Mallan - Discuss

[BlackSheep]

I know this has been played out a million times on here, but as always a few games can change folks opinions on players.

I have always liked Mallan, but in the past few years I don’t think he has grown as a player.

Still rushes to take any set piece, which when they go in are great but more often than not I feel he delivers a poor cross or shot.

Opposition teams have his number when it comes to his long distance shooting, so he rarely gets a chance to let fly.

Defensively I think he is very poor, his timing for tackles and attempts to win aerial battles leave a lot to be desired and I genuinely feel that he is very anonymous in most games now.

I understand that with Doidge being out it gave us the opportunity to play Mallan in there with Newell, Gogic, Boyle and Murphy, but I think we have played better with 2 up top and the wide men supporting, rather than 1 up top and Mallan in behind.

Feel free to change my mind.

[Andymac85]

I don’t think there are many on here that still think Stevie is going to work out at Hibs. Personally, I think the positives he provides are far outweighed by his glaring weaknesses.

[Stuart93]

I know this has been played out a million times on here, but as always a few games can change folks opinions on players.

I have always liked Mallan, but in the past few years I don’t think he has grown as a player.

Still rushes to take any set piece, which when they go in are great but more often than not I feel he delivers a poor cross or shot.

Opposition teams have his number when it comes to his long distance shooting, so he rarely gets a chance to let fly.

Defensively I think he is very poor, his timing for tackles and attempts to win aerial battles leave a lot to be desired and I genuinely feel that he is very anonymous in most games now.

I understand that with Doidge being out it gave us the opportunity to play Mallan in there with Newell, Gogic, Boyle and Murphy, but I think we have played better with 2 up top and the wide men supporting, rather than 1 up top and Mallan in behind.

Feel free to change my mind.

Also the fact that he is incredibly slow.

St Johnstone player jogged away from him with the ball last night.

I’m not sure if he’s carrying a bit extra weight but he doesn’t look overly mobile just now

[Peevemor]

Mallan isn't afraid to mix it, the problem is that he's crap at tackling. When he was playing a wee bit deeper under Heckingbottom he was picking up a booking a game - nothing malicious, just badly timed tackles.

Take that to conditions and a surface like last night and he's frightened to challenge as he knows he'll probably get sent off - therefore he becomes a "passenger".

I don't know why he takes corners with Newell sitting at the edge of the box - I'd inverse the roles every time.

[07BigD]

Stevie Mallan isn't the worst midfielder we've witnessed playing for Hibs but he isn't the best either.

He is neat and tidy on the ball and is a capable passer.

He couldn't tackle a fish supper but at least he is now committing some niggly fouls rather than letting folk ghost away from him.

He's not the tallest either but it doesn't stop him from trying to compete in the air.

He has proven himself capable as a goal scoring midfielder however I don't think the system we play allows him to take advantage of that part of his game often enough, but I don't think he is consistent enough to alter the shape purely to suit him.

Overall I get frustrated because I think he should be doing more but the same could be said of Boyle who sometimes struggles to make an impact.

Joe Newell is about the most consistent central midfielder we have currently and even he can struggle.

I think Mallan has gone as far as he can based on what he has to offer and it's not from a lack of effort but sometimes that's just the facts.

He's not the worst but he's never going to quite hit the heights we'd all like him to.

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[easty]

Nowhere near as bad a player as some people make out. He’s playing poorly, in a midfield that’s playing poorly, but he’s got a decent amount of ability. I’d far rather have Scott Allan in there, but that’s not an option just now.

There were loads of folk on Hibs.net that thought Fraser Murray was worthy of a place in the team, before we sent him out to Dunfermline, but Mallan is miles ahead of him.

Can’t argue against the fact that he’s not playing well at all just now though.

[Stuart93]

Mallan isn't afraid to mix it, the problem is that he's crap at tackling. When he was playing a wee bit deeper under Heckingbottom he was picking up a booking a game - nothing malicious, just badly timed tackles.

Take that to conditions and a surface like last night and he's frightened to challenge as he knows he'll probably get sent off - therefore he becomes a "passenger".

I don't know why he takes corners with Newell sitting at the edge of the box - I'd inverse the roles every time.

It wasn’t even about his tackling last night. His passing was horrendous. He gave the ball away more times than he found a hibs jersey. Definitely one to forget for him last night & time is running out for us to wait on him making his mark here

[calumhibee1]

He’s definitely regressed since we signed him.

[BSEJVT]

Stevie Mallan isn't the worst midfielder we've witnessed playing for Hibs but he isn't the best either.

He is neat and tidy on the ball and is a capable passer.

He couldn't tackle a fish supper but at least he is now committing some niggly fouls rather than letting folk ghost away from him.

He's not the tallest either but it doesn't stop him from trying to compete in the air.

He has proven himself capable as a goal scoring midfielder however I don't think the system we play allows him to take advantage of that part of his game often enough, but I don't think he is consistent enough to alter the shape purely to suit him.

Overall I get frustrated because I think he should be doing more but the same could be said of Boyle who sometimes struggles to make an impact.

Joe Newell is about the most consistent central midfielder we have currently and even he can struggle.

I think Mallan has gone as far as he can based on what he has to offer and it's not from a lack of effort but sometimes that's just the facts.

He's not the worst but he's never going to quite hit the heights we'd all like him to.

