Now's the time to spend some money...

[Scotty Leither]

...We need another forward to provide competition, options to the manager, and hopefully goals to secure minimum 4th place.

Ron Gordon thanked the fans for 11,000 season tickets in an online address he gave last week, and he also mentioned if it wasn't for the fans we wouldn't be where we are now (I'm paraphrasing, but that was the gist of it).

I like that from our owner, it's the kind of decent and engaging PR that Petrie never went near, but i'd really like the club to be proactive and bring more players in - we're one of the few clubs outside the OF to be in a position to be able to do that.

4th place = a Europa League place, and more TV exposure for the club (which I suspect given his media communications background is where Gordon sees the commercial opportunities), and the attendant increased revenues and raising of the club's profile back to where it should always be.

Let's see it Ron?

[The Modfather]

We’ve already got enough for 4ty and it’s secure IMO. If we’re spending money it’s to win the race for 3rd or bring in long term quality to kick on again next season IMO. I’d rather keep our money than sign any squad fillers on loan in January, even given how thin we are in certain areas. Permanent quality or pre contracts, or save money for the summer IMO.

[wookie70]

...We need another forward to provide competition, options to the manager, and hopefully goals to secure minimum 4th place.

Ron Gordon thanked the fans for 11,000 season tickets in an online address he gave last week, and he also mentioned if it wasn't for the fans we wouldn't be where we are now (I'm paraphrasing, but that was the gist of it).

I like that from our owner, it's the kind of decent and engaging PR that Petrie never went near, but i'd really like the club to be proactive and bring more players in - we're one of the few clubs outside the OF to be in a position to be able to do that.

4th place = a Europa League place, and more TV exposure for the club (which I suspect given his media communications background is where Gordon sees the commercial opportunities), and the attendant increased revenues and raising of the club's profile back to where it should always be.

Let's see it Ron?

I think we will get 4th with the squad we have. I'd start spending the money on players in the current squad primarily Newall and Marciano. I thought we could have made a push for second if we could have beaten Utd and St Mirren and Celtc had continued to struggle but I have given up on that. The issue is that 3rd and 4th go into the same round of Europa League so no advantage finishing in 3rd apart from more prize money, around 200K. So do you spend a bit now or hold off until summer.
Now 2nd is gone I think we should just play the market. Loans may be a good option this window so Ross can have a better war chest next year. If a player who is on our radar comes up then go for it as the market may be artificially depressed by Covid and there may be some bargains

[B.H.F.C]

Even if we don’t spend a penny we will finish fourth. There is no way we finish lower than that this season, IMO.

[Heisenberg]

Would take a signing or two to supplement the squad but don’t think it would require us to spend big. Need to get our injuries sorted out. Mallan, Murphy and Magennis in and out of the side too often so far.

[B.H.F.C]

I think we will get 4th with the squad we have. I'd start spending the money on players in the current squad primarily Newall and Marciano. I thought we could have made a push for second if we could have beaten Utd and St Mirren and Celtc had continued to struggle but I have given up on that. The issue is that 3rd and 4th go into the same round of Europa League so no advantage finishing in 3rd apart from more prize money, around 200K. So do you spend a bit now or hold off until summer.
Now 2nd is gone I think we should just play the market. Loans may be a good option this window so Ross can have a better war chest next year. If a player who is on our radar comes up then go for it as the market may be artificially depressed by Covid and there may be some bargains

There is only one Europa League place this year I think. Two places in the new Conference League.

[GreenCastle]

We just need more depth. Ideal world..

Midfield - central - McGinn type
Striker - give Gullan / Nizzy and Doidge competition
Winger who beats a player - Boyle and Murphy (injured) not enough
CB -

3rd choice keeper - Samson on bench is a joke.

[wookie70]

There is only one Europa League place this year I think. Two places in the new Conference League. You are right but my point is that there is no difference in terms of Europe if you finish third or fourth. Better to win the Scottish Cup for the better Euro Comp

[CMurdoch]

Daft to chase anything given our cash reserves will continue to take a hit for the rest of the season and 4th place and European football are in the bag. Obviously if a good player is available on the cheap as a result of covid Ron will be persuaded to go for it.
We might see loan back ups for centre half and striker positions in January but main work will be trying to get Newell & Marciano on new contracts and perhaps someone on a pre contract ready to arrive in the summer.
In all likelyhood summer will see the next big push as Ross completes his team rebuild. Replacing McGregor & Gray alone will give Hibs 2 extra players.

