Title challenge

[Diclonius]

With Celtic not looking as invincible as they used to be, I notice the media are now plugging the line that this could be Steven Gerrard FC's year. Is it just me who thinks that they're once again overlooking the fact that us, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and (as much as I hate to say it) Hearts are almost or even as strong as Rangers are? We ran them close and Aberdeen actually finished above them (not that anyone in the MSM actually seems to want to admit to it), Kilmarnock have been in title-winning form in 2018 and have only lost one player, and Hearts have clearly strengthened given their win over Celtic.

If Rangers are capable of winning the league then the rest of the top six are as well. If things go the way they're going then this could be the most open Premiership in years.

[makaveli1875]

Not sure if your being serious or not . If you are il have some of what your smoking

[HibeeHibernian4]

Not sure if your being serious or not . If you are il have some of what your smoking

Why not though? What divine right do Rangers have to challenging for the title that the likes of us and Aberdeen don't?

[Steve20]

Celtic will cruise the league again. There seriously can't be anyone, other than the delusional at Ibrox, that thinks otherwise.

[Humo]

One more crap result for Celtic and Lawell will just open up the cheque book. If it doesn't happen now it'll happen in January

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[makaveli1875]

Why not though? What divine right do Rangers have to challenging for the title that the likes of us and Aberdeen don't?

Iv watched a few of the Rangers games and they have a better team than the likes of us or Aberdeen . Aberdeen took over an hour to get a shot in against them with 10 men at home . Nothing to do with divinity just the reality of it

[matty_f]

Iv watched a few of the Rangers games and they have a better team than the likes of us or Aberdeen . Aberdeen took over an hour to get a shot in against them with 10 men at home . Nothing to do with divinity just the reality of it

They've certainly started well, and look like a significant upgrade on last season.

[Chic Murray]

The thing I noticed about Rangers on telly is that they are all big lads, the majority are 6' plus. They are also a lot fitter than previous Sevconian teams.

[we are hibs]

We will never challenge for the league as long as we keep dropping silly points like yesterday.

[JimboHibs]

Why not though? What divine right do Rangers have to challenging for the title that the likes of us and Aberdeen don't?

Try the last 34 years for starters.

[danhibees1875]

They've certainly started well, and look like a significant upgrade on last season.

I think Rangers will get 2nd relatively comfortably this year unfortunately, but I'm not sure they'll be able to close the gap on Celtic.

The fight between Aberdeen, us, Hearts, and Killie is where I think we'll end up having to focus on - and if any other team goes on a magical run of form to challenge (ala Killie last year).

[ian cruise]

I don't think it's a ridiculous as some are saying. I'm not saying Celtic won't win the league but it's not ridiculous to suggest that it might be close when you consider that Celtic didn't win the league until after the split so we potentially have an exciting finish to the league.

I definitely agree with the main point on the OP, if the media are going to suggest rangers can run Celtic close then they should be including Aberdeen, ourselves and Killie in that too as we were all very similar form wise in 2018.

[SlickShoes]

We will never challenge for the league as long as we keep dropping silly points like yesterday.


We will never challenge for the league as long as rangers and celtc have a huge financial advantage. I think people underestimate what it’d take for a club with a strict budget to actually win a title.

Other teams also want to win games they aren’t just there for us to beat.

I don’t know how there can be unhappy hibs fans at the moment, this is the best period of supporting hibs in my 35 year life despite it starting with a relegation.

[makaveli1875]

I think Rangers will get 2nd relatively comfortably this year unfortunately, but I'm not sure they'll be able to close the gap on Celtic.

The fight between Aberdeen, us, Hearts, and Killie is where I think we'll end up having to focus on - and if any other team goes on a magical run of form to challenge (ala Killie last year).

Celtic are on the verge of a full blown crisis . Players on strike , Brenda's getting huffy , Broony looks either injured or his legs have gone and their defence is a shambles . The huns meanwhile have been galvanised , look well organised and hard to beat . I see them giving Sellick a good pumping in the 1st Glasgow Derby 3 or 4 nil

[I'm Spartacus]

Celtic will cruise the league again. There seriously can't be anyone, other than the delusional at Ibrox, that thinks otherwise.


They didn't really cruise it last year though! You just need to beat the rest and hope that 1 or 2 teams take points off Celtic. Aberdeen are always murder v Rangers, that's another scandal.

[essexhibee]

I have to admit I was shocked how terrible Celtic looked at tynecastle. Celtic should have a starting 11 of players that would walk into every other SPL team. And yet they have players like Koussi, Hendry starting who wouldn't. Sinclair and Brown looked awful also.

Rangers will get at least second this year. They have built a good team sadly. Morelos will score a lot and that Coulibaly looks a good find. They are also strong in the wingback positions.

[Nicho87]

Celtic will win the league by at least 8 points I reckon.

