Stevie Mallan

[Scotty Leither]

We shouldn't have been relegated. It was a farce and an embarrassment that we were.

Yup...largely due to inertia and stubbornness at Board level to acknowledge they'd got yet another managerial appointment wrong and didn't move to replace butcher before the end of the season when one or two wins would've seen us safe.

We talk "big club" talk at Easter Road and more often than not act small-time, particularly when we sell our best players and replace them with sub-standard replacements and so the cycle repeats itself.

I'd like three new players in by the Elgin game, straight-in starters, no-one coming in needing to get fit, awaiting clearance, or signed for cover, etc. Just spend that money we've got sitting in the bank Leanne, and stop playing us for mugs, eh?

[Mango Man]

Agree with most on here, he's had more of a chance than any other midfielder we have, and he's just not doing it, too lightweight and a bit of a luxury player.

[BOB MARLEYS DUG]

Too many people expecting and hoping Mallan to be the new McGeouch. Not gonna happen. Two different players/playing styles.

[Hermit Crab]

5hits it from 50/50s and hides in the bigger games. Must do better.

[Cod Boy]

5hits it from 50/50s and hides in the bigger games. Must do better.

Bigger games every game should be a big one

[Pete]

5hits it from 50/50s and hides in the bigger games. Must do better.

He’s a pianist.

What we need is more guys to carry the piano.

[Unseen work]

I wouldn’t say he pulls out of 50’s or shirks any tackles and I’m sure if the management team thought he did they wouldn’t have him in the team.

He’s not a big tough tackling midfielder but he does get stuck in as much as he can but a lack of defensive coaching means that he’s often out of position and far away to put it a good tackle.

He’s technically very good, once his confidence is back and the team are performing we will see him at his best.

I never thought he was awful today, more due to the fact he barely got a back of the ball. Poor set pieces however.

[davym7062]

The only reason he was kept on was Incase we got a free kick! He was murder

[Beefster]

We are more than half way through the season and are sitting behind Kilmarnock, St Johnstone and Livingston. Our budget is possibly larger than the budget of these three clubs combined. We should be capable of signing players who are able to get us above these sides.

Kilmarnock in particular are miles better than us this season.

That’s wrong. Not even ‘possibly’ wrong.

Either way, I don’t get this budget argument. That’s not how football works in the shorter-term.

[flash]

Mallan wasn't great but he wasn't as bad as some punters here are making out.

[IGRIGI]

He should be dropped for that performance and how he lasted 90 minutes was beyond me.

An absolute passenger who's pointing performance rivalled those of Ross Chisholm in his prime.

Every single corner until the last one floated in giving Berra and co time to bring our a deck chair and have a cigar before having to clear their lines.

No drive whatsoever from the middle of the park and we were as well playing with 10 men.

[J-C]

Unfortunately for Mallan he's the type of player that needs better harder working players around him, yes he can be a luxury but he has decent vision and passing ability and hopefully still young enough to improve. He's being asked to play a deeper midfield role than he's used to and he hasn't got it in him to do it yet, it took McGeouch 3-4 years to finally play in that position, prior to that he came to us as an attacking midfielder but was fortunate enough to have McGinn, Fyvie and Henderson around him to eventually learn his new role. Looks like Mallan has been thrown in at the deep end and told play the deep role even though he's nowhere near ready yet, I think Milligan was brought in to take over that role and free up Mallan but due to injuries and internationals we've never had a chance to play our preferred midfield.

[Since90+2]

He has talent but I think people are comparing him to McGeough and he is nowhere close to Dylan's level. If Mallan was in the midfield last season with Dylan and McGinn he'd look like a very good player IMO.

I'd have him in my team ahead of Slikva every week who for me has had his chance and is simply not good enough.

[JimBHibees]

Unfortunately for Mallan he's the type of player that needs better harder working players around him, yes he can be a luxury but he has decent vision and passing ability and hopefully still young enough to improve. He's being asked to play a deeper midfield role than he's used to and he hasn't got it in him to do it yet, it took McGeouch 3-4 years to finally play in that position, prior to that he came to us as an attacking midfielder but was fortunate enough to have McGinn, Fyvie and Henderson around him to eventually learn his new role. Looks like Mallan has been thrown in at the deep end and told play the deep role even though he's nowhere near ready yet, I think Milligan was brought in to take over that role and free up Mallan but due to injuries and internationals we've never had a chance to play our preferred midfield.

Tend to agree with that he is a bit of a luxury and needs physical hard working players round about him. As it is he doesn't he has similar flakey one good game in 5 players.

[Onion]

Don't like to single out players for criticism but make an exception in Mallan's case. Waste of a jersey last night and in most of the games I've seen him. Cannot tackle, poor awareness of what's around him, takes 4 touches to get the ball under control, hides for long spells and cannot pick a pass. Would be perfect if football was like the NFL and we needed a goal kicker, but it isn't. A poor buy and we need to get shot of him asap.

[Hibernia&Alba]

He isn't good enough at this level, but he isn't alone in that. The midfield needs a complete overhaul.

[Pretty Boy]

His mobility is reminiscent of the late Ray Wilkins in a Hibs shirt. The difference is Wilkins was 40 whilst Mallan is 22.

[Ronniekirk]

Now stopped scoring and therefore his overall game Under more Scrutiny My son was up from London for thegameand his view was he brings nothing to the midfield and is one of the worst midfielders I have seen in a Hibs jersey
Wouldn't go that far but in last few months he has struggled in the main But has avoided criticism from Lennon while Flo is getting mentioned regularly as.not performing

[Hibeesmad]

He has talent but I think people are comparing him to McGeough and he is nowhere close to Dylan's level. If Mallan was in the midfield last season with Dylan and McGinn he'd look like a very good player IMO.

I'd have him in my team ahead of Slikva every week who for me has had his chance and is simply not good enough.

Agree with this

[calumhibee1]

Now stopped scoring and therefore his overall game Under more Scrutiny My son was up from London for thegameand his view was he brings nothing to the midfield and is one of the worst midfielders I have seen in a Hibs jersey
Wouldn't go that far but in last few months he has struggled in the main But has avoided criticism from Lennon while Flo is getting mentioned regularly as.not performing

If he's not scoring then he does bring nothing. Overall game is very poor with his lack of mobility being absolutely chronic. As PB said he is physically reminiscent of these 40 year old players who continue to play but you can't help but think their legs have gone.

[Sir David Gray]

That’s wrong. Not even ‘possibly’ wrong.

Either way, I don’t get this budget argument. That’s not how football works in the shorter-term.

According to the reported figures that were announced recently, it's not a huge gap between our budget and those other three clubs put together.

We are paying on average around £2000 per week on player wages and the other three clubs I mentioned are paying a combined total of around £2800 per week on average.

Livingston have the smallest budget in the league at less than £700 per week!

I'm not saying budget size is an exact science, otherwise the richest clubs would always come out on top which isn't the case but we should be capable of finishing above those three clubs. We have the infrastructure in place, the training facilities, the fanbase and the revenue to be putting a side together that is putting us comfortably ahead of these three teams.

8th place in this league at this stage in the season is nowhere near good enough.

[MWHIBBIES]

He has talent but I think people are comparing him to McGeough and he is nowhere close to Dylan's level. If Mallan was in the midfield last season with Dylan and McGinn he'd look like a very good player IMO.

I'd have him in my team ahead of Slikva every week who for me has had his chance and is simply not good enough.

Slivka has been much better than Mallan the last 6 weeks. That isn't really debatable.

[Since90+2]

Slivka has been much better than Mallan the last 6 weeks. That isn't really debatable.

Why's it not debatable? Because it's your opinion?

[MWHIBBIES]

Why's it not debatable? Because it's your opinion?

No. It's been the opinion of most of the forum. Both were good at Hamilton and Celtic. Since then Slivka been much better. Last night Slivka was much better. Mallan has started every game this season apart from in the last week. He's had his chances, a much better run than Slivka has ever been given, and offered little since the goals stopped.

[K.Marx]

Slivka, mallan, Hyndman could of all individually slotted into the midfield we had last season alongside McGinn & McGeouch, and would look decent.

Played collectively however and without the quality of the likes of McGinn & McGeouch alongside them, they look bang average. It’s been particularly grim witnessing what was arguably the best midfields in the league last season, degenerate into a bottom 6 one at best.

Still think Mallan is an asset if played higher up the pitch, but he needs mobile players around him, who can pick up some more of the defensive duties.

[Since90+2]

No. It's been the opinion of most of the forum. Both were good at Hamilton and Celtic. Since then Slivka been much better. Last night Slivka was much better. Mallan has started every game this season apart from in the last week. He's had his chances, a much better run than Slivka has ever been given, and offered little since the goals stopped.

Slivka has been consistently inconsistent for two seasons now and he just drifts through games doing nowt. Mallan has been asked to play a defensive deep lying midfield role which is not his position.

He has a far higher upside then Slivka although both have been poor this season.

[The Harp Awakes]

Mallan has positives and negatives to his game. We need to recruit in January in order to play him in a position which brings out the positives - creating and scoring goals.

We're playing him too deep in a lacklustre midfield meaning he's using up his energy chasing and closing down players which is not his game.

[Fergos]

Slivka, mallan, Hyndman could of all individually slotted into the midfield we had last season alongside McGinn & McGeouch, and would look decent.

Played collectively however and without the quality of the likes of McGinn & McGeouch alongside them, they look bang average. It’s been particularly grim witnessing what was arguably the best midfields in the league last season, degenerate into a bottom 6 one at best.

Still think Mallan is an asset if played higher up the pitch, but he needs mobile players around him, who can pick up some more of the defensive duties.


Where I am at, individually decent but as a team totally lacking balance. We need at least 2 midfielders and one striker in the window. At least.

GGTTH

[Since90+2]

Mallan has positives and negatives to his game. We need to recruit in January in order to play him in a position which brings out the positives - creating and scoring goals.

We're playing him too deep in a lacklustre midfield meaning he's using up his energy chasing and closing down players which is not his game.

Yip. The issue is partly due to where he is being played.

[MWHIBBIES]

Slivka has been consistently inconsistent for two seasons now and he just drifts through games doing nowt. Mallan has been asked to play a defensive deep lying midfield role which is not his position.

He has a far higher upside then Slivka although both have been poor this season.
What is his position? He has a good shot and okay passing. That's about it. No pace or dribbling skills to play further forward. Corners were awful last night. No discipline to play the deep role. I just am not seeing it at all recently. Slivka is better.

[Fergos]

What is his position? He has a good shot and okay passing. That's about it. No pace or dribbling skills to play further forward. Corners were awful last night. No discipline to play the deep role. I just am not seeing it at all recently. Slivka is better.

Slivka is one footed - highlighted perfectly last night in the first half when he had acres of space to run into with them backing off, prime time for a shot at goal but he couldn’t as it was on his left.

He isn’t a bad player, as with Mallan, but we need better at present.

GGTTH

[BoomtownHibees]

Slivka is one footed - highlighted perfectly last night in the first half when he had acres of space to run into with them backing off, prime time for a shot at goal but he couldn’t as it was on his left.

He isn’t a bad player, as with Mallan, but we need better at present.

GGTTH

What foot did he score against Celtc with?