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If we could bring on a placekicker and then take them back off again Mallan would be ideal.

He would also be very good in a team that dominated possession and that sat back of him and let him ping world cup passes all over the park and shoot from distance, where in my lifetime only Sauzee compares.

As it is a long time since I have seen a Hibs team dominate possession or teams sit off us, Mallan is not at all what we require at present and I doubt he ever will be.

if you press this hibs team, you will see a lot of possession given up.

I actually feel sorry for him, he cant run worth a damn, so consequently cant track a runner, is usually caught the wrong side but cant tackle anyway so it wouldn't matter.

I would imagine he comes off every game really frustrated, to me he is like the old guy in your 5 a side team who has lost his legs, can still play a bit but is just too off it to be effective.

I doubt that Ross's system suits him at all and cant for the life of me think why we persist, I get he is recently back from long term injury but the faults above were evident long before that injury.

[MWHIBBIES]

Zero excuse about his position now. He played there last night, was responsible for creating for us, and was hopeless.

I don't see it at all. He hasn't even scored a free kick in 2 years.

[B.H.F.C]

Last night should have been the perfect game for Mallan to show what he can do. With the extra body in midfield he wasn’t restricted in terms of getting forward or about the pitch. However, he continually gave the ball away. Free kick he had first half, where he couldn’t have hand picked a better position for himself, summed his performance up.

[07BigD]

If we could bring on a placekicker and then take them back off again Mallan would be ideal.

He would also be very good in a team that dominated possession and that sat back of him and let him ping world cup passes all over the park and shoot from distance, where in my lifetime only Sauzee compares.

As it is a long time since I have seen a Hibs team dominate possession or teams sit off us, Mallan is not at all what we require at present and I doubt he ever will be.

if you press this hibs team, you will see a lot of possession given up.

I actually feel sorry for him, he cant run worth a damn, so consequently cant track a runner, is usually caught the wrong side but cant tackle anyway so it wouldn't matter.

I would imagine he comes off every game really frustrated, to me he is like the old guy in your 5 a side team who has lost his legs, can still play a bit but is just too off it to be effective.

I doubt that Ross's system suits him at all and cant for the life of me think why we persist, I get he is recently back from long term injury but the faults above were evident long before that injury.[emoji23] have you been watching me play recently? He does look unhappy at how things are going.

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[Brightside]

He's a limited footballer and doesn't bring anything different from Newall. His lack of physicality and energy make him ineffectual when we lose possession. He takes a decent dead ball but I dont think you can have him and Newall in the same 11 if we want to be our most effective. We had the same issue with Allan / Mallan. We cannot have 2 players in the middle of the park who wont run box to box and win the ball back for us.
Decent squad player but id expect his time to be limited if we have a bigger squad after Jan.

[The Modfather]

I think he’s a player we will always be waiting on to come good. He might end up a late developer but I don’t think he’ll ever develop the other parts of his game to match his technical ability and have the career that befits his technique which you simply can’t teach.

We’re well past time to move him on and use the money as party of the midfield rebuild IMO.

[07BigD]

Zero excuse about his position now. He played there last night, was responsible for creating for us, and was hopeless.

I don't see it at all. He hasn't even scored a free kick in 2 years.I agree he is not the answer to our problems but neither are Hallberg, Wright or Magennis so far. A bit harsh on Magennis due to lack of opportunity in his"favoured position" so far but I think you get my point.

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[MWHIBBIES]

I agree he is not the answer to our problems but neither are Hallberg, Wright or Magennis so far. A bit harsh on Magennis due to lack of opportunity in his"favoured position" so far but I think you get my point.

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Allan is the answer. 10x the player Mallan is. I'm hoping the few who thought otherwise see that now.

[Cameron1875]

A Match of the Day player. Great at 40 yard switch of plays and the odd set piece but no pace, can't challenge in the air, can't tackle, and no strength. You have to be a bloody good technical player if you can get away with not having those attributes.

He'll be sold in the summer I think.

[Coco Bryce]

Had enough chances. He's just not very good.

Time for him to move on and probably come back to haunt us.

[calumhibee1]

I agree he is not the answer to our problems but neither are Hallberg, Wright or Magennis so far. A bit harsh on Magennis due to lack of opportunity in his"favoured position" so far but I think you get my point.

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Absolutely. Whilst I think Mallan should be moved on as well I’d be in much more of a hurry to move on Hallberg who’s had plenty chances and Wright who to be honest looks nowhere near good enough.

Magennis of course needs a chance to get a run but I’m not really sure he’ll work out either. Seems injury prone and we don’t seem to have a clue where he plays.

Praying Allan returns as we really need him.

[Smartie]

Allan is the answer. 10x the player Mallan is. I'm hoping the few who thought otherwise see that now.

You’re spot on.

I’m glad we’re getting a chance to see what Mallan can do in that position as it would have been harsh to write him off altogether without getting at least a few games.

He did well on Saturday, in a game where the opposition were more likely to be bothered about what they were doing over what we were doing. That rarely happens in this league though.

Mallan has been too big a part of too many ineffectual team midfield performances for me, and he hasn’t even played that much.

I like the guy, attitude is spot on and effort levels can’t be questioned. I just think he’s trapped in a body that isn’t athletic enough to make sufficient impact on games and it horribly undermines the decent attributes he has.

