Ambition shown

[Hibbyradge]

That's an excellent, if not perfect, January window.

Our recruits are all highly competent players and we've addressed our priorities well.

We didn't sign a predominantly defensive midfielder, but Omeonga and Docherty will bring energy and steel to that area.

And one thing that has been overlooked in the excitement of TDD, is that we held on to Martin Boyle and I have no doubt that we had enquiries.

That, in itself, is a statement of intent.

The future's bright.

[BlackSheep]

That's an excellent, if not perfect, January window.

Our recruits are all highly competent players and we've addressed our priorities well.

We didn't sign a predominantly defensive midfielder, but Omeonga and Docherty will bring energy and steel to that area.

And one thing that has been overlooked in the excitement of TDD, is that we held on to Martin Boyle and I have no doubt that we had enquiries.

That, in itself, is a statement of intent.

The future's bright.

For once you and I agree

[HoboHarry]

That's an excellent, if not perfect, January window.

Our recruits are all highly competent players and we've addressed our priorities well.

We didn't sign a predominantly defensive midfielder, but Omeonga and Docherty will bring energy and steel to that area.

And one thing that has been overlooked in the excitement of TDD, is that we held on to Martin Boyle and I have no doubt that we had enquiries.

That, in itself, is a statement of intent.

The future's bright.
Not to mention the amount we tried to spend on a young player with potential sell-on value. The future is bright and it's Hibs green......

[Hibbyradge]

For once you and I agree

:aok:

[Hibbyradge]

Not to mention the amount we tried to spend on a young player with potential sell-on value. The future is bright and it's Hibs green......

Thanks. I meant to say that in my post.

[SMAXXA]

Agree, another striker would have been great but we also need to remember this window wasn’t going to be a fix all approach. I believe the targets such as Nesbit are the right players we should be going for and we shown some ambition to offer nearly half a million.

As you say not perfect but certainly not a bad window. Some greetin faces gets on Twitter when Hibs announces business done, no pleasing some folk.

[HendoDelivered]

Here, here. 💚

[neil7908]

I'm pleased and agree that it seems to me that we're going to be spending more money going forward. After spending £350k on Doidge in the summer, plus the reported high wages for the likes of Vela, bidding £400k for Nisbet is a serious move by the club and one I couldn't see us doing under the old ownership.

However, this window feels like a sticking plaster. The loans are 6 months with question marks over who we can afford to sign permanently. McGinn's deal is only 18 months.

We have a lot of work to do in the summer but for now I think we'll have an exciting end to the season and I'm optimistic the club are giving the manager a sizeable budget to work with, which should bode well in the next window.

[CloudSquall]

Honestly, it's a "meh" from me.

We needed an extra striker, still questions over the DM position, and the defence issues won't be fixed with an RB.

I accept it can be difficult to deal in January but I was expecting more.

[green with envy]

I'm really happy with this window. We now seem to be more balanced in midfield and we have replaced a striker who gets us as opposed to the joker that didn't. Onwards & upwards.

[The Harp Awakes]

That's an excellent, if not perfect, January window.

Our recruits are all highly competent players and we've addressed our priorities well.

We didn't sign a predominantly defensive midfielder, but Omeonga and Docherty will bring energy and steel to that area.

And one thing that has been overlooked in the excitement of TDD, is that we held on to Martin Boyle and I have no doubt that we had enquiries.

That, in itself, is a statement of intent.

The future's bright.

Pleased with the acquisitions and I think we are stronger because of them.

Ambition though, not with short term loanee signings. We'll be back rebuilding in the Summer.

[B.H.F.C]

I think the squad is better than it was at the start of the window.

However, it’s all a bit short term. I’d like to think we can keep Omeonga and McNulty in the summer but we weren’t able to do that last year so won’t get my hopes up on that.

[Sir David Gray]

Honestly, it's a "meh" from me.

We needed an extra striker, still questions over the DM position, and the defence issues won't be fixed with an RB.

I accept it can be difficult to deal in January but I was expecting more.

Agreed.

[The 90+2]

I don’t think ambition is the correct word.

Is our short term ambition to make 3rd/4th and Europe? If so I don’t feel we’ve been ambitious enough to make that.

Long term ambition? Loan deals until the summer and McGinn doesn’t really show that.

Speculative punt on Nesbit, that was ambitious. But it’s not came to fruition.

I do feel it’s been a successful day, in fact a very successful day for our club and the quality we have brought in, albeit short term is tremendous in Sparky and Docherty along with Steph’. I’m not sure people are going to renew season tickets if we are kicking about 5th/6th with our best players being loan players though. I also feel people over estimate our defence and underestimate how many times we crumble at the back under any serious pressure in games. We also lack real leaders.

[Smartie]

I agree in the sense that we have shown our ambition but in my opinion we have shown a distinct lack of it and quite frankly I'm not impressed.

The Kamberi deal really raises an eyebrow. Fortunately his arrival interview shows him to be a complete and utter helmet who the club are well rid of, possibly explaining the reasoning behind his move. I'm gutted that Hibs have been so keen to lend Rangers a hand out of their striker plight and I cannot fathom how this deal can be in Hibs' best interests. I only assumed that there would be enough cash coming our way that we'd be able to bring in another forward player although that appears not to be the case.

McNulty has totally lost his way at Sunderland, is overweight and unfit after a fairly promising start. This seems to be his way - a decent start at a new place with something to prove before settling back into his rut. We're also STILL horribly exposed to injury, suspension and loss of form up front all of which could easily happen.

Docherty is going to be under a lot of pressure to perform. I want him to succeed, but this new pally relationship between Hibs and Rangers is going to take a bit of getting used to. I'm still not sure we have the balance of players in midfield we need.