[MWHIBBIES]

Slivka is one footed - highlighted perfectly last night in the first half when he had acres of space to run into with them backing off, prime time for a shot at goal but he couldn’t as it was on his left.

He isn’t a bad player, as with Mallan, but we need better at present.

GGTTHThe only players in our team comfortable with both feet are Whittaker, Horgan and to an extent Kamberi. Strange thing to highlight Slivka for. His goal vs Celtic was with his left foot. Mallan hasn't scored for us with his left.

[500miles]

Slivka is one footed - highlighted perfectly last night in the first half when he had acres of space to run into with them backing off, prime time for a shot at goal but he couldn’t as it was on his left.

He isn’t a bad player, as with Mallan, but we need better at present.

GGTTH

I trust that when Slivka gets the ball, the next player to have it will be in green and white. Hyndman gets bullied out of possession, Mallan tries a pass that isn't on, Horgan makes a good run, changes direction 4 times, and loses it.

[Fergos]

What foot did he score against Celtc with?

Correct, a curler mate but he isnt comfortable on that side, he takes an age / 2 touches to bring a ball under control also. I want him, as with every Hibs player to win but I just feel we need better now. Flashes of greatness, which he has shown no doubt isn’t enough for where we are at.

GGTTH

[blackpoolhibs]

I just dont think he's a very good footballer, he has the odd good day but overall he's mostly a passenger.

I have no idea what his best position is, and if he'd be better in a side that had better players alongside him, but the way things are going it should be him thats replaced before anyone els in the middle of that midfield?

He got away with it earlier in the season because of his goal scoring ability, but now he does bugger all apart from lose the ball, tackle like a 3 year old and track back like an 83 year old.

A complete waste of a jersey 99% of the time these days.

[WestStandWillie]

He’s hopeless. Its aw gid scoring against fishermen etc...but he’s done nowt against teams he should be. Starting to see why Barnsley kept him out their first team.

Set pieces honkin, games bypassing him, scared tae put a tackle in.

Punt.

[Hibee Mac]

Danny Swanson was a much better player and he barely got a look in. All Mallan can do is a set piece yet hes probably played more minutes than anyone this season, Lennon doesn't know a player when he sees one.

[Stuart93]

Lennon came in and said he wanted rid of the “boyband” attitude at hibs then brings in mallan, the epitome of a boyband footballer.

[Hermit Crab]

Danny Swanson was a much better player and he barely got a look in. All Mallan can do is a set piece yet hes probably played more minutes than anyone this season, Lennon doesn't know a player when he sees one.


Complete and utter rubbish!

[number9dream]

I work with a St Mirren fan who tells me Alex Rae used Mallan as a deep playmaker and it was a disaster. Jack Ross pushed him up next to the forwards and he almost single-handedly kept them up.

If we can get Scott Allan back, then maybe he can stay in his current role but he needs someone more defensively aware, like big Marv, in beside him in what used to get called the “double pivot” in a 4-2-3

[Leith Green]

The laddie is a passenger

[Albanian Hibs]

His corners are awful

[whiskas]

His corners are awful

Not awful but predictable and easily mopped up by Berra and the big laddie they had in goals

[Hermit Crab]

His corners are awful

They were last night, his deliveries in general are mostly decent though.

[Beefster]

According to the reported figures that were announced recently, it's not a huge gap between our budget and those other three clubs put together.

We are paying on average around £2000 per week on player wages and the other three clubs I mentioned are paying a combined total of around £2800 per week on average.

Okay but that’s a world of difference away from the statement I objected to. Combined, they pay 40% more than us (if your figures are right).

[Smartie]

Danny Swanson was a much better player and he barely got a look in. All Mallan can do is a set piece yet hes probably played more minutes than anyone this season, Lennon doesn't know a player when he sees one.

I agree with the start and middle of your post and disagree with the last bit.

Swanson left without getting much of an opportunity. He didn't really look great in most of the fleeting appearances he got, but when he got the start against Celtic he was superb.

I cannot believe the loyalty that has been shown to Mallan when he has been an ever-present in a midfield that has been consistently dominated, sometimes by the worst teams in the league when compared to the opportunities offered to Swanson, a player signed by Lennon himself.

This next month is a huge test of Lennon's ability and resolve. I think he's got what it takes, but he's going to need to be ruthless, decisive and backed by the board and fans to make a success of this.

[Franck Stanton]

I just dont think he's a very good footballer, he has the odd good day but overall he's mostly a passenger.

I have no idea what his best position is, and if he'd be better in a side that had better players alongside him, but the way things are going it should be him thats replaced before anyone els in the middle of that midfield?

He got away with it earlier in the season because of his goal scoring ability, but now he does bugger all apart from lose the ball, tackle like a 3 year old and track back like an 83 year old.

A complete waste of a jersey 99% of the time these days.

At last, a sensible account of a very, very average player, who, if I was picking the team would be lucky to get a seat on the bench.
Yes he can hit a decent dead ball, but ask yourself this, when did we get/ manufacture a free kick in a goal position for him to shoot ? Ponderous on the ball and couldn't tackle a fish supper.He is not alone either, need some steel in the centre of the park, get Allan back at all costs. A tricky fast winger
would help as well

[Lago]

Danny Swanson was a much better player and he barely got a look in. All Mallan can do is a set piece yet hes probably played more minutes than anyone this season, Lennon doesn't know a player when he sees one.
No he wasn't, over rated & got away with it because he was a Hib's fan. Never looked fit & at the moment doesn't start for St. Johnston.

[Sir David Gray]

Okay but that’s a world of difference away from the statement I objected to. Combined, they pay 40% more than us (if your figures are right).

OK I'll change what I said (since their combined budget is pretty irrelevant anyway).

Let me put it this way, we have a budget that is reportedly, on average, around £800 per week more than Kilmarnock's, £1,100 per week more than St Johnstone's and around £1,300 per week more than Livingston's.

We are not getting anything like value for money this season.

[Captain Trips]

I just dont think he's a very good footballer, he has the odd good day but overall he's mostly a passenger.

I have no idea what his best position is, and if he'd be better in a side that had better players alongside him, but the way things are going it should be him thats replaced before anyone els in the middle of that midfield?

He got away with it earlier in the season because of his goal scoring ability, but now he does bugger all apart from lose the ball, tackle like a 3 year old and track back like an 83 year old.

A complete waste of a jersey 99% of the time these days.

Unfortunately BH as it stands just now that's about right.

[H18 SFR]

For me Mallan would be a top Scottish Championship player, could see him bossing it at Tannadice, Falkirk Stadium and Somerset etc.

[The 90+2]

For me Mallan would be a top Scottish Championship player, could see him bossing it at Tannadice, Falkirk Stadium and Somerset etc.

Would rather have Fyvie.

[Centre Hawf]

Would rather have Fyvie.

He would walk into our midfield atm.

[Robbo6-2]

The Fyvie that was here would walk into our team but he's toiling at the minute getting back from a horrific injury.

Still was a bad decision from Lennon to let him go imo.

[cleanyman]

The Fyvie that was here would walk into our team but he's toiling at the minute getting back from a horrific injury.

Still was a bad decision from Lennon to let him go imo.

He didn't let him go

Fyvie fannied about for ages and lost out on a deal and is now toiling in the Championship

Tough luck

[MWHIBBIES]

He didn't let him go

Fyvie fannied about for ages and lost out on a deal and is now toiling in the Championship

Tough luckTough luck for us.

Milligan did the same this summer. Took ages to sign, ages to get a visa, and turned out pretty rubbish so far. I'd much prefer Fyvie.

[The Spaceman]

I still really rate Stevie Mallan, think he could develop into a very, very good player.

I think it is similar to the situation with Flo - he is badly missing having someone who can dig in the midfield, do the dirty work and slip in a pass. Whilst Mallan is of course a midfielder, I think if he played alongside a good, mobile defensive type, it would open his game up massively. Instead he has got the likes of Hyndman, Horgan and Slivka in there who each have their own good attributes but simply do not work together.

[SHODAN]

Mallan needs someone in there who can do all the dirty work for him. He's being asked to do something he can't do.

That said, if Allan signs then he'll no longer be a first choice pick.

[The 90+2]

He didn't let him go

Fyvie fannied about for ages and lost out on a deal and is now toiling in the Championship

Tough luck

And that’s the sort of impatience and attitude that doesn’t help the club attract better.

[Smartie]

Mallan needs someone in there who can do all the dirty work for him. He's being asked to do something he can't do.

That said, if Allan signs then he'll no longer be a first choice pick.

If Allan was signed and played with Mallan we'd very quickly be turning on Scott Allan, wondering what happened to the player we had before.

Scott Allan has to be carried a bit defensively although nothing like as much as Mallan.

I would be signing Scott Allan but we'd need at the very least another midfielder, 2 strikers and now Efe's leaving a CB on top of that.

[calumhibee1]

If Allan was signed and played with Mallan we'd very quickly be turning on Scott Allan, wondering what happened to the player we had before.

Scott Allan has to be carried a bit defensively although nothing like as much as Mallan.

I would be signing Scott Allan but we'd need at the very least another midfielder, 2 strikers and now Efe's leaving a CB on top of that.

Efe leaving is a nightmare seeing as he’s also regularly played RB. If Gray struggles for fitness then we are left with nobody but Whittaker.

[we are hibs]

If Allan was signed and played with Mallan we'd very quickly be turning on Scott Allan, wondering what happened to the player we had before.

Scott Allan has to be carried a bit defensively although nothing like as much as Mallan.

I would be signing Scott Allan but we'd need at the very least another midfielder, 2 strikers and now Efe's leaving a CB on top of that.


I was actually surprised by how willing Scott Allan was to get back and help last season. He showed more willingness to do it compared to his first spell. Whether that was trying to prove a point/repay people for the way he left I don't know but I wouldn't be entirely trusting him to keep it up if he returns. Allan would help our midfield problems massively but not solve them all

[humptiedumptie]

Not so injury prone as Mc.Geough and a work in progress and Scott Alan would replace Hyndman if not quite so far forward. He who may not be replaced for a generation is Mc.Ginn, destructive and creative in equal measure.

[cleanyman]

And that’s the sort of impatience and attitude that doesn’t help the club attract better.

Aye okay

How long was he wanting?

[The 90+2]

Aye okay

How long was he wanting?

A couple of weeks until he came back from holiday if I recall correct? Lennon was in France at the time also.

[cleanyman]

A couple of weeks until he came back from holiday if I recall correct? Lennon was in France at the time also.

He had since January to sign a deal

Ended up at DU because lets be honest no one else was offering him anything and then got injured

Good player but its not the club's fault

[Smartie]

He had since January to sign a deal

Ended up at DU because lets be honest no one else was offering him anything and then got injured

Good player but its not the club's fault

Under Stubbs he was shoulder to shoulder with McGinn and McGeouch.

He got criticism for giving the ball away a lot, but I liked that he used to take responsibility and take the ball in difficult areas.

The end for him at Hibs was a bit messy, I was surprised he didn't get a better offer than United and his injury seems to have really set him back.

We could really do with the Fraser Fyvie that first joined us right now though.

[lyonhibs]

First time I've seen him in the flesh and what a disappointment. Languid and ponderous on and off the ball and he seemed to have taken inspiration from Jarko Wiss for his corner delivery most of the time.