I don’t like to be critical but he just doesn’t do it for me, at all.

[Hibee Mac]

He should have been moved on already if you ask me, but I don't see who would take him in their side?

A lower premiership club is probably his level, but I'd be surprised if any of them could get away with a player who has such glaring defensive deficiencies.

[Hibee Mac]

You’re spot on.


Mallan has been too big a part of too many ineffectual team midfield performances for me



Spot on, this part for me is the biggest red flag against Mallan, and it looks like more and more people are finally seeing the light.

[Greenbeard]

I like him but accept that he has not fulfilled his early promise, from both as a youngster at St Mirren and his first season or so with us. But he is still a decent enough player who has found his mediocre SPL level in a mediocre Hibs midfield which tbh is what we have at the moment. He is fine if we just want to be a mid-table team drawing with the likes of St Johnstone. Squad player only if we are serious about challenging for 3rd. If he was playing elsewhere at somewhere like Dunfermline we'd probably all be saying get him signed.

[skyehibee]

How many years left on his contract now?

[hibee-boys]

Not for one second denying that he is trying his best but if it wasn’t for his ability to chip in with the occasional wonder strike he’d be employed by a championship club.

[Vault Boy]

He's a good player and has scored some stunning goals for us, but his defensive frailties have been reasonably highlighted on here. It's not for a lack of effort, it's really down to his physique, speed and agility. I believe he was the most dribbled past midfielder (it might have been player) in the league a season or two back, I can't imagine those metrics have improved all that much.

I don't think the rest of the team is defensively strong enough to have Mallan in the midfield on a regular basis. Certainly not as 1 of 2. I'm not sure many teams are, mind you.

We play two strikers OR Mallan, IMO.

[NorthNorfolkHFC]

Just not good enough. The guy has some passing and shooting ability but really cannot run.

Too frequently beaten to loose balls and overrun.

His lack of athleticism is unfortunate but I think many fans could out run him.


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[Logie Green]

Runs like a dressage horse, is slow, no positional awareness and can’t tackle. Chips in with the odd spectacular goal but is generally a liability.

Hopefully he’ll not be a first pick long term or we’ll tumble down the league if he stays in the team.

[Brummie_Hibs]

He's only playing because we have nobody better. Says it all really.

[Magpie]

Don’t think he’s as bad as people make him out to be.

[H18S NX]

Sorry to say but he is a passenger in a team who cannot afford any passengers,imo.

[Peevemor]

He's only playing because we have nobody better. Says it all really.

That's the case for any player is it not?

[CockneyRebel]

I like him but accept that he has not fulfilled his early promise, from both as a youngster at St Mirren and his first season or so with us. But he is still a decent enough player who has found his mediocre SPL level in a mediocre Hibs midfield which tbh is what we have at the moment. He is fine if we just want to be a mid-table team drawing with the likes of St Johnstone. Squad player only if we are serious about challenging for 3rd. If he was playing elsewhere at somewhere like Dunfermline we'd probably all be saying get him signed.


Like many others I thought he was ace when he first started playing for us, scoring goals for fun and spraying worldy passes around, but we were playing cup ties against lower teams with poorer defenders and poorer keepers and when we got into league games he began to come up short (just like Simon Murray). Defenders know his shooting capabilities and close him down so that he can't get a shot away. If he has to play, then like an earlier poster suggested, we need to let Newell take the corners while Mallan lurks outside the box looking for a pass or clearance to come his way. Having said that I have now concluded that IMO he just doesn't cut it.

Although I dislike giving up on a player, he has surely been given enough untaken opportunities to stake a claim and so I agree that he should be moved on.

[Brightside]

His haircut distresses me too. :greengrin

[wookie70]

Last night should have been the perfect game for Mallan to show what he can do. With the extra body in midfield he wasn’t restricted in terms of getting forward or about the pitch. However, he continually gave the ball away. Free kick he had first half, where he couldn’t have hand picked a better position for himself, summed his performance up.

I think he played far too deep last night as Murphy was given a free role. I want to see Mallan just behind the strikers. He was honking last night though but so were most of the team. Murphy gave the ball away almost as much as Mallan and is even worse defensively. No point dribbling past people and then playing a terrible ball. I like Mallan but similar to Scott Allan he isn't the right type of midfielder for us. We need less specialised midfielders who can get forward but also defend. Newall is the closest we have to that as Gogic is a specialised defensive mid.

We appear to be still in the phase we were in at the later stages of Lennon's reign when we had good players but no real system of play. I'm not writing Stevie off just yet. He still has attributes but like Scott Allan and Jamie Murphy he is a man short when we don't have the ball. The issue is that is far too often these days as we are passive when the other team has the ball(obviously with Murphy and Mallan in midfield or being out numbered) and we are so wasteful when we do get the ball. Our possession stats usually read well, 65% last night, but to my eye that possession is in our own half mostly and we seem to lose the ball very cheaply when we get into the opposition's half usually without a cross or ball into the danger area. We struggle to keep pressure on other teams because of that and it allows them to have countless breaks which, without Gogic, are proving fatal. Last night Saints second goal is an example of what I mean. Nisbet gives it away and a few seconds later Wotherspoon scores without a Hibs Player making a challenge.

