Who do you want as next manager?

[JamesHFC]

Michael O'Neill for me.

Plenty of time to get the next one in.

Expect announcement of LJ tomorrow or Monday.

[S4uzee]

How do you know for sure?

[SaulGoodman]

What’s the point? A new manager won’t change our problems.

[Hibs90]

Craig Levein. Might as well go full on banter years.

Or perhaps Ron could swallow his ego and punt his head of recruitment, chief executive and manager combo, and get someone in who knows how to run a football club, and a director of football for starters.

If not he should sell before this **** results in relegation.

[ekhibee]

Michael O'Neill for me.

Plenty of time to get the next one in.

Expect announcement of LJ tomorrow or Monday.

If we do get rid of Johnson I would go for O'Neill too, but whoever it is still needs to somehow get rid of all the dross we've got just now before we can move forward.

[AL-Qaholik]

So long as none of the current hierarchy are involved in the process, I couldn’t care less who the manager is. I’d just about take Butcher back over these poisonous clowns.

[SteveHFC]

We will appoint someone else then sack him a few months later.

[Is It On....]

We can't keep getting rid of managers (But I do expect Hibs to have more than 1 shot on target against Killie!!). We need to start by sorting the recruitment department (remember it's them that also appointed Maloney and Johnson). We have signed a huge number of players (somebody on another thread said 30) since Mathie was sacked and few have got near the 1st team. Until this changes, nothing changes.

[Bridge hibs]

Michael O'Neill for me.

Plenty of time to get the next one in.

Expect announcement of LJ tomorrow or Monday.
Contract extension ?

[Saint Hibee]

What’s the point? A new manager won’t change our problems.

This. Not even sure Pep Guardiola would make much of a difference right now.

[Scorrie]

Need to get rid of most of our players as well.

[Stevie Reid]

If LJ does go, we’ll likely need a manager of O’Neill’s ilk and playing style. First job of a new manager, should we get one, will be to make us strong defensively, and much harder to beat.

We’re heading for a relegation battle and are the most poorly equipped of any side down there, in that regard. Pragmatism will be required.

[Pretty Boy]

I don't want a new manager.

I want a coherent strategy across the board. I know which is more likely though. Another sacrifice to protect the regime.

[Gatecrasher]

It won't matter as long as the same clowns are in charge of the club. For someone who preaches for stability, is love to know how we get that with our current recruitment policy?

[SteveHFC]

I don't want a new manager.

I want a coherent strategy across the board. I know which is more likely though. Another sacrifice to protect the regime.

I want the board to go too. The problems start with them.

[Hibernian Verse]

James is this the same source as your previous transfer stuff or your personal thoughts?

[eastmainsmsh]

Michael O'Neill for me.

Plenty of time to get the next one in.

Expect announcement of LJ tomorrow or Monday.

Agreed 👍

[The Modfather]

We should just save some money and not hire a new manager. Make the recruitment team pick the team each week . The manager, not Ross, not Maloney and not Johnson aren’t the route cause of our consistent issues.

[Greencore]

Martindale, knows the leagues.

[flash]

Michael O'Neill for me.

Plenty of time to get the next one in.

Expect announcement of LJ tomorrow or Monday.

Same press release as Porto's contract presumably.

[GreenCastle]

Michael O'Neill for me.

Plenty of time to get the next one in.

Expect announcement of LJ tomorrow or Monday.

To be fair you have called quite a few things before so reckon strong chance today he was told it was a must win for LJ.

Well Martindale, McKay and McInnes have all beaten us this season and they were mentioned last time.

Until we change our signing policy we will continue to bring in crap soft players. Add in a manager self destructing and you get a recipe for disaster.

[SeanWilson]

Martindale, knows the leagues.

He shouldn’t get the job based on his voice alone. No danger!!

[swin82]

Martindale, knows the leagues.

Totally agree👍🏻

[Hibs90]

I don't want a new manager.

I want a coherent strategy across the board. I know which is more likely though. Another sacrifice to protect the regime.

Exactly.

[Carheenlea]

Quite fancy O’Neil. Wouldn’t be averse to see the return of Lennon or Stubbs.

Whoever’s next will see us through till end of season then it’ll be time for another change. 6 months is a decent run for a manager under Ron Gordon.

[One Day Soon]

I don't want a new manager.

I want a coherent strategy across the board. I know which is more likely though. Another sacrifice to protect the regime.


I do.

The signings made by the wine waiter have been largely 5hite. But Johnson has also failed to get the minimally decent shape and performances out of that 5hite that can fairly be expected.

[James70]

Who would want the job unless they put a generous early pay off before their personal reputation? Hibs are the laughing stock of Scottish football.

[mcfly]

A new manager won’t solve the fundamental issue which is poor quality players, poor recruiting and no cohesive strategy of future planning.

What does Kensell do??

if Johnson goes, the Ron Gordon, his son and Kensell have to go as well.

Another waste of a season.

At least we will stay unbeaten in the league for the next 7 weeks 😄

[Vault Boy]

A head coach.

[Smartie]

What’s the point? A new manager won’t change our problems.

My thoughts exactly.

A new manager doesn't form a decent side out of those players.

Johnson is trying, he's shaking it up.

We have a handful of good players, most of whom are injured, but you're not going to make a competitive side out of the pish we currently have available even if you're Pep Guardiola.

[GreenCastle]

He shouldn’t get the job based on his voice alone. No danger!!

I don't care how the new manager speaks / looks / conducts himself as long as we get our club back and start winning games again.

The current shambles is a joke and we are so soft.

Lack of leadership and bunch of crap players.

[Unseen work]

I don’t want another manager sacked despite how brutal the form is.

If he does though I want Martindale.

The board will never pick him and tbh I’m not sure he’d come.

But Martindale with Bartley would be good imo, the pitch excuse gets overused for their success

[heretoday]

Isn’t there an up and coming young manager in the lower leagues? We don't want another old stager, do we?

