What Does The Squad Need?

[HibsTalk]

🦘 Irvine away
✍️ JDH signs with @PTFblog from @MiseryHunters
💭 Thoughts on current squad
👋 Who needs to go?
💪 Where needs strengthened

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[Steve20]

A striker should be a priority. That's even if Nisbet stays. If he goes, we need two. Last season we left ourselves with too few options up front and it was very poor planning.

A centre half would also be good because we still look far too soft at times.

[Key West]

A leader and dominant centre back to supplement Porteous, a left sided midfielder who is actually left footed, another striker.

[GreenCastle]

A striker should be a priority. That's even if Nisbet stays. If he goes, we need two. Last season we left ourselves with too few options up front and it was very poor planning.

A centre half would also be good because we still look far too soft at times.

Agreed.

I also moaned last season as we seemed too vanilla at times.

We need an X factor type player or someone who will do something out of nothing. I’m just not sure our squad is strong enough to win derbies / win the cup / 3rd again / be competitive in Europe unless we add more to it.

We didn’t score enough goals from central midfield - Mallan and Allan may help that issue..

We lacked leadership - even less now with Gray retiring - not sure this has been addressed.


We didn’t have enough competition for some positions - we need another CB / striker.


We didn’t have a consistent left winger who played regularly - we have added Mackay and hopefully Murphy stays fit. But I would like a left footed winger who doesn’t cut in every time.

We have quite a few players who need to step it up..

Murphy
Magennis
Allan
Mallan

Will be interesting to see how he fits in Cadden and Boyle also.

[Allez Hibs]

A rebuild.

[Peevemor]

A rebuild.

If you're being serious I disagree 100%.

If you're not, what's the point of the post?

[Allez Hibs]

Continually signing St Mirren and Hamilton players won't make us better.

[Nicho87]

1 x Centre half 2 x if porto goes
1 x right back
1 x Midfielder if hallberg / mallan depart - 2 if both go
2 x strikers we seriously lack competition up top

[Dalianwanda]

Continually signing St Mirren and Hamilton players won't make us better.

Signing their best players might…

[Big_Franck]

Continually signing St Mirren and Hamilton players won't make us better.

It has made us better though. We had our best league season last year for god knows how long with ex St Mirren and Hamilton players in the squad.

I think we'll soon be in a financial position to go for more quality but that doesn't mean we shouldn't still sign good players from smaller Scottish clubs.

For me the squad needs a keeper, a left back if Doig goes, a dominant captain centre half and 2 strikers if Nisbet goes or one if he stays. A goalscoring midfielder wouldn't go amiss either.

[Nicho87]

Continually signing St Mirren and Hamilton players won't make us better.

I’m no jack Ross lover by any stretch of the imagination

But gogic was exactly what we needed

Shouldn’t be judging what club a player comes from if anything I’ve more confidence in players coming from the same league rather than the route hecky went down and tom James, the midfielder boy who was hopeless.

[The Modfather]

A balanced midfield. Lots of good individual players but too many who make the midfield less than the sum of their parts IMO. I think we could cull quite a few of the numbers in midfield and replace with fewer players but who either have more rounded qualities or with a view to how they will compliment the others in midfield.

[calumhibee1]

A mobile midfielder
A midfielder with a bit of flair about them - hopefully Allan will be this guy but if it becomes clear he won’t be getting back to the Allan of old then we need one
A striker
A goalie

Other than that I’d say we’re ok but that’s based on where we are right now.

I’d be hoping the two midfielders would be of a level that they’d be starting every week. The striker just needs to be able to provide competition for Doidge and Nisbet and the goalie to provide competition to Macey.

If any of our regular starters leave then they need replaced with regular starters. I don’t think we’ve anyone in the squad capable of replacing them

[Allez Hibs]

We need a born leader, someone who is a vocal and physical leader on the pitch.

[hibee316]

A rebuild.

I would be interested to know why you think this? We finished third comfortably and lost a cup final to the only team we struggled against (OF aside).