[Phil MaGlass]

IMO we wont be challenging until were out of Europe, as I think that will take its toll.I have a feeling the Dons will struggle this year if their last two games are anything to go by, Huns will start to pull away from us as they have a deeper squad. We will b fighting for 2nd by the end of season with them. Hertz, no chance.

[I'm Spartacus]

I don't get how Celtic have spent £25M plus taken 2 multi-million pound Premiership players on loan and they can't win 100% of their league matches ... with the gulf between them and the rest, an unbeaten season is the least you'd expect. They should have a 100% win record. If we were to spend £10M on players with Lennon in charge i'd expect the league title.

A season without Champions League money for either of the ugly sisters would be fantastic for Scottish football.

[danhibees1875]

Celtic are on the verge of a full blown crisis . Players on strike , Brenda's getting huffy , Broony looks either injured or his legs have gone and their defence is a shambles . The huns meanwhile have been galvanised , look well organised and hard to beat . I see them giving Sellick a good pumping in the 1st Glasgow Derby 3 or 4 nil

The first derby being at Celtic Park will probably work to their advantage. Had it been at Ibrox you might have been on to something with a Sevco win.

Admittedly, defeat to AEK could put the cat amongst the pigeons (although they would still have Europa).

Their title challenge will be back on track when they sign McGinn in January for £50k.

[cleanyman]

Hibs won't get anywhere near Rangers this season.

[Lago]

With Celtic not looking as invincible as they used to be, I notice the media are now plugging the line that this could be Steven Gerrard FC's year. Is it just me who thinks that they're once again overlooking the fact that us, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and (as much as I hate to say it) Hearts are almost or even as strong as Rangers are? We ran them close and Aberdeen actually finished above them (not that anyone in the MSM actually seems to want to admit to it), Kilmarnock have been in title-winning form in 2018 and have only lost one player, and Hearts have clearly strengthened given their win over Celtic.

If Rangers are capable of winning the league then the rest of the top six are as well. If things go the way they're going then this could be the most open Premiership in years.
Nope

[Steve20]

They didn't really cruise it last year though! You just need to beat the rest and hope that 1 or 2 teams take points off Celtic. Aberdeen are always murder v Rangers, that's another scandal.

They did. At no point was there a title race on.

They'll comfortably do it again, Rangers will probably be 2nd but way behind. Us, Aberdeen and Hearts will battle it out for 3rd.

[WhileTheChief..]

The league will defo be more competitive this year.

If we can all take points off Celtic then then I agree that this could be a very close thing.

No reason why us, Hearts and Aberdeen can’t put in a good challenge.

[DH1875]

Can't see anyone bar Celtic winning it. As for us, its a catch 22 situation. Longer we are in Europe then our league form will suffer. If we do make the group stage of the Europa I don't think we'll be close to top 3.

[blackpoolhibs]

Surely there is nobody out there who actually thinks we can make a title challenge?

What planet are these people on? We cant keep anyone who's decent enough for this to ever happen, and unless we suddenly double our crowds, start getting into the Champions league (not qualifying rounds) which cant happen unless you win the league, why would anyone even contemplate this?

Sevco have got their act together on the park more, i think they will take 2nd spot easily now and close the gap on Celtic, as they are in a little turmoil, but they are the only club with a genuine chance of getting closer.

Aberdeen with much more to spend than us have been 2nd now for how many years?

Finance dictates most of what happens in the game in Scotland, and we are miles off being able to attract players good enough for a sustained challenge of the championship.

[I'm Spartacus]

They did. At no point was there a title race on.

They'll comfortably do it again, Rangers will probably be 2nd but way behind. Us, Aberdeen and Hearts will battle it out for 3rd.

Celtic won it by 9 points, for a £25M investment, that's not comfortable IMO.

[Spike Mandela]

Hibs won't get anywhere near Rangers this season.

That’s the spirit.⚽️🤪

[SirDavidsNapper]

I don't think we'll be anywhere near 2nd never mind winning it

[Keyser Sauzee]

That’s the spirit.⚽️🤪

Do u think Cleanyman typing his opinion on a message board will have any bearing on how the team performs this year?

[Spike Mandela]

Do u think Cleanyman typing his opinion on a message board will have any bearing on how the team performs this year?

:confused:No. Not a single thing ever splaffed on here has any bearing on anything, EVER.

[GlesgaeHibby]

Celtic will cruise the league again. There seriously can't be anyone, other than the delusional at Ibrox, that thinks otherwise.

Why? Rangers look a lot stronger than last season. Leagues top scorers last year and issues were in defence. They seem to have recruited well in this area. Celtic are standing still just now. Rangers have every chance.

[Smartie]

Our team from the second half of last season was capable of putting in a title challenge.

The strongest part of that team though was the centre of midfield, it's been ripped out and will take a bit of fixing (although we have some decent players who can play there).

Yesterday showed exactly why we won't put in a title challenge - this squad of players is not big or strong enough to play 2 games every week and win the tricky must-win away games.

If we get knocked out of all the cups soon and get another energetic central midfielder then maybe, but I don't see it happening.