[HIBERNIAN-0762]

Michael O'Neill

[blackpoolhibs]

Craig Levein. Might as well go full on banter years.

Or perhaps Ron could swallow his ego and punt his head of recruitment, chief executive and manager combo, and get someone in who knows how to run a football club, and a director of football for starters.

If not he should sell before this **** results in relegation.

That would do me, at least i'd have someone i could really hate and abuse for a bit.

[J-C]

We need to get shout of Ian Gordon first and appoint a proper DOF who knows the game, Johnson has shown why he was not overly liked by the Sunderland fans who called him Streaky Lee, he's looking decidedly clueless right now.

I'd go for Michael O'Neil, still lives here, knows the club and league well and has bags of experience.

[Vault Boy]

Honestly though, just give it to Lennon. It’ll be funny.

[Callum_62]

Honestly though, just give it to Lennon. It’ll be funny.Purely for the banter, if Johnson goes - I agree

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[GreenCastle]

A new manager won’t solve the fundamental issue which is poor quality players, poor recruiting and no cohesive strategy of future planning.

What does Kensell do??

if Johnson goes, the Ron Gordon, his son and Kensell have to go as well.

Another waste of a season.

At least we will stay unbeaten in the league for the next 7 weeks 😄

The sentence in bold is so true. But keeping the structure and LJ is only prolonging the agony and mess.

[HibeeHibernia]

Michael O'Neill for me.

Plenty of time to get the next one in.

Expect announcement of LJ tomorrow or Monday.

Pep couldn't get a tune out of these players mate the problems lie much deeper than the manager. Ron needs to accept he has made a mistake in regards to the recruitment structure and restructure that or things will continue to go the same way regardless of who is in the dugout we are circa 2017 hearts atm.

[MagicSwirlingShip]

The best managers in world football couldn’t get a tune out of this shower. The squad needs decimated and rebuilt from the ground up.

[McGruber]

Michael O'Neill

If O'Neill is available yes, no brainer. Still one of my all time favourite players (neither here nor there for management I know)

[Vault Boy]

Purely for the banter, if Johnson goes - I agree

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We’re well into a new banter era so we simply must embrace it.

[Johnny_Leith]

I don't think sacking the manager is the answer. An experienced DOF coming in is what's needed.

However that being said I wouldn't be surprised if RG did sack Johnson now. Dougie imrie would be my choice, done a superb job with Morton.

[A Hi-Bee]

Has to be between Neil Lennon, Michael O'Neil or Roy Kean.
:greengrin first and last would really shake em up.

[S4uzee]

I don't think sacking the manager is the answer. An experienced DOF coming in is what's needed.

However that being said I wouldn't be surprised if RG did sack Johnson now. Dougie imrie would be my choice, done a superb job with Morton.

For god sake, Dougie Imrie have a word

[blackpoolhibs]

Honestly though, just give it to Lennon. It’ll be funny.


Purely for the banter, if Johnson goes - I agree

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He'd at least have a go at the pricks above and tell them where they were going wrong, but levien would be funnier, someone we could all hate together without feeling guilty.

[bingo70]

Graham Arnold but I’ve not really done my transfer markt research yet so more exotic names to come.

[GloryGlory]

Pep couldn't get a tune out of these players mate the problems lie much deeper than the manager. Ron needs to accept he has made a mistake in regards to the recruitment structure and restructure that or things will continue to go the same way regardless of who is in the dugout we are circa 2017 hearts atm.

Pep with Jurgen Klopp as his assistant and Zinedine Zidane as coach couldn't get a tune out of them.

[pacoluna]

Meanwhile hecky has Sheffield United top of championship.

[Cameron1875]

I don't think we can sack another manager so quickly. Limp to the end of the season then do it then otherwise the club could honestly look unmanagable to outsiders.

[Callum_62]

What's yogi up to?

Yogi
Stubbs
Doolan
Ian Murray
Boozy

Right now I've mentioned them can we please not repeat?

[emoji23][emoji23]


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[Johnny_Leith]

For god sake, Dougie Imrie have a word

Taken Morton from staring relegation in the face to second in the league at the moment. He might not be ready just yet but looks like as a manager he's got a bit about him. Some really good results, bleeding young players well and a reasonable win % at Morton.

[Alfred E Newman]

Maybe we will have to call on big Sam Allardyce to come in and try to keep us up.

[mcfly]

I don't think sacking the manager is the answer. An experienced DOF coming in is what's needed.

However that being said I wouldn't be surprised if RG did sack Johnson now. Dougie imrie would be my choice, done a superb job with Morton.

Dougie imrie….have a word with yourself..

Hibs need a director of football
They need an experienced football recruiting dept
They need to focus on the football on the pitch not the experience off the pitch
They need to clear out the deadwood that offers nothing.
They need to get a grip as sacking managers can’t continue - it’s those same players that keep getting managers the sack - they need emptied/dropped.

Another waste of a season - hibs fans deserve so much better.

[HibeeHibernia]

Has to be between Neil Lennon, Michael O'Neil or Roy Kean.
:greengrin first and last would really shake em up.

or all 3 of them on the one staff talk about box office. :flag:

[HibeeHibernia]

Pep with Jurgen Klopp as his assistant and Zinedine Zidane as coach couldn't get a tune out of them.

:top marks

[HibeeHibernia]

Meanwhile hecky has Sheffield United top of championship.

hindsight is a wonderful thing pal

[Unseen work]

Meanwhile hecky has Sheffield United top of championship.

And JDT has Blackburn third 👀

[Is It On....]

I don’t want another manager sacked despite how brutal the form is.

If he does though I want Martindale.

The board will never pick him and tbh I’m not sure he’d come.

But Martindale with Bartley would be good imo, the pitch excuse gets overused for their success

I really like big Marv (and he likes Hibs) but do you think Martindale would be accepted by the support?

[Bostonhibby]

Elon Musk?

He seems to like a good middle management/talking suit clearout.

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[Is It On....]

What's yogi up to?