It was our best season for years.

Which leads me to my second question, are ye daft? 🤔😁

[Allez Hibs]

A mobile midfielder
A midfielder with a bit of flair about them - hopefully Allan will be this guy but if it becomes clear he won’t be getting back to the Allan of old then we need one
A striker
A goalie

Other than that I’d say we’re ok but that’s based on where we are right now.

What about the defence?

[Allez Hibs]

I would be interested to know why you think this? We finished third comfortably and lost a cup final to the only team we struggled against (OF aside).

It was our best season for years.

Which leads me to my second question, are ye daft? 🤔😁

What did we win? Three 100% proper chances at a trophy.

Just because we hadn't finished third for a while shouldn't be a benchmark.

[calumhibee1]

What about the defence?

As it stands I’m not sure we need to do much as a matter of urgency. If we can improve it then absolutely, if Porteous leaves then we need someone in but I’m more concerned about the centre of our midfield and lack of a third striker.

[hibee316]

What did we win? Three 100% proper chances at a trophy.

You are right. Lots of disappointment too.

But saying a total overhaul because we lost 3 games. Are you really serious? Or is it just hyperbole?

Two or three astute signings could be the difference in those games.

[Allez Hibs]

You are right. Lots of disappointment too.

But saying a total overhaul because we lost 3 games. Are you really serious? Or is it just hyperbole?

Two or three astute signings could be the difference in those games.

We need to sign someone who can be a proper captain.

[MWHIBBIES]

A good centre back to cover for Porteous and Hanlon (the idea Hanlon should be replaced is laughable)

First choice quality centre mid.

Cover for Boyle

Another striker option, one with some pace.

[MWHIBBIES]

We need to sign someone who can be a proper captain.

Quite happy with Hanlon. The idea that we'll sign someone and they'll become captain over Hanlon, mcgregor, Lewis, Porteous etc is just daft. It's not happening.

[hibee316]

We need to sign someone who can be a proper captain.

So, not a total overhaul then...

Personally, I don't think a new captain would have made a difference in the games against St Johnstone.

I'm of the opinion that we went through the season with a small squad and came up against St Johnstone who completely had our number. We then had no options to change it.

The bench we had were all similar types of players to the first squad, but generally not as strong.

I think more options at the top is the way to go.

[Allez Hibs]

Quite happy with Hanlon. The idea that we'll sign someone and they'll become captain over Hanlon, mcgregor, Lewis, Porteous etc is just daft. It's not happening.

After how we didn't kick on in the games at Hampden last season with trophies at stake I disagree. It's time for a new leader. Surely we can't keep expecting better from the same players when they've had chance after chance. We need to build for the future.

[GreenCastle]

Simple question…

Is our current squad good enough / mentally strong enough to win derbies ?

[Allez Hibs]

So, not a total overhaul then...

Personally, I don't think a new captain would have made a difference in the games against St Johnstone.

I'm of the opinion that we went through the season with a small squad and came up against St Johnstone who completely had our number. We then had no options to change it.

The bench we had were all similar types of players to the first squad, but generally not as strong.

I think more options at the top is the way to go.

The defence does need an overhaul though. People won't want to hear that but we need to look to the future.

[Allez Hibs]

Simple question…

Is our current squad good enough / mentally strong enough to win derbies ?

No, I don't think this squad is good enough or mentally strong enough.

Certainly not strong enough mentally, we saw that in the derbies played in 2020 against the worst Hearts team in decades.

[J-C]

We lacked guile and creativity, Allan and Mallan should give us that but unsure if Alan can get back to the heights we know he can hit and also unsure if Ross wants Mallan, re his going on loan last season.

[Key West]

I think the Scottish Cup Final performance or lack of one is still fresh in the minds of most supporters I do think however there is a platform to build on and obviously it will depend on who leaves and who comes in. Having seen it all before we've been in worse situations if that is any consolation.