[500miles]

If we had a more energetic midfield around him, he'd work. Gogic and Newell aren't that though.

Again, I think the biggest problem is that we play Gogic every week. We don't expect to be, and aren't under the cosh every week, which is when that type of player shines. Our deepest lying midfielder should generally be the trigger for our attack.

Mallan has a role to play if we have the opposition under pressure and pinned into the a deep line of defence. Now Doidge is on the bench and we're playing 3 mobile forwards who can get in behind defences, we're crying out for Scott Allan.

I'm really hoping Magennis can come in and be that energy and drive we need. I'd like us to sign another in that mould if we have any intention in playing 442 again.

[MWHIBBIES]

If we had a more energetic midfield around him, he'd work. Gogic and Newell aren't that though.

Again, I think the biggest problem is that we play Gogic every week. We don't expect to be, and aren't under the cosh every week, which is when that type of player shines. Our deepest lying midfielder should generally be the trigger for our attack.

Mallan has a role to play if we have the opposition under pressure and pinned into the a deep line of defence. Now Doidge is on the bench and we're playing 3 mobile forwards who can get in behind defences, we're crying out for Scott Allan.

I'm really hoping Magennis can come in and be that energy and drive we need. I'd like us to sign another in that mould if we have any intention in playing 442 again.

Hes been here over 2 years now. Offered very little other than his first 4 months. Seriously, he isn't going to work at all. He isn't very good.

Last night is utter proof of this. We broke the press, got it to him, he gave it away. Repeat for entire first half. Honestly, if he couldn't shoot he'd be fighting relegation/in championship.

[500miles]

Hes been here over 2 years now. Offered very little other than his first 4 months. Seriously, he isn't going to work at all. He isn't very good.

Last night is utter proof of this. We broke the press, got it to him, he gave it away. Repeat for entire first half. Honestly, if he couldn't shoot he'd be fighting relegation/in championship.

If Mallan leaves he'll go to a team like motherwell or St Johnstone where the rest of the midfield will do his running for him and he'll be the main man like Allan is at us.

I don't think we're in position to carry his deficiencies if we want to be challenging at the top regularly. But to suggest he isn't a good player is utter nonsense. Is he good enough to play every week in the kind of Hibs team we want to see? I don't think so. But I dont think Gogic is either. I do think they both have scenarios and particular games they will shine in though.

If you want to be a great Hibs midfielder, you have to be technically sound and physically competitive, not either or. Otherwise, be prepared to be dropped for certain games.

[Key West]

Stevie Mallan isn't the worst midfielder we've witnessed playing for Hibs but he isn't the best either.

He is neat and tidy on the ball and is a capable passer.

He couldn't tackle a fish supper but at least he is now committing some niggly fouls rather than letting folk ghost away from him.

He's not the tallest either but it doesn't stop him from trying to compete in the air.

He has proven himself capable as a goal scoring midfielder however I don't think the system we play allows him to take advantage of that part of his game often enough, but I don't think he is consistent enough to alter the shape purely to suit him.

Overall I get frustrated because I think he should be doing more but the same could be said of Boyle who sometimes struggles to make an impact.

Joe Newell is about the most consistent central midfielder we have currently and even he can struggle.

I think Mallan has gone as far as he can based on what he has to offer and it's not from a lack of effort but sometimes that's just the facts.

He's not the worst but he's never going to quite hit the heights we'd all like him to.

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A fair assessment in my opinion I still think like Murphy he needs games and is better suited to a more forward role, I hope Jack Ross sticks by him.

[MWHIBBIES]

If Mallan leaves he'll go to a team like motherwell or St Johnstone where the rest of the midfield will do his running for him and he'll be the main man like Allan is at us.

I don't think we're in position to carry his deficiencies if we want to be challenging at the top regularly. But to suggest he isn't a good player is utter nonsense. Is he good enough to play every week in the kind of Hibs team we want to see? I don't think so. But I dont think Gogic is either. I do think they both have scenarios and particular games they will shine in though.

If you want to be a great Hibs midfielder, you have to be technically sound and physically competitive, not either or. Otherwise, be prepared to be dropped for certain games.

He isn't a good player, full stop. I really don't rate him. Decent shot. Everything else is poor. He is more than welcome to go to any other team

[easty]

He's only playing because we have nobody better. Says it all really.

Literally applies to every player we have.

[easty]

He isn't a good player, full stop. I really don't rate him. Decent shot. Everything else is poor. He is more than welcome to go to any other team

You don't have to write "full stop" comma, if you're ending the sentence with a full stop.

[Pretty Boy]

I think Mallan is the kind of player you need to build a team around to accommodate him. He just doesn't have the energy or mobility to be his own work horse. Is he good enough to justify building a team around? I'd argue probably not, certainly not in the way an on form Scott Allan is.

He's not a terrible player but I just don't see how he fits into a midfield, without free kicks I would struggle to name a really stand out attribute he has. He doesn't excel at anything that makes him indispensable. Our best midfield of recent times was McGeouch, McGinn and Allan and it's very easy to name what each of them brought to the party. With Mallan I think that's far harder to do. It's not the NFL, we can't have a specialist kicker.

[weecounty hibby]

He is a decent player. Decent players won't always start for us but will be needed in the squad. We as a club can't afford to have 22 players in the excellent bracket as they are expensive and also not normally happy to be a squad player. We need players like Mallan in the squad.

