we made sure that we created chances, and gave Hearts a big problem in defence. In the second half I really enjoyed the togetherness, the work rate, the energy, the desire. That's so important because in a match you can dominate for 40 minutes but the rest is survival."
"These matches are sometimes electric and this is where we made a big step today. It's fantastic (to make history by beating Hearts at Hampden for the first time). Maybe that's an extra icing on the cake for the players. It's great to see and this is the sort of history we want to make."