If the point being made is that Celtic aren't to be feared though, then I agree. They might have a huge financial advantage but they still need to transfer that advantage into a committed, cohesive team unit. This is the first crisis they've had for a while so it will be interesting to see how they weather this one.

And I'd be very disappointed if any Hibby started to believe the hun hype. They might be better than last year but see how they get on when they drop a few points. Expectation rising at Ibrox is a good thing as they are more likely to implode when they have a few ropey results. Yes, they look harder to beat than before and they area big, physical side but they are far from unbeatable and have just lost a good player in Windass.

[cleanyman]

I've watched Rangers twice this season.

I'm not saying they will win the league but its going to be close. That defence looks mighty and if they can keep Morelos under wraps some sort of trophy will be heading their way sometime soon.

[Sammy7nil]

Celtic will win the league by at least 8 points I reckon.

Very very bold prediction :greengrin:greengrin:greengrin:wink:

[MacGruber]

Hibs won't get anywhere near Rangers this season.

If they speculated a bit more with the cash they now have and bring in Allan, Mulumbu and a big striker we would be looking very strong

[G B Young]

With Celtic not looking as invincible as they used to be, I notice the media are now plugging the line that this could be Steven Gerrard FC's year. Is it just me who thinks that they're once again overlooking the fact that us, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and (as much as I hate to say it) Hearts are almost or even as strong as Rangers are? We ran them close and Aberdeen actually finished above them (not that anyone in the MSM actually seems to want to admit to it), Kilmarnock have been in title-winning form in 2018 and have only lost one player, and Hearts have clearly strengthened given their win over Celtic.

If Rangers are capable of winning the league then the rest of the top six are as well. If things go the way they're going then this could be the most open Premiership in years.

The Rangers certainly look a lot more organised under Gerrard. He could, I guess, prove to be somebody who is a natural as a manger despite being a rookie. Aberdeen should still be strong this season, but it's still hard to see past Celtic winning the title fairly comfortably. They put out a makeshift side at Tynecastle with a view to resting players for AEK and it backfired on them as it should have been obvious the yams would once again adopt a non-stop in their face approach. I remain to be convinced the yams will live up to recent hype though, largely because I don't believe drafting in virtually a whole new team of players is likely to reap instant rewards and I'd be surprised if Lafferty doesn't engineer a move to his beloved huns. As for Hibs, I think we can be top four again but we'll take a while to fully adjust to the loss of McGeouch and McGinn. So far so good though.

[soupernashwan]

While I have Hibs as title winners much more in hope than expectation, I think the league as a whole has the potential to be one of the closest for years, and potentially with the highest levels of quality, interest and entertainment for some time too. Rangers have seemingly bought very well, Aberdeen have never regressed under McInnes (despite often losing major players), Celtic (although apparently stumbling at present) start from comfortably ahead of the pack and even Hearts look stronger than one would've expected given their scattergun approach to recruitment. From our side Hibs are a season more experienced and with a lot very exciting signings - I fully expect an improvement over last season, notwithstanding the loss of key players.

I don't accept the point that yesterday's result shows we can't cut it - we rested several players and the attacking part of the team was laced with guys with limited game time for Hibs or anyone else. Once Maclaren gets 4 or 5 games, Horgan and Hyndman bed in, Kamberi is back to full fitness and Agyepong sorts out his visa issues I can see us killing these teams off much more effectively. Defence is much meaner than reports would have you believe and Lennon hates to lose points.

Can't wait for the season ahead!

[CRAZYHIBBY]

I reckon hearts will be a hard team to beat this season

[BegbieHSC]

I sympathize with the points of the OP. I don’t think us mounting a title challenge falls within the realms of fantasy.

What I do take issue is the resignation of some that we won’t be competing with the Huns this season - bigger budget, yes, bigger squad, yes, but tbh I’m happy with the squad we’re building, and at this stage, there’s not many of their first team that I’d want to displace any of our first team.

I think we’ll be competing with them till the end again. This could be yet another false dawn for them, and we can’t buy in to the mentality that they’re vastly superior to us. We have to be ambitious, so no, I cannot get onboard with some of the downhearted sentiments expressed thus far on this thread.

[soupernashwan]

I've watched Rangers twice this season.

I'm not saying they will win the league but its going to be close. That defence looks mighty and if they can keep Morelos under wraps some sort of trophy will be heading their way sometime soon.

They look good - but what might be critical is how they react when they have a bit of a wobble (which is inevitable). There was one point last year when I thought Rangers looked decent - and we all saw how that ended up. Hopefully they'll implode spectacularly.

[davemcbain]

They might be better than they were last season, but it's early days, where they (and we) are among the 4 clubs to have had a jump on the rest with European games. Got to suspect that the rangers have a discipline issue needing to be rectified - 2 reds in 2 league games, and even the SPFL can't capitulate every week.

[Sammy7nil]

I sympathize with the points of the OP. I don’t think us mounting a title challenge falls within the realms of fantasy.

