Lee Johnson reveals tactical input from nan as Hibs boss reflects on Portugal trip and new signings

But there was further input into the game from a rather unlikely source. It wasn’t unusual for Hibs to have a coach in the stand last season to provide an alternative view of fixtures but never an octogenarian analyst.

Yet that’s what happened as Hibs saw off Pools by two goals to nil in the heat of the Algarve. Watching the livestream from her Portishead home was none other than Johnson’s Nan, Janette.

Still going strong at 83 – ‘she looks 71, 72 and still does the dancing and plays tennis’, says Johnson – the Lennoxtown native was a keen spectator as goals from Ewan Henderson and Ryan Porteous ensured victory over Paul Hartley’s side.

Hailing her as a ‘bit of an icon in terms of her generation’, Johnson reveals she sent a text message during the game with some advice.

"She is relentless. She watched the Hartlepool game on YouTube and was sending me tactical points by text.

"She wrote: "All players were excellent, definitely showed your style of play and a dominant performance.

"You need to get [Jair] Tavares pressing the centre-halves. Never thought they would catch him though, very quick; midfielders and defenders trying to score.

"Very hot so make sure the boys have got their fluids." She's not wrong, is she?"

He laughs as he puts his phone down, adding: “She makes me chuckle. I try to teach her all the tactical stuff – she loves her tennis, but she'll come up for the Hearts game.”

Johnson was happy overall with what he saw from both teams that he played against Pools.

“I’d have liked a few more goals for the dominance. We lacked a bit of quality where the lads were heavy-legged. I’m hoping that last little bit of sharpness comes through pretty quickly, just so they feel good about themselves going into the season.