More than ever our squad appears to be in transition. Nothing long-term appears to be being built. There seems to be minimal "investment" in our future and we just appear to be burning through the money our fans stick in at a rate of knots on short-term patches to a hopelessly deficient squad. It is hard to see anything other than further transition next season and I'm finding very little to be excited about.

The move for Nisbet might have been ambitious but it didn't come off, just like moves for Messi or Ronaldo would have been ambitious. If the player doesn't become a Hibs player then it can't really be classed as ambitious. TBH that was the one move that was getting me excited - buying a player who is in form, scoring goals, at a good age and likely to either play for us for a few years or earn us a decent fee if he did leave. Or we could just give him to Rangers if they needed him more I suppose.

As it happens, whilst the players who have joined us are decent (especially Omeonga) it is all just a wee bit short term.

Sorry. I ain't happy

We might scrape top six and should get into the quarters of the cup but that's not what I'm in this for, and it's certainly not building on the successes of the previous few years.

[SMAXXA]

I think the squad is better than it was at the start of the window.

However, it’s all a bit short term. I’d like to think we can keep Omeonga and McNulty in the summer but we weren’t able to do that last year so won’t get my hopes up on that.

It seems to be the story of our last few seasons January window to salvage a season or do more work than we really should. Variable being we changed manager but we need to look at Motherwell who I think signed 2 players and sold someone for 1.5m this window. They had a rebuild in the summer and got it right and are reaping the rewards not only on the park but off it.

Short term this will do and I agree we are better for the window than before but we do really need to look at the strategy and get it right, what gives me hope is the Nesbit attempt which is exactly what we should be looking at.

Another thing people seem to be overlooking is Gullan, we need to be producing our own Shanklands and a Nesbits so having him who we must rate more than we did Shaw as a third striker isn’t a bad thing.

[St.Kristopher]

Honestly, it's a "meh" from me.

We needed an extra striker, still questions over the DM position, and the defence issues won't be fixed with an RB.

I accept it can be difficult to deal in January but I was expecting more.

We are constantly in transition, as most clubs, before all esle I wanted nisbet (still want him), though also wanted shot of Kamberi Doidge ran all over the park on Tuesday for 60 mins and still got to an attacker before him.

Kamberi can be amazing but not enough.

His Rangers interview... wow...good luck to him.

[Vault Boy]

We signed quality to replace the quantity that left. In terms of their impact on the team this season - Shaw, Maxwell, Middleton and in many ways Flo will not be missed in the slightest.

Omeonga and McNulty bring an established quality to our team in two key areas, whilst McGinn and Docherty are proven Premiership class.

We've upgraded significantly, and the intent was there with Nisbet too. Bodes well for our future dealings IMO.

[hibby67]

I agree in the sense that we have shown our ambition but in my opinion we have shown a distinct lack of it and quite frankly I'm not impressed.

The Kamberi deal really raises an eyebrow. Fortunately his arrival interview shows him to be a complete and utter helmet who the club are well rid of, possibly explaining the reasoning behind his move. I'm gutted that Hibs have been so keen to lend Rangers a hand out of their striker plight and I cannot fathom how this deal can be in Hibs' best interests. I only assumed that there would be enough cash coming our way that we'd be able to bring in another forward player although that appears not to be the case.

McNulty has totally lost his way at Sunderland, is overweight and unfit after a fairly promising start. This seems to be his way - a decent start at a new place with something to prove before settling back into his rut. We're also STILL horribly exposed to injury, suspension and loss of form up front all of which could easily happen.

Docherty is going to be under a lot of pressure to perform. I want him to succeed, but this new pally relationship between Hibs and Rangers is going to take a bit of getting used to. I'm still not sure we have the balance of players in midfield we need.

More than ever our squad appears to be in transition. Nothing long-term appears to be being built. There seems to be minimal "investment" in our future and we just appear to be burning through the money our fans stick in at a rate of knots on short-term patches to a hopelessly deficient squad. It is hard to see anything other than further transition next season and I'm finding very little to be excited about.

The move for Nisbet might have been ambitious but it didn't come off, just like moves for Messi or Ronaldo would have been ambitious. If the player doesn't become a Hibs player then it can't really be classed as ambitious. TBH that was the one move that was getting me excited - buying a player who is in form, scoring goals, at a good age and likely to either play for us for a few years or earn us a decent fee if he did leave. Or we could just give him to Rangers if they needed him more I suppose.

As it happens, whilst the players who have joined us are decent (especially Omeonga) it is all just a wee bit short term.

Sorry. I ain't happy

We might scrape top six and should get into the quarters of the cup but that's not what I'm in this for, and it's certainly not building on the successes of the previous few years.

FFS I thought I was negative

[The 90+2]

FFS I thought I was negative

Is it negative to want long term ambition for the club and more than 5th/6th every season? I know, we should know our place some say but that’s that’s completely not ambitious for the third best supported club in this country.

[NAE NOOKIE]

It could have been a lot worse and if we really did bid between 350K and 400K for a player, lets face it any player, then it certainly does show some serious intent. One in the plus column for Ron Gordon IMO ... but I still want to hear what his actual plan is.

OK its mostly loan signings, but in January that's not such a big issue, summer is when you expect to see more permanent additions. Our defensive frailties are well documented, but for me a real contributory factor has been a lack of dynamism and energy in midfield ... with Docherty and Omeonga in there at least the workrate will increase quite a bit, hopefully making us harder to play through.

The only worry I have is that if JR decides to chuck them all in at once we will have almost half a team who have never played together before and that may curtail their ability to work as a unit for a few games.

