Hanlon happy with Hibs life

Paul Hanlon feels the atmosphere around Easter Road has improved as Hibernian bid to continue their unbeaten home record against Dundee.

Hibs have won two and drawn two in Edinburgh this season as Pat Fenlon makes a conscious effort to turn their home stadium into an intimidating venue.

Dundee visit Leith on Saturday and Hanlon has set his sights on beating last season's home wins tally - Hibs only won their second SPL game at Easter Road when they beat Dunfermline in May to secure their top-flight place.

Hanlon said: "We got a disappointing result at Aberdeen so we want to keep our unbeaten home form going and send the fans home happy from Easter Road as they have been most times this season.

"Our home form last year was terrible but we have matched that already and it's only October, and hopefully we will go one better on Saturday and get our third win at home.

"At times last season we were nervous playing at home but this year we have started well and it shows, when we lost a two-goal lead at home to Inverness we got the draw, but the fans were still there clapping us off the pitch and it was brilliant to see that."

Hanlon admitted the home record last term was a vicious cycle.

"I think it's just a pressure thing," Hanlon said.

"At the time we were under pressure and boys do things you maybe wouldn't do when you're full of confidence.

"So hopefully we can keep that home form going.

"I don't think the supporters were expecting miracles straight away, but we're improving and if we keep improving throughout the season, we'll be in a good position at the end."

Fenlon continued his drive to engage with the home support by delivering a message to Hibs fans to turn out for the game and keep backing the players.

"We want to make it difficult for teams here, so it's important we bounce back with a victory," he said.

"I said at the start it would take time. There are still little things we are trying to improve.

"The supporters have been fantastic in the home games. When we did come under the cosh in some of the games, they recognised that and got behind us.

"We need other teams to fear playing here. That's what it always was at Easter Road and the development of the new stadium has probably changed that a bit but we are slowly getting that back."

Fenlon has noticed a positive difference in the attitude of his players when playing at home this season.

"Even coming here before the games, they are upbeat and looking forward to playing here," he said.

"There is definitely a turnaround in the way they see things playing at home as well."

Hibs face a Dundee side with former Easter Road striker Colin Nish in their ranks following his loan move from Hartlepool.

"He was brilliant when he was here," Hanlon said. "In some games and in training he was unplayable.

"I'm delighted for him to be back up the road and scoring goals for Dundee, but hopefully we can keep him quiet this weekend.

"I've trained with him quite a lot so hopefully I've picked up a few things to watch out for."