Alan Stubbs insists Hibernian players deserved cup final glory

Alan Stubbs insists Hibernian have been rewarded for backing him by winning their first Scottish Cup for 114 years after beating Rangers 3-2 in the final.

Hibs, losing 2-1 heading towards the final 10 minutes at Hampden on Saturday, completed a stunning turnaround against Rangers courtesy of Anthony Stokes' second goal and a stoppage-time header from David Gray.

The full-time whistle sparked a mass pitch invasion that saw both sets of fans clash, with goalposts also broken.

Stubbs said those scenes would not take the gloss off their achievement as they became the first lower league club to win the trophy since East Fife in 1938.

"We stuck to the game plan," Stubbs said.

"We knew exactly what we needed to do. If we did that, then we would limit Rangers to not many chances and we did that. I thought the players were magnificent.

"They have had a lot of knocks recently, a lot of bad luck, and in football it doesn't matter how well you play, if luck is not on your side, it is not going to happen.

"When we came through the play-off games, we felt a bit like that, like it wasn't meant to be, but today was meant to be.

"I have felt we were going to win this for the last six weeks. I have dreamt of winning it, I thought we were going to win 3-1 and I wasn't far away.

"I am pleased for everybody - the club, supporters and the board that have backed me 100 per cent. This is now a reward for what they have done."

Stubbs also revealed that he intends to auction his winners' medal to raise money for various charities.

He said: "My medal will be getting donated and I will auction it off to the highest bidder and it will go to a good cause.

"I got a letter off a lady who lost a baby in childcare and she's trying to raise money for machines so that will be one of them I'll maybe limit it to three charities and the money will be split between them."

Edinburgh's Lord Provost Donald Wilson will first host a celebratory reception at the Lothian Chambers on Sunday.

Following the event, the team leave the Lawnmarket on an open-top bus at 3.30pm and travel via Picardy Place and Leith Walk before the parade culminates at Leith Links.

The Lord Provost said: "What an historic victory for Hibernian Football Club.

"Many congratulations to Hibs for bringing the Scottish Cup home. No matter what colour scarf you wear or where you live, I'm sure all football fans in the city will recognise this is a time for celebration. I think it's fair to say the weather forecast is for sunshine on Leith this Sunday."