Yogi
Stubbs
Doolan
Ian Murray
Boozy

Right now I've mentioned them can we please not repeat?

[emoji23][emoji23]


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Boozy is at Hibs as a youth coach.

[Is It On....]

Elon Musk?

He seems to like a good middle management/talking suit clearout.

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Few quid to spend as well and clearly driven by success. And threatening to launch underperforming players is no idle threat 😂

[RIP]

The manager isn't the problem. We've changed managers. That tactic only results in continuous decline, disorganisaion and disarray.

What then happens is that the club gets a bad reputation amongst managers, agents, players and the media. Good managers and players won't sign so the quality of recruits also declines.

We are on a shocking run and are three points off third. Unless we end up in the bottom two, I'd give Lee another two windows to upgrade the quality in the squad.

[Silky]

Isn’t there an up and coming young manager in the lower leagues? We don't want another old stager, do we?

I wouldn't put anyone through that. There is a common denominator and they masquerade as footballers. Pep, Klopp et all couldn't get a tune out of them. Giving a manager half a season is utterly ridiculous. Nae wonder we win **** all

[coldingham hibs]

I really like big Marv (and he likes Hibs) but do you think Martindale would be accepted by the support?

Yes, would by me. All I want is a competitive team that gives everything and has enough quality to entertain.

[raeburnhibs]

I really like big Marv (and he likes Hibs) but do you think Martindale would be accepted by the support?

I'm not sure the Livvy siege mentality is repeatable at Hibs...or maybe it is with the right players, the problem is the players we have

[Willis1875]

It’ll be Steve Kean with the old he’s been working with our talented youngsters who are ready to step up with him

[Golden Bear]

No one until the current playing squad is totally revamped.

[Bostonhibby]

Few quid to spend as well and clearly driven by success. And threatening to launch underperforming players is no idle threat [emoji23]I'm not convinced he'd know how to handle St Johnstone at home in a packed Easter road on a friday under the lights though.

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[H18 SFR]

I think it will be Kean and McGregor if I’m honest.

[truehibernian]

Marvin Bartley for me 👍 with maybe Kenny Miller as assistant- yep, would be his first job but it would excite me and he gets the club, the support, and the way fans want to see us play.

[scm70nyd1973]

Michael O'Neill for me.

Plenty of time to get the next one in.

Expect announcement of LJ tomorrow or Monday.

If the war is over in Ukraine soon I’d take Zelensky 🤭

[Jim44]

We should just save some money and not hire a new manager. Make the recruitment team pick the team each week . The manager, not Ross, not Maloney and not Johnson aren’t the route cause of our consistent issues.

Letting those nonentities pick the team would be accepting relegation without any doubt. I’m still marginally hopeful that we can avoid relegation but we are sitting above 4 teams who must be confident that we are a soft touch for three points, home or away. Ron Gordon is clearly the problem but, till he sells up and, unfortunately, he won’t, we will always be the whipping boys of the SPFL. The beginning of the end was the sacking of Ross. Ok, we know JR wasn’t setting the heather on fire but his sacking was the launch pad for our freefall demise. I honestly believe that, had we allowed him to weather the storm, we would not have ended up the laughing stock we have become. Fortunately, there is no shortage of managers looking for employment, who would jump at the chance to manage a club of our reputation and potential but as long as Gordon is steering the ship, we’lll continue to drift aimlessly into obscurity.

[Hibiza]

Michael O'Neill.

[Crab apple]

I do.

The signings made by the wine waiter have been largely 5hite. But Johnson has also failed to get the minimally decent shape and performances out of that 5hite that can fairly be expected.

Me too. Michael O'Neil for me. There's a lot of chat about coherent strategies but I'm sure RG would say we have a coherent strategy. Improve hospitality, build turnover, invest in the under 19s etc. Whether that's the right strategy is surely the question given the underperformance of the first team. For me the most important part of any strategy is surely winning football games. And in that respect we're failing dismally. LJ has to share a lot of the blame for this as he seems incapable of turning things round following the pummelling at Celtic Park. And the recruitment decisions of which he is is surely a part need looked at as without Boyle we have very little quality in the team.

[Percy Vere]

I think it would be a disaster to sack LJ.
Getting worse than Leeds from a few seasons ago.
Bad for the clubs reputation and no cohesion going forward.
Don’t forget we are missing three key players in Nisbet (LJ hasn’t had him to select), Boyle and Mcgeady.
There have been positive signs and dreadful ones too.
But all in all I’d give LJ the season, I don’t believe another manager would make a big difference.
That said if LJ has lost the dressing room….

[BegbieHSC]

Lennon or Michael O’Neill, with a competent, experienced Director of Football - maybe even like Strachan.

[hibeerealist]

Letting those nonentities pick the team would be accepting relegation without any doubt. I’m still marginally hopeful that we can avoid relegation but we are sitting above 4 teams who must be confident that we are a soft touch for three points, home or away. Ron Gordon is clearly the problem but, till he sells up and, unfortunately, he won’t, we will always be the whipping boys of the SPFL. The beginning of the end was the sacking of Ross. Ok, we know JR wasn’t setting the heather on fire but his sacking was the launch pad for our freefall demise. I honestly believe that, had we allowed him to weather the storm, we would not have ended up the laughing stock we have become. Fortunately, there is no shortage of managers looking for employment, who would jump at the chance to manage a club of our reputation and potential but as long as Gordon is steering the ship, we’lll continue to drift aimlessly into obscurity.


#mmmmmmm and Ross has gone on to greater things in management???

[Crab apple]

Letting those nonentities pick the team would be accepting relegation without any doubt. I’m still marginally hopeful that we can avoid relegation but we are sitting above 4 teams who must be confident that we are a soft touch for three points, home or away. Ron Gordon is clearly the problem but, till he sells up and, unfortunately, he won’t, we will always be the whipping boys of the SPFL. The beginning of the end was the sacking of Ross. Ok, we know JR wasn’t setting the heather on fire but his sacking was the launch pad for our freefall demise. I honestly believe that, had we allowed him to weather the storm, we would not have ended up the laughing stock we have become. Fortunately, there is no shortage of managers looking for employment, who would jump at the chance to manage a club of our reputation and potential but as long as Gordon is steering the ship, we’lll continue to drift aimlessly into obscurity.

