Hibernian assistant head coach Robbie Stockdale has said the players should be inspired by supporter Josh Taylor’s boxing exploits, and admits there are plans to set up a meeting with the super-lightweight champion.
While Hibs’ season suffered a fresh set-back in throwing away a two-goal advantage in Saturday’s stalemate with Ross County, it was a different story later than evening for Taylor.
The 28-year-old became a unified champion in the 140lbs division by adding Regis Prograis’ WBA belt to his IBF title at London’s O2 Arena.
Hibs, who have surrendered leads in their last five Premiership games and have now gone without a win in nine league outings, have capitalised on tennis icon And Murray’s affiliation with the club in the past and are hoping a motivational talk from Taylor could benefit the team.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Livingston, Stockdale said: “It’s absolutely brilliant what Josh did.
“The boys were taking about it and I think a few of them have seen him before fight before.
“It’s such a tough sport and discipline to get to the top.
“It’s outstanding really and a real inspiration to us.
“You look at people like that, Andy Murray as well.
“You have to feed off that, we’ve already tried to put the wheels in motion that he’ll come in and speak to us in person and he would be really good.
“It must be one of the toughest ways to make a living but he’s got to the top and it’s probably through professionalism, dedication and sheer guts really.
“If we do get to meet him it would be brilliant, tap in to what he does and see what he’s got to say.
“Football has a lot to learn off others sports, I think we’re getting better.
“I’m taking an interest in rugby union at the minute and seeing what teams do there.
“If you pigeonhole yourself to learn from football that’s all you ever learn. There are so many sports you can take things from.”
Prestonpans fighter Taylor has said he would love to take on WBO and WBC champion Jose Ramirez at a packed Easter Road in the future and Stockdale believes the club would do all they could to facilitate such an event.
He added: “That’s above my pay level but if we could do it, if there was a possibility I think it would be an amazing thing and I think he’d love it as well.”