What I do take issue is the resignation of some that we won’t be competing with the Huns this season - bigger budget, yes, bigger squad, yes, but tbh I’m happy with the squad we’re building, and at this stage, there’s not many of their first team that I’d want to displace any of our first team.

I think we’ll be competing with them till the end again. This could be yet another false dawn for them, and we can’t buy in to the mentality that they’re vastly superior to us. We have to be ambitious, so no, I cannot get onboard with some of the downhearted sentiments expressed thus far on this thread.

If Ranger qualify for the Europa League and we don't this may level the playing field.

[Smartie]

The biggest danger with the huns is that they get a bit of a fear factor back.

If you have half the league going to Ibrox and basically surrendering before a ball is kicked then we might be in trouble.

If teams continue to show them the disrespect that they deserve and get torn in about them then they will drop points.

Since when did Morelos become a player to be feared rather than ridiculed? Yes, they've improved their defence but they don't have much in the final third that I'm anxious about.

[BegbieHSC]

The biggest danger with the huns is that they get a bit of a fear factor back.

If you have half the league going to Ibrox and basically surrendering before a ball is kicked then we might be in trouble.

If teams continue to show them the disrespect that they deserve and get torn in about them then they will drop points.

Since when did Morelos become a player to be feared rather than ridiculed? Yes, they've improved their defence but they don't have much in the final third that I'm anxious about.

This - 100%. Lenny won’t let us get the fear factor for Sevco. Up our game from yesterday, and we’ll be competing with them until the last day.

[hfc rd]

Reckon that both Celtic & Sevco will run away with 1st & 2nd. Hibs, Hearts & Aberdeen will challenge for 3rd.

[WeeRussell]

Hibs won't get anywhere near Rangers this season.

How?

[Liberal Hibby]

Hibs won't get anywhere near Rangers this season.

I agree - I think Rangers will be at least 10 points back in third or fourth :wink:

[Hibby Kay-Yay]

For us to challenge in the league is improbable not impossible.

Why? Leicester City FC

[mcohibs]

Celtic will cruise the league again. There seriously can't be anyone, other than the delusional at Ibrox, that thinks otherwise.

Celtic won the league by 9 points last season, not 90. In my opinion they are a lot poorer than they were at this stage a year ago and Rangers have improved by quite some distance it would seem. Granted it’s early days but it’s not inconceivable that gap could be closed. They’ll undoubtedly be favourites but I don’t think there’s evidence yet to rule out a title race. I think that’s most likely to come from Rangers as opposed to Hibs (unfortunately) or Aberdeen.

[Hermit Crab]

To challenge for the title you need to win at places like St Johnstone, not come away with a 1-1 draw again... McDiarmid park is a ground where we've not won since 2013.

[Islington Hibs]

2nd half last season we were not far off the pace and came very close to Celtic's level in my view with an outstanding team spirit plus some genuine talent. This season we are unfortunately weaker with the loss our outstanding midfield. It takes time and luck to replace three players of that calibre and we are not there yet. In my view we are now a decent team but lack that spark that can really change a game- hope I am wrong. Celtic are probably weaker than last season and seem to be unhappy, Rangers look better unfortunately as perhaps Hearts do too. I suspect Aberdeen have also peaked and who knows if Killie can replicate their good form. So its a compelling league. If we had kept our team together I genuinely think we could have given it a decent shot, but we couldn't.

I think Rangers could run it close, I think we are battling out out for 3-5 position but much will depend on us digging out points at places like St Johnstone. I think the next month will be critical as to whether the current unprecedented 'support/ club 'love in' continues and I hope it does with everything to play for in Europe and then (Aberdeen excepted) six league games which are all winnable followed by the three really tough ones. The kind early fixture list gives us every opportunity to show we mean mean business. Will we rise to the challenge?

[SingaporeHibs]

For us to challenge in the league is improbable not impossible.

Why? Leicester City FC

Correct. Celtic rest players at the weekend and lose yet of course that’s understandable, while we rest as many players, draw a game and we’ve already lost the battle for second. We set out to win every game and believe we can otherwise why bother. When you get a run going anything can happen when confidence is flowing. Bring it on!!!

[Jim44]

Unless we get a McGinn-like player in this window, I think we’ll struggle to maintain a challenge to Sevco. Sevco might initially give Celtic a wee fright but, over the season, they have little chance of winning the league. Question is, will second be good enough for Gerrard to keep his job? Probably will but he’ll have to win it the next again season or it’s bumsoutra.

[number9dream]

Third place would be progress. It will be tough since we have to replace a top notch midfield trio but it's definitely a realistic target. Aberdeen look a bit weaker and Hearts look stronger. Killie will be decent again.

Rangers have upgraded significantly but are still a work in progress. There will be wobbles. Celtic should be fine if they can keep Dembele and Edouard fit and bring in at least one new defender who knows what he's doing. Tomorrow in Athens is a massive game for them - financially and psychologically.