[hibbysam]

You are right but my point is that there is no difference in terms of Europe if you finish third or fourth. Better to win the Scottish Cup for the better Euro Comp

No one outwith the top 4 will win the Scottish, unless Aberdeen win it then 3rd will get the Europa League place. Third is huge this season.

[Duke of Currie]

Daft to chase anything given our cash reserves will continue to take a hit for the rest of the season and 4th place and European football are in the bag. Obviously if a good player is available on the cheap as a result of covid Ron will be persuaded to go for it.
We might see loan back ups for centre half and striker positions in January but main work will be trying to get Newell & Marciano on new contracts and perhaps someone on a pre contract ready to arrive in the summer.
In all likelyhood summer will see the next big push as Ross completes his team rebuild. Replacing McGregor & Gray alone will give Hibs 2 extra players.

Cant see any big spends for the rest of this season. Reckon we will sign a few pre-contracts from lower placed clubs in the same way we have done with Gogic (which may pre-empt a small fee for the transfer to happen this season) but unless we are guaranteed more revenue (high league position payout, guaranteed European football , cup win) we will not be paying significant fees. At a push we will be using players as make weight for deals. Think there will be a decent bit of turnover in the summer to move on fringe players who are taking up too big a wage for the return on their game time.
Over time , can see us more and more signing 18-21 year olds to develop through our pathways and sell on , similar to Bradley , Nisbet or Macgennis

[wookie70]

No one outwith the top 4 will win the Scottish, unless Aberdeen win it then 3rd will get the Europa League place. Third is huge this season.

I think the winner of the Scottish gets the Europa League place and the 3rd and 4th place the Conference. So if the winner of the Cup is The Rangers or Celtc, assuming they are top two, then you are right that 3rd place is more important as it would get you into the League rather than the Conference. I presume that will be the best competition so makes the race for 3rd potentially more lucrative and interesting

[Smartie]

I probably couldn’t disagree with the thread title more.

We’re still playing in empty grounds with seriously reduced revenue streams so need to be sensible financially as a priority.

If we were in a position where loosening purse strings would make a big difference (eg to attempt to avoid relegation, to make a surprise challenge for the title, to make a push for Europe) then I might have a different opinion.

We need to do the right thing by our current players who helped us out financially at a tough time. We’ve seen today that we can compete in any game with even an under strength side.

If a couple of good loan players were to be available at the right price, I wouldn’t be against that at all.

Priority must be getting the out of contract players signed back up, and maybe getting the odd pre-contract for next season sorted out.

We’re very much on course to meet expectations in the league, to do well in the league cup. This isn’t the time to take a gamble that we might benefit more from attempting at another time.

[Speedy]

We just need more depth. Ideal world..

Midfield - central - McGinn type
Striker - give Gullan / Nizzy and Doidge competition
Winger who beats a player - Boyle and Murphy (injured) not enough
CB -

3rd choice keeper - Samson on bench is a joke.

I disagree about Samson. He's only 36 so should be capable if required short term - no point wasting a wage on someone who is unlikely to be used so pretty good business imo. It would be interesting to know whether we can recall Dubrowski.

[MWHIBBIES]

We're 11 points clear of 5th. We're going to be top 4. Its about 3rd.

[blackpoolhibs]

Do we have money to spend? I'm pretty sure we will spend what we have, we won't stockpile cash in the hope of the interest rate rising.

[Robbo6-2]

What's the difference in prize money between 3rd and 4th?

[Hibernian Verse]

We're 11 points clear of 5th. We're going to be top 4. Its about 3rd.Absolutely. I don't get all the "3rd or 4th doesn't matter which". We are in a position to strive for third let's go for it.

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[Keith_M]

We look like we're still on course for a 3rd or 4th place finish and I don't think there's any chance of overtaking Celtc.

What we do have, though, are two cups to play for and maybe one more striker, as back up for Doidge and Nisbet, would give us more of a chance of winning one of them.

I don't think the club will risk it's finances with a rash spending spree, though.

[Billy Whizz]

What's the difference in prize money between 3rd and 4th?

Last season it was £100k between 3rd and 4th. We’ve an improved TV deal, so might be greater
Last season
3rd £767,250
4th £674,250
5th
6th
7th £581,250 (Hibs last season)

[The 90+2]

We're 11 points clear of 5th. We're going to be top 4. Its about 3rd.

I don’t think we will have much better chances of finishing third and to build on it than this season.