At the Livi midweek game it definitely felt like the right decision to get rid of JR. It's the recruitment decisions RG has made since that needs looked at.

[SHODAN]

Irrelevant.

[Tambo]

"I'm hurting,” said Johnson. “I'm not delusional; I hate not having that winning feeling and we all do, but when I look at the six losses, I think we should have more points from that. I've got to be careful what I say because people don't want to hear that, they don't want to hear any sort of excuse after a game. I thought the fans were great, the first thing I'd say is thanks because they were singing away until the 96th minute. We are and I am desperate to do well for them. We're only three points off third, still, and I think that shows how tight and compact the league is.”

Johnson is adamant that the return of big-hitters such as Martin Boyle, Jake Doyle-Hayes, Kyle Magennis, Aiden McGeady, and Kevin Nisbet can make a world of difference to his side in the second half of the season.

"We've got a break, and an awful lot of quality not in the team; players who can unlock a door and that's been the most frustrating thing. I really do think we'll get a lot more in the second half of the season from those players,” he continued.

[FitbaFolkKen]

Kevin Thomson


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[percy veer]

Someone who knows hibs, passionate dosnt just stand on the touchline and accept this drivel we are watching and challenges decisions , can get the fans back onside

[Allant1981]

Personally would keep johnson, get rid of a few in January and actually sign some good experienced players and not guys who might be decent in 3 or 4 years time, players like Campbell, kenneh and Henderson aren't going to make us any better

[Heisenberg]

"I'm hurting,” said Johnson. “I'm not delusional; I hate not having that winning feeling and we all do, but when I look at the six losses, I think we should have more points from that. I've got to be careful what I say because people don't want to hear that, they don't want to hear any sort of excuse after a game. I thought the fans were great, the first thing I'd say is thanks because they were singing away until the 96th minute. We are and I am desperate to do well for them. We're only three points off third, still, and I think that shows how tight and compact the league is.”

Johnson is adamant that the return of big-hitters such as Martin Boyle, Jake Doyle-Hayes, Kyle Magennis, Aiden McGeady, and Kevin Nisbet can make a world of difference to his side in the second half of the season.

"We've got a break, and an awful lot of quality not in the team; players who can unlock a door and that's been the most frustrating thing. I really do think we'll get a lot more in the second half of the season from those players,” he continued.

If JDH is seen as a “big hitter” for us we are ****ed.

[percy veer]

Kevin Thomson


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I think he'd be a disaster, took Kelty up but had a massive budget, and left when he thought it would be a challenge.

[Greencore]

Someone who knows hibs, passionate dosnt just stand on the touchline and accept this drivel we are watching and challenges decisions , can get the fans back onside

We had the yogi appointment, didn't go well.

[bingo70]

If JDH is seen as a “big hitter” for us we are ****ed.

McGeady and Magennis also can’t be relied upon to stay fit.

[FitbaFolkKen]

I think he'd be a disaster, took Kelty up but had a massive budget, and left when he thought it would be a challenge.

Probably, at least the pay off might not be as substantial as an experienced manager!

I think Mackay would do a decent job with us, don’t like him much but if he can sort this mess out then that would be grand. My gut feeling is that Steve Kean will be the next manager.


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[Golden Bear]

I think he'd be a disaster, took Kelty up but had a massive budget, and left when he thought it would be a challenge.

He left because he was promised that significant transfer funds would be made available and then they never materialised.

[AgentDaleCooper]

If we punt LJ before the end of the season, no self respecting manager will touch us for the forseeable IMO. Better take the short term hit, unless we're staring relegation in the face around February.

[Sir David Gray]

Give us Ian Gordon just for the banter.

[B.H.F.C]

Irrelevant.

Agree. This one is pretty pish and seems defeated but there are bigger problems.

[Iain G]

Ian Gordon for me!

[loanheadhibby]

Personally would keep johnson, get rid of a few in January and actually sign some good experienced players and not guys who might be decent in 3 or 4 years time, players like Campbell, kenneh and Henderson aren't going to make us any better

LJ has lost 6 of the last 7. He’s lost to the 3 bottom clubs, Killie, Dundee Utd and Ross County. He’s starting to lose the fans. We’re in a relegation battle. These 3 teams will fight and scrap for their lives.

By the way, Killie got a spanking from Utd midweek and we mustered 2 shots against them in 90 mins of football.

We play Rangers, Celtic & Hearts in 3 of next 4 games.

Are we going to leave it until we are bottom before sacking him? Get shot now.

[Jim44]

#mmmmmmm and Ross has gone on to greater things in management???

I take your point and won’t even try to disagree with it, but, who knows, maybe his experience with us affected his confidence, leading to disaster in his appointment at DUtd. What I am convinced of, is that the fashion of his sacking has become the modus operandi of footballing guru Ron Gordon, who, in my opinion, is the deep rooted problem at ER.

[WestCoastHibby]

O’Neil, Ian Murray, D Martindale in that order for me

[Hiber-nation]

If we punt LJ before the end of the season, no self respecting manager will touch us for the forseeable IMO. Better take the short term hit, unless we're staring relegation in the face around February.

Exactly. Sack another manager and we're an even bigger joke than I thought possible. What could Michael O'Neill do then while stifled by the Gordon's transfer policy?

I'm not even a huge fan of Johnson but if he's sacked before the restart it'll be the most peed off with Hibs I've been for a long long time.

[heretoday]

McPake?

[bingo70]

Exactly. Sack another manager and we're an even bigger joke than I thought possible. What could Michael O'Neill do then while stifled by the Gordon's transfer policy?