[The 90+2]

He had since January to sign a deal

Ended up at DU because lets be honest no one else was offering him anything and then got injured

Good player but its not the club's fault

So did McGeough but we waited for him.

[Hiber-nation]

Still young, loads of potential for improvement. Needs to be playing further forward as well. In an ideal world he'd have been benched for the last few games but we all know the state of our midfield.

Don't really get all this Fyvie chat, decent midfielder in the Championship when playing alongside better midfielders.

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

A couple of weeks until he came back from holiday if I recall correct? Lennon was in France at the time also.

No other SPL teams took a punt on him either.

[BILLYHIBS]

I just dont think he's a very good footballer, he has the odd good day but overall he's mostly a passenger.

I have no idea what his best position is, and if he'd be better in a side that had better players alongside him, but the way things are going it should be him thats replaced before anyone els in the middle of that midfield?

He got away with it earlier in the season because of his goal scoring ability, but now he does bugger all apart from lose the ball, tackle like a 3 year old and track back like an 83 year old.

A complete waste of a jersey 99% of the time these days.

Well said sir! :aok:

Exactly what I was trying to say earlier on in this thread and got slaughtered for it

As another poster pointed out Alex Rae tried him as a holding midfielder and he was hopeless

Jack Ross tried him further forward and he single handedly kept them up

Maybes one last chance tried further forward in our new midfield to see if we can find his true position and a system that suits and perhaps the goals will return ?

:dunno:

[calumhibee1]

Well said sir! :aok:

Exactly what I was trying to say earlier on in this thread and got slaughtered for it

As another poster pointed out Alex Rae tried him as a holding midfielder and he was hopeless

Jack Ross tried him further forward and he single handedly kept them up

Maybes one last chance tried further forward in our new midfield to see if we can find his true position and a system that suits and perhaps the goals will return ?

:dunno:

If our new midfield contains Scott Allan then I’d suspect he won’t be getting anywhere near a chance in the number 10 role.

[BILLYHIBS]

If our new midfield contains Scott Allan then I’d suspect he won’t be getting anywhere near a chance in the number 10 role.

Fingers crossed :greengrin

[My_Wife_Camille]

Fyvie is a decent Championship level midfielder imo. Mallan is an exceptional Championship level midfielder who could do a good job for a bottom 6 Premiership side. Neither are anywhere near good enough for a side aiming for top 4 though in my opinion.

I think Mallans career will pan out more like Sam Stanton than John McGinn.

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

One thing about Mallon is that he is one hundred percent Lennon's player as he was chased all the way to signing.

[Centre Hawf]

He had since January to sign a deal

Ended up at DU because lets be honest no one else was offering him anything and then got injured

Good player but its not the club's fault

No player was offered a deal till we were promoted. We only offered Fyvie a deal after he was hooked off in the Semi and he quite rightly imo wasn’t sure if his future was with Hibs so went away on Holiday to clear his head and decide. Fyvie returns having decided to stay only to find Lennons revomed the contract offer. Imo Lennon never wanted Fyvie to stay and never really fancied him anyway hence why he was used sparingly for periods that season.

Big mistake on Lennons part because the Fyvie we had would have slotted into our team really easily right now.

[B.H.F.C]

No player was offered a deal till we were promoted. We only offered Fyvie a deal after he was hooked off in the Semi and he quite rightly imo wasn’t sure if his future was with Hibs so went away on Holiday to clear his head and decide. Fyvie returns having decided to stay only to find Lennons revomed the contract offer. Imo Lennon never wanted Fyvie to stay and never really fancied him anyway hence why he was used sparingly for periods that season.

Big mistake on Lennons part because the Fyvie we had would have slotted into our team really easily right now.

Fyvie left and we went on to have a very good season without him.

Since then his injury problems have continued and and he’s playing his fifth consecutive season in the Scottish championship. I don’t think we are missing that much and it certainly can’t be described as a ‘big’ mistake from Lennon.

[Centre Hawf]

Fyvie left and we went on to have a very good season without him.

Since then his injury problems have continued and and he’s playing his fifth consecutive season in the Scottish championship. I don’t think we are missing that much and it certainly can’t be described as a ‘big’ mistake from Lennon.

Not going to pretend he’s any better than McGinn or McGeouch. But no one will persuade me that the likes of Slivka, Hyndman, or even Milligan are better than him. Imo it was a mistake to let him go when you consider in the 18 months since he’s gone we haven’t really replaced him.

Not really having the time in the championship as a criticism of him. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s being paid more than maybe St Johnstones or Hamiltons we’re offering him and they’ve made him captain.

[BoomtownHibees]

Not going to pretend he’s any better than McGinn or McGeouch. But no one will persuade me that the likes of Slivka, Hyndman, or even Milligan are better than him. Imo it was a mistake to let him go when you consider in the 18 months since he’s gone we haven’t really replaced him.

Not really having the time in the championship as a criticism of him. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s being paid more than maybe St Johnstones or Hamiltons we’re offering him and they’ve made him captain.

I’m no sure you can say we have never replaced him when we had the best midfield in the country last season. Would he get his game now? Probably. But last season he wouldn’t have got a look in

[Robbo6-2]

Some of the comments regarding a cup winner in Fyvie are disgraceful.

Ive watched the cup final loads of times and alot of folk talk about Mcginn being the driving force that day but imo Fyvie was immense in the 2nd half and was a major factor in us lifting the trophy that day.

A fully fit Fyvie over Marv, Hyndman, Slivka, Mallan,Milligan and Horgan all day long.

[B.H.F.C]

Not going to pretend he’s any better than McGinn or McGeouch. But no one will persuade me that the likes of Slivka, Hyndman, or even Milligan are better than him. Imo it was a mistake to let him go when you consider in the 18 months since he’s gone we haven’t really replaced him.

Not really having the time in the championship as a criticism of him. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s being paid more than maybe St Johnstones or Hamiltons we’re offering him and they’ve made him captain.

The fact that he’s spending what should be his peak years in the championship surely say something?

I actually agree that, if he was fit, he’d be of use to us at the moment with what we have. But I don’t buy that it was a mistake to let him go, when you saw how good we were without him last year. Losing Fyvie hasn’t been our problem. Losing McGinn and McGeough (and not replacing them) has been.

[500miles]

Fyvie is a decent player, but didn't really have a defined role when Mcginn and McGeouch were here, and ended up being a bit of a headless chicken. He'd be an improvement on Milligan and Hyndman.

[Centre Hawf]

The fact that he’s spending what should be his peak years in the championship surely say something?

I actually agree that, if he was fit, he’d be of use to us at the moment with what we have. But I don’t buy that it was a mistake to let him go, when you saw how good we were without him last year. Losing Fyvie hasn’t been our problem. Losing McGinn and McGeough (and not replacing them) has been.

It’s always a mistake to let good players go. Yes when we had Allan post January window our midfield was tremendous. But it wasn’t exactly stellar for the first half of the season when we had injuries etc. But 6 months later all 3 are gone and we were desparate for folk to come in. In my opinion Fyvie would have been an ideal candidate to step up and fill the gaps. Everyone knew that we would have lost McGinn at some point last summer if not the next when his contract was up and the chances of McGeouch stay were 50/50.

So in my opinion to not have held onto Fyvie was a mistake.

[eastcoasthibby]

Send Mallan, Hyndeman, Shaw, Kamberi and Horgan away for a two week training stint with Edinburgh rugby, instead of Dubai... toughen them up a bit, for the physical aspect of football.....give Kamberi and Shaw some lineout work that makes.them jump for the ball and actually attempt to win it !!

[B.H.F.C]

It’s always a mistake to let good players go. Yes when we had Allan post January window our midfield was tremendous. But it wasn’t exactly stellar for the first half of the season when we had injuries etc. But 6 months later all 3 are gone and we were desparate for folk to come in. In my opinion Fyvie would have been an ideal candidate to step up and fill the gaps. Everyone knew that we would have lost McGinn at some point last summer if not the next when his contract was up and the chances of McGeouch stay were 50/50.

So in my opinion to not have held onto Fyvie was a mistake.

You can’t just hold on to folk so that they will be there a year or so down the line once others have moved on. Fyvie wouldn’t have played as much as he’d have wanted last year.

[The 90+2]

You can’t just hold on to folk so that they will be there a year or so down the line once others have moved on. Fyvie wouldn’t have played as much as he’d have wanted last year.

He would have been a long term replacement in the middle of the pitch consistently and would have been worth the gamble. Now it seems we have spent money on a winger who is playing at the tip of a diamond and Mallan who really doesn’t cut it at the moment. Add in the panic of Hyndman the sitting about for months while Milligan looked for better in Europe it’s a shambles. Slivka is our best midfielder if not Mackie.

[ThomasAgyepong]

Lenny loves putting the blame on Kamberi but when do we ever hear about how poorly Mallan played? Never. Mallan I has been one of our worst players by far in the poor run of form. You can keep saying he’s our top goalscorer but when was the last time he actually scored?

[Centre Hawf]

You can’t just hold on to folk so that they will be there a year or so down the line once others have moved on. Fyvie wouldn’t have played as much as he’d have wanted last year.

He was a good enough player to have in the squad and realistically would have been our 3rd best midfielder until Allan arrived. He would have played.

[Connollys11]

He was a good enough player to have in the squad and realistically would have been our 3rd best midfielder until Allan arrived. He would have played.
A always thought fyvie was decent like very good technician just a tad easily brushed off the ball. Would have him before that hyndman he's useless.

[we are hibs]

So did McGeough but we waited for him.

Mcgeouch was a far better player though. Fyvie has found his level.

[Hibee Mac]

Wow, we must be in a bad spot when people are crying out for Fyvie to come back.

He was decent nothing more, correct he's better than the crap we have but not what we should be aiming for.

[highland hibbee]

Mcgeouch was a far better player though. Fyvie has found his level.

he won the FA cup with Wigan, first time ever and Scottish Cup with Hibs, first time in 114 years, how many other players have won both with teams outside the big 6 in England and the Old Firm in Scotland? And that was after that tackle by Ian Murray ;-)

[My_Wife_Camille]

he won the FA cup with Wigan, first time ever and Scottish Cup with Hibs, first time in 114 years, how many other players have won both with teams outside the big 6 in England and the Old Firm in Scotland? And that was after that tackle by Ian Murray ;-)
To be fair, Fyvie has played in as many FA Cup finals as I have.

Fyvie was painfully average for Hibs and has been no loss whatsoever imo

[highland hibbee]

To be fair, Fyvie has played in as many FA Cup finals as I have.

Fyvie was painfully average for Hibs and has been no loss whatsoever imo

not commenting on his ability,
apologies, he won the League Cup with Wigan , came on as a sub, the FA Cup with Wigan, unused sub and the Scottish Cup with Hibs.
Compared to that footballing legend Gary MacKay I suppose his medal count is poor ;-)

[Michael]

not commenting on his ability,
apologies, he won the League Cup with Wigan , came on as a sub, the FA Cup with Wigan, unused sub and the Scottish Cup with Hibs.
Compared to that footballing legend Gary MacKay I suppose his medal count is poor ;-)

Fyvie never won the league cup.

[highland hibbee]

Fyvie never won the league cup.

correct.

[MWHIBBIES]

To be fair, Fyvie has played in as many FA Cup finals as I have.

