BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Alan Stubbs has cranked up the war of words with Mark Warburton by claiming the Rangers boss can’t even bring himself to say Hibernian’s name.
The Easter Road gaffer is visibly relishing the mind games in the run-up to one of the biggest fixtures in Scotland this season, with the winners guaranteed to end 2015 atop the Championship.
Having previously suggested Rangers are in denial over their stuttering form – winning just two of their last six league games – Stubbs has now noted that Warburton likes to refer to Hibs as ‘the other club’.
The former Celtic star said: “I’ve been very respectful to Rangers – and I do mention their club, unlike Mark [Warburton]. He doesn’t like mentioning ‘Hibernian Football Club’.
“We’re ‘the other team’. But I have got no problem talking about ‘Rangers Football Club’. It’s a fantastic club.
“I’ve always said and if you look back you’ll find it, that Rangers are a good club. There’s no denying that.”
The duo have previously worked together when Warburton was involved in the Next Gen series – precursor to the UEFA Youth League – and Stubbs was in charge of the youngsters at Everton.
However, the Hibs boss acknowledges that the pair have no real relationship north of the border.
Stubbs continued: “We don’t socialise together. I’ll have a drink with him after the game, I have no problem with that whatsoever.
“But I’m a winner. I’m not here to be someone’s best friend. I am here to do the best I can for my football club and for my players.”