I'm not even a huge fan of Johnson but if he's sacked before the restart it'll be the most peed off with Hibs I've been for a long long time.

They could put a team out trying to win a game when playing against ***** sides who lost 4 to Dundee Utd during the week.

That team was sent out today to try and avoid defeat and I’m struggling to see past that, regardless of any other issues going on at the club, that midfield selection was on him.

[WestStandWillie]

Too much underperforming in the first team...again

I'm in two minds. Sack him and get a new manager who'll give the same substandard players a second chance or persevere and gamble on LJ getting it right.

Getting fed up watching this rinse and repeat season in and season out. Hard decisions need to be taken and if that means waving cheerio to modern day club icons then so be it. This can't continue

[Is It On....]

Ian Gordon for me!

Definitely. He has been playing FIFA for a couple of years now and it's the natural next step for him 👍

[Since452]

Johnson will be going nowhere

[chrisski33]

Martindale, knows the leagues.

Snap! Livi seem to play as a team and have fight and passion something Hibs are lacking at the moment.

[Allant1981]

Michael O'Neill for me.

Plenty of time to get the next one in.

Expect announcement of LJ tomorrow or Monday.

What time today is the announcement?

[GreenGray]

Snap! Livi seem to play as a team and have fight and passion something Hibs are lacking at the moment.

I think he is perfect for Livi and nothing more. He knows the club inside out and allowed free reign basically. Wouldn't work anywhere else, certainly not Hibs.

Edit: We shouldn't sack johnson anyway, right now we could have Pep in charge and with the current footballing set up off the pitch we would still be pish.

[Bobby's Cinema]

Unless things continue and go spectacularly wrong I'd be riding this one out.

There's been good signs and there's been plenty of weaknesses. It's a very tight league and in continuation from last season there really isn't a lot between europe and scraping around the bottom 6. Definitely stick with it. If we were to get rid of the manager now with this squad then I really would be worried - really think this is a case where I'm not sure how a change in manager improves us. It's been inconsistent but there have been signs of getting the best out of players.

I see us doing enough at home to be in and around the top6 but the worry for me is the fixtures we've not had and on the evidence of what we've seen so far some serious lessons to be learned in big away games.

[JimBHibees]

Same press release as Porto's contract presumably.

:faf::faf:

[Trinity Hibee]

Unless things continue and go spectacularly wrong I'd be riding this one out.

There's been good signs and there's been plenty of weaknesses. It's a very tight league and in continuation from last season there really isn't a lot between europe and scraping around the bottom 6. Definitely stick with it. If we were to get rid of the manager now with this squad then I really would be worried - really think this is a case where I'm not sure how a change in manager improves us. It's been inconsistent but there have been signs of getting the best out of players.

I see us doing enough at home to be in and around the top6 but the worry for me is the fixtures we've not had and on the evidence of what we've seen so far some serious lessons to be learned in big away games.

Agreed. It’s another season where it looks Europe is beyond which is disappointing but sacking another manager just keeps this farce going for longer. Need to give him January and the summer to revamp this squad

[GreenGray]

Agreed. It’s another season where it looks Europe is beyond which is disappointing but sacking another manager just keeps this farce going for longer. Need to give him January and the summer to revamp this squad

Is Europe really beyond us already? We are what, three points off third? Hearts and Aberdeen aren't exactly great teams either. Yes we are on a bad run of form, but before that we were on a great run of form.

[Since452]

Michael O'Neill for me.

Plenty of time to get the next one in.

Expect announcement of LJ tomorrow or Monday.

Any word on the announcement yet? 5pm?

[Trinity Hibee]

Is Europe really beyond us already? We are what, three points off third? Hearts and Aberdeen aren't exactly great teams either. Yes we are on a bad run of form, but before that we were on a great run of form.

Mathematically it isn’t but going by performances and results against teams out with the OF we are miles behind. I guess the real point we’ll know where we are is after the derby once we’ve played the OF and hearts twice. The defeats against non OF teams is already too high for teams historically achieving 3rd

[GreenGray]

Mathematically it isn’t but going by performances and results against teams out with the OF we are miles behind. I guess the real point we’ll know where we are is after the derby once we’ve played the OF and hearts twice. The defeats against non OF teams is already too high for teams historically achieving 3rd

I wouldn't look to much into historic points totals. It seems like it is going to be a season where anyone can beat anyone out with the OF.

[Trinity Hibee]

I wouldn't look to much into historic points totals. It seems like it is going to be a season where anyone can beat anyone out with the OF.

Admire your optimism!

[JimBHibees]

Any word on the announcement yet? 5pm?

He isn't going anywhere imo and rightly so.

[cabbageandribs1875]

Michael O'Neill for me.

Plenty of time to get the next one in.

Expect announcement of LJ tomorrow or Monday.


that was quite a Bold prediction/statement/announcement :greengrin

[Ronniekirk]

Anyone who thinks L J will be sacked before the league starts up again is going to be disappointed
He has bought into Ron s project and been identified as the right fit for that
Ie a medium to long term project whereby part of L J s job is to develop and add value to the promising talent we are bringing in That’s the Model and we won’t see the fruits of that if any till further down the line
So unless Ron thinks his model is right but it’s L j thst isn’t the right fit ,He is going nowhere fast
If he is the right fit then Ron has to accept the Recruitment team aren’t identifying the right players but with his son a part of this team that could impair his thinking
But it’s probably too early to make that call
Plus financially I don’t think we can afford to pay him snd his backroom team off at present
What role does Kensell play in all this I am not sure as he brokered the deal that led to us forking out the money to bring in the two lads from Norway
If L J now doesn’t have total control over who comes in he needs to make it clear that has to be the case going forward
But put all that to one side and L J has inherited key players who have snd continue to be injury prone and not really brought in anyone that improves us massively
Boyle had to be brought back when he became available as it was clear we lacked pace snd goals
But with Boyle out the last few games we have struggled big time
All in all it’s feeling like we are in a longer period of transition and we need to be patient
Or We are in a mess too to bottom as a club with an inexperienced owner who isn’t getting the right advice from the Chief Executive
The January window isn’t the best time to bring in a new manager either unless Ron thinks we are looking like getting relegated
Decision s Decisions

[GreenGray]

Admire your optimism!