Fyvie was painfully average for Hibs and has been no loss whatsoever imo

You must've attended very few games when he was here. Far above average, a core player in a very good, cup winning Hibs side. That's a fact.

[tamig]

To be fair, Fyvie has played in as many FA Cup finals as I have.

Fyvie was painfully average for Hibs and has been no loss whatsoever imo
Painfully average? I remember Fyvie being way better than average on many of his appearances for us. Winning several man of the match awards ahead of McGeough, McGinn and Allan during his time in our midfield. Great player who’s loss is being felt more now that we don’t have any of the three previously mentioned.

[Centre Hawf]

As much as I've praised him and wish we still had him I won't pretend he's the best midfielder we've ever had or even in that team. But to say he was painfully average is flat out wrong.

I never understood Lennons persistence with Bartley in a flat 4-4-2 over Fyvie that year we won the title, I always felt he was your ideal candidate to play that role with either of McGinn or McGeouch (who if anyone remembers was punted out on the wing quite often)

[My_Wife_Camille]

You must've attended very few games when he was here. Far above average, a core player in a very good, cup winning Hibs side. That's a fact.
No, I just have a different opinion to you.


There you go again with your opinion being ‘fact’.

[My_Wife_Camille]

Painfully average? I remember Fyvie being way better than average on many of his appearances for us. Winning several man of the match awards ahead of McGeough, McGinn and Allan during his time in our midfield. Great player who’s loss is being felt more now that we don’t have any of the three previously mentioned.
We are feeling the loss of Fyvie because we don’t have McGeouch, McGinn and Allan?

Are you sure we arent iust feeling the loss of McGeouch, McGinn and Allan now that we don’t have McGeouch, McGinn and Allan seeing as the three previously mentioned were the best midfield in the country while the great ginger Winner of corner kicks was still pissing about in the Championship.

[MWHIBBIES]

No, I just have a different opinion to you.


There you go again with your opinion being ‘fact’.Fyvie being a core playing in an excellent Hibs side that won a trophy is a fact pal :aok:

[My_Wife_Camille]

Fyvie being a core playing in an excellent Hibs side that won a trophy is a fact pal :aok:
Simon Brown was a core player in an even better Hibs team that achieved a league finish which hasn’t been bettered for 44 years.

It clearly doesn’t take that big a jump to suggest it’s possible for a team to achieve relative success in spite of lower quality players rather than because of them.

[K-Zazu]

Where’s his shooting boots went?

[Shrekko]

Simon Brown was a core player in an even better Hibs team that achieved a league finish which hasn’t been bettered for 44 years.

It clearly doesn’t take that big a jump to suggest it’s possible for a team to achieve relative success in spite of lower quality players rather than because of them.
I think you’re under rating Fyvie. I never ever found him ‘painfully’ anything . His attitude was first class- same as John McGinn... a winner who was prepared to do anything for the team in order to get a result regardless of his own form. Never hid- outstanding in the cup final comeback.

[Centre Hawf]

We are feeling the loss of Fyvie because we don’t have McGeouch, McGinn and Allan?

Are you sure we arent iust feeling the loss of McGeouch, McGinn and Allan now that we don’t have McGeouch, McGinn and Allan seeing as the three previously mentioned were the best midfield in the country while the great ginger Winner of corner kicks was still pissing about in the Championship.

I keep reading about him being in the Championship as if it instantly makes him a poor player. Im sure Dundee United fans would have said the same about Scott Allan when he signed for us, Dundee fans and Martin Boyle, Darren McGregor and Rangers, even possibly Fyvie and Aberdeen. All of them would have probably walked into the starting 11 for their former clubs despite "pissing about" in the Championship with Hibs.

Fyvie left us to go to Dundee United possibly believing they were about to do what we did and get promoted, add into the fact they made him captain I can see why he chose to go there because the club chose to believe in him versus the way Lennon appeared to view him. The reason he's still there is he's had quite a bad run of injuries. So forgive me if I don't take his current division as the indicator of him being a poor player.

[makaveli1875]

So Fyvie is the answer to our prayers now . You could take Mallan out the team and replace him with Fyvie and we'll still be *****

[My_Wife_Camille]

I keep reading about him being in the Championship as if it instantly makes him a poor player. Im sure Dundee United fans would have said the same about Scott Allan when he signed for us, Dundee fans and Martin Boyle, Darren McGregor and Rangers, even possibly Fyvie and Aberdeen. All of them would have probably walked into the starting 11 for their former clubs despite "pissing about" in the Championship with Hibs.

Fyvie left us to go to Dundee United possibly believing they were about to do what we did and get promoted, add into the fact they made him captain I can see why he chose to go there because the club chose to believe in him versus the way Lennon appeared to view him. The reason he's still there is he's had quite a bad run of injuries. So forgive me if I don't take his current division as the indicator of him being a poor player.
I forgive you.

[The 90+2]

Simon Brown was a core player in an even better Hibs team that achieved a league finish which hasn’t been bettered for 44 years.

It clearly doesn’t take that big a jump to suggest it’s possible for a team to achieve relative success in spite of lower quality players rather than because of them.

We finished 3rd 1999/2000 under GJP too and lot far cosier. Not that I disagree with the rest of your post.

[500miles]

Anyway, back on the top of Stevie Mallan, our top scorer and massive potential talent, not reaching that potential .

Perhaps we're playing him too deep. Apparently he struggled at St Mirren until he got moved in behind the striker. Play him like Kris Commons.

[My_Wife_Camille]

We finished 3rd 1999/2000 under GJP too and lot far cosier. Not that I disagree with the rest of your post.
As I said, a position that hasn’t been bettered for 44 years.

[Heisenberg]

Anyway, back on the top of Stevie Mallan, our top scorer and massive potential talent, not reaching that potential .

Perhaps we're playing him too deep. Apparently he struggled at St Mirren until he got moved in behind the striker. Play him like Kris Commons.

Been saying the same for a while. He’s an attacking midfielder. Problem is we signed no one else to play deeper in the summer apart from Milligan who looks past it.

[500miles]

As I said, a position that hasn’t been bettered for 44 years.

That's a bit unfair, we finished 3rd in spite of Si Brown that year, whereas Fyvie contributed to the cup win.

[The 90+2]

As I said, a position that hasn’t been bettered for 44 years.

👍

[eastcoasthibby]

We are playing Mallan in a deep role trying to get something from him in moving the ball about because we don't have anyone else to do it. This where we need to recruit into and hopefully another left sided midfielder who is a natural midfield player. If we get Allan as well it rounds of our midfield options.
Mallan gives us a good option but not as a holding midfielder, so let's see who we bring in.

[JimBHibees]

As I said, a position that hasn’t been bettered for 44 years.

Yes last season we were within touching distance of 2nd only scuppered by blowing a 3 goal lead and Sheep winning for the first time ever at celtic. Last seasons performance was excellent but seems to be getting airbrushed out.

[JimBHibees]

We are playing Mallan in a deep role trying to get something from him in moving the ball about because we don't have anyone else to do it. This where we need to recruit into and hopefully another left sided midfielder who is a natural midfield player. If we get Allan as well it rounds of our midfield options.
Mallan gives us a good option but not as a holding midfielder, so let's see who we bring in.

Yet he had one of his best games there against Celtic recently.

[MWHIBBIES]

Simon Brown was a core player in an even better Hibs team that achieved a league finish which hasn’t been bettered for 44 years.

It clearly doesn’t take that big a jump to suggest it’s possible for a team to achieve relative success in spite of lower quality players rather than because of them.

Dreadful comparison. Brown was pretty poor. Fyvie was a strong part of that midfield. Being a core playing involves playing and playing well.

[The 90+2]

Dreadful comparison. Brown was pretty poor. Fyvie was a strong part of that midfield. Being a core playing involves playing and playing well.

Oxley would be a better comparison.

[My_Wife_Camille]

Yes last season we were within touching distance of 2nd only scuppered by blowing a 3 goal lead and Sheep winning for the first time ever at celtic. Last seasons performance was excellent but seems to be getting airbrushed out.
How many games do Fraser Fyvie and Simon Brown play for us last season?

Last season isn’t being airbrushed out, it just has absolutely nothing to do with what we were talking about.

[My_Wife_Camille]

Dreadful comparison. Brown was pretty poor. Fyvie was a strong part of that midfield. Being a core playing involves playing and playing well.
And here we are, back at square one. You think Fyvie was good, I don’t. Have a great day.

[MWHIBBIES]

And here we are, back at square one. You think Fyvie was good, I don’t. Have a great day.

It's fine, the vast majority on here agree with me so I know I'm right 👍

[Smartie]

Yet he had one of his best games there against Celtic recently.

Celtic gave Hibs no respect.

They pitched up, dropped half of their team, gave us the freedom of the park to do what we want and we managed to press them and pick them off. They didn't attempt to exploit our weaknesses and tbh for my money it was one of the worst managerial performances from a good manager with a good squad of players I've ever seen at Easter Road.

Nobody else in the top 2 leagues would approach a game against us like that. Press us, give Mallan no time on the ball (as anyone with any sense would do) and he cannot play - see abject performances against Dundee, St Mirren and Hearts recently for evidence.

[My_Wife_Camille]

It's fine, the vast majority on here agree with me so I know I'm right 👍


That’s great, Neil Lennon agrees that he’s not good enough for Hibernian Football Club and that is good enough for me.

[Allant1981]

That’s great, Neil Lennon agrees that he’s not good enough for Hibernian Football Club and that is good enough for me.

Lennon offered him a contract though?

[MWHIBBIES]

That’s great, Neil Lennon agrees that he’s not good enough for Hibernian Football Club and that is good enough for me.

So much so that he offered him a deal :faf:

[My_Wife_Camille]

So much so that he offered him a deal :faf:
And subsequently withdrew it

[Keyser Sauzee]

And subsequently withdrew it

Not because he thought he wasn’t good enough tho, which is the point ur suggesting.

[Elephant Stone]

It's fine, the vast majority on here agree with me so I know I'm right ��

And the vast majority of premiership managers agree that he's pretty average.

[My_Wife_Camille]

Not because he didn’t think he wasn’t good enough tho, which is the point ur suggesting.
Of course it was, otherwise he would have happily waited all summer like he did with McGeouch.

The difference is McGeouch was worth waiting for, Fyvie wasn’t.

[Since90+2]

Of course it was, otherwise he would have happily waited all summer like he did with McGeouch.

The difference is McGeouch was worth waiting for, Fyvie wasn’t.

Correct.

[Allant1981]

Of course it was, otherwise he would have happily waited all summer like he did with McGeouch.

The difference is McGeouch was worth waiting for, Fyvie wasn’t.

If he didn't think he was good enough a contract would never have been offered in the first place

[Since90+2]

It's fine, the vast majority on here agree with me so I know I'm right 👍

The vast majority on here wanted Mallan signed however according to you he's not good enough. How does your theory work in that regard?

[MWHIBBIES]

The vast majority on here wanted Mallan signed however according to you he's not good enough. How does your theory work in that regard?

I wanted him signed as well, many opinions have changed over 6 months, mine included.

[Since90+2]

I wanted him signed as well, many opinions have changed over 6 months, mine included.