[Carheenlea]

He is a decent player. Decent players won't always start for us but will be needed in the squad. We as a club can't afford to have 22 players in the excellent bracket as they are expensive and also not normally happy to be a squad player. We need players like Mallan in the squad.

Agree.

He’s not an all-rounder and we’ve benefited from the goals he can produce out of nowhere. Having his kind of quality as a squad player who perhaps wouldn’t be an automatic start every week is no bad thing.

Stevie Mallan is an asset to our squad.

[TheGreenMan]

Best eyebrows in the league by far. Looks like he'd be more suited to playing 7s.

[Smartie]

Best eyebrows in the league by far. Looks like he'd be more suited to playing 7s.

I think he'd drive you up the wall to play 7's with.

If you were on his team you'd be driven daft by the number of times he'd lose his man and put you under pressure.

If he was on the other team he'd drop bucketloads of goals in from 30 yards out.

[Sir David Gray]

How many years left on his contract now?

End of next season.

[PeeJay]

I think there is actually a decent footballer in Mallan somewhere, he can pass well (at times) and he can hit superb free kicks, but he doesn't coax out enough of his talent and he opts for the easy sideways or backwards pass when it really is not what we need ...

[Hibee Mac]

A few seem to be of the opinion that he doesn't lack effort, and that's fair enough but I disagree if I'm honest.

When he plays I frequently find myself thinking he's not putting 100% in, there were multiple times last night where a 2nd ball dropped between him and another player and he doesn't even go for it. One time in particular that he started 2 yards closer to the ball than Newall but it was Newall who got there first in a tackle with a St J player while Mallan stood by and watched.

I think he's lazy without the ball and far too static when we have it.

[Magpie]

Quick comparison between him and Allan in all competitions played for Hibs:

Mallan-

6,749 mins
20 goals
17 assists

Allan-

7,505 mins
16 goals
34 assists

Not terrible reading considering over 3,000 minutes Allan played for us were when we were playing in the Championship.

Don’t get me wrong, I would start Allan over Mallan when both fit but I think Mallan hasn’t done bad for us at all.

[Magpie]

He is a decent player. Decent players won't always start for us but will be needed in the squad. We as a club can't afford to have 22 players in the excellent bracket as they are expensive and also not normally happy to be a squad player. We need players like Mallan in the squad.

That’s how I see it too.

[gaz1875]

I was involved in a wee debate last week about Mallan and replied "Mallan was pish, I thought he was miles of the pace never closes anyone down and when he does make tackles he gets booked, He scores the odd great goal but needs to get some speed into his play. You obviously see it different" Quite a few defended him which is fine everyone to their own, unfortunately maybe I am just tuned into look for the effort he puts in, rather than what he contributes.

[Andymac85]

I think one of the issues around Mallan is the wider composition of our midfield. We have such a lack of legs, particularly in the middle, so we can’t afford a luxury player like Mallan or even Allan.

[Coco Bryce]

Quick comparison between him and Allan in all competitions played for Hibs:

Mallan-

6,749 mins
20 goals
17 assists

Allan-

7,505 mins
16 goals
34 assists

Not terrible reading considering over 3,000 minutes Allan played for us were when we were playing in the Championship.

Don’t get me wrong, I would start Allan over Mallan when both fit but I think Mallan hasn’t done bad for us at all.

Genuine question - When was the last time our free kick specialist actually scored a free kick?

[J-C]

Stood out in a poor St Mirren and got a decent move to England, I think he's regressed since his 1st season, last night his passing which is generally good was very poor, hate to say it but he may just be bottom 6 level.

[Magpie]

Genuine question - When was the last time our free kick specialist actually scored a free kick?

15th September 2018, not sure how many free kicks he has taken since.

He has scored 13 goals since then though, not sure how many players have scored more in that time.

[Robbo6-2]

Hes miles off the pace at minute.

He must be one of the slowest midfielders in the league.

Would he get a game for any other side in top 6? Absolutely no chance.

Hes obviously trying and not meaning to be so bad but last nights performance was tip of iceberg.

If we are genuinely looking to regularly finish in top 4 we need alot better in squad never mind starting 11 than Mallan.

Chances of getting rid of one our top earners will be slim as no one will pay the type of doh he is on here and with 18months left on his contract the balls in his court.

Hes proved to be another expensive mistake from our recruitment team.

[Peevemor]

I find it incredible the number of people saying that we're not a top 6 side and we don't have top 6 players when we're currently sitting 3rd/4th.

[Coco Bryce]

15th September 2018, not sure how many free kicks he has taken since.

He has scored 13 goals since then though, not sure how many players have scored more in that time.

That's the worrying part for me.

We all know the laddie can fair strike a dead ball. It's the other basic things he can't seem to do.

He was also blowing out his arse last night. Players where ghosting past him.

[The Modfather]

I find it incredible the number of people saying that we're not a top 6 side and we don't have top 6 players when we're currently sitting 3rd/4th.

Who has said “we’re not a top 6 side and don’t have top 6 players”?

[Peevemor]

Who has said “we’re not a top 6 side and don’t have top 6 players”?

There have been plenty posts throughout the board since last night saying those sort of things.

[The Modfather]

There have been plenty posts throughout the board since last night saying those sort of things.

