Post Match Interviews

Highlights from interviews given by Stephen Kenny, Tam McManus and Sol Bamba after the game against Hibs at EEP.

Stephen Kenny
Stephen feels his side has shown resolve for a long time this season and following the draw with St.Mirren many people thought the club should plan for the first division. However, players and staff have given their all and never given up and delivered the two wins that Kenny asked for before the split. He knew it was an open game and both sides created a number of chances but he was happy with the performance put in by his players to get a great win. He admits he had never heard of Tam McManus before he came to Scotland but having watched him in a reserve game he was impressed with what he could bring to the club in terms of technique and intelligence. The reserve team is of importance to Kenny who has altered the way they are worked due to the amount of times they are needed to fill in because of injuries and all have performed well.

Tam McManus
Tam jokes that if he had been at the club from the start of the season that they would be in a fight for a champions league spot due to his 100% record so far. He admits that the team has had a hard season but that they are fighting for everything and that he is surprised the club is in the position they are with the players it has. Putting pressure on St.Mirren is something he and the team are looking to do and the last few results are starting to do that. He points out that the Buddies fans thought they were safe after the last draw at East End, something that is etched on the memory. Tam is sick that he will have to miss out on the semi-final due to what he calls “a disgraceful rule” having spent a previous match with Falkirk on the bench.

Sol Bamba
A very jovial Sol Bamba was pleased with his solid defensive performance but is adamant it is all about the team, that is the most important thing. He admits he really wants to score for the team as he has never scored a goal in a match, but is quick to point out he does score in training, which he receives pelters for. He hopes he has done enough to play at Hampden but believes it is up to the manager and he just does his job in order to be in the managers thoughts. On the relegation battle Sol is just looking for the team to work hard to drag themselves above St.Mirren and avoid the drop. Although he fears a Hibs backlash he remains confident after the win and believes if they can replicate the performance they have a great chance. Bamba explains he thanks Dunfermline for giving him the experience needed to go and play for the Ivory Coast first team, although he is only captain of the younger team, being pipped by one Didier Drogba for the first.