This led to Celtic manager Martin O'Neill describing Hibs as "worthy challengers" for the league in October, after they had beaten defending champions Rangers 1–0 at Easter Road.

[3] Celtic eventually ran away with the league championship, but Hibs continued to challenge for second place until a losing run in March effectively ended their chances of finishing above Rangers.

[7] It was suggested in the media that the fee would be used to finance refurbishments of Easter Road, but the Hibs board denied this and pledged to reinvest in the playing squad.

[7] A curious bit of transfer activity involved Didier Agathe, who Hibs signed as a free agent on a short-term contract in the 2000 close season.

[8][9] After a few good performances for Hibs, Agathe was offered the chance to double his salary by Celtic manager Martin O'Neill.