Can’t say I’ve seen any posts saying we don’t have top 6 players or that we aren’t a top 6 side. Sounds like hyperbole to me. I’ve seen folk say we’ll end up in the bottom 6 if our current form continues, or that Mallan is bottom six standard, neither of which I necessarily agree with, but that’s not the same as saying we don’t have top 6 players or aren’t a top 6 side IMO.

[bingo70]

There have been plenty posts throughout the board since last night saying those sort of things.

I’ve not seen them? Not saying they’re not there but they must be pretty few and far between?

I think there’s people saying we’re not a top 3 side just now, while the league table at present would say otherwise i think people are predicting we won’t stay there for long.

[Andymac85]

15th September 2018, not sure how many free kicks he has taken since.

He has scored 13 goals since then though, not sure how many players have scored more in that time.

It’s not just about scoring goals though is it. How many goals have we conceded because our midfield is so powderpuff?

[Magpie]

It’s not just about scoring goals though is it. How many goals have we conceded because our midfield is so powderpuff?

Thought that was why Gogic was brought in tbh, if we played with 3 Gogic’s in midfield we wouldn’t score as many goals.

I understand where folk are coming from in regards to his defending, it’s not great, but I think he offers us a lot in other areas which makes him a valuable squad member.

Greg Doherty is someone I thought could defend and attack well, I would take him over Mallan.

[MWHIBBIES]

Quick comparison between him and Allan in all competitions played for Hibs:

Mallan-

6,749 mins
20 goals
17 assists

Allan-

7,505 mins
16 goals
34 assists

Not terrible reading considering over 3,000 minutes Allan played for us were when we were playing in the Championship.

Don’t get me wrong, I would start Allan over Mallan when both fit but I think Mallan hasn’t done bad for us at all.

Allan actually exists outside of those stats, though. Mallan doesn't.

[Gypsy King]

Id like to see him as a CF in a 4-4-1-1 if Doidge is out. I honestly think he could re-invent himself there

[Gypsy King]

He was undeniably a passenger last night though. He has the kind of pedigree you would imagine that a Motherwell or St Johnstone would be really happy to get him, so if we could look to get a swap deal for Ali McCann or Alan Campbell plus some cash I'd imagine I really wouldn't mind losing him.

[wookie70]

What are your thoughts on Allan or Murphy. Off the ball I would say Mallan is better than Allan and both are a good deal ahead of Murphy. I would say Allan is quite similar to Mallan's performance last night more games than not. When Allan is hot he is exceptional but that is the exception in my view. Murphy has also been very poor in a few games too. It is what these types of players tend to be like. Allan probably loses good possession more than any Hibs player I can remember. That is because he looks for a goal scoring pass way more than the vast majority of players. When it works great but most of the time he gives really promising possession straight to the opposition. Mallan plays it simpler more often and to me has better decision making than Allan, not last night he was just dire.

Newall to me is capable of playing defence splitting passes as well as working hard and doing reasonably well off the ball. Having Newall, Mallan and Murphy in a midfield is asking a lot of Gogic particularly when Boyle has been nowhere near as good defensively as he was a few years back. Boyle has the energy though to get back.

My view is that Mallan, Allan and Murphy all have their place in the squad. I don't think you can play two of them in the team if Newall and Boyle are in there too though, unless chasing a game. Magennis hopefully the piece we are missing and the middle is covered with Magennis, Gogic and then one of the more creative players. That is the type of blend we had with SJM, Dylan and Allan albeit Gogic is not as good a ball player as McGough but makes up for that defensively

QUOTE=gaz1875;6364639]I was involved in a wee debate last week about Mallan and replied "Mallan was pish, I thought he was miles of the pace never closes anyone down and when he does make tackles he gets booked, He scores the odd great goal but needs to get some speed into his play. You obviously see it different" Quite a few defended him which is fine everyone to their own, unfortunately maybe I am just tuned into look for the effort he puts in, rather than what he contributes.[/QUOTE]

[NAE NOOKIE]

I know this has been played out a million times on here, but as always a few games can change folks opinions on players.

I have always liked Mallan, but in the past few years I don’t think he has grown as a player.

Still rushes to take any set piece, which when they go in are great but more often than not I feel he delivers a poor cross or shot.

Opposition teams have his number when it comes to his long distance shooting, so he rarely gets a chance to let fly.

Defensively I think he is very poor, his timing for tackles and attempts to win aerial battles leave a lot to be desired and I genuinely feel that he is very anonymous in most games now.

I understand that with Doidge being out it gave us the opportunity to play Mallan in there with Newell, Gogic, Boyle and Murphy, but I think we have played better with 2 up top and the wide men supporting, rather than 1 up top and Mallan in behind.

Feel free to change my mind.

Not last night, at least twice it opened up for him and he didn't take the shot on which really surprised me ... the one time he did his shot was way off target, but I would rather see a player have a go and miss than not have a go at all, especially one we know is capable of scoring from distance.

Overall though Stevie Mallan is definitely in the 'replaceable' category, he just doesn't bring enough to the team in overall play .... It's a shame we don't have a system like American football where he could be brought on just for corners and free kicks ... but we don't so I can't help thinking his time at ER will be limited.