[Smartie]

A balanced midfield. Lots of good individual players but too many who make the midfield less than the sum of their parts IMO. I think we could cull quite a few of the numbers in midfield and replace with fewer players but who either have more rounded qualities or with a view to how they will compliment the others in midfield.

I totally agree with this, without knowing much about the new guy.

Hallberg is the player most linked with leaving but he’s the player who most often seems to be part of a central midfield greater than the sum of it’s parts. Gogic, Newell and Mallan in particular often seem to make up part of inept units, even if they seem like decent enough players themselves.

This summer is all about replacing those who depart imo.

I’m happy with the start we’ve made - like the sound of McKay, delighted to get Macey signed up and pleased Ross has immediately tackled the centre of midfield.

Our biggest problem might be “waiting to see what happens with” x, y or z. Having to replace Doig or Nisbet late in the window could be a problem. Having to replace Boyle could be a very big problem indeed.

At least there is no way in the world we’ll be replacing Hanlon though. The fact that one of our best players will be there, captaining the side and doing his thing makes me a lot more relaxed about the idea of certain other figures moving on. If for any reason we were to lose him (pre-season injury) then we’d look much more vulnerable, and I find it staggering that his name has been mentioned as someone we should be looking to improve upon.

[ElginHibbie]

Goals from midfield basically, 11 in 50 games total last season, 4 of which where from Mallan, not good enough

In both the semi final and final against St Johnstone midfielders missed great chances at 0-0, taking them could have made all the difference

[Peevemor]

Goals from midfield basically, 11 in 50 games total last season, 4 of which where from Mallan, not good enough

In both the semi final and final against St Johnstone midfielders missed great chances at 0-0, taking them could have made all the difference

I know what you're saying and I agree - but is Boyle not normally played as a midfielder?

[ElginHibbie]

I know what you're saying and I agree - but is Boyle not normally played as a midfielder?

Would classify him more as a winger and would say that's more a "forward" but could argue midfield, but if you do say he's midfield then just question why he's scored more than the rest combined

[Saint Hibee]

What we need is players with a bit of character, fight, and leadership.

[Peevemor]

Would classify him more as a winger and would say that's more a "forward" but could argue midfield, but if you do say he's midfield then just question why he's scored more than the rest combined

6 were penalties.

Anyway - I agree with you. We need more goals from our central midfielders.

[Smartie]

I’m not sure of the stats but we didn’t seem to score that many from set pieces full stop.

Porteous represents a huge threat and Hanlon has chipped in throughout his time with us. Neither of them seemed to get many last year either.


We were very reliant on just a few players for goals though, which I think is unhealthy.

[Heisenberg]

Scott Allan should provide a decent amount of goals and assists if he’s back to his best. I’d say we need another centre half (two if Porto goes), another striker (two if Nisbet goes) and probably another midfielder as I can’t see Hallberg staying.

[Tyler Durden]

I think we've got a pretty well balanced squad now. Adding Mackay and the returning Allan means we can more easily play a 4-2-3-1, something we've struggled with in recent years. We'll have pace on both flanks for first time since Barker left.

I understand people calling for goals from "midfield" but last year actually showed we don't really need that. If Ross decides to go with a 4-4-2 again quite regularly, then our two centre midfielders will not be there to score goals. We'll have 2 forwards plus Boyle and Mackay to get the goals. That worked well last year and it'll work again this season if we don't see Nisbet or Boyle leaving.

I'd like to see another physical centre forward signed to give us another different option but otherwise we're well placed for another 3rd place fight IMO.

[Hiber-nation]

Flair....if that word is allowed nowadays :greengrin

[Peevemor]

I think we've got a pretty well balanced squad now. Adding Mackay and the returning Allan means we can more easily play a 4-2-3-1, something we've struggled with in recent years. We'll have pace on both flanks for first time since Barker left.

I understand people calling for goals from "midfield" but last year actually showed we don't really need that. If Ross decides to go with a 4-4-2 again quite regularly, then our two centre midfielders will not be there to score goals. We'll have 2 forwards plus Boyle and Mackay to get the goals. That worked well last year and it'll work again this season if we don't see Nisbet or Boyle leaving.