So your reasoning behind being correct in regards to Fyvie is that the vast majority agreed with you but at the same time you say the vast majority were wrong about Mallan.

See a flaw in that logic anywhere?

[Centre Hawf]

The vast majority on here wanted Mallan signed however according to you he's not good enough. How does your theory work in that regard?

I wanted Mallan cause I remembered him scoring pearlers in the championship. Now I think he’s a poor all round player. I didn’t scout him. I trusted Hibs to do more home work than my recollection of a player I saw play about 4 times and saw highlights of a handfull more.

[MWHIBBIES]

So your reasoning behind being correct in regards to Fyvie is that the vast majority agreed with you but at the same time you say the vast majority were wrong about Mallan.

See a flaw in that logic anywhere?
No because many on here think Mallan isn't good enough as well. Im in the majority in all situations.

Mallan was a great signing on paper, people were right to be excited.

[JimBHibees]

No because many on here think Mallan isn't good enough as well. Im in the majority in all situations.

Mallan was a great signing on paper, people were right to be excited.

He still can be of course though worrying his recent form has been, against Celtic he was one of the best players on the pitch, v Rangers and Hearts he was hounded and struggled to deal with less space and the physicality.

[flash]

He still can be of course though worrying his recent form has been, against Celtic he was one of the best players on the pitch, v Rangers and Hearts he was hounded and struggled to deal with less space and the physicality.

Exactly. it's still early days and he has been playing in a team that changes every week.

[danhibees1875]

Exactly. it's still early days and he has been playing in a team that changes every week.

I like Mallan, I think he's got a lot to offer. I'd be annoyed if we wrote him off this early (which I don't think Lennon will).

[MWHIBBIES]

He still can be of course though worrying his recent form has been, against Celtic he was one of the best players on the pitch, v Rangers and Hearts he was hounded and struggled to deal with less space and the physicality.

I agree. He definitely has potential, still very young. Shouldn't have played every game after a year on the bench. Rest will do him good.

[DavidDavidGray]

Stevie Mallan would be much better in a more attacking midfield role. His main ability is his ability from distance, so he needs to be in areas where he can hit a shot. Playing him in a McGeouch role where he’s always 35-40 yards out gets rid of his main ability and makes him look like a worse player than he actually is. He was excellent at St Mirren as an attacking midfielder and was very good when he’s played there for us. Just need to try and sign someone capable of playing the role we are trying to make him play so that Mallan can move further forward.

[Hibee Mac]

I'm beginning to think that Lennon will never play him higher up the pitch where he belongs.

Since day 1 Lennon has played him deep and refuses to try anything else, it's almost as if he's looking at Mallan's performances and thinking he's actually doing well...

[LaMotta]

Exactly. it's still early days and he has been playing in a team that changes every week.


I like Mallan, I think he's got a lot to offer. I'd be annoyed if we wrote him off this early (which I don't think Lennon will).


The criticism of Mallan is way OTT, perpetuated by a weird Hibs.net group think mentality where a few people claim he has been brutal and everyone starts believing it without actually looking at the evidence.

The same type of groupthink mentality that had Slivka ridiculously down as a superstar after just a few games for us.

Mallan's form HAS dipped in the last month or two, however so has much of the teams. His contribution to McGregors goal at Ibrox for example has been strangely overlooked by many, where he played a sublime pass to Mackie. He has has become a popular target of vitriol for the hard of thinking.

He also remains our top scorer and our top assist man. He has contributed far more to Hibs than the likes of Slivka, Hyndman and Milligan. It really is no wonder Lennon picks him every week given his contribution to the team so far. If we can get better in the window then great, give him some bench time.

Former Hun and Scotland international Maurice Ross, now a coach/manager, was at Easter Road/East Mains recently to shadow the coaching team. The best player he seen was Mallan, who he described as an outstanding talent.

We need to get the players around him to make his talent flourish.

[Unseen work]

The criticism of Mallan is way OTT, perpetuated by a weird Hibs.net group think mentality where a few people claim he has been brutal and everyone starts believing it without actually looking at the evidence.

The same type of groupthink mentality that had Slivka ridiculously down as a superstar after just a few games for us.

Mallan's form HAS dipped in the last month or two, however so has much of the teams. His contribution to McGregors goal at Ibrox for example has been strangely overlooked by many, where he played a sublime pass to Mackie. He has has become a popular target of vitriol for the hard of thinking.

He also remains our top scorer and our top assist man. He has contributed far more to Hibs than the likes of Slivka, Hyndman and Milligan. It really is no wonder Lennon picks him every week given his contribution to the team so far. If we can get better in the window then great, give him some bench time.

Former Hun and Scotland international Maurice Ross, now a coach/manager, was at Easter Road/East Mains recently to shadow the coaching team. The best player he seen was Mallan, who he described as an outstanding talent.

We need to get the players around him to make his talent flourish.



100% this.

The amount of criticism he gets on here is ridiculous and Iv never heard so much mention of physicality about a player before. He actually does put himself about he’s just not very good at tackling/positioning as he’s never been coached or played in this role before. In recent games aswell he has intercepted a lot more than before with headers and slide tackles - the sort of things that g unnoticed as the majority either miss who done it or think it was luck.

Lennon said himself he was surprised that he could play the deep lying playmaker role as he thought he was more of an attacker

He is technically very very good and with a settled team and his confidence back I have no doubt he will thrive. I personally feel sometimes fans see him play a 40 yard pass and think it’s easy, it’s anything but. If our attackers were better, quicker and more direct a lot of these passes would result in More chances and goals.

The pass to Mackie as you mentioned was perfect and he is the only one capable of a pass like that in the squad. To zing it out like that with low trajectory and accuracy is great technique.

if we had a Scott Allan playing next to him, he would find him 9/10 which would make a huge difference. Hyndman never got in good positions to receive the ball in the final third and when he did done nothing with it.

[Mr_F]

14 pages & he’s still not left or is anyone looking to sign him. Disappointed

[bigwheel]

The criticism of Mallan is way OTT, perpetuated by a weird Hibs.net group think mentality where a few people claim he has been brutal and everyone starts believing it without actually looking at the evidence.

The same type of groupthink mentality that had Slivka ridiculously down as a superstar after just a few games for us.

Mallan's form HAS dipped in the last month or two, however so has much of the teams. His contribution to McGregors goal at Ibrox for example has been strangely overlooked by many, where he played a sublime pass to Mackie. He has has become a popular target of vitriol for the hard of thinking.

He also remains our top scorer and our top assist man. He has contributed far more to Hibs than the likes of Slivka, Hyndman and Milligan. It really is no wonder Lennon picks him every week given his contribution to the team so far. If we can get better in the window then great, give him some bench time.

Former Hun and Scotland international Maurice Ross, now a coach/manager, was at Easter Road/East Mains recently to shadow the coaching team. The best player he seen was Mallan, who he described as an outstanding talent.

We need to get the players around him to make his talent flourish.

Good balanced post this [emoji106]. (Will never catch on) [emoji6]

[Heisenberg]

The criticism of Mallan is way OTT, perpetuated by a weird Hibs.net group think mentality where a few people claim he has been brutal and everyone starts believing it without actually looking at the evidence.

The same type of groupthink mentality that had Slivka ridiculously down as a superstar after just a few games for us.

Mallan's form HAS dipped in the last month or two, however so has much of the teams. His contribution to McGregors goal at Ibrox for example has been strangely overlooked by many, where he played a sublime pass to Mackie. He has has become a popular target of vitriol for the hard of thinking.

He also remains our top scorer and our top assist man. He has contributed far more to Hibs than the likes of Slivka, Hyndman and Milligan. It really is no wonder Lennon picks him every week given his contribution to the team so far. If we can get better in the window then great, give him some bench time.

Former Hun and Scotland international Maurice Ross, now a coach/manager, was at Easter Road/East Mains recently to shadow the coaching team. The best player he seen was Mallan, who he described as an outstanding talent.

We need to get the players around him to make his talent flourish.

Great post. Agree with every word.

I definitely went a bit OTT with the criticism of him after the Derby.

[blackpoolhibs]

Mallan was very good when he first signed, getting shots away, scoring goals and creating them. Over the last couple of months even longer, he's had fleeting moments and one very good game against Celtic, but the rest of the time he's been a passenger.

If that is an over the top assessment, then i'm guilty.

[Allant1981]

Mallan was very good when he first signed, getting shots away, scoring goals and creating them. Over the last couple of months even longer, he's had fleeting moments and one very good game against Celtic, but the rest of the time he's been a passenger.

If that is an over the top assessment, then i'm guilty.

Don't think he was playing as deep when he first came though, he seems to be playing a totally different way now for some reason, for me he needs to be played right behind the strikers, he isn't a sitting midfielder, but that's no excuse for not shifting his backside a bit more

[Johnny_Leith]

Don't think he was playing as deep when he first came though, he seems to be playing a totally different way now for some reason, for me he needs to be played right behind the strikers, he isn't a sitting midfielder

He also has SJM next to him for the start of his hibs career, which I think freed him up to be more creative.

I think he has potential to be a really good player, much like McGinn he will have periods where he isn't his best which I think he's going through now. Really hopeful he'll come out the other side of this break into some good form.

[The_Horde]

Don't think he was playing as deep when he first came though, he seems to be playing a totally different way now for some reason, for me he needs to be played right behind the strikers, he isn't a sitting midfielder, but that's no excuse for not shifting his backside a bit more

I'm getting dejavu. Sure this excuse was used for Liam Craig as well.

[Allant1981]

I'm getting dejavu. Sure this excuse was used for Liam Craig as well.

It's not an excuse, he isn't a sitting midfielder, he is being asked to play a style of football that clearly doesn't suit him, as I said though it's no reason for him not to be a bit more mobile

[HibsGW]

It's not an excuse, he isn't a sitting midfielder, he is being asked to play a style of football that clearly doesn't suit him, as I said though it's no reason for him not to be a bit more mobile

Fully agree with this, don’t think he’s any use a central midfielder so I struggle to criticise him too much, he’s made a name for himself playing in behind the forwards where he racked up lots of assists at St Mirren and scored lots of goals for us at the start of the season. I think our lack of good centre midfielders has left Lennon trying to shoehorn him in to centre midfield which hasn’t ever been his position as we’re beginning to see, I won’t write him off until we get him playing in his proper position where he’s proven that he has ability.

[500miles]

I'm getting dejavu. Sure this excuse was used for Liam Craig as well.

He was the top scorer at the time too IIRC.

[SHODAN]

Mallan needs support. He can't do the McGeouch role despite what Lennon thinks.

[The 90+2]

Mallan was very good when he first signed, getting shots away, scoring goals and creating them. Over the last couple of months even longer, he's had fleeting moments and one very good game against Celtic, but the rest of the time he's been a passenger.

If that is an over the top assessment, then i'm guilty.

Mallan was very good when he had McGinn beside him in Europe. McGinn got replaced by pap and he had to become the main footballer in the side. Tough gig for a young lad who is still finding his feet in the game.

[Springbank]

Mallan was very good when he had McGinn beside him in Europe. McGinn got replaced by pap and he had to become the main footballer in the side. Tough gig for a young lad who is still finding his feet in the game.

His move to Hibs & the next 4 months will define Stevie Mallan's career.