[Greencore]

Anyone else remember when we put bids in to up the price of Steven Naismiths move to rangers?

[FilipinoHibs]

We are constantly in transition, as most clubs, before all esle I wanted nisbet (still want him), though also wanted shot of Kamberi Doidge ran all over the park on Tuesday for 60 mins and still got to an attacker before him.

Kamberi can be amazing but not enough.

His Rangers interview... wow...good luck to him.

He clearly never got Hibs not like Mark and Stephen. Being from mainland Europe is no excuse.

[green with envy]

I agree in the sense that we have shown our ambition but in my opinion we have shown a distinct lack of it and quite frankly I'm not impressed.

The Kamberi deal really raises an eyebrow. Fortunately his arrival interview shows him to be a complete and utter helmet who the club are well rid of, possibly explaining the reasoning behind his move. I'm gutted that Hibs have been so keen to lend Rangers a hand out of their striker plight and I cannot fathom how this deal can be in Hibs' best interests. I only assumed that there would be enough cash coming our way that we'd be able to bring in another forward player although that appears not to be the case.

McNulty has totally lost his way at Sunderland, is overweight and unfit after a fairly promising start. This seems to be his way - a decent start at a new place with something to prove before settling back into his rut. We're also STILL horribly exposed to injury, suspension and loss of form up front all of which could easily happen.

Docherty is going to be under a lot of pressure to perform. I want him to succeed, but this new pally relationship between Hibs and Rangers is going to take a bit of getting used to. I'm still not sure we have the balance of players in midfield we need.

More than ever our squad appears to be in transition. Nothing long-term appears to be being built. There seems to be minimal "investment" in our future and we just appear to be burning through the money our fans stick in at a rate of knots on short-term patches to a hopelessly deficient squad. It is hard to see anything other than further transition next season and I'm finding very little to be excited about.

The move for Nisbet might have been ambitious but it didn't come off, just like moves for Messi or Ronaldo would have been ambitious. If the player doesn't become a Hibs player then it can't really be classed as ambitious. TBH that was the one move that was getting me excited - buying a player who is in form, scoring goals, at a good age and likely to either play for us for a few years or earn us a decent fee if he did leave. Or we could just give him to Rangers if they needed him more I suppose.

As it happens, whilst the players who have joined us are decent (especially Omeonga) it is all just a wee bit short term.

Sorry. I ain't happy

We might scrape top six and should get into the quarters of the cup but that's not what I'm in this for, and it's certainly not building on the successes of the previous few years.

I've went for the paracetamol before I even had the chance to finish reading the above.😱

[B.H.F.C]

We signed quality to replace the quantity that left. In terms of their impact on the team this season - Shaw, Maxwell, Middleton and in many ways Flo will not be missed in the slightest.

Omeonga and McNulty bring an established quality to our team in two key areas, whilst McGinn and Docherty are proven Premiership class.

We've upgraded significantly, and the intent was there with Nisbet too. Bodes well for our future dealings IMO.

I agree that the squad is better. We have players in who will contribute more than the players who have left.

I didn’t expect miracles in this window so I’m not disappointed in that sense. The summer will really tell us if we have ambition or whether something like the Nesbit bid was for show.

Encouraging thing for me is that I wouldn’t disagree with any of the decisions Ross has made in terms of who he’s got rid off. A lot of managers would have taken the easy option and gave them until the end of the season, particularly Kamberi.

[InchHibby]

I've went for the paracetamol before I even had the chance to finish reading the above.😱

Don’t suppose you could give me a couple 👍

[DetroitHibs]

Personally don’t think it was a great window for us, maybe short term, but that’s it. Basically lost Flo, no chance he’s coming back. Gained Docherty, but chances he stayed on beyond the summer are slim. McNulty will be another tough one to keep a hold off and McGinn a decent squad player. Omeonga hopefully we can retain, but that’s about the only positive.

[Mibbes Aye]

Personally don’t think it was a great window for us, maybe short term, but that’s it. Basically lost Flo, no chance he’s coming back. Gained Docherty, but chances he stayed on beyond the summer are slim. McNulty will be another tough one to keep a hold off and McGinn a decent squad player. Omeonga hopefully we can retain, but that’s about the only positive.

The nature of the market nowadays is that we will manage having players in on short-term loans regularly. We do it to lower-league teams ourselves. It is a market, and generally follows market rules.

My sense is we gained a versatile, experienced defender, we gained a lively midfielder, we gained another midfielder who we seemed to have been tracking for a while and we gained a striker who did a job for us and looks like a more natural complement for Doidge. We loaned out a striker who Jack Ross doesn't seem happy with, and who doesn't look like he was enjoying being at Hibs any longer. With the benefit that we should get a fee for him.

And we have two reasonably solid keepers. We will restructure in the summer, of course we will, but in terms of patching up the squad for the rest of the season then I'm happy enough.

[The Baldmans Comb]

Its a patch up job nothing more and nothing less however its the January window and thats about all you can do as you try to adapt to the change of manager and give him the support he needs to restructure.

Short term player for player its been a good window but 3 loans and a 6 month deal isn't remotely ambitious but it is practical, necessary and on the face of it well thought through.

Hibs couldnt have forseen Flo's statement though which finishes his Hibs career and now creates a whole new range of problems in the summer when he moves on particularly as Hibs can no longer control the timing of the sale.

[sambajustice]

Absolutely no idea why we've helped the huns out. Awful decision making.

[WeeRussell]

If think it’s been alright and at least as well as I expected. With the exception of the Kamberi move which I really didn’t see coming, even when rumoured. But our squad is stronger for our business, which has to be something.

If people are talking about short-term ambition being challenging for third, it was always going to be a very big ask after our start to the season. We’re not in a position to buy our way to that in a January transfer window.