We need to take a leaf out of Aberdeen's book and consistently put away bottom six teams home and away.

[I'm Spartacus]

Celtic aren't as strong. They'll now panic buy over priced *****.
Rangers aren't as good as people think - they're mid way through the honeymoon period of a new manager.
Our opening performance shows there's much more to us than John McGinn.
Aberdeen are ok but they roll over to the auld firm too easily.
Hearts are stronger and look like they're going to thump their way through the season, that'll come at a cost.
Kilmarnock - we'll really see what they're made off this season.

Hibs, Aberdeen, Hearts and Killie all need to pick points off Rangers and Celtic, if one or 2 of those 4 can then beat the rest then it tightens everything right up!!!

[Liberal Hibby]

We need to take a leaf out of Aberdeen's book and consistently put away bottom six teams home and away.

16 September 2017 Aberdeen 1 – 1 Kilmarnock (when Killie were bottom)
4 November 2017 Hamilton 2 – 2 Aberdeen
18 November 2017 Aberdeen 0 – 2 Motherwell
10 March 2018 Partick Thistle 0 – 0 Aberdeen

They were also pumped out of both cups and drew with Hearts at Pittodrie and of course failed to show up against both parts of the OF - apart from the last two games of the season.

And some people are saying it's season over with a hard fought draw away to St Johnstone after a hard European Game a few days before. Get a grip.

[son of haggart]

16 September 2017 Aberdeen 1 – 1 Kilmarnock (when Killie were bottom)
4 November 2017 Hamilton 2 – 2 Aberdeen
18 November 2017 Aberdeen 0 – 2 Motherwell
10 March 2018 Partick Thistle 0 – 0 Aberdeen

They were also pumped out of both cups and drew with Hearts at Pittodrie and of course failed to show up against both parts of the OF - apart from the last two games of the season.

And some people are saying it's season over with a hard fought draw away to St Johnstone after a hard European Game a few days before. Get a grip.


I think all 4 of last year's non-OF top 6 have a chance of getting 2nd. Just who will be best of us will depend on injuries, dealings before the deadlines and a bit of luck.

Had to laugh at the media and fan panic at Celtic dropping 3 points - several people saying Celtic would need to go into the transfer market for "reinforcements" - £90million clearly not enough money to guarantee winning every single game in the SPL so they'll need to spend some more.

[Keith_M]

Surely Hearts are the current team to beat?

[Tha Cabbage Kid]

Well I think we are still a weaker team that last year and I also believe Rangers are potentially stronger than last year. Until that changes and we sign some players at a better level 'then' I will agree with OP.

Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk

[MWHIBBIES]

For us to challenge in the league is improbable not impossible.

Why? Leicester City FCLeicester cannot be used as an example in all these threads.

Going from 17th to 1st then back to being rubbish isn't a good example. Its more likely for it to come out that Leicester were on drugs than a repeat of that.

[mjhibby]

Reckon that both Celtic & Sevco will run away with 1st & 2nd. Hibs, Hearts & Aberdeen will challenge for 3rd.

Not sure hertz will challenge for third. I'd wait till the first round of games is over before predicting that. They have Killie away next so that will maybe be a pointer to how they will do. I expect celtic still to win the league with sevco second, us not far behind them and hertz and the dons fighting it out for fourth with Killie roundabout their too. Dundee to get relegated btw. I'm sure if we get Allan in and mulumbu we should have a cracking season.

[CLASS OF 72 -73]

73-74 /74-75 when we were runners up was the best period watching Hibs apart from the famous five era. Old firm games aside and even then we were competitive every game we knew we could win and most of the time win handsomely.
We would not drop points at the likes of St Johnstone even away, so we are not remotely a contender. Teams were molded then so you had a chance not bought as they are now.

[Keith_M]

73-74 /74-75 when we were runners up was the best period watching Hibs apart from the famous five era. Old firm games aside and even then we were competitive every game we knew we could win and most of the time win handsomely.
We would not drop points at the likes of St Johnstone even away, so we are not remotely a contender. Teams were molded then so you had a chance not bought as they are now.


1973-74

Ayr Utd 1-1 Hibs / Falkirk 0-0 Hibs / Abroath 3-2 Hibs / Hibs 2-2 Abroath, / Clyde 1-1 Hibs


1974-75

Hibs 1-2 Ayr Utd / Airdrie 0-0 Hibs / St Johnstone 2-2 Hibs / Morton 0-1 Hibs / Hibs 1-5 Dunfermline

[Lago]

1973-74

Ayr Utd 1-1 Hibs / Falkirk 0-0 Hibs / Abroath 3-2 Hibs / Hibs 2-2 Abroath, / Clyde 1-1 Hibs


1974-75

Hibs 1-2 Ayr Utd / Airdrie 0-0 Hibs / St Johnstone 2-2 Hibs / Morton 0-1 Hibs / Hibs 1-5 Dunfermline
Funny the tricks your memory can play on you, I remember those years as Hibs being invincible. :rolleyes:

[houstonhibbee]

Funny the tricks your memory can play on you, I remember those years as Hibs being invincible. :rolleyes:

Try summer 72 - Jan 73...............

