Shaun Maloney coffee chat at Hibs won't be one way but derby shows something special is brewing - Tam McManus

It's good to know Shan Maloney is an avid reader of my Record Sport column.

So much so, he's invited me through to the Hibs training ground this morning to tell me personally.

An informal chat with both him and his assistant Gary Caldwell over a coffee is something I'm looking forward to.

As a supporter of the club and someone who will always provide an honest insight into the fortunes of my old club, my motto is without fear or favour.

I'll always call things as I see them and Shaun's offer of a face to face isn't about any finger pointing or ill-feeling.

He's had a read of my opinion on several matters and wishes to outline his philosophy on many aspects of how he wants to manage the team, wants the team to play and it won't be a one-way conversation.

A coffee and a chat which shows an encouraging level of engagement. A mature and frank discussion, the way it should be.

The Edinburgh derby had many big positives for Hibs. Before the game most people fancied Hearts given they are sitting in third spot and 12 points ahead. I don't believe there is much between the teams, what the Jambos have had is consistency.

For the first time since the manager came in, the fans backed the whole team from start to finish.

All you need to do is look at the timeline on Twitter from the likes of Maloney, Caldwell and the players to see how much that backing was appreciated. There's no doubt that superb support contributed to a far better Hibs performance.

A display which was marked by a greater fight, energy and enthusiasm than what's been on show recently.

There's no doubt the fans are a huge asset when they support the team in the manner they did on Tuesday night, they were brilliant.

The banners and placards looked great, they