Not optimistic, just realistic!

[S4uzee]

that was quite a Bold prediction/statement/announcement :greengrin

Absolute drivel

[WhileTheChief..]

Honestly though, just give it to Lennon. It’ll be funny.


Purely for the banter, if Johnson goes - I agree

Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk


:top marksTotally agree.

We'd get a laugh, have some banter and ER would be bouncing once again.

Natural Order / Aeroplane / Ear Cupping - Love It :greengrin:greengrin:greengrin

[zitelli62]

Snap! Livi seem to play as a team and have fight and passion something Hibs are lacking at the moment.

A man that's ruined the amount of lives he's ruined not for me .

[He's here!]

I wouldn't look to much into historic points totals. It seems like it is going to be a season where anyone can beat anyone out with the OF.

We don't appear capable of beating anyone at present.

[He's here!]

Is Europe really beyond us already? We are what, three points off third? Hearts and Aberdeen aren't exactly great teams either. Yes we are on a bad run of form, but before that we were on a great run of form.

When that 'great' run of form is followed by 6 defeats in 7 it starts to look significantly less great. Looking at our 4 festive fixtures it's not unrealistic to suggest we'll lose all of them, by which time we'll likely just be grateful that those earlier 4 wins are keeping us off bottom spot.

[flash]

When that 'great' run of form is followed by 6 defeats in 7 it starts to look significantly less great. Looking at our 4 festive fixtures it's not unrealistic to suggest we'll lose all of them, by which time we'll likely just be grateful that those earlier 4 wins are keeping us off bottom spot.

We know. You have told us about 25 times in the last two days.

[GreenGray]

When that 'great' run of form is followed by 6 defeats in 7 it starts to look significantly less great. Looking at our 4 festive fixtures it's not unrealistic to suggest we'll lose all of them, by which time we'll likely just be grateful that those earlier 4 wins are keeping us off bottom spot.

If buts and maybes. Why not wait until after the 4 games?

You think sacking him will change anything?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[California-Hibs]

Can't believe all the speculation of names when quite obviously Johnson isn't getting sacked. He's 4 months into a 4 year deal. Its the recruitment team bellow him that have failed and the quicker Ron realizes this the better!

[Paulie Walnuts]

Can't believe all the speculation of names when quite obviously Johnson isn't getting sacked. He's 4 months into a 4 year deal. Its the recruitment team bellow him that have failed and the quicker Ron realizes this the better!

Whilst you’re absolutely right, it’ll be LJ who is gone before the recruitment team unfortunately, of that I’ve no doubt.

[happiehibbie]

So long as none of the current hierarchy are involved in the process, I couldn’t care less who the manager is. I’d just about take Butcher back over these poisonous clowns.

So you think the guy with al,. the money all the responsibility, keeps the lights on for not much return on his investment (I Think) will not be involved. If you don't want him involved then you need either pony up yourself and buy the club from him or find someone who can I am sure there are plenty people out there standing waiting. :) GGTTH

[happiehibbie]

What about bringing Michael O'Neil in along side LJ co manager role !!

[Since452]

:top marksTotally agree.

We'd get a laugh, have some banter and ER would be bouncing once again.

Natural Order / Aeroplane / Ear Cupping - Love It :greengrin:greengrin:greengrin

Wonder if he'd get us out of the Championship again as that's where we'd be headed if Lennon returned.

[Lago]

When that 'great' run of form is followed by 6 defeats in 7 it starts to look significantly less great. Looking at our 4 festive fixtures it's not unrealistic to suggest we'll lose all of them, by which time we'll likely just be grateful that those earlier 4 wins are keeping us off bottom spot.
Doom, doom, doom and more doom 😭

[thebausburst]

Doom, doom, doom and more doom 😭

More like realism, realism and more realism unfortunately.

[WhileTheChief..]

Wonder if he'd get us out of the Championship again as that's where we'd be headed if Lennon returned.

Ach, that’s an awfully negative view to take.

Do you think we’re in danger of relegation with LJ in charge or only if Lennon gets the job?

You’d be 100% behind him if he was to get it?

[HibeeHibernia]

Can't believe all the speculation of names when quite obviously Johnson isn't getting sacked. He's 4 months into a 4 year deal. Its the recruitment team bellow him that have failed and the quicker Ron realizes this the better!

I'm led to believe a contract isn't worth the paper it's written on mate if he is under performing I'm sure they can sack him and write off the remainder off the contract. :flag:

[CockneyRebel]

I'm led to believe a contract isn't worth the paper it's written on mate if he is under performing I'm sure they can sack him and write off the remainder off the contract. :flag:


Can't see LJ signing a contract like that (or any other manager come to that). Would you?

[andrew70]

I wonder if a father and son have been sacked on the same day? His dad’s team (Torquay) getting hammered, albeit by Derby County, tonight.

[Skol]

Lee Johnson

[bingo70]

https://twitter.com/grahamspiers/status/1592612135758020609?s=46&t=441ZhLsAy3W0qm2dGKGkgA

Interesting wee exert from a recent interview Ron had with Graham Spiers.

Last bit in particular caught my attention about it being a results business. No talk of a long term project and manager needing lots of time etc. i thought this appointment would be given loads of time after what happened last season but that interview would suggest different.

[PaulSmith]

I don't want a new manager.

I want a coherent strategy across the board. I know which is more likely though. Another sacrifice to protect the regime.

100% where I am. 👍

[B.H.F.C]

https://twitter.com/grahamspiers/status/1592612135758020609?s=46&t=441ZhLsAy3W0qm2dGKGkgA

Interesting wee exert from a recent interview Ron had with Graham Spiers.