Pre-Hibs: identified as having potential, a nice touch, but a lot of aspects of his game needing worked on. Relegated with every team he's played for (coincidence?)

At Hibs: early flourish, helped by having the industry of John McGinn alongside him to compensate for his own powder puff presence when the opposition have the ball. Takes a good set piece. But most teams now come to Easter Road and dominate midfield (St Mirren did, Livingston did, Rangers did, Hearts did). Not saying Hibs are in relegation danger, but he needs to improve his fitness, workrate and presence when we don't have the ball in the second half of this season, and be more composed when he gets the ball deep.

After Hibs: if he turns things around and develops an all-round game (to complement the set pieces) he can go places. But if he fails to make the grade here, where next? A career at St Mirren would be my most likely guess. A big 4 months ahead for Stevie.

[The Spaceman]

The criticism of Mallan is way OTT, perpetuated by a weird Hibs.net group think mentality where a few people claim he has been brutal and everyone starts believing it without actually looking at the evidence.

The same type of groupthink mentality that had Slivka ridiculously down as a superstar after just a few games for us.

Mallan's form HAS dipped in the last month or two, however so has much of the teams. His contribution to McGregors goal at Ibrox for example has been strangely overlooked by many, where he played a sublime pass to Mackie. He has has become a popular target of vitriol for the hard of thinking.

He also remains our top scorer and our top assist man. He has contributed far more to Hibs than the likes of Slivka, Hyndman and Milligan. It really is no wonder Lennon picks him every week given his contribution to the team so far. If we can get better in the window then great, give him some bench time.

Former Hun and Scotland international Maurice Ross, now a coach/manager, was at Easter Road/East Mains recently to shadow the coaching team. The best player he seen was Mallan, who he described as an outstanding talent.

We need to get the players around him to make his talent flourish.

There it is! A rational, level-headed and utterly correct post. Much needed given the amount of roasters laying into Hibs and our players at every single opportunity just now.

[Smartie]

Nah, I stand by my criticism.

He's got something, he's clearly got something. Those free-kicks, the shots from distance and he has a very decent pass on him too, he has something.

The problem is he is too easy to nullify and if he's your main man then you're in trouble. If we had threats throughout our team - Boyle with players doubling up on him, McLaren pulling defenders all over the place with his movement, Kamberi on fire and occupying the attentions of defenders everywhere he goes, McGinn being able to turn defence into attack by sticking his arse out, turning and running the length of the pitch, McGeouch constantly there as an outball, fullbacks getting up the park overlapping - if teams have loads to worry about other than Mallan then the ball will fall to him in space for him to do his thing more often. If we don't have enough threats in our team or if we play him in areas of the pitch that it is harder for him to play to his strengths then he is hopeless, which he has been all too often for us.

My "physicality" criticism isn't that he isn't big enough, strong enough or good enough at tackling - it's that he lacks a burst of pace to move away from opposition players when under pressure. He's far too easy to press out of a game and most of the teams we've played have done so.

He's been a constant in an area of the team that has been woefully inadequate - losing battles at home to the poorest teams in the league inadequate.

I'd love to see him succeed. He's not workshy, he's doing his very best, but it is not happening. With some appropriate strengthening around him I think he could do ok (scratch that - be superb, as he has some assets I've not seen on many players at Easter Road) but I'll take some convincing that he's more than a luxury that at the moment we cannot afford to carry.

[Daydreamer]

Mallan needs support. He can't do the McGeouch role despite what Lennon thinks.

What he needs is the strikers to draw fouls from the opposing teams centre backs around the 25 yard mark. I can only remember one free kick around there in the last 10 games or so. That is his special talent scoring from set pieces. I also know that some people will say "oh thats all he can do" but just remember as a midfield player he has nearly played every game since mid July. This break will do him the world of good and he WILL kick on second half of season.

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

I thought that he was signed to play between the midfield and forwards and draw fouls or pass the ball to McLaren to score or get brought down in the box. McLaren not playing has not helped and the busy bee role is more a description of Horgan.

[The 90+2]

His move to Hibs & the next 4 months will define Stevie Mallan's career.

Pre-Hibs: identified as having potential, a nice touch, but a lot of aspects of his game needing worked on. Relegated with every team he's played for (coincidence?)

At Hibs: early flourish, helped by having the industry of John McGinn alongside him to compensate for his own powder puff presence when the opposition have the ball. Takes a good set piece. But most teams now come to Easter Road and dominate midfield (St Mirren did, Livingston did, Rangers did, Hearts did). Not saying Hibs are in relegation danger, but he needs to improve his fitness, workrate and presence when we don't have the ball in the second half of this season, and be more composed when he gets the ball deep.

After Hibs: if he turns things around and develops an all-round game (to complement the set pieces) he can go places. But if he fails to make the grade here, where next? A career at St Mirren would be my most likely guess. A big 4 months ahead for Stevie.

Part of the reason I feel we are being dominated in midfield is most teams play one up top and pack the midfield with Mallan included press and hassle us into making mistakes or a punt down the sides. Then when the opposition have the ball in midfield we are replying on guys like Horgan and Mallan to win it back, it’s a massive issue at the moment that I’m hoping it will be addressed this window but I would be willing to give Mallan next season to bed into a position he’s comfortable in with solid midfield around him.

[Hibeesmad]

Can’t wait for this time next year when people are praying that we don’t sell Mallan

[MWHIBBIES]

Can’t wait for this time next year when people are praying that we don’t sell Mallan

If he significantly improves in form you mean? People thinking his current displays aren't good enough still won't be wrong.

[Centre Hawf]

100% this.

The amount of criticism he gets on here is ridiculous and Iv never heard so much mention of physicality about a player before. He actually does put himself about he’s just not very good at tackling/positioning as he’s never been coached or played in this role before. In recent games aswell he has intercepted a lot more than before with headers and slide tackles - the sort of things that g unnoticed as the majority either miss who done it or think it was luck.

Lennon said himself he was surprised that he could play the deep lying playmaker role as he thought he was more of an attacker

He is technically very very good and with a settled team and his confidence back I have no doubt he will thrive. I personally feel sometimes fans see him play a 40 yard pass and think it’s easy, it’s anything but. If our attackers were better, quicker and more direct a lot of these passes would result in More chances and goals.

The pass to Mackie as you mentioned was perfect and he is the only one capable of a pass like that in the squad. To zing it out like that with low trajectory and accuracy is great technique.

if we had a Scott Allan playing next to him, he would find him 9/10 which would make a huge difference. Hyndman never got in good positions to receive the ball in the final third and when he did done nothing with it.

That's because he can't.

[Hibeesmad]

If he significantly improves in form you mean? People thinking his current displays aren't good enough still won't be wrong.

Boy has huge potential. We should be backing him instead of writing him off. Most people who are having a go at him are the same ones having a go at Lennon for having a go at players

[Smartie]

Can’t wait for this time next year when people are praying that we don’t sell Mallan

We'd all be delighted if that was the case.

[jacomo]

I'm beginning to think that Lennon will never play him higher up the pitch where he belongs.

Since day 1 Lennon has played him deep and refuses to try anything else, it's almost as if he's looking at Mallan's performances and thinking he's actually doing well...


And yet he did very well against Celtc from the base of our midfield.

Also, Dylan was seen as a No.10 before joining Hibs and wore that number on his back.

I can see the sense in playing Mallan deeper, if he can adapt, although clearly the overall balance of our midfield is not there yet.

[calumhibee1]

Boy has huge potential. We should be backing him instead of writing him off. Most people who are having a go at him are the same ones having a go at Lennon for having a go at players

That’s because Lennon should be taking his share of the blame but he’s not. Then it would be easier to accept him criticising the players aswell. The fans however have been magnificent and can have no blame apportioned to them.

[Hibeesmad]

That’s because Lennon should be taking his share of the blame but he’s not. Then it would be easier to accept him criticising the players aswell. The fans however have been magnificent and can have no blame apportioned to them.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.scotsman.com/sport/football/competitions/premiership/neil-lennon-takes-responsibility-after-hibs-defeat-at-livingston-1-4793819/amp

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/neil-lennon-hibs-lost-focus-last-weekend-and-i-m-responsible-1-4826706/amp

Not sure if links are working but they show two occasions where Lennon has taken responsibility this season for getting things wrong

[LaMotta]

Offers nothing when he doesn't score:wink::wink:

****in bout time son :nanafunk:

[The Harp Awakes]

I thought the Heck summed his performance up perfectly in his post match interview. He said there aren't many players worldwide who can strike ball like him, but it's the other parts of his game he needs to improve on and he is; or words to that effect.

Stevie is still a young player and is a very decent acquisition. Not sure we've found his correct position yet but he is a real asset to the team.

[CmoantheHibs]

****in bout time son :nanafunk:

I've thought he offers some wonderful things to the team in regard to his set piece/ball striking abilities but completely upset the balance of the team with his weaker attributes. They are now becoming less of an issue which I think is due to a desire to improve and hardwork. All credit to him and if he continues to become more tactically and positionally aware and keeps his desire we could have a fantastic player on our hands.

[The Harp Awakes]

Mallan was very good when he first signed, getting shots away, scoring goals and creating them. Over the last couple of months even longer, he's had fleeting moments and one very good game against Celtic, but the rest of the time he's been a passenger.

If that is an over the top assessment, then i'm guilty.

I think you're being over critical of him. SM has his limitations but for years Hibs have been crying out for goals from midfield and he's delivered big time. Still a young player and definitely needs to work on other aspects of his game.

[overdrive]

I thought the Heck summed his performance up perfectly in his post match interview. He said there aren't many players worldwide who can strike ball like him, but it's the other parts of his game he needs to improve on and he is; or words to that effect.

Stevie is still a young player and is a very decent acquisition. Not sure we've found his correct position yet but he is a real asset to the team.

Yep, as soon as he said it, I thought “that’s pretty much what most fans have said about him for most of the season”.

[Unseen work]

I think some people forget how young he is.

He is a good young player with great potential. Technically he is outstanding and when is 30 yards from goal he is a real threat. He will be disappointed he never scored his chance in the first half and the one that McNulty scored from.

Once he is coached, in the right position and has a settle team around him we will see his best.

12 goals from midfield and it’s February. Something we’ve been wanting for years.

He has his flaws as does every player, these flaws are the reason he is at hibs.

Even when he is having a poor game he is still a match winner.

[neil7908]

I think some people forget how young he is.

He is a good young player with great potential. Technically he is outstanding and when is 30 yards from goal he is a real threat. He will be disappointed he never scored his chance in the first half and the one that McNulty scored from.

Once he is coached, in the right position and has a settle team around him we will see his best.

12 goals from midfield and it’s February. Something we’ve been wanting for years.

He has his flaws as does every player, these flaws are the reason he is at hibs.

Even when he is having a poor game he is still a match winner.

There's been games I wanted him taken off or dropped entirely but I've never wanted him out of the club.

If he can improve other parts of his game he will be a sensational player.

He does need to be much more consistent but I think think with the right players around him he'll grow into a top player.

Needs to work a bit on his strength training as well.

[Sir David Gray]

His goal tonight was outstanding.

Take a bow son.

[Stevie Reid]

I know he’s not perfect and can improve in numerous ways, but I just can’t help loving him, even if he’s having a poor game.

Knowing that you have someone with that kind of ability on the park is very reassuring for me.