[Viva_Palmeiras]

He was undeniably a passenger last night though. He has the kind of pedigree you would imagine that a Motherwell or St Johnstone would be really happy to get him, so if we could look to get a swap deal for Ali McCann or Alan Campbell plus some cash I'd imagine I really wouldn't mind losing him.

Genuine question - is that based on McCanns performance in one game against us? Or something more substantial.

[Tyler Durden]

What are your thoughts on Allan or Murphy. Off the ball I would say Mallan is better than Allan and both are a good deal ahead of Murphy. I would say Allan is quite similar to Mallan's performance last night more games than not. When Allan is hot he is exceptional but that is the exception in my view. Murphy has also been very poor in a few games too. It is what these types of players tend to be like. Allan probably loses good possession more than any Hibs player I can remember. That is because he looks for a goal scoring pass way more than the vast majority of players. When it works great but most of the time he gives really promising possession straight to the opposition. Mallan plays it simpler more often and to me has better decision making than Allan, not last night he was just dire.

Newall to me is capable of playing defence splitting passes as well as working hard and doing reasonably well off the ball. Having Newall, Mallan and Murphy in a midfield is asking a lot of Gogic particularly when Boyle has been nowhere near as good defensively as he was a few years back. Boyle has the energy though to get back.

My view is that Mallan, Allan and Murphy all have their place in the squad. I don't think you can play two of them in the team if Newall and Boyle are in there too though, unless chasing a game. Magennis hopefully the piece we are missing and the middle is covered with Magennis, Gogic and then one of the more creative players. That is the type of blend we had with SJM, Dylan and Allan albeit Gogic is not as good a ball player as McGough but makes up for that defensively

QUOTE=gaz1875;6364639]I was involved in a wee debate last week about Mallan and replied "Mallan was pish, I thought he was miles of the pace never closes anyone down and when he does make tackles he gets booked, He scores the odd great goal but needs to get some speed into his play. You obviously see it different" Quite a few defended him which is fine everyone to their own, unfortunately maybe I am just tuned into look for the effort he puts in, rather than what he contributes.[/QUOTE]

Really not sure why you are bringing Murphy into this debate. Aside from one error at Pittodrie his defensive work has been very sound IMO.

We’ve had plenty of clean sheets playing Murphy, Newell, Gogic and Boyle in a 4.

Regarding Mallan, I would agree that his time is up. We did great IMO to get Murphy in to replace Horgan and probably save/receive money. If we can repeat the trick with Mallan we’ll be doing well.

[wookie70]

Really not sure why you are bringing Murphy into this debate. Aside from one error at Pittodrie his defensive work has been very sound IMO.

We’ve had plenty of clean sheets playing Murphy, Newell, Gogic and Boyle in a 4.

Regarding Mallan, I would agree that his time is up. We did great IMO to get Murphy in to replace Horgan and probably save/receive money. If we can repeat the trick with Mallan we’ll be doing well.[/QUOTE]

Looking at the stats for goals scored when he is on the pitch it look pretty similar to when Mallan is on the pitch from what I can see. My point is more about his general defending ability and players playing that far up the park can stop potential attacks before they get going. Nisbet is excellent at that and Doidge pretty good too. Boyler and Murphy far less so. I bring him into the debate as he has great talent like Allan and Mallan but in my view he is terrible defensively, worse than the other two imo.

[the tornadoe]

Reminds me a lot of Danny Swanson.. Great footballer on his day... Great talent but unfortunately not complete enough to be a success at Hibs.

[JimBHibees]

Personally think Mallan is a very good player and offers something a bit different. Probably more of a squad player however offers a goal threat and also a bit of quality from set pieces. Think he gets a bit of a hard time.

[MWHIBBIES]

Personally think Mallan is a very good player and offers something a bit different. Probably more of a squad player however offers a goal threat and also a bit of quality from set pieces. Think he gets a bit of a hard time.

He offers a goal threat, no doubt. I don't think he offers anything else, though. Set pieces have been abysmal for 2 years. He has scored as many free kicks for St Mirren at Easter road, as he has for Hibs.

[JimBHibees]

He offers a goal threat, no doubt. I don't think he offers anything else, though. Set pieces have been abysmal for 2 years. He has scored as many free kicks for St Mirren at Easter road, as he has for Hibs.

Puts in decent decent corners and free kicks also.

[gaz1875]

What are your thoughts on Allan or Murphy. Off the ball I would say Mallan is better than Allan and both are a good deal ahead of Murphy. I would say Allan is quite similar to Mallan's performance last night more games than not. When Allan is hot he is exceptional but that is the exception in my view. Murphy has also been very poor in a few games too. It is what these types of players tend to be like. Allan probably loses good possession more than any Hibs player I can remember. That is because he looks for a goal scoring pass way more than the vast majority of players. When it works great but most of the time he gives really promising possession straight to the opposition. Mallan plays it simpler more often and to me has better decision making than Allan, not last night he was just dire.

Newall to me is capable of playing defence splitting passes as well as working hard and doing reasonably well off the ball. Having Newall, Mallan and Murphy in a midfield is asking a lot of Gogic particularly when Boyle has been nowhere near as good defensively as he was a few years back. Boyle has the energy though to get back.