Hopefully the way the window has went we can build some proper league momentum, and aid our cup run.

You never know.

[Green_one]

Absolutely no idea why we've helped the huns out. Awful decision making.

I doubt he will help them much. He may get a decent start but overall the same issues he showed at Hibs will catch up with him. I cannot see Celtic being worried for example

We have lost control of him but I think it is now clear he needed out of our squad.

In return we have McNulty, who is better quality and hopefully room for Gullan to get some playing time. Pity about Nisbet but Dunfermline were understandably reluctant mid season

[SeanWilson]

I doubt he will help them much. He may get a decent start but overall the same issues he showed at Hibs will catch up with him. I cannot see Celtic being worried for example

We have lost control of him but I think it is now clear he needed out of our squad.

In return we have McNulty, who is better quality and hopefully room for Gullan to get some playing time. Pity about Nisbet but Dunfermline were understandably reluctant mid season

Shamberi will do very well in that team, unfortunately.

[Cocaine&Caviar]

GK: Marciano, Bogdan

RB: McGinn, Gray
CB: Porteous, McGregor
CB: Hanlon, Jackson
LB: Stevenson, James

LM: Newell, Omeonga
CM: Allan, Mallan, Whittaker
CM: Doherty, Hallberg, Slivka, Murray
RM: Boyle, Horgan

ST: Doidge, Gullan
ST: McNulty

*Naismith

Lots of options there, but we do seem a little imbalanced

[Robbo6-2]

Ambition shown?

We've brought in 3 loan signings that we wont be able to afford in summer and had a bid REJECTED.

Its a decent window but no way have we shown ambition. Thread should be re named Patch Up Job

[berwickhibee]

We come out of the window far stronger albeit until the end of the season.

But I'm hopeful mcnulty and omeonga will settle here.

We have a squad where everybody wants to be there and loads to play for. Mon the cabbage.

[Squealing pig]

Kamberi womt get more than 5 rest of season . Fact

[sean04]

Ambition shown?

We've brought in 3 loan signings that we wont be able to afford in summer and had a bid REJECTED.

Its a decent window but no way have we shown ambition. Thread should be re named Patch Up Job

When have we ever pursued a exciting young player like that before? CNt wait til the summer when we can do our proper business. 1st sign that Ron is for real

[JDT]

I'm happy with who we've signed. 5 proven SPL quality players and we've rid ourselves of a few no hopers to. In a ideal world you'd want another striker but it wasn't meant to be, not for the lack of trying it seems.

[Topographic Hibby]

I take it Flo and Docherty cant play against their parent clubs? So when we play The Rangers, both will be benched?

[SMAXXA]

Absolutely no idea why we've helped the huns out. Awful decision making.

Why do folk keep saying this, we have helped Hibs our no one else. Do you honestly think we had it anywhere in our minds to help them our? We did best for Hibs that’s all.

[MWHIBBIES]

The problem is, it's all short term. We need to get into Europe or win the cup or this was actually a really bad window.

[tonyrougier123]

Id rather we worked on signing some talent instead of loaning it.

But the players brought in are very good additions,lets work on permanent deals now though hibs please.

Shame about nisbet as it was quite good to see us really test the water on a player for a change.people obviously rate the laddie.
And the less said about kamberi the better.
Big doidge is the main man now and I'm delighted with that.

[wookie70]

Meh for me. Still only two recognised strikers when most agree we are best with two up top. The energy in midfield is welcomed bit we will have to do it all again in a few months as our strategy appears to be based on loans. There doesn't appear to be a long term plan

[Roxyhibee]

That was a very good January in my opinion. All players who have already shown they can play in the SPL to a pretty good standard, no youth ‘starlets’ from big clubs down south who can make a dazzling run or two then fade quickly, we get rid of a player who we frustratingly just cannot get enough out of and unload to the Huns and we keep hold of our prize asset.

We can see where we are regarding longer term, more ambitious contracts come the summer. We are a lot stronger than we were a month ago and for that I’m happy and looking forward to the run in til the end of the season.

[Leith Green]

That's an excellent, if not perfect, January window.

Our recruits are all highly competent players and we've addressed our priorities well.

We didn't sign a predominantly defensive midfielder, but Omeonga and Docherty will bring energy and steel to that area.

And one thing that has been overlooked in the excitement of TDD, is that we held on to Martin Boyle and I have no doubt that we had enquiries.

That, in itself, is a statement of intent.

The future's bright.


Agree with what you say. In signing omeonga and Docherty the club have basically signed 2 players that Heckingbottom slavered about playing with. We look like we will a lot of energy in the engine room and that could counter the requirement for an out and out defensive midfielder. Hopefully this sees us not giving opposition teams the opportunity to build decent possession.

[Speedway]

If we win matches, no one will care how our ‘window’ went.

[Leith Green]

Meh for me. Still only two recognised strikers when most agree we are best with two up top. The energy in midfield is welcomed bit we will have to do it all again in a few months as our strategy appears to be based on loans. There doesn't appear to be a long term plan

You could flip that and say that Gullan will be more likely to see game time now which will help longer term.

[tonyrougier123]

If we win matches, no one will care how our ‘window’ went.

Until june again 👍

[scooby]

I think its a deliberate patch up until the summer, where we will hopefully see a major rebuild.
The loan deals give Ross the ability to mould his own squad.
We'll finish top 6 but another mediocre season for us I'm afraid. Hopefully we see some real ambition in the Summer.

[Weegreenman]

I don’t think ambition is the correct word.

Is our short term ambition to make 3rd/4th and Europe? If so I don’t feel we’ve been ambitious enough to make that.