[Shrekko]

I know he’s not perfect and can improve in numerous ways, but I just can’t help loving him, even if he’s having a poor game.

Knowing that you have someone with that kind of ability on the park is very reassuring for me.

That’s how I feel... there’s always hope.

The nature of some of the criticism has been utterly disgraceful IMO.

Think most of us appreciate he has things to work on but it’s typical of the modern day fan to focus so heavily on them.

He’s ‘only’ got probably the best shooting technique in Scotland. It’s hardly a small thing.

[Austinho]

Not sure if it’s been mentioned on here before, but there’s a video on YouTube on Heckingbottom at Barnsley taking training and the squad doing a gruelling bleep test. Mallan lasted the 3rd longest out of the entire squad, so must have some decent fitness alongside his shooting abilities.

[Tyler Durden]

Playing wide right suits him much better. In the last 2 games he’s still gave the ball away far too often but it’s in an area that doesn’t hurt us - not on top of our back 4 as happened when Lennon had him in the McGeouch role.

He showed last night how he can move in from the right when we have possession, finding some great positions. His lack of pace is also less of an issue - Beckham was never the quickest in that wide right role.

Still loads to work on but he’s got so much ability with the ball. Could be a huge asset

[blackpoolhibs]

I think you're being over critical of him. SM has his limitations but for years Hibs have been crying out for goals from midfield and he's delivered big time. Still a young player and definitely needs to work on other aspects of his game.

I think my assessment is spot on, he gives the ball away regularly, gets caught on the ball in some very dangerous positions and is weak in the tackle.

Yet in the final 3rd of the pitch, he sometimes goes past a player as if he's not there, and has a wicked shot on goal that results in his goal last night and the one McNulty scored.

Its a fine balance i suppose, and if he could do what he did last night regularly, then i think we'd all have to shut up and look at the bigger picture.

He does need to do it more often, can he do it, i think he can because its clear he has the talent and ability to do so.

If the new manager dropped him before he will do it again, and it really is down to Mallan.

[BILLYHIBS]

I think my assessment is spot on, he gives the ball away regularly, gets caught on the ball in some very dangerous positions and is weak in the tackle.

Yet in the final 3rd of the pitch, he sometimes goes past a player as if he's not there, and has a wicked shot on goal that results in his goal last night and the one McNulty scored.

Its a fine balance i suppose, and if he could do what he did last night regularly, then i think we'd all have to shut up and look at the bigger picture.

He does need to do it more often, can he do it, i think he can because its clear he has the talent and ability to do so.

If the new manager dropped him before he will do it again, and it really is down to Mallan.

Agree with this also looks slow powder puff slightly over weight and seems to lack the fitness for where he needs to be at our level

Two great strikes though one assist and one goal ( goalie will be annoyed with himself) if Stevie Mallin can continue to improve we will have some player on our hands

As you quite rightly say it is up to him

[bigwheel]

I think my assessment is spot on, he gives the ball away regularly, gets caught on the ball in some very dangerous positions and is weak in the tackle.

Yet in the final 3rd of the pitch, he sometimes goes past a player as if he's not there, and has a wicked shot on goal that results in his goal last night and the one McNulty scored.

Its a fine balance i suppose, and if he could do what he did last night regularly, then i think we'd all have to shut up and look at the bigger picture.

He does need to do it more often, can he do it, i think he can because its clear he has the talent and ability to do so.

If the new manager dropped him before he will do it again, and it really is down to Mallan.

12 goals and 9 assists as of last night think he can be more than happy with his contributions this season so far


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Famous Fiver]

If Mallan was as good as some of the 'experts' on here are demanding' he'd be nowhere near Hibs but gracing the Bernabau or Camp Nou.

In my opinion, stop whining and enjoy him while he is with us.

Opinions, eh!

[Shrekko]

If Mallan was as good as some of the 'experts' on here are demanding' he'd be nowhere near Hibs but gracing the Bernabau or Camp Nou.

In my opinion, stop whining and enjoy him while he is with us.

Opinions, eh!

Exactly.

So sad when you have people breaking down his incredible goal scoring record to the point of almost saying none of them count because of the opposition.

Basically folk are demanding 25 yard rippers every week. It’s a joke. Yes he can improve stuff. ..like every other 22 year old!

If we’d been offered 15 goals from midfield at the start of the season would anyone have even thought about complaining? I saw a tweet from Tam McManus saying it was a joke the criticism he’d received and it was followed by a raft of keyboard Mourinho’s telling him how wrong he was and where Mallan fell short. Incredible.

[Unseen work]

12 goals and nine assists by February.

Still awful and not good enough for some though...

[SquashedFrogg]

12 goals and nine assists by February.

Still awful and not good enough for some though...

And he's only 22

[cmcd]

Agree with this also looks slow powder puff slightly over weight and seems to lack the fitness for where he needs to be at our level

Two great strikes though one assist and one goal ( goalie will be annoyed with himself) if Stevie Mallin can continue to improve we will have some player on our hands

As you quite rightly say it is up to him
Don't think you can blame the Keeper the ball had some movement on it

[Lago]

I know he’s not perfect and can improve in numerous ways, but I just can’t help loving him, even if he’s having a poor game.

Knowing that you have someone with that kind of ability on the park is very reassuring for me.
My thoughts exactly.😄

[snedzuk]

I think my assessment is spot on, he gives the ball away regularly, gets caught on the ball in some very dangerous positions and is weak in the tackle.

Yet in the final 3rd of the pitch, he sometimes goes past a player as if he's not there, and has a wicked shot on goal that results in his goal last night and the one McNulty scored.

Its a fine balance i suppose, and if he could do what he did last night regularly, then i think we'd all have to shut up and look at the bigger picture.

He does need to do it more often, can he do it, i think he can because its clear he has the talent and ability to do so.

If the new manager dropped him before he will do it again, and it really is down to Mallan.

Usually weak in the tackle but it was his winning tackle last night that started the move for the first goal.

[Crab apple]

I think my assessment is spot on, he gives the ball away regularly, gets caught on the ball in some very dangerous positions and is weak in the tackle.

Yet in the final 3rd of the pitch, he sometimes goes past a player as if he's not there, and has a wicked shot on goal that results in his goal last night and the one McNulty scored.

Its a fine balance i suppose, and if he could do what he did last night regularly, then i think we'd all have to shut up and look at the bigger picture.

He does need to do it more often, can he do it, i think he can because its clear he has the talent and ability to do so.

If the new manager dropped him before he will do it again, and it really is down to Mallan.

I think that’s what Hecky was alluding to in his post match interview last night when asked about SM.

[LaMotta]

12 goals and nine assists by February.

Still awful and not good enough for some though...

I think some people forget one of the primary aims of football is to score goals. :greengrin

The people that really don't like him were probably waxing lyrical back in the day about Gary Deegan and Kevin McBride....

[hibsbollah]

I think some people forget one of the primary aims of football is to score goals. :greengrin

The people that really don't like him were probably waxing lyrical back in the day about Gary Deegan and Kevin McBride....

The thing is, I've defended him from exactly that standpoint before, look at the goal stats, assists etc, how can you doubt his worth etc . But then I watch him sometimes and he's giving the ball away regularly and it drives me up the wall. And then he knocks it in from 30 yards and I think he's the business again. The whole purpose of Mallan is to mess with your head:agree:

[Leith Green]

I still think Mallan would be a revelation playing advanced and off of a main striker. He is a player whose game is all about touch and his range of shooting.

[LaMotta]

The thing is, I've defended him from exactly that standpoint before, look at the goal stats, assists etc, how can you doubt his worth etc . But then I watch him sometimes and he's giving the ball away regularly and it drives me up the wall. And then he knocks it in from 30 yards and I think he's the business again. The whole purpose of Mallan is to mess with your head:agree:

Hard to disagree with that! There is a bizaare group of people who give him no credit whatsoever though. Lots of them floating about Twitter and Bookface.

[Heisenberg]

Hard to disagree with that! There is a bizaare group of people who give him no credit whatsoever though. Lots of them floating about Twitter and Bookface.

Whittaker hasn’t played for a while so they need a new target. Mallan has had a few poor games but he’s also contributed massively with plenty goals and assists throughout the season. Delighted to have him.

[monktonharp]

I've thought he offers some wonderful things to the team in regard to his set piece/ball striking abilities but completely upset the balance of the team with his weaker attributes. They are now becoming less of an issue which I think is due to a desire to improve and hardwork. All credit to him and if he continues to become more tactically and positionally aware and keeps his desire we could have a fantastic player on our hands.agree with all of that, still canny pass a ba' at times though:rolleyes: do like him in the team

[Viva_Palmeiras]

That’s how I feel... there’s always hope.

The nature of some of the criticism has been utterly disgraceful IMO.

Think most of us appreciate he has things to work on but it’s typical of the modern day fan to focus so heavily on them.

He’s ‘only’ got probably the best shooting technique in Scotland. It’s hardly a small thing.

Been crying out for many a year for a goal scoring midfielder.
Well appreciate and miss him when his gone like the others.
If we’re to give youth a chance better get used to players with flaws, inconsistency and areas to improve. If you can’t come to terms with that it’ll be a tortured mind you’ll be wrestling as a Hibs fan.

[Libby Hibby]

Play him further forward and build a team around him to suit his positives and negatives.

He is such a good striker of the ball. He scores more than his fair share and I feel our delivery from corners and free kicks are more dangerous with him taking him.

Concentrate on the positives and let’s not forget that this is his 1st full season at this level. So he’s not doing too bad imo.

[DetroitHibs]

He's a young lad, lots of room to improve and work on his weaknesses. SJM worked hard, bulked up and came back a superstar. No reason Stevie can't become an even better player than SJM.

[JimBHibees]

Whittaker hasn’t played for a while so they need a new target. Mallan has had a few poor games but he’s also contributed massively with plenty goals and assists throughout the season. Delighted to have him.

Totally agree on Friday even from a wide area his movement got him in twice in the first half when he made a brilliant right to left run to beat the offside line but finished poorly and second when getting into a shooting position resulting in our third goal not to mention the fantastic shot for the 4th. His overall play can be poor now and again but he had a great pass in the build up to the first also so the 442 might actually suit him best in that we have cover for him in a wide area but also he has scope to move around and create. Young lad with great talent lets concentrate on what he brings not what he doesnt a decent coach will shape the team so any areas of weakness can be covered for on most occasions.

[Smartie]

His better attributes are insanely good. There can't be many (any?) players in Scotland with a better strike, and that is a very valuable attribute.

He was driving me mad under Lennon and barring brief flashes like the Celtic game he simply didn't do enough for me, and I thought he was our Achilles heel.

His performances have been so much better under PH and were also better under the temporary management team.

It is so heartening to see an abviously talented player kick on, improve and show his talent.


He needs a decent performance against an Aberdeen or Hearts though. His next test is to prove that he doesn't always get bullied out of the most physical games when your opponents are more interested in pressing and disrupting you than playing themselves.

[malcolm]

Play him further forward and build a team around him to suit his positives and negatives.

He is such a good striker of the ball. He scores more than his fair share and I feel our delivery from corners and free kicks are more dangerous with him taking him.

Concentrate on the positives and let’s not forget that this is his 1st full season at this level. So he’s not doing too bad imo.