Last bit in particular caught my attention about it being a results business. No talk of a long term project and manager needing lots of time etc. i thought this appointment would be given loads of time after what happened last season but that interview would suggest different.

I don’t think he’ll go yet, but I’m not convinced he’ll last too long after the break.

Manager will continue to be the one to be sacrificed in the current set up. Not convinced it’s even a case of those above the manager not admitting to their mistakes, they genuinely think they’re doing the right things IMO.

[cameronw-hfc]

I don’t think he’ll go yet, but I’m not convinced he’ll last too long after the break.

Manager will continue to be the one to be sacrificed in the current set up. Not convinced it’s even a case of those above the manager not admitting to their mistakes, they genuinely think they’re doing the right things IMO.



This is from weeks ago. Graham posting it now just to steal some views and look like it's relevant, but the quote wasn't made whilst our form was this bad.

Not that I think he's close to being sacked, but this doesn't prove of disprove any notion of it as it's an old quote.

[NC1875]

Michael ONeil director of football ?

[bingo70]

This is from weeks ago. Graham posting it now just to steal some views and look like it's relevant, but the quote wasn't made whilst our form was this bad.

Not that I think he's close to being sacked, but this doesn't prove of disprove any notion of it as it's an old quote.

I’m not sure it’s relevant when the quote is from to be honest.

Ron is saying it’s a results business and if he’s not getting the results then it’ll cost him his job. There’s no long term project about the Hibs managers job, get results or you’ll get sacked is my take from that wee bit of the interview.

I don’t think he’ll be sacked now but by the same token, I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if he was.

[B.H.F.C]

This is from weeks ago. Graham posting it now just to steal some views and look like it's relevant, but the quote wasn't made whilst our form was this bad.

Not that I think he's close to being sacked, but this doesn't prove of disprove any notion of it as it's an old quote.

The fact we weren’t in bad form at the time makes it even more prevalent IMO.

Think Johnson will still be in charge when we return but that run of games once we’re back will be decisive for him. We’re already on a run of 1 win and 6 defeats in 7. If that extends to 1 or 2 in 11 (as most will expect it to) we know from the last couple of managers that he simply doesn’t tolerate it. No reason to think this manager will be treated any differently.

[Smartie]

This is from weeks ago. Graham posting it now just to steal some views and look like it's relevant, but the quote wasn't made whilst our form was this bad.

Not that I think he's close to being sacked, but this doesn't prove of disprove any notion of it as it's an old quote.

If it was from a few weeks ago and Ron was able to suggest “we’ve gone through some tough times since Lee has arrived” then I’d be interested to know how Ron might describe the situation after the last 3 games.

[bingo70]

If it was from a few weeks ago and Ron was able to suggest “we’ve gone through some tough times since Lee has arrived” then I’d be interested to know how Ron might describe the situation after the last 3 games.

I also wondered if there was something in the timing of Spiers posting that. Has he heard something or expecting something?

Not sure the timing of the World Cup break is great for any struggling managers out there.

[Unseen work]

I really don’t want him sacked.

We need continuity.

But if we do, it’s got to be Martindale for me.

[cameronw-hfc]

I really don’t want him sacked.

We need continuity.

But if we do, it’s got to be Martindale for me.


God no. Butcher all over

[Colr]

Jon Dahl Tomasson must thank his lucky stars he didn’t get offer the Hibs gig!

[HibeeHibernia]

Can't see LJ signing a contract like that (or any other manager come to that). Would you?

My point is that all managers contracts aren't worth a jot if they don't live up to their objectives, should we sack him I'm pretty sure we wouldn't have to pay up 4 years worth of salary, happy to be proved wrong though mate :flag:

[bingo70]

My point is that all managers contracts aren't worth a jot if they don't live up to their objectives, should we sack him I'm pretty sure we wouldn't have to pay up 4 years worth of salary, happy to be proved wrong though mate :flag:

Pretty sure you’re right and that is the case. I think in the past it’s been confirmed we typically pay about 4 months salary as compensation.

Getting sacked from the Scottish clubs isn’t the same lucrative industry it is in England.

[HibeeHibernia]

Pretty sure you’re right and that is the case. I think in the past it’s been confirmed we typically pay about 4 months salary as compensation.

Getting sacked from the Scottish clubs isn’t the same lucrative industry it is in England.

aye a thought that was the case mate as no way would we be able to afford to pay off the last two managers full contracts and then give this guy a 4 year deal!

aye you're no wrong there! :flag:

[He's here!]

I really don’t want him sacked.

We need continuity.

But if we do, it’s got to be Martindale for me.

I'd have scoffed at that not so long ago, but surely he couldn't do any worse.

[Donegal Hibby]

Id like to see Johnson given more time to turn things around and I think he will get that too . I find some of the names being put forward for Hibs Job are quite poor Martindale and Roy Keane been about the worse along with a few others . Something like 7 managers in the last 12 years isn't doing our club any good.

[GreenPJ]

God no. Butcher all over

:agree:

[Unseen work]

Id like to see Johnson given more time to turn things around and I think he will get that too . I find some of the names being put forward for Hibs Job are quite poor Martindale and Roy Keane been about the worse along with a few others . Something like 7 managers in the last 12 years isn't doing our club any good.

I completely agree re Johnson needs more time.

Said before that we bed consistency and to put a plan into action instead of scrapping it completely.

Awful form but not far behind, once Nisbet, McGeady, Nisbet, Doyle-Hayes McKirdy, Mitchell and Magennis get and stay fit we’re a much different team who can compete at the top end.

I’m looking forward to January and think there will be some really good signings, this will be the first window in a year that hasn’t been rushed as the last 2 we’ve appointed managers just before it. Johnson will have been planning on this since the day he joined so him and the recruitment team will have a much better idea of type of player they want.

I know everyone knocks the recruitment team but how they’ve had to rush and change targets very late on after sacking Ross and Maloney must be infuriating and will obviously play a big part.

The last window we had that wasn’t rushed was Summer 2021 when Ross was manager and Mathie ultimately mucked up on with McGrath and McCart.