[Pretty Boy]

I'm not sure we are as short in terms of depth as others think. It's always nice to have an abundance of quality players but we were without Marciano, Mackie, Magennis, Murphy, Mallan, Allan and Doidge today and still had a very decent starting 11. Yes we were well short on the bench but every side in the league would be in that position if they had 7 players injured or suspended. If anything I would say the line up and performance today is testament to the depth we have built rather than an indicator of lack of it.

I would certainly like to see another CB/RB come in as that is an area we are short, another striking option would be nice and if a quality midfielder was available then that would be nice as well. However January should be about supplementing what we have rather than an urgent need to plug gaping holes in the squad. I'd rather we saved our big business for the summer unless something too good to turn down presents itself.

[MWHIBBIES]

I don’t think we will have much better chances of finishing third and to build on it than this season.

Why not next season? If we don't make it this year, and finish 4th, we go again. Its not all or nothing. Its about consistent improvement.

[NAE NOOKIE]

I probably couldn’t disagree with the thread title more.

We’re still playing in empty grounds with seriously reduced revenue streams so need to be sensible financially as a priority.

If we were in a position where loosening purse strings would make a big difference (eg to attempt to avoid relegation, to make a surprise challenge for the title, to make a push for Europe) then I might have a different opinion.

We need to do the right thing by our current players who helped us out financially at a tough time. We’ve seen today that we can compete in any game with even an under strength side.

If a couple of good loan players were to be available at the right price, I wouldn’t be against that at all.

Priority must be getting the out of contract players signed back up, and maybe getting the odd pre-contract for next season sorted out.

We’re very much on course to meet expectations in the league, to do well in the league cup. This isn’t the time to take a gamble that we might benefit more from attempting at another time.

Pretty well this. Vaccine or not we can't even guarantee fans back in grounds by the time the new season kicks off next July or August, we are doing pretty well as things stand and in the current climate keeping the club stable and out of financial trouble is far more important than new signings, loan players notwithstanding.

The other thing is by the time summer comes the market might be far more open for us, clubs who have lost money will be looking to trim their squads and many will have far less to spend on new signings ... we could be very well placed to make better signings than we normally could.

[superfurryhibby]

As far as I’ve noticed we have been spending money, hence Kevin Nisbet, Christian Doidge and Kyle Magennis are Hibs players. Third place would be nice, but we may well be good enough to manage tha5 anyway.

There will be action in January. Ross isn’t messing about, he’s a man on a mission and I reckon he will want to reshuffle the pack a bit anyway. So far his signings have been positive ones, he will want to keep moulding the team as he sees fit.

[The 90+2]

Why not next season? If we don't make it this year, and finish 4th, we go again. Its not all or nothing. Its about consistent improvement.

League will be harder next season with Hearts back in it.

[Ozyhibby]

We should only be looking at signing players we want long term with sell on potential. Good change we are skint though as is everyone else in Scottish football.


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[Northernhibee]

I'm not sure we are as short in terms of depth as others think. It's always nice to have an abundance of quality players but we were without Marciano, Mackie, Magennis, Murphy, Mallan, Allan and Doidge today and still had a very decent starting 11. Yes we were well short on the bench but every side in the league would be in that position if they had 7 players injured or suspended. If anything I would say the line up and performance today is testament to the depth we have built rather than an indicator of lack of it.

I would certainly like to see another CB/RB come in as that is an area we are short, another striking option would be nice and if a quality midfielder was available then that would be nice as well. However January should be about supplementing what we have rather than an urgent need to plug gaping holes in the squad. I'd rather we saved our big business for the summer unless something too good to turn down presents itself.

I agree, today showed what depth we have. Most other teams in the league if you took away seven of their first team players would have to put square pegs in round holes to get a team out but we didn't at all, and indeed we were able to make subtle changes in formation through the game.

[Torto7]

I'm not sure we are as short in terms of depth as others think. It's always nice to have an abundance of quality players but we were without Marciano, Mackie, Magennis, Murphy, Mallan, Allan and Doidge today and still had a very decent starting 11. Yes we were well short on the bench but every side in the league would be in that position if they had 7 players injured or suspended. If anything I would say the line up and performance today is testament to the depth we have built rather than an indicator of lack of it.

I would certainly like to see another CB/RB come in as that is an area we are short, another striking option would be nice and if a quality midfielder was available then that would be nice as well. However January should be about supplementing what we have rather than an urgent need to plug gaping holes in the squad. I'd rather we saved our big business for the summer unless something too good to turn down presents itself.