What so many on here seem unable to about Hibs and some players is to see the positive. In the words of Johnny Mercer... to do it right you got to accentuate the positive... spread the joy of Hibs y’all:greengrin


‘The attitude of doin' right
You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
And latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between
You've got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Have faith or pandemonium's
Liable to walk upon the scene’


https://youtu.be/f3jdbFOidds

[erin go bragh]

12 goals in 35 games for Stevie Mallan
Latapy scored 22 in 84
McGinlay scored 62 in 321
In good company with they guys and a better goal to game scoring ratio .

[sean04]

He is not a sitting midfielder, get him in the final 3rd and get shots away

[eastcoasthibby]

Think Stevie has a real desire to do well and help the team succeed, just need him to develop himself from a defensive view, use his chunky size in a more physical way, and if at all possible to half yard of extra pace.
I like him and think we will see him grow as an important player for us, which is all good considering what we are currently getting from him.

[Heisenberg]

Players player of the year and also fans player of the year. Well deserved I think.

[Stuart93]

Players player of the year and also fans player of the year. Well deserved I think.

Still hides sometimes in games but can not argue with his goal scoring and assists, could’ve only been him based on his return from midfield.

[Shrekko]

Fantastic first season from an excellent young player.

The fact he won the players award as well suggests that he in fact doesn’t ‘hide’ in games... he’s just a player the opposition target and no wonder.

Glad to also see Lewis Stevenson was one of the 3 nominations- shows he’s appreciated and yet another terrific season from him.

[MWHIBBIES]

Still hides sometimes in games but can not argue with his goal scoring and assists, could’ve only been him based on his return from midfield.

In 19 years watching Hibs I've never seen a player "hide". I don't understand this at all. What does it mean?

[Shrekko]

In 19 years watching Hibs I've never seen a player "hide". I don't understand this at all. What does it mean?

You too young to remember Paul Tosh? 😁

I agree though .. ‘hiding’ from the ball is rare and none of our current squad do it. Definitely.

[matty_f]

I thought Mallan needed some time to 'grow' into a Hibs shirt. He started well at the club but I think he found it difficult adjusting to a club or size. As the season has progressed he has got better and better, and he deserves the award.

[kevinc]

Still hides sometimes in games but can not argue with his goal scoring and assists, could’ve only been him based on his return from midfield.
He offers more than goals, as an example did you watch his influence on the Derby at Tynecastle and his pass for the the 2nd goal, or do you just read the papers?

[Hibeesmad]

Huge congratulations to Stevie. Been very good this season and if it wasn't for his input we wouldn't be in the top six. He is only going to get better, he is going to go onto big things.

[Since452]

Well deserved. Brilliant first season. Following SJM and Dylan couldn't have been easy.

[SHODAN]

I wasn't entirely convinced by Mallan but he, like much of the rest of the team, has come onto a game since our new manager came in. Well done. :aok:

[Bangkok Hibby]

What so many on here seem unable to about Hibs and some players is to see the positive. In the words of Johnny Mercer... to do it right you got to accentuate the positive... spread the joy of Hibs y’all:greengrin


‘The attitude of doin' right
You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
And latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between
You've got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Have faith or pandemonium's
Liable to walk upon the scene’


https://youtu.be/f3jdbFOidds

Yea

Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive

[Smartie]

He's a funny player.

I really wasn't convinced by him during the first half of the season and thought he was one of the main reasons why we were struggling at that time. I certainly never thought he had what it took to play a deep role.

Mallan himself is improving, but he's been far better for having certain player playing better around him. Omeonga's mobility helps him, and having a better shape to the team where McNulty and Kamberi are outballs both help him. Milligan getting fit and finding form has helped him hugely as well.

I thought he was our best player yesterday, and to his credit he was head and shoulders over all of our other players when we made our quiet start to the game. I didn't think he had that in him - I was coming round to thinking he was a bit of a luxury player who could contribute well against weaker teams in games when we were on top.

There's more to come from him.

[Northernhibee]

Hecky was saying last night that Mallan has been brilliant but still needs to improve further as there’s an even better player in there. Very complimentary and good to see how he sees Mallan’s progression in his role with us.

[calumhibee1]

He's a funny player.

I really wasn't convinced by him during the first half of the season and thought he was one of the main reasons why we were struggling at that time. I certainly never thought he had what it took to play a deep role.

Mallan himself is improving, but he's been far better for having certain player playing better around him. Omeonga's mobility helps him, and having a better shape to the team where McNulty and Kamberi are outballs both help him. Milligan getting fit and finding form has helped him hugely as well.

I thought he was our best player yesterday, and to his credit he was head and shoulders over all of our other players when we made our quiet start to the game. I didn't think he had that in him - I was coming round to thinking he was a bit of a luxury player who could contribute well against weaker teams in games when we were on top.

There's more to come from him.

I liked Mallan for the first third of the season. Then I started to think he wasn’t great and if he wasn’t scoring that he wasn’t good enough. Since Heckingbottom came in though he’s been pretty good again. Overall a pretty decent season for him imo.

Like you said, having certain players like Omeonga and the legs he has around him helps imo. Having Slivka doesn’t.

[Hibee Mac]

I have been a critic of Mallan more than once this season, particularly during the first half. However, I feel as though he has really pushed on under Heckingbottom, particularly adding some physical aspects to his game and more composure in midfield.

I see him continuing to improve with us under Hecky and looking forward to him and Allan in the same midfield next year.

[BILLYHIBS]

I have been a critic of Mallan more than once this season, particularly during the first half. However, I feel as though he has really pushed on under Heckingbottom, particularly adding some physical aspects to his game and more composure in midfield.

I see him continuing to improve with us under Hecky and looking forward to him and Allan in the same midfield next year.

:agree:

Agree!

Maybe with a Matty Jack type enforcer and a John McGinn type water carrying box to box midfielder to complete the quartet and Griffiths and Harry Kane upfront on the back of record ST sales :greengrin

[we are hibs]

Still not entirely convinced by Mallan but hes improved under heckingbottom. As he said he still has a lot to improve on. I am intrigued as to how Allan, Mallan and Omeonga would work in midfield if we somehow keep Omeonga. I think Mallan has been helped by Omeonga coming in. Someone who does the running and closing down for him which isn't his natural game. He didn't have that first half of the season alongside Milligan and Hyndman in the middle.

[Tyler Durden]

Still not entirely convinced by Mallan but hes improved under heckingbottom. As he said he still has a lot to improve on. I am intrigued as to how Allan, Mallan and Omeonga would work in midfield if we somehow keep Omeonga. I think Mallan has been helped by Omeonga coming in. Someone who does the running and closing down for him which isn't his natural game. He didn't have that first half of the season alongside Milligan and Hyndman in the middle.

As much as I like Omeonga, I’m not too concerned if we can’t bring him back. Our top priority should be a number 6 type player with energy and tenacity. Someone who covers a lot of ground. We then have Mallan and Allan in front of him and 2 wide players. Boyle and Horgan or someone better.

If we can keep Omeonga, then we’ll be flying with him battling with Mallan for a place.

Mallan has added a much more competitive edge to his game in recent weeks and hes only going to improve and add discipline and better game management. He’s already cutting out the daft flicks and attempte nutmegs

[Hiber-nation]

In 19 years watching Hibs I've never seen a player "hide". I don't understand this at all. What does it mean?

I've seen it from Hibs players. I'm sure you do know what it means. If you really don't then it means moving away from where the ball is going, hiding behind opposition players because you don't have the confidence to take the ball or simply aren't up for it. Liam Craig away to Partick was the most blatantly obvious when we lost 3-1. That was probably down his confidence being shot to pieces.

[tamig]

I thought Stevie Mallan had an excellent game yesterday. He’s added a bit of bite to his game since the new boss came in. I think he’s improved his open play game hugely under PH.

[Swedish hibee]

I do like him. But player of our season?? Think I forget how guff we've been!!!

[MWHIBBIES]

I've seen it from Hibs players. I'm sure you do know what it means. If you really don't then it means moving away from where the ball is going, hiding behind opposition players because you don't have the confidence to take the ball or simply aren't up for it. Liam Craig away to Partick was the most blatantly obvious when we lost 3-1. That was probably down his confidence being shot to pieces.

Genuinely didn't know. Only ever heard it said on here and from that explanation I think it is ridiculous. Certainly never seen Mallan do it.

[Hiber-nation]

Genuinely didn't know. Only ever heard it said on here and from that explanation I think it is ridiculous. Certainly never seen Mallan do it.

Aye there's a difference between the likes of say, Dylan who, in the 2nd half of last season anyway, would be constantly demanding the ball, compared to Stevie who at times is simply keeping his position when there are players better placed to take it.

He's definitely upped his work-rate under Hecky. We should all appreciate what a great striker of the ball we have. Still young and will surely improve his all-round game next season.

[Unseen work]

Thought he was very good yesterday where Milligan Barely contributed.

He seems to have really improved defensively since Heckingbottom has came in, reads the game better, puts himself about and is playing a massive part.

Players player of the year
Player of the year
Top goal scorer
Top assists

In his first season playing centre mid? Unbelievable.

Can’t wait to see what he can do next season.

A massive talent who isn’t valued by many

[Sir David Gray]

I'm still to be totally convinced by him but can't deny his goals and assists numbers are very impressive.

[JimBHibees]

Hecky was saying last night that Mallan has been brilliant but still needs to improve further as there’s an even better player in there. Very complimentary and good to see how he sees Mallan’s progression in his role with us.

Seems clear PH is getting more out of Stevie who was probably along with others affected by the mid season malaise. Decent preseason improving him athletically will make him even better imo. Still a young player with great quality.

[Hibee Mac]

I also think Stevie's goals from freekicks have taken a noticeable hit since Boyle has been injured, we do t seem to win as many in dangerous areas without him.

I forget we have Boyle coming in next season, he's been fantastic last couple of seasons will be like a new signing!

[Gloucester Hibs]

I also think Stevie's goals from freekicks have taken a noticeable hit since Boyle has been injured, we do t seem to win as many in dangerous areas without him.

I forget we have Boyle coming in next season, he's been fantastic last couple of seasons will be like a new signing!

Yep with Boyle, Porteous, and Allan all coming back next season that's quality being added in 3 different departments, before we've even made a signing.

[JimBHibees]

I also think Stevie's goals from freekicks have taken a noticeable hit since Boyle has been injured, we do t seem to win as many in dangerous areas without him.

I forget we have Boyle coming in next season, he's been fantastic last couple of seasons will be like a new signing!

That and refs never giving Flo any free kicks have limited his free kick opportunities.

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

I had big hopes that McLaren was going to win a lot of free kicks for Mallan to put away.

[ancient hibee]

Thought he was very good yesterday where Milligan Barely contributed.

He seems to have really improved defensively since Heckingbottom has came in, reads the game better, puts himself about and is playing a massive part.

Players player of the year
Player of the year
Top goal scorer
Top assists

In his first season playing centre mid? Unbelievable.

Can’t wait to see what he can do next season.

A massive talent who isn’t valued by many


Thought Milligan had a very steady game on Sunday

[Smartie]

Thought Milligan had a very steady game on Sunday

Me too.

He's helping Mallan massively imo.

We dominated that part of the park for most of the game.