I'd like to see another physical centre forward signed to give us another different option but otherwise we're well placed for another 3rd place fight IMO.

Our goals against our nemesis last season (St Johnstone) were scored by Paul McGinn (2) & a Mallan penalty. When teams have the better of our strikers then we need others to chip in.

[number9dream]

I’m not sure of the stats but we didn’t seem to score that many from set pieces full stop.

Porteous represents a huge threat and Hanlon has chipped in throughout his time with us. Neither of them seemed to get many last year either.


We were very reliant on just a few players for goals though, which I think is unhealthy.

This is definitely an area where we need to improve. If Mallan isn’t involved then there’s no one you’d back to curl in a free kick or whip in a really dangerous corner. Surely it’s something that can be worked on over and over again in training.

[Shrekko]

Flair....if that word is allowed nowadays :greengrin

There's not another SPFL team outwith the Old Firm who have even nearly as many flair players in their squads as Hibs.

Although (despite the myths) we've very rarely played with huge flair, our problem has always been our defensive fragility... which people have moaned about for long enough.

I'd be delighted to see us get McCart and Oddofin. Then lets see players like Scott Allan and Jamie Murphy show us if they are good as we think.

[Unseen work]

If I’m being honest I don’t think we’re far away with our current squad.

I would have said;

More options on the left with pace/trickery - we signed McKay is exactly that and hopefully Murphy will stay fit.

Creative and goal scoring midfielder - Allan has returned and will go a long way to solving this. Magennis will hopefully be like a new signing too.

If we started the season with the squad we currently have I’d be delighted. Ideally a bit more competition in defence and up front. But I think youngsters will again push on.

I’d love a striker that is really tricky and proves a real bit of flair and fear factor for the opposition. One that can provide something out of nothing, whether he’s a bit of skill or a screamer. I think this is what we lack against Rangers and Celtic.

Unfortunately I can see us losing Nisbet, Doig and Porteous.

Doyle Hayes and McKay are two good signings to start us off.

We’re going in the right direction.

[Hibdan12]

Would love a proper attacking midfielder that can take a man on

[WeeRussell]

Simple question…

Is our current squad good enough / mentally strong enough to win derbies ?

For me, the simple answer is YES - it was good enough and mentally strong enough to beat almost every team in our league last year. I don't expect that to be a problem for a team coming up from the league below.

I'd be disappointed if we were basing our squad planning this summer on Hearts being promoted from the championship. Thankfully I have every confidence that Jack Ross isn't that narrow-minded or daft.

In answer to the subject - I think we could really do with a fully fit Scott Allan. Hopefully that is possible. Apart from that, any strengthening in any position will obviously be welcome.. specifics depend a lot on who we eventually lose this summer. Agree that it would be nice to see another striker and midfielder come in though (especially as we now know our fate in terms of Irvine).

[ian cruise]

Definitely need another option up front, if Nisbet does go then we need two. Obviously there are a few younger players like Gullan and Laidlaw who could step up but they will ned to show something in pre-season.

Midfield we need the players we have to show form. Now we have more robust players at the base of midfield such as Gogic this should allow Allan and Mallan a little more freedom they didn't have before. Mallan in particular was getting played all over the midfield prior to his loan, he's never a deep lying midfielder. Hopefully JDH will be the box to box type we are needing, Hallberg I am expecting to leave (similar to Irvine, he's a good player but not irreplaceable). Newell is a good player but I struggle to see where he fits in, when plays he looks good but somehow the overall midfield seems a little weaker.

Width, we have Boyle and McKay. Murphy and Cadden too and Gullan can also play out wide can he not? Probably ok in that regards.

Defence - Ah our much maligned defence even with stats that are only better by the Old Firm. I agree we need another option, if you look at the Cup Final team we had Fontaine ready to step in when Hanlon or McGregor were out, after then we had Ambrose also. We are missing that other player to step in and challenge Porteous and Hanlon at the back. Left and right hand side of defence we are probably sorted.