Agreed. I think we look very solid. Newell coming and taking the ball of the CH's has really helped the flow of our game the last few weeks. Gogic is better off being used as and when required. We really just need to add quality imo. Which is easier said than done.

[neil7908]

In the current climate I don't expect (and fully understand) us not going crazy in January.

But I'd love to see us picking up a player or two on loan to supplement the squad. We badly needed some more options off the bench today. Yes we have injuries but that's football, we'll always have players out. Right now we are very vulnerable to absences up front.

[Peevemor]

I'm another one who thinks the thread title is a bit off.

Staff have been paid off, players and other staff have made sacrifices and the chances are that Ron's already dipped into his own pocket.

Jack Ross with the support of the "football department" and the board has done very well to put together a squad that most of us are very happy with while knowing that we're still a wee bit light. However, given the circumstances, I think they've done a superb job.

I don't agree with the criticism of Rod Petrie either. The board has always recognised the fans' contribution. RP isn't comfortable being filmed and is the last person you'd expect to do a wee selfie video from his house, but the board showed it's gratitude via other channels.

[matty_f]

Graeme Mathie has confirmed that we’re looking to make some additions to the squad in January. I can’t think of a transfer window where we haven’t done any business so I’d be surprised if this window was any different.

With regards to spending money, i think if we’ve got it and the right players are available then we’ll do it, if we haven’t then we won’t. Income this season is down drastically because of COVID and there are no signs of that situation changing. It’s not sustainable to spend what we don’t have so i think people need to be realistic with their expectations.

We have a cup semi final looming, being in a position to add quality to the squad in January could help us towards some silverware, which might boost season ticket sales next season.

It’s a nice thought that we could throw some (more) money at the squad, realistically though we’re unlikely to be in a position to do so for very obvious reasons.

[Mikey_1875]

Providing we don’t have any significant outgoings then a couple of smart loan signings in key positions would do me and then see where we are in the summer with regards to covid/financially. If looking okay then look to some more long term signings similar to Nisbet again.

[MWHIBBIES]

League will be harder next season with Hearts back in it.

In theory, sure. They'll need to bring in real quality to better us over 38 games imo. Who is going to score more than 7/8 goals for them, for example?

[147lothian]

Loan signing seems the best option for strenthening the squad for me, with the potential of winning a cup as the carrot, we might be able to pick up a good player we otherwise couldn't afford in the current climate

[Is It On....]

I don’t think we will have much better chances of finishing third and to build on it than this season.

Careful recruitment and retention of key players will see us continue to improve in terms of goals & points. Striving for a little better every year is a great position to be in. The wasted transfer money and poor signings are hopefully a thing of the past

[Greenbeard]

Graeme Mathie has confirmed that we’re looking to make some additions to the squad in January. I can’t think of a transfer window where we haven’t done any business so I’d be surprised if this window was any different.

With regards to spending money, i think if we’ve got it and the right players are available then we’ll do it, if we haven’t then we won’t. Income this season is down drastically because of COVID and there are no signs of that situation changing. It’s not sustainable to spend what we don’t have so i think people need to be realistic with their expectations.

We have a cup semi final looming, being in a position to add quality to the squad in January could help us towards some silverware, which might boost season ticket sales next season.

It’s a nice thought that we could throw some (more) money at the squad, realistically though we’re unlikely to be in a position to do so for very obvious reasons.
And JR said as much a couple of weeks ago "to keep the squad fresh" but that any business would depend on what goes the other way.

Too many folk taken 4th place as a given. Odds on maybe, but we can't take it for granted when still 18 games to go.

On the Europe front, what do we want from European games? The chance to win in Europe. A decent run with several attractive away trips. Gate money from as many home games as possible. What we don't want is a morale deflating pumping from a class side. Or worse, from a much improved unheard of team. To that end I'd actually rather we were in the new Conference League and hopefully get a good run, rather than maybe just the one defeat in the Europa League. Negativity? No. It is realism and aiming to maximise the benefits to the club and supporters of European football. If 3rd does go into the Europa League and 4th into the Conference, a better run of European fixtures in the Conference would potentially cancel out the difference in prize money between 3rd and 4th.

[Speedy]

And JR said as much a couple of weeks ago "to keep the squad fresh" but that any business would depend on what goes the other way.