Long term ambition? Loan deals until the summer and McGinn doesn’t really show that.

Speculative punt on Nesbit, that was ambitious. But it’s not came to fruition.

I do feel it’s been a successful day, in fact a very successful day for our club and the quality we have brought in, albeit short term is tremendous in Sparky and Docherty along with Steph’. I’m not sure people are going to renew season tickets if we are kicking about 5th/6th with our best players being loan players though. I also feel people over estimate our defence and underestimate how many times we crumble at the back under any serious pressure in games. We also lack real leaders.


This. 100%

Some folk are way too easily pleased. We are honking at the back and as you say with no real leadership.

It was pleasing to bring back fans favourites like Omeonga & McNulty and we do need to remember this is the January transfer window were not much business gets done.

I’m getting on board the happy train for now but I’m expecting big changes in the summer.

[marleyhib]

Happy enough, JR hasn't been here long and January is a tricky time to sign players.

Have faith that JR will get it right after a few windows, but we will see!

[Keith_M]

It's amazing that some posters are complaining about lack of ambition yet, in the same post, willing to write off the fact that we just bid 400k for a decent young player.

This is a January Window and the Summer Window will be the one that really moulds our future.

Yes, we're not going to make Europe this year, but that's not the fault of the current coach or a sign of lack of ambition... it's because we started the season badly under Hecky. The fact that the club was willing to admit their mistake and remedy the situation surely gives them some credit, no?

[jax67]

Best window since the arched window in playschool.

[mjhibby]

This. 100%

Some folk are way too easily pleased. We are honking at the back and as you sat with no real leadership.

It was pleasing to bring back fans favourites like Omeonga & McNulty and we do need to remember this is the January transfer window were not much business gets done.

I’m getting on board the happy train for now but I’m expecting big changes in the summer.

I really don't get folks idea of what they expect Hibs to be achieving. We may have the third highest attendances but have the fifth biggest budget. I'd say we will finish at least fifth with an outside chance of fourth.
This century we have finished third once,fourth twice, fifth once and sixth three times. The rest we were outside the top six or in the championship. We are on course to be top five three seasons in a row for the first time in decades. While that not get loads excited it needs to be recognised that the board since we got relegated have done a very good job with of course the Scottish cup as well.
While I realise they have made errors we need to be careful what we wish for. Mixu was booted after two top six finishes,the Aberdeen fans are hounding McInnes for the temerity to be fourth.
We are currently fourth in the form table just behind well and have come through the trickiest tie any spl side got. That with three of the squad out with long term injuries.
The window to me,bar getting a third striker,was the best for many a season
Bogdan improves the squad. Steph a big upgrade,McNulty a far better forward than Flo,docherty a player many have shouted we should go for and mcginn a solid dpl defender after moans about James.
Ross inherited what he did and is slowly sorting the issues. We have a very good chance of going far in the Scottish with a wee bit of luck in the draw and of course after the 2-2 draw with the caveman. Who knows what fate has decided.
While I understand the frustration of fans as Tony docherty the dons asst manager said just look at hearts. They shouldn't be bottom but they are. Lets get behind the team and with boyler in the form of his life and dodgy on fire and the addition of docherty and McNulty we have loads to look forward to.
As for Flo. Good luck but you really need to show some class son. I've no doubt he and his agent wanted the move so to get docherty I'm delighted with.

[Wakeyhibee]

I agree in the sense that we have shown our ambition but in my opinion we have shown a distinct lack of it and quite frankly I'm not impressed.

The Kamberi deal really raises an eyebrow. Fortunately his arrival interview shows him to be a complete and utter helmet who the club are well rid of, possibly explaining the reasoning behind his move. I'm gutted that Hibs have been so keen to lend Rangers a hand out of their striker plight and I cannot fathom how this deal can be in Hibs' best interests. I only assumed that there would be enough cash coming our way that we'd be able to bring in another forward player although that appears not to be the case.

McNulty has totally lost his way at Sunderland, is overweight and unfit after a fairly promising start. This seems to be his way - a decent start at a new place with something to prove before settling back into his rut. We're also STILL horribly exposed to injury, suspension and loss of form up front all of which could easily happen.

Docherty is going to be under a lot of pressure to perform. I want him to succeed, but this new pally relationship between Hibs and Rangers is going to take a bit of getting used to. I'm still not sure we have the balance of players in midfield we need.

More than ever our squad appears to be in transition. Nothing long-term appears to be being built. There seems to be minimal "investment" in our future and we just appear to be burning through the money our fans stick in at a rate of knots on short-term patches to a hopelessly deficient squad. It is hard to see anything other than further transition next season and I'm finding very little to be excited about.

The move for Nisbet might have been ambitious but it didn't come off, just like moves for Messi or Ronaldo would have been ambitious. If the player doesn't become a Hibs player then it can't really be classed as ambitious. TBH that was the one move that was getting me excited - buying a player who is in form, scoring goals, at a good age and likely to either play for us for a few years or earn us a decent fee if he did leave. Or we could just give him to Rangers if they needed him more I suppose.

As it happens, whilst the players who have joined us are decent (especially Omeonga) it is all just a wee bit short term.

Sorry. I ain't happy

We might scrape top six and should get into the quarters of the cup but that's not what I'm in this for, and it's certainly not building on the successes of the previous few years.

What is long term? Stevenson and Hanlon? Anybody who comes here and is good enough will get sold in approx 2 years. Good players we can get in are outside our budget to make it a permanent move or a longer deal so loans is all it will ever be.

We missed out on a promising player after bidding the most I've heard of for a youngster in decades.

9 more Hanlon/Stevensons please.