[MWHIBBIES]

1973-74

Ayr Utd 1-1 Hibs / Falkirk 0-0 Hibs / Abroath 3-2 Hibs / Hibs 2-2 Abroath, / Clyde 1-1 Hibs


1974-75

Hibs 1-2 Ayr Utd / Airdrie 0-0 Hibs / St Johnstone 2-2 Hibs / Morton 0-1 Hibs / Hibs 1-5 Dunfermline

:faf:

[ekhibee]

I don't think we've got any chance of winning the league but not anything to do with finances. We've beaten Rangers consistently over the last few seasons and run Celtic close a few times as well. It's as a previous poster said, we drop silly points to poor or average teams. We did it more when we were in the Championship, dropping points to the likes of Falkirk and Dumbarton, nowadays we still can't seem to find a way of beating a poor St Johnstone side. It seems to be the Hibs way. We'll probably end up taking points off all the other top 6 teams, but win the league? No chance.

[Keith_M]

:faf:


It had to be said.



:wink:

[Sir David Gray]

I think Celtic and Rangers will be comfortably 1st and 2nd in the league this season, unfortunately.

[shetlandhibee]

i personally think the rankers will run us close for 2nd spot followed by aberdeen then hearts or killie . celtic 7 to 12 points clear at the end:agree: out with celtic i think we should have as much optimism as any of the others in being best of the rest, to many people thinking rangers will cruise 2nd spot IMO GGTTH...

[SingaporeHibs]

Leicester cannot be used as an example in all these threads.

Going from 17th to 1st then back to being rubbish isn't a good example. Its more likely for it to come out that Leicester were on drugs than a repeat of that.

I think your point highlights how good an example it really is.

[ian cruise]

1973-74

Ayr Utd 1-1 Hibs / Falkirk 0-0 Hibs / Abroath 3-2 Hibs / Hibs 2-2 Abroath, / Clyde 1-1 Hibs


1974-75

Hibs 1-2 Ayr Utd / Airdrie 0-0 Hibs / St Johnstone 2-2 Hibs / Morton 0-1 Hibs / Hibs 1-5 Dunfermline

Ouch.

[Austinho]

You can’t challenge for the league by losing players like McGinn and McGeouch every time we have a good season. Doesn’t look like Hearts will keep hold of Lafferty, and Aberdeen have lost McLean, Hayes etc over the years. That’s what enables the Old Firm dominance.

Even if we got 2nd this year, we’d lose our best loan players to Championship sides or back to their parent club, and have to start the rebuild all over again. To cause an upset, you need to retain a quality core squad over a number of seasons, not sign a new group of players every summer and hope this year is your lucky break.

The only way to ever be a contender (besides a mysterious benefactor) would be to qualify for the Europa League continuously for a number of seasons. That would eventually put us on a bit more of a level playing field financially, and bridge the gap between us getting the same amount of gate money for 3 home matches that Rangers can get in just 1.

The reason Leicester were able to win the league was because the huge TV money payouts have meant any additional revenue from gates, shirts, sponsors etc. that the big clubs made over them was rendered peanuts in comparison.

[patlowe]

If you were to judge our chances on our form in the second half of last season (which is reasonable to an extent) then clearly we should be considered a serious challenger. However, sustaining that over a season would be so difficult and it's really hard to say how good Hibs, Aberdeen, Hearts and Rangers are at this stage due to the number of squad changes and additional factors such as Europe. This latter point could prove even more significant depending on the progress of the teams still left in European competition.

I'd be happy with top 5 but would not be surprised if better or worse, it's football.

[CLASS OF 72 -73]

1973-74

Ayr Utd 1-1 Hibs / Falkirk 0-0 Hibs / Abroath 3-2 Hibs / Hibs 2-2 Abroath, / Clyde 1-1 Hibs


1974-75

Hibs 1-2 Ayr Utd / Airdrie 0-0 Hibs / St Johnstone 2-2 Hibs / Morton 0-1 Hibs / Hibs 1-5 Dunfermline

Fair but as lago highlighted we felt invincible :na na:

[ian cruise]

You can’t challenge for the league by losing players like McGinn and McGeouch every time we have a good season. Doesn’t look like Hearts will keep hold of Lafferty, and Aberdeen have lost McLean, Hayes etc over the years. That’s what enables the Old Firm dominance.

Even if we got 2nd this year, we’d lose our best loan players to Championship sides or back to their parent club, and have to start the rebuild all over again. To cause an upset, you need to retain a quality core squad over a number of seasons, not sign a new group of players every summer and hope this year is your lucky break.

