Same again from a different Hibs?
The season is now well underway, and John Knox
considers the changes - and what treats might be in store
AS EVER NEW PLAYERS bring new, and
normally, higher expectations. But can we consolidate our position as 'best of
the rest'? The revolving door has been in full swing recently, established
stars leaving, with a lot of unknowns replacing them. Six games into the new
season, opinion is divided as to whether we're as good a side as last year.
One reporter in a daily newspaper said of Saturday's game that last season, we
would have put 10 past Motherwell. Is he suggesting that we're not as good a
side as last year?
Let's look at this for a minute. Lots of
non-Hibees were saying that we would crumble without Latapy this season, as if
he was the only good player to ever wear the green and white. I for on don't
believe this. Hibs have scored 11 goals in 6 games this year - last time we
had scored 13 in the same time, 5 of which came against Dundee. I'm not
knocking Latapy's talent, but we're still scoring goals. It could also be
argued that Hibs played better as a unit when Latapy didn't play - especially
after the winter break, so I wouldn't say the departure of Wee Russ is the end
of the world.
Brewster - no goals, yet! (sns)
Other players to have left, as we all know,
we first team regulars like Paatelainen and Lovell, both having good seasons.
Has McLeish brought in players who improve the playing staff? Which is what
it's all about. Onward and upward for Hibernian Football Club. Firstly we'll
have a look at the replacement(s) for Mixu. Craig Brewster and Francisco Luna.
Neither has found the net for us this season, but no one can fail to be
impressed with the way Brewster leads the line. Luna has taken a bit of stick
from Hibs fans about his ability, but I don't go along with this. Goals will
come from this pair, I'm certain of that. With McManus making real progress
this season, plus the fact we still have Zitelli, and young O'Connor when he
returns from injury, I'd say we certainly have a stronger attack than season,
and the strongest for many a season for that matter.
Stuart Lovell left Easter Road to join the
West Lothian revolution at Livingston. Although signed as a striker, the
Aussie undoubtedly had his best season at right wing back, winning over 'most'
of the fans. In has come Alen Orman, who I think will be regarded as one of
Eck's best ever signings. Covers the whole pitch, never stops running, and
I've been told he can shoot a bit as well! Add to that he can cross a ball as
well, and you have a player who will turn out to be a snip at £100k. Ulises de
la Cruz. What is there to say? I would bet that around 50% of the people who
stayed up in the UK for the opening game of this year's Copa America were
Hibees! Critics have said that the money on a record buy should go for a
player in the 'spine' of the team. Eh? Why exactly? What, if like Hibs, you
already have a strong spine? How about someone to compliment Laursen on the
left? Anyway, Ulises can play wide right OR in the centre. A mean crosser of
the ball and lightning fast, opponents will find it difficult to contain de la
Cruz. Things are looking good!
Orman - best summer deal? (sns)
Also added to Hibs have been Derek Townsley
and Tony Caig. Townsley has been given the dubious tag of 'utility man' over
the years. I think he played in most positions for Motherwell and by all
accounts done well (pardon the pun!), but toward the end of his time at Fir
Park he verbally lashed out at the fans and was a target for the boo boys
since then. Tony Caig has been brought in to push Nick Colgan for the No 1
jersey, and done well in close season games, looking like another quality
addition to our squad.
In conclusion, while there have be no so
called 'big names' brought to ER this season, there is no doubt that our squad
as been strengthened considerably, with quality in all positions. There should
no longer be a panic if we get an injury or suspension here and there. And
don't bet against some of these players becoming 'big names' in the future.
3rd place again? Yup. And higher….maybe.
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