[MacGruber]

It's amazing that some posters are complaining about lack of ambition yet, in the same post, willing to write off the fact that we just bid 400k for a decent young player.

This is a January Window and the Summer Window will be the one that really moulds our future.

Yes, we're not going to make Europe this year, but that's not the fault of the current coach or a sign of lack of ambition... it's because we started the season badly under Hecky. The fact that the club was willing to admit their mistake and remedy the situation surely gives them some credit, no?

Why are we not making Europe this year? That's surely where our ambition lies. If it's not then people are right to say lack of ambition. Behind Motherwell and Aberdeen. Fine. Let's go catch them. Lets bring players in to catch them. Lets sign some strikers. Half a season to go and people settling for 5th.

[mjhibby]

Why are we not making Europe this year? That's surely where our ambition lies. If it's not then people are right to say lack of ambition. Behind Motherwell and Aberdeen. Fine. Let's go catch them. Lets bring players in to catch them. Lets sign some strikers. Half a season to go and people settling for 5th.

If we win the cup we will be in Europe. The bigot Bros will be so focussed on the league and Europe I can see a n other winning the cup. Why not us.

[Keith_M]

............Half a season to go and people settling for 5th.


How on earth is being realistic "settling for 5th"?

:confused:

[Mcpakeisgod]

I don’t think ambition is the correct word.

Is our short term ambition to make 3rd/4th and Europe? If so I don’t feel we’ve been ambitious enough to make that.

Long term ambition? Loan deals until the summer and McGinn doesn’t really show that.

Speculative punt on Nesbit, that was ambitious. But it’s not came to fruition.

I do feel it’s been a successful day, in fact a very successful day for our club and the quality we have brought in, albeit short term is tremendous in Sparky and Docherty along with Steph’. I’m not sure people are going to renew season tickets if we are kicking about 5th/6th with our best players being loan players though. I also feel people over estimate our defence and underestimate how many times we crumble at the back under any serious pressure in games. We also lack real leaders.

To be fair mate last year we finished 5th in the same situation and most still renewed

[LancsHibs]

Not bad but we, like me we are a bit thin up top! Losing Kamberi & Shaw and only bringing in McNulty leaves us short of cover in case of injury to McNulty or Doidge. Also still not properly addressed that defensive midfield position!!

[mjhibby]

Why are we not making Europe this year? That's surely where our ambition lies. If it's not then people are right to say lack of ambition. Behind Motherwell and Aberdeen. Fine. Let's go catch them. Lets bring players in to catch them. Lets sign some strikers. Half a season to go and people settling for 5th.

You are forgetting we were a point off the bottom when hecky got sacked. Give the board some credit for acting on their error. You can be a half full or a half empty person but it is improving from the first quarter malaise.

[The Wireless]

Well done Hibs. I have no complaints with this transfer window and accept the restrictions and problems loan deals can create. It works both ways and I have both the optimism and confidence in our board and management to get the best team possible on the pitch for my club. Looking forward to the future. Bring it on.:top marks:flag:

[Heisenberg]

Nesbit would’ve made it an incredible window but im content with what we’ve done. Definitely enough to have us push for 4th. Big overhaul in the summer again.

[MacGruber]

How on earth is being realistic "settling for 5th"?

:confused:

If 3rd and 4th get you Europe and with half a season to go you say we aren't going to get Europe inspite of there being plenty points to play for to acheive it - you are settling for 5th, at best. It's not confusing.

[jeffers]

Pleased with this window. Wanted McNulty back, wanted Omeonga back. Docherty seems to be a player and we've signed a total professional in PM. We pushed the boat out by all accounts for Nesbit, the type of player we should be going for although we've probably missed the boat now.

Not forgetting keeping Boyle, who I had been told was a shoe in for Celtic.

I know three are loans, but I wouldn't be surprised if McNulty and Omeonga sign permanent deals.

Oh and we got rid of that prick Kamberi.

[Tyler Durden]

All this stuff about helping our Rangers is childish nonsense

And we could easily be 5 points behind Aberdeen at 5pm today, it’s all to play for

[spike220]

Salty is a far better upgrade on flo!

[MacGruber]

You are forgetting we were a point off the bottom when hecky got sacked. Give the board some credit for acting on their error. You can be a half full or a half empty person but it is improving from the first quarter malaise.

I'm not having a go at the board. We brought some real quality in and in bidding for Nisbet showed ambition and that we are prepared to spend. My only angst is we have left ourselves short upfront - maybe pick up a free agent though

[147lothian]

A very good window for me, its signing until the end of the season, but the thing to remember is that if this season ends well, we will be in a better position to go into the transfer marker in the summer, than vice versa, JR can't come in and change everything overnight, but IMO its all players that will improve the squad its steps in the right direction for me.

[HFCdeb]

I agree that the squad is better. We have players in who will contribute more than the players who have left.

I didn’t expect miracles in this window so I’m not disappointed in that sense. The summer will really tell us if we have ambition or whether something like the Nesbit bid was for show.

Encouraging thing for me is that I wouldn’t disagree with any of the decisions Ross has made in terms of who he’s got rid off. A lot of managers would have taken the easy option and gave them until the end of the season, particularly Kamberi.

This. I trust JR to get the recruitment right in summer and properly build a squad that doesn't need surgery 6 months later. I feel pretty optimistic about next season based on our January business. Would be great to get Omeonga on a permanent deal.

[The Modfather]

I hope we’ll start working on permanent deals for McNulty, Omeomga & Docherty now so we are likely to know early in the summer how realistic keeping them is and not let it drag on.

The summer rebuild is going to be massive. Hibs are excellent at patching up the team and putting sticking plasters on in the January window to save the season, however I have less confidence in their ability in summer windows to build a core of a team for the mid-long term.