My view is that Mallan, Allan and Murphy all have their place in the squad. I don't think you can play two of them in the team if Newall and Boyle are in there too though, unless chasing a game. Magennis hopefully the piece we are missing and the middle is covered with Magennis, Gogic and then one of the more creative players. That is the type of blend we had with SJM, Dylan and Allan albeit Gogic is not as good a ball player as McGough but makes up for that defensively

QUOTE=gaz1875;6364639]I was involved in a wee debate last week about Mallan and replied "Mallan was pish, I thought he was miles of the pace never closes anyone down and when he does make tackles he gets booked, He scores the odd great goal but needs to get some speed into his play. You obviously see it different" Quite a few defended him which is fine everyone to their own, unfortunately maybe I am just tuned into look for the effort he puts in, rather than what he contributes.[/QUOTE]

Allan and Mallan both do lack pace and not the best at tracking or tackling, so both need to be in a midfield where at least 2 others who are doing the dirty work, and leaving them to do the defence splitting passes (Allan) or shooting from the edge of the box (Mallan), playing them with one grafter leaves us way to light weight and off the pace in the middle.

Murphy you can't put in their range I don't think. In the very few games he has played he's probably been or close to MOM in the games he's played. Without tempting fate, I don't think I have seen a Hibs player ghost past players like he has shown for many years. Yesterday on a number of occasions he was easily drifting past players not with pace but skill. He could be a proper edge of the seat winger, unlike Boyle who only has speed and it's hit or miss if he can keep on his feet when running at defenders. The compromise with Murphy is he's not the best at tracking back either, Mackie could be a good back up behind him which leaves him to do the entertaining.

Like you I hope Magennis is the missing midfield link, and maybe a midfield of Gogic, Newell & Magennis with the two wide players would be and interesting formation.

[CmoantheHibs]

I’m not a huge fan of Stevie Mallan as I think it’s hard to get a balanced midfield with him in it. He has some great qualities with his passing, shooting and scores more than his fair share of goals. He will always give 100% when playing and doesn’t shirk his responsibilities. It’s his lack of height and physical abilities that cause such an imbalance. He is so slow and must be one of the slowest players in the league. I’ve often seen him chase players back and they are running with the ball yet still pulling away from him. He is short and cannot jump so either fouls or loses the challenge. His tackling is poor and often mistimed so ends up giving fouls away.
At the end of the day it’s a balancing act. Jack Ross has to weigh up how each player fits into the system and what their flaws and strengths are and how it will all knit together and work against the opposition. I feel his weaknesses outweigh his positive contribution to the unit but Jack Ross is more knowledgeable on football than I am and selects him. If he contributes nothing all game bar a well struck goal but the rest of the team cover his deficiencies and keep a clean sheet then his inclusion is merited. All our team have deficiencies in their game. It’s just some players stick out more than others.

[Inconsequential]

Stood out in a poor St Mirren and got a decent move to England, I think he's regressed since his 1st season, last night his passing which is generally good was very poor, hate to say it but he may just be bottom 6 level. You appear to be correct as Hibs finished 7th last season.

[MWHIBBIES]

You appear to be correct as Hibs finished 7th last season.

We finished 4th before we signed him

[Centre Hawf]

For me Stevie Mallan was bought (yes, bought) for a sum of money that at our level of football you would look to see a return on the investment either by selling on for a profit or by contributing substantially on the field. For the past 18 months he hasn't contributed substantially on the field for me. His first season he had a lovely eye for goal that outweighed the shortcomings he had, but with 4 league goals since the start of last season he's now barely a even a goal threat for us against Premiership sides.

I think if there isn't an upturn in Mallan's form at the club I would consider not renewing his contract.

[Inconsequential]

When Stevie Mallan was eighteen he scored a terrific goal for St. Mirren against Dundee where he won the ball in midfield, drove at the defence, twisted and turned beat four men in the process, set himself up to shoot and scored. Footage is on YouTube with the headline Teenage Sensation Scores Wonder Goal or similar. What has happened to the boy? His performances at the moment seem flat, is he fit or lacking confidence? The St. Mirren manager at that time wasn't Jack Ross and the side also contained John McGinn. Puzzling.

[MWHIBBIES]

When Stevie Mallan was eighteen he scored a terrific goal for St. Mirren against Dundee where he won the ball in midfield, drove at the defence, twisted and turned beat four men in the process, set himself up to shoot and scored. Footage is on YouTube with the headline Teenage Sensation Scores Wonder Goal or similar. What has happened to the boy? His performances at the moment seem flat, is he fit or lacking confidence? The St. Mirren manager at that time was Jack Ross and the side also contained John McGinn. Puzzling.

That goal was scored 2 years before Ross was manager. McGinn left 1 year before Ross was manager. Think you're mixed up a bit.

[Onion]

There are some players who pull on a Hibs jersey who you just know are not good enough if we have ambition beyond mediocrity. Mallan is one such player. His shooting ability is better than anyone else at the club, but that is simply not enough to mask his limitations as a footballer. Cannot tackle to help himself, passing is average, awareness is poor, not quick, not a great engine. Under pressure, is too often caught in possession giving the opposition the chance to break on our back line.

[Inconsequential]

That goal was scored 2 years before Ross was manager. McGinn left 1 year before Ross was manager. Think you're mixed up a bit. Aye, but it added some drama to the post! :greengrin

Me mixed up? Never!:wink:

Still a great goal however....