Martin Boyle has broken his silence on Marink Reedijk’s decision to overlook him for the Hibs captaincy, insisting he has no issue with Felix Passlack being handed the armband.
The 33-year-old, who served as David Gray’s vice-captain and regularly led the team in Joe Newell’s absence, dismissed suggestions that the change had caused any discontent.
Boyle instead delivered his response on the pitch, scoring the opening goal in Sunday’s 2-1 Premier Sports Cup semi-final victory over Hearts at Hampden.
“It didn’t affect me one single bit,” Boyle said in the aftermath of the derby triumph.
“It didn’t affect me when I was captain, and it doesn’t impact me now. It is completely irrelevant in my eyes.”
Passlack has worn the armband in each of Reedijk’s first five games in charge after the former Beveren boss decided he wanted something different from his captain.
However, Reedijk has continued to emphasise the important leadership role Boyle has to play as one of the most experienced members of the Hibs dressing room.
“He pulled me, and you have to accept it,” Boyle said of his conversation with the Hibs head coach.
“I am not the manager of this football club, and I don’t make the decisions.
“The only thing I can do is let my football do the talking, which I have. I’ve been training hard, merited my start at Hampden, and I repaid him.”
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“If I’m asked to be the leader on the day or not, then it is not going to change the type of character I am,” Boyle continued.
“It is not going to change the person I am, and it is not going to change my performances.
“Whoever leads us out leads us out. We have a good group and a good leadership group that is very experienced.
“If that is the way forward he wants to go, then we will need to back the manager.”
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