Too many folk taken 4th place as a given. Odds on maybe, but we can't take it for granted when still 18 games to go.

On the Europe front, what do we want from European games? The chance to win in Europe. A decent run with several attractive away trips. Gate money from as many home games as possible. What we don't want is a morale deflating pumping from a class side. Or worse, from a much improved unheard of team. To that end I'd actually rather we were in the new Conference League and hopefully get a good run, rather than maybe just the one defeat in the Europa League. Negativity? No. It is realism and aiming to maximise the benefits to the club and supporters of European football. If 3rd does go into the Europa League and 4th into the Conference, a better run of European fixtures in the Conference would potentially cancel out the difference in prize money between 3rd and 4th.

3rd place guarantees group stage European football. Enter europa league at play off stage; win and you go into Europa League group stage, lose and you go into Conference Leagur group stage.

Finishing 4th means you need to win the Conference League play off.

Edit: That's assuming the cup is won by a team in the top 3. If not, cup winner gets that spot.

[Greenbeard]

3rd place guarantees group stage European football. Enter europa league at play off stage; win and you go into Europa League group stage, lose and you go into Conference Leagur group stage.

Finishing 4th means you need to win the Conference League play off.

Edit: That's assuming the cup is won by a team in the top 3. If not, cup winner gets that spot.
:aok:

[lucky]

We all like to spend other people’s money, it’s what football fans do. However look at the ST thread, lots saying can’t commit for next season. Hibs may pick up a couple of loan signings in January but I doubt we’ll spend money. I’m more interested in extending Newell and Rocky’s contracts. We are having great season and should finish in the European places through our league standing, we don’t do that often, we have a good chance of silverware in the league cup. We should enjoy what we’ve got rather than gambling on a Europa cup spot.

[Viva_Palmeiras]

We all like to spend other people’s money, it’s what football fans do. However look at the ST thread, lots saying can’t commit for next season. Hibs may pick up a couple of loan signings in January but I doubt we’ll spend money. I’m more interested in extending Newell and Rocky’s contracts. We are having great season and should finish in the European places through our league standing, we don’t do that often, we have a good chance of silverware in the league cup. We should enjoy what we’ve got rather than gambling on a Europa cup spot.

Wonder if the prospect of playing in Europe could tempt Newell and Rocky into re-signing?

[hibsbollah]

We’re in a good place in terms of squad depth and balance. You’d normally want four strikers, we either 3 or 5 depending on your definition. We have two proven scorers who will be first choice in a 2, Gullan as the young backup and two attacking players in Boyle and Murphy who can fill in it at different attacking positions depending on the shape. If injuries and suspensions take their toll we might be stretched, but you also have to ask yourself Who’s going to want to come in January and sit on the bench? No one with better pedigree than what we have. Or are you looking at an upgrade and to replace someone? Who? Doidge? Does he deserve that and would HE stay and accept only being an occasional starter going forward?

Id keep our money at bank for now.

[JohnMcM]

Maybe we should remember the prospect of a possibly much smaller uptake of ST’s next season before suggesting we spend more now. We can’t have it all folks and the club must first of all ensure it’s future security.

I guess some people will say buy now, strengthen the squad with quality players and the ST’s will be taken up. That’s possibly true but doesn’t take into account the fact that a lot of people could have other priorities for their money over the next year or so.

[Since452]

Think we'll see a striker come in on loan

[fife hfc]

Providing we don’t have any significant outgoings then a couple of smart loan signings in key positions would do me and then see where we are in the summer with regards to covid/financially. If looking okay then look to some more long term signings similar to Nisbet again.That is exactly what I expect to happen. 2 or 3 loans to add depth, especially in the defensive and forward areas in this window, then any long term deals in the summer if possible.

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[CMurdoch]

We all like to spend other people’s money, it’s what football fans do. However look at the ST thread, lots saying can’t commit for next season. Hibs may pick up a couple of loan signings in January but I doubt we’ll spend money. I’m more interested in extending Newell and Rocky’s contracts. We are having great season and should finish in the European places through our league standing, we don’t do that often, we have a good chance of silverware in the league cup. We should enjoy what we’ve got rather than gambling on a Europa cup spot.

Yeah, the season ticket thread is an eye opener. A combination of folk not expecting us back in the stadium, those without the money to buy a season ticket and those unwilling to buy again to watch on TV. It's all a worry and if it comes to pass would see Hibs squad shrink further and fall backwards. Accordingly, no chance we are spending money until the mist of covid clears.