[Hibs90]

I think we are certainly better off in terms of quality but not quantity. An injury to Doidge or McNulty or both and we are screwed.

[Keith_M]

If 3rd and 4th get you Europe and with half a season to go you say we aren't going to get Europe inspite of there being plenty points to play for to acheive it - you are settling for 5th, at best. It's not confusing.


No, settling is where somebody is happy with something, with no ambition to get anything better.

What I'm saying is that there's very little chance we're going to get fourth.



There's a massive difference.... it's not complicated.

[Onion]

Trading in Jan is notoriously difficult and expensive, so fair play to Hibs for trying to sort out some of our problems. Hope it all clicks as Hibs need to try maintain ST sales and give JR a chance to really fix things come the summer.

[Since452]

I'm really pleased and encouraged we offered good money for Nisbet. Dunfermline's perogative to say no so I've no issues with it. I think after a sticky patch there the club and the fans are back on the same page which is all good. And fwiw I think McGinn will be an excellent signing and one we'll be talking about at the end of the season

[Hibbyradge]

Ambition shown?

We've brought in 3 loan signings that we wont be able to afford in summer and had a bid REJECTED.

Its a decent window but no way have we shown ambition. Thread should be re named Patch Up Job

The fact our bid was rejected is irrelevant.

It's the fact that we bid reportedly £400k for a young player that shows the ambition.

Further up the thread, someone is wistfully remembering when Hibs bid big money for Steven Naismith, implying that was showing ambition.

We had that bud rejected too.

[Hibbyradge]

I take it Flo and Docherty cant play against their parent clubs? So when we play The Rangers, both will be benched?

They won't even be on the bench.

[Keith_M]

The fact our bid was rejected is irrelevant.

It's the fact that we bid reportedly £400k for a young player that shows the ambition.
.


:agree:


No praise from the usual suspects that LD and RG were actually willing to 'pony up'...as it doesn't suit their narrative.

[staunchhibby]

Think its wise flo wont be on the bench when we play them given his comments on leaving us.He would be in possibly for a torrent of abuse.No way back for him now

[Smartie]

The fact our bid was rejected is irrelevant.

It's the fact that we bid reportedly £400k for a young player that shows the ambition.

Further up the thread, someone is wistfully remembering when Hibs bid bug money for Steven Naismith, implying that was showing ambition.

We had that bud rejected too.

There’s nothing ambitious about bidding for players and not getting them.

That was probably our best shot at signing the player, there will be bigger clubs in for him in the summer.

Hibs will be looking for cheaper then, and highlighting how ambitious they were in bidding for a player they didn’t get.

If we had signed the player for £400k then that would have been ambitious.

We didn’t though.

[Steve88]

I somewhat agree with the OP but that’s purely we went out to pay some £££ for the Dunfermline player.

BUT,we have two midfielders on loan and a striker on loan... we’re just setting ourselves up for another huge upheaval in the summer .

We should of looked to sign a couple of perm players IMO

[Hibbyradge]

There’s nothing ambitious about bidding for players and not getting them.

That was probably our best shot at signing the player, there will be bigger clubs in for him in the summer.

Hibs will be looking for cheaper then, and highlighting how ambitious they were in bidding for a player they didn’t get.

If we had signed the player for £400k then that would have been ambitious.

We didn’t though.

The fact that we were prepared to pay £400k to sign a player shows our ambition, whether or not we get him.

At least no-one can accuse the club of going for the cheap option.

[Hibbyradge]

I somewhat agree with the OP but that’s purely we went out to pay some £££ for the Dunfermline player.

BUT,we have two midfielders on loan and a striker on loan... we’re just setting ourselves up for another huge upheaval in the summer .

We should of looked to sign a couple of perm players IMO

We signed 2 permanent players.

[Hibeesmad]

We win today and Aberdeen lose at Rangers, we are only 5 points off 4th. Let's hopefully get into that position and take it from there. Onwards and upwards.

[Hibbyradge]

If you look at the transfers completed across Europe in January, about 75% of them were loans.

[we are hibs]

No, settling is where somebody is happy with something, with no ambition to get anything better.

What I'm saying is that there's very little chance we're going to get fourth.



There's a massive difference.... it's not complicated.

Yet if we win today and aberdeen lose we go 5 points behind them.


We clawed back a bigger gap v hearts last season. The season isnt done. Not by a long shot

[Keith_M]

There’s nothing ambitious about bidding for players and not getting them.

That was probably our best shot at signing the player, there will be bigger clubs in for him in the summer.

Hibs will be looking for cheaper then, and highlighting how ambitious they were in bidding for a player they didn’t get.

If we had signed the player for £400k then that would have been ambitious.

We didn’t though.


That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

[Keith_M]

Yet if we win today and aberdeen lose we go 5 points behind them.


We clawed back a bigger gap v hearts last season. The season isnt done. Not by a long shot


I'd love it if that happened and we do make fourth.... plus win the cup :greengrin

[SquashedFrogg]

There’s nothing ambitious about bidding for players and not getting them.

That was probably our best shot at signing the player, there will be bigger clubs in for him in the summer.

Hibs will be looking for cheaper then, and highlighting how ambitious they were in bidding for a player they didn’t get.

If we had signed the player for £400k then that would have been ambitious.

We didn’t though.

By definition, bidding for the player was ambitious.

Dunfermline had their own ambitions yesterday and unfortunately he's their player.

[Bright_Hibee]

It was a good transfer window and rectified some of the errors of the summer. Would have been good to have got another striker though as I'm a bit anxious looking at our two senior options (both good) and the potential for one of them to get injured leaving us short on numbers.