The only way to ever be a contender (besides a mysterious benefactor) would be to qualify for the Europa League continuously for a number of seasons. That would eventually put us on a bit more of a level playing field financially, and bridge the gap between us getting the same amount of gate money for 3 home matches that Rangers can get in just 1.

The reason Leicester were able to win the league was because the huge TV money payouts have meant any additional revenue from gates, shirts, sponsors etc. that the big clubs made over them was rendered peanuts in comparison.

I don't think we'd win the league but say we did, who have we on loan that creates a massive issue if we couldn't retain them, most of the squad are Hibs players with the new signings on 3 or 4 years contracts.

Loans
Bogdan - we've Marciano and Laidlaw
Jamie Mac - we'd still. Have Kamberi and Shaw would have another year experience. We also have a set price agreed to buy at end of loan, which if we won the league we'd pay so it would entirely be up to the player.
Emerson - only hear for 6 months so far, if he was playing so well that we were top of the league by the end of loan then he's not staying on. We're not short in midfield either.
Agyepong - the mystery man. Who knows? City aren't exactly strapped for cash and were happy for Roberts to keep being loaned to Celtic though so never say never.

Our signing strategy has been pretty good in regards to setting us up with a solid base to improve on over the next few years.

[Wakeyhibee]

Celtic still too strong over the coarse of a season. Sevco will be stronger with the signings they've made. Not much between Hibs/Hearts/Aberdeen in my view.

There maybe a surprise e.g Killie or the like mixing it up with those 3 too.

[WeeRussell]

i personally think the rankers will run us close for 2nd spot followed by aberdeen then hearts or killie . celtic 7 to 12 points clear at the end:agree: out with celtic i think we should have as much optimism as any of the others in being best of the rest, to many people thinking rangers will cruise 2nd spot IMO GGTTH...

Agree. They might well improve enough to take 2nd place fairly comfortably. However there's still a chance Gerard completely bombs, is out before the season and they are all squabbling/walking away etc.

2 games into the season is far too early to say that lot will walk anything, given what they've been like the last few seasons. They've already spent a lot of money and put a lot of pressure on themselves... as usual.

[makaveli1875]

Agree. They might well improve enough to take 2nd place fairly comfortably. However there's still a chance Gerard completely bombs, is out before the season and they are all squabbling/walking away etc.

2 games into the season is far too early to say that lot will walk anything, given what they've been like the last few seasons. They've already spent a lot of money and put a lot of pressure on themselves... as usual.

They've spent wisely and brought in quality defenders , they look alot better than Celtic at the moment . All they have to do is beat Celtic at darkheid and Gerard will be a hero

[wookie70]

The Rangers are unfortunately in with a shout of winning the league. They only finished 12 points behind Celtc last year and are significantly stronger this year. That is the difference in winning two derbies they lost. Celtc don't look as good and Brenda seems to be in the huff about signing ambitions. I think we and Aberdeen are weaker than last year so I doubt we will be winning the league and although Hearts appear stronger it may only be enough to get up to Hibs and Aberdeen's level. To me we are back to the Ugly sisters dominating which is always going to be the case with their budgets. Still lots to play for in the cups and we have already seem how a 4th place finish can lead to huge revenue and a great start to the season

[Hibby Kay-Yay]

Leicester cannot be used as an example in all these threads.

Going from 17th to 1st then back to being rubbish isn't a good example. Its more likely for it to come out that Leicester were on drugs than a repeat of that.

The fact an unlikely team won the league against major teams with more money absolutely provides an example of things being improbable over impossible. If you’re looking for another example, Greece winning the Euro’s.

Unlikely things can happen in football. Nothing is impossible.

[WeeRussell]

They've spent wisely and brought in quality defenders , they look alot better than Celtic at the moment . All they have to do is beat Celtic at darkheid and Gerard will be a hero

I've heard it before. Still to be convinced they will comfortably finish 2nd. Nothing is every plain sailing at Ibrox these days.

They won't get near Celtic.

[Paisley Hibby]

Best bet is that Celtic won't win the treble this year - because we'll win one of the cups....

[seanoheimhin]

Having lost McGeouch, McGinn and Allan, I’d be happy enough with fourth if we made into the group stages and had our little European adventure. Surely that’s what it’s all about for teams like us who are, as many have already said, never going to challenge for the title when we lose arguably our 3 best players in one window.

I’d love us to do a Leicester in my lifetime, but that involved them somehow keeping Vardy, Mahrez and ****e in their team without being poached. Maybe it’s the smaller size of Scottish football that makes it impossible for us to hold onto our stars like they did?

[Smartie]

Having lost McGeouch, McGinn and Allan, I’d be happy enough with fourth if we made into the group stages and had our little European adventure. Surely that’s what it’s all about for teams like us who are, as many have already said, never going to challenge for the title when we lose arguably our 3 best players in one window.

I’d love us to do a Leicester in my lifetime, but that involved them somehow keeping Vardy, Mahrez and ****e in their team without being poached. Maybe it’s the smaller size of Scottish football that makes it impossible for us to hold onto our stars like they did?

