Lee Johnson explains how Hibs fans picked him up after Easter Road loss hurt as he vows to remain 'calm in the storm'

Lee Johnson has revealed how Hibs’ uplifting fans healed his hurt and re-energised him. The Easter Road boss was in a state of despair last weekend after the home loss to Motherwell. When he woke on Sunday morning Johnson’s mood was still bleak. At that point he realised he had a supporters function to attend later in the day. Johnson said: “We had the Sunnyside fans’ Player of the Year awards and you’re thinking, ‘I could do without this’. But in reality you get there and you realise they’re the proper supporters, they’re fully behind the lads and you. And it turned from something I went into thinking this’ll be tough to coming out really encouraged and buoyed by the fact that when the dust is settled, the supporters love the lads, love the staff and love what we’re trying to do. They can see it.”

The enthusiasm coursed through him as he added: “Of course it does because who motivates the motivator? Obviously you have drive as a manager but sometimes you can’t see the wood for the trees. Because what you think you’re seeing actually doesn’t come to the fore and that’s when you’re left scratching your head.

“At the same time I really believe in what we’re doing, the project, and that’s why it’s such a great club and why I never lose an ounce of enthusiasm. Every day I get up and come to training it’s not a slog for me.

"This is a front-foot, full-on drive to take the club forward. And the frustrating thing is taking two steps forward and one step back, just when you think you’ve cracked it.

"People tell me this a lot about Hibs. And it slaps you in the face!” Johnson can't help himself. He is engulfed by the job and the desire to make Hibs a force. He said: “I’m up here on my own effectively. My family are back