GK - Personally I am comfortable with the options we have. We will find out during pre-season if there is a need for someone else.

[Stuart93]

Simple question…

Is our current squad good enough / mentally strong enough to win derbies ?

Win derbies? I’d say so

Cup semi finals/finals I’m not so sure. Think we still lack something when it comes to that. An arrogance maybe.

[Hiber-nation]

There's not another SPFL team outwith the Old Firm who have even nearly as many flair players in their squads as Hibs.

Although (despite the myths) we've very rarely played with huge flair, our problem has always been our defensive fragility... which people have moaned about for long enough.

I'd be delighted to see us get McCart and Oddofin. Then lets see players like Scott Allan and Jamie Murphy show us if they are good as we think.

Don't think the defence has been that bad. I'm hoping for an offensive central midfielder with ability. Not expecting it though. Can't really see Allan featuring consistently.

[Smartie]

Win derbies? I’d say so

Cup semi finals/finals I’m not so sure. Think we still lack something when it comes to that. An arrogance maybe.

I think it's the midfield we lack and I'm not sure where the breakdown between attitude and ability lies.

When we won the cup and were doing well in the big games we had players like Fyvie, McGeouch and McGinn who were prepared to be brave and take possession in difficult, crowded areas. Too many of last season's midfielders (and the season or two before that) have gone missing in too many of these games. It was interesting seeing how much Scotland improved against England when they had Gilmour and McGregor prepared to take the ball from the defenders, even under the sort of pressure that England's quick, hard-working players put you under. We have had too many people in that key position go missing too often and that is STILL what we need to rectify - and that is said without knowing much about the lad from St Mirren.

[CMurdoch]

The easy answer is quality.
Every team needs more quality.

We are in the process of a moneyball transition which sees us now trying to bring young players in that we think we can develop and sell on for a big profit.
It's the noticeable change since Ron came in and is great when it works but there are risks given you are bringing in potential rather than ready made players.
In effect you are gambling by going for unestablished potentally saleable assets instead of players that will improve your team immediately.
Magennis, McKay and Doyle-Hayes are such gambles and we will see how they do.

Next summer will see the transition complete with Mallan, Allan, Hallberg, McGregor, Murphy, Stevenson as well as the saleable Doig, Nisbet and Porteous all probably gone.
I expect them to be prodominitely replaced by more young guys on lesser wages with potential rather than similarly established quality players.
These young guys will be supported by Gogic and McGinn, cheap low wage pro's and the likes of Hanlon and Doidge getting new contracts.

[MWHIBBIES]

After how we didn't kick on in the games at Hampden last season with trophies at stake I disagree. It's time for a new leader. Surely we can't keep expecting better from the same players when they've had chance after chance. We need to build for the future.

To win cups, we must replace the guys who have won cups?

I don't expect better from Hanlon. If he plays exactly the same as this season I'll be delighted.

We also need to build for the right now, and replacing our best centre back would be very silly.

[Northernhibee]

Central defender or two, winger, two strikers.

[silverhibee]

New manager :shocked:

[Greencore]

A nut job.

[blackpoolhibs]

A keeper, a dominant Centre half, a replacement for Newell and another centre forward please.

[Billy Whizz]

Goal scoring midfielder is a must, too reliant on our strikers to get our goals

[GreenCastle]

Goal scoring midfielder is a must, too reliant on our strikers to get our goals

Mallan ?

I do agree though. The lack of goals from midfield is poor and teams who play us will know that.

[overdrive]

Speed. I don’t necessarily mean in the sense of pace like Boyle. I mean someone that will get the ball moved forward quickly (I don’t mean the approach Butcher took to that) and show a bit of urgency. We are too slow in our build up play.

[Potty78]

Looking forward to seeing Mackay on one side with Boyle on the other. Doig goes we need a left back defo. Centre half and defo another striker as not having a third gave us nothing off the bench last season.

[Hibiza]

2 full/wing backs , a centre half , a quality midfielder and a quality centre forward.