I have high expectations for January. Between the board, recruitment team and Johnson having a much clearer plan Johnson will also know who’s not good enough

[HibeeHibernia]

Id like to see Johnson given more time to turn things around and I think he will get that too . I find some of the names being put forward for Hibs Job are quite poor Martindale and Roy Keane been about the worse along with a few others . Something like 7 managers in the last 12 years isn't doing our club any good.

I agree but I honestly think the next block of games will be his last mate, the mental thing is though is that he said we would take some pastings and the first real pasting we have had he's lost his way and all of a sudden doesn't know his best team or what system to play. :flag:

[Donegal Hibby]

I completely agree re Johnson needs more time.

Said before that we bed consistency and to put a plan into action instead of scrapping it completely.

Awful form but not far behind, once Nisbet, McGeady, Nisbet, Doyle-Hayes McKirdy, Mitchell and Magennis get and stay fit we’re a much different team who can compete at the top end.

I’m looking forward to January and think there will be some really good signings, this will be the first window in a year that hasn’t been rushed as the last 2 we’ve appointed managers just before it. Johnson will have been planning on this since the day he joined so him and the recruitment team will have a much better idea of type of player they want.

I know everyone knocks the recruitment team but how they’ve had to rush and change targets very late on after sacking Ross and Maloney must be infuriating and will obviously play a big part.

The last window we had that wasn’t rushed was Summer 2021 when Ross was manager and Mathie ultimately mucked up on with McGrath and McCart.

I have high expectations for January. Between the board, recruitment team and Johnson having a much clearer plan Johnson will also know who’s not good enough
I'm still pretty hopeful we will come good again , we had a lot of players injured and quite a few first team players too. Kevin Nisbet is massive one for me too , I honestly believe he's our best striker and will score goals in this team also I've been one of Mckirdys biggest critics but I thought he looked lively in last game . I have high hopes for January transfer window as well .I do get the fans frustrations though but think it wouldn't do us any good to start a new project all over again manager wise . Even Sir Alex Ferguson was rumoured to have been close to the sack in his first year .For me we just have to " perservere " for awhile longer.

[Donegal Hibby]

Found this a interesting read
https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/spfl/scottish-premiership/lee-johnson-should-not-hibs-25529632

[RIP]

Given the squad that we have at the moment, there's absolutely no guarantee that the next manager won't do a worse job.

Rebuilding a team takes 2 or 3 windows and anyone who thinks otherwise needs to convince me by giving SPL examples.

[green day]

Found this a interesting read
https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/spfl/scottish-premiership/lee-johnson-should-not-hibs-25529632

Sounds like he's just lifted his story from various threads on here to be honest......

[Jones28]

Johnson needs to be given the rest of the season, and unless it’s a complete disaster (9/10th place or lower, terrible football etc) should be given time and the opportunity to turn it around.

Gordon made the mistake with Jack Ross (sacked too soon) and I don’t think he will do the same with Johnson.

[HibeeHibernia]

Johnson needs to be given the rest of the season, and unless it’s a complete disaster (9/10th place or lower, terrible football etc) should be given time and the opportunity to turn it around.

Gordon made the mistake with Jack Ross (sacked too soon) and I don’t think he will do the same with Johnson.

He should be but if we haven't won a game come the 2nd of January and that lot beat us it will be curtains for him imo mate. :flag:

[Jones28]

He should be but if we haven't won a game come the 2nd of January and that lot beat us it will be curtains for him imo mate. :flag:

It's would be hard to argue with that in fairness.

I could take defeats going in to January but it would be more about the manner of the defeats. If we go out with a wimper that would be more concerning.

[Paulie Walnuts]

It's would be hard to argue with that in fairness.

I could take defeats going in to January but it would be more about the manner of the defeats. If we go out with a wimper that would be more concerning.

I’m not sure about that. No wins in the next 4, even if they are all valiant efforts will see him gone I reckon.

I think he probably needs 4 points to have a chance and 6 would keep his job.

[Gloucester Hibs]

I’m not sure about that. No wins in the next 4, even if they are all valiant efforts will see him gone I reckon.

I think he probably needs 4 points to have a chance and 6 would keep his job.

3 points might be enough if it came in one particular game :greengrin

[Paulie Walnuts]

3 points might be enough if it came in one particular game :greengrin

I was going to say that but then I’m not sure he’d make it to the Hearts game if he loses the first 3!

[HibeeHibernia]

It's would be hard to argue with that in fairness.

I could take defeats going in to January but it would be more about the manner of the defeats. If we go out with a wimper that would be more concerning.

The rangers game will take care of its self I think it'll be how we perform in the livi and hearts games that decides his fate mate personally I hope he stays for another season at least as Rome wasn't built in a day :flag:

[OldEast]

I want to see if Ron understands yet we need more experienced players. For me LJ should get the January window regardless of results before then.

[Jones28]

I’m not sure about that. No wins in the next 4, even if they are all valiant efforts will see him gone I reckon.

I think he probably needs 4 points to have a chance and 6 would keep his job.

But that leaves us right back where we were between Maloney and Ross.

The late autumn/winter time sacking is very rarely successful, and has been occasionally disastrous. You cannot sack a manager after 1 transfer window whilst also changing the structure in which they operate - particularly around transfers.

Johnson has, just, done enough for me to feel he gets until the summer. Then there's all sorts of measure we can use to judge performance; position, points, goals scored, certain individual results etc etc.

[Paulie Walnuts]

But that leaves us right back where we were between Maloney and Ross.

The late autumn/winter time sacking is very rarely successful, and has been occasionally disastrous. You cannot sack a manager after 1 transfer window whilst also changing the structure in which they operate - particularly around transfers.

Johnson has, just, done enough for me to feel he gets until the summer. Then there's all sorts of measure we can use to judge performance; position, points, goals scored, certain individual results etc etc.

I agree with you mostly. I just don’t think he’ll survive