They weren't really stars before Leicester won the league.

If we won the league, all of our players would be off immediately.

[Keith_M]

Fair but as lago highlighted we felt invincible :na na:


I was only highlighting the fact that some poor results doesn't make for a bad team.

I was actually encouraging positivity :wink:

[CLASS OF 72 -73]

I was only highlighting the fact that some poor results doesn't make for a bad team.

I was actually encouraging positivity :wink:

Aye right.

[superfurryhibby]

1973-74

Ayr Utd 1-1 Hibs / Falkirk 0-0 Hibs / Abroath 3-2 Hibs / Hibs 2-2 Abroath, / Clyde 1-1 Hibs


1974-75

Hibs 1-2 Ayr Utd / Airdrie 0-0 Hibs / St Johnstone 2-2 Hibs / Morton 0-1 Hibs / Hibs 1-5 Dunfermline

In 72-73 I have the feeling we finished around 6points away from Celtic. Some of those games I remember. Could have sworn the Arbroath loss was in the cup at ER?

Just shows that even the best team wince the early 50’s managed some poor results against minnows, never mind our not common league demolitions v Celtic. There was also a certain 4-1 defeat to Hearts in September 1973, my first derby match. Another loss to a wee diddy team.

[Lago]

Try summer 72 - Jan 73...............
Yip those were the days, but still no league title.

[where'stheslope]

You can’t challenge for the league by losing players like McGinn and McGeouch every time we have a good season. Doesn’t look like Hearts will keep hold of Lafferty, and Aberdeen have lost McLean, Hayes etc over the years. That’s what enables the Old Firm dominance.

Even if we got 2nd this year, we’d lose our best loan players to Championship sides or back to their parent club, and have to start the rebuild all over again. To cause an upset, you need to retain a quality core squad over a number of seasons, not sign a new group of players every summer and hope this year is your lucky break.

The only way to ever be a contender (besides a mysterious benefactor) would be to qualify for the Europa League continuously for a number of seasons. That would eventually put us on a bit more of a level playing field financially, and bridge the gap between us getting the same amount of gate money for 3 home matches that Rangers can get in just 1.

The reason Leicester were able to win the league was because the huge TV money payouts have meant any additional revenue from gates, shirts, sponsors etc. that the big clubs made over them was rendered peanuts in comparison.

On Microsoft news this morning, teams in the EPL could afford to play to empty stadiums, as the invested monies into the game is so BIG???
It has been said for years, that football has been taken away from the true fans by monied organisations, and the EPL is fast becoming the apocalypse of football for the mere football fan!!!!!

[Lancs Harp]

I think an upwardly moving Rangers will take a downwardly moving Celtic pretty close to the title this season. Pretty good battle for third spot between ourselves and Aberdeen and possibly Hearts (Im personally not convinced about their resurrection despite their good start) Dont rate Killies chances personally.

[hibby6270]

Yip those were the days, but still no league title.

Yep. Ian Printy has a lot to answer to!!
Solely responsible for the demise of our beloved club over the past 45 years. :greengrin :rolleyes:

[cabbageandribs1875]

our title challenge ended last sunday, trust me


:duck: :tin hat:




3rd/4th or 5th is still on though :thumbsup:

[Springbank]

I think an upwardly moving Rangers will take a downwardly moving Celtic pretty close to the title this season. Pretty good battle for third spot between ourselves and Aberdeen and possibly Hearts (Im personally not convinced about their resurrection despite their good start) Dont rate Killies chances personally.

I think 2018/19 is gathering like the end of rangers 9inarow sequence, where the 2 Glasgow sources of social unrest become so obsessed with each other that they take their eye off the ball long enough to open up a chink of daylight for a third team to run them close.

here's hoping that is hibs this year

[Keith_M]

In 72-73 I have the feeling we finished around 6points away from Celtic. Some of those games I remember. Could have sworn the Arbroath loss was in the cup at ER?

Just shows that even the best team wince the early 50’s managed some poor results against minnows, never mind our not common league demolitions v Celtic. There was also a certain 4-1 defeat to Hearts in September 1973, my first derby match. Another loss to a wee diddy team.


In 72-73, we finished 3rd, 11 points behind second placed Rangers. The following two seasons we were second, then 75-76 we finished third again.


Sadly the wheels came off our wagon the following season (76-77) and we finished 6th. That's also the year we lost to Arbroath in a League Cup replay at Easter Road (1-1 away, 1-2 at home)

[1van Sprou7e]

Yip those were the days, but still no league title.

Just like Jan-summer 2018...

[jacomo]

I think 2018/19 is gathering like the end of rangers 9inarow sequence, where the 2 Glasgow sources of social unrest become so obsessed with each other that they take their eye off the ball long enough to open up a chink of daylight for a third team to run them close.

here's hoping that is hibs this year


I like your thinking.

I feel positive and want that to continue. At the moment all is going well for us and we are where we want to be.