[MacGruber]

[QUOTE=Keith_M;6068647]No, settling is where somebody is happy with something, with no ambition to get anything better.

What I'm saying is that there's very little chance we're going to get fourth.

There's a massive difference.... it's not complicated

[/QUOTE


You never said there was very little chance. You said we we're not getting Europe. All I'm saying is we can get Europe, there is half a seson to go and we aren't that far behind. Another striker would have given us more of a chance but our ambition for this season must still be to push for a European place.

That isn't the correct version of what settling is either - inspite of using bold text.

I think we have done well this window. Could have done better with another striker as we are short. I think the board showed ambition with the Nisbet bid. I think we can push on for a European place.

Settling for 5th whether folk are happy to do so or consigned to do so or for whatever multitude of reason for deciding that's our lot isn't for me.

Anyway, I've no interest in arguing the point anymore

]

[tamig]

The problem is, it's all short term. We need to get into Europe or win the cup or this was actually a really bad window.

Why is it a problem? We did exactly the same in this window last time we qualified for Europe and finished fourth.

[Since452]

Actually looks even better when you see it on paper.


In

Omeonga
McNulty
McGinn
Docherty
Bogdan
Gullan (recalled)

Out

Kamberi
Shaw
Maxwell


If Dunfermline had caved we'd be talking about one of our best ever January windows

[hibbyfraelibby]

Absolutely no idea why we've helped the huns out. Awful decision making.

Have we helped them? According to many Flo was/is a waste of a jersey so maybe we have weaken the Thes...and he cant play against us meaning when we play them their weakness in that area has not been addressed.

[Wilson]

Actually looks even better when you see it on paper.


In

Omeonga
McNulty
McGinn
Docherty
Bogdan
Gullan (recalled)

Out

Kamberi
Shaw
Maxwell


If Dunfermline had caved we'd be talking about one of our best ever January windows

Only looks better because you scrubbed off loan, loan, loan, and signed until the end if the season.

Nobody is doubting the quality but it's another short term fix.

[Since452]

Only looks better because you scrubbed off loan, loan, loan, and signed until the end if the season.

Nobody is doubting the quality but it's another short term fix.

Three of our January signings were short term loans in 2018 and we almost finished 2nd

[hibbyfraelibby]

Only looks better because you scrubbed off loan, loan, loan, and signed until the end if the season.

Nobody is doubting the quality but it's another short term fix.

All signings are short term these days. How many players sign 4/5 year contracts (without release clauses). Long gone are the Jim McLean style contracts. You play the hand you have.

[Sir David Gray]

Actually looks even better when you see it on paper.


In

Omeonga
McNulty
McGinn
Docherty
Bogdan
Gullan (recalled)

Out

Kamberi
Shaw
Maxwell
Vela


If Dunfermline had caved we'd be talking about one of our best ever January windows

Added Vela for you.

[Since452]

Added Vela for you.

How could I forget!

[Wilson]

How could I forget!

To be fair he's an imposter even on that list.

[ian cruise]

Only looks better because you scrubbed off loan, loan, loan, and signed until the end if the season.

Nobody is doubting the quality but it's another short term fix.

There's a good chance a number of those will be with us next season. We can't say for sure it's a short term fix until we see what happens then. You might be right of course, only time will tell.

[Wilson]

There's a good chance a number of those will be with us next season. We can't say for sure it's a short term fix until we see what happens then. You might be right of course, only time will tell.

Omeonga and McNulty have been here before. Made positive impressions. We'd like to have kept them but it didn't happen. Docherty in my opinion is just here to be in the shop window on Rangers behalf. I'm not sure there's as good a chance of any of them staying as you think.

But like you say only time will tell.

[ian cruise]

Omeonga and McNulty have been here before. Made positive impressions. We'd like to have kept them but it didn't happen. Docherty in my opinion is just here to be in the shop window on Rangers behalf. I'm not sure there's as good a chance of any of them staying as you think.

But like you say only time will tell.

I think Omeonga and McNulty will stay longer, they've been here before and obviously enjoyed it to be back for a second spell. They didn't set the heather on fire elsewhere so bidding for them shouldn't be too difficult. Docherty agree is in the shop window but if he enjoys his spell here hopefully he'll want to stay too however not so sure about that one. Think he's previously said he sees his career continuing in England.

[Wakeyhibee]

Only looks better because you scrubbed off loan, loan, loan, and signed until the end if the season.

Nobody is doubting the quality but it's another short term fix.

The alternatives weren't there though. Even selling an under performing Kamberi would leave you with a choice of Docherty, McNulty or Omeonga on a permanent contract

[B.H.F.C]

The fact our bid was rejected is irrelevant.

It's the fact that we bid reportedly £400k for a young player that shows the ambition.

Further up the thread, someone is wistfully remembering when Hibs bid big money for Steven Naismith, implying that was showing ambition.

We had that bud rejected too.

How factual is the 400k thing? I know it’s been rumoured but I’d have thought there would be a deal to be had at that kind of number. They’re not going to get much more than that in the summer when he’s in I’m his last year.

[Ronniekirk]

Personally don’t think it was a great window for us, maybe short term, but that’s it. Basically lost Flo, no chance he’s coming back. Gained Docherty, but chances he stayed on beyond the summer are slim. McNulty will be another tough one to keep a hold off and McGinn a decent squad player. Omeonga hopefully we can retain, but that’s about the only positive.

It was always going to be a short term fix this window Ross has already said the big rebuild is the Summer
He has done enough to at least give us a chance of fourth depending on how othervresults go and if we can stay injury free
Would of liked another experienced striker in and that may yet happen if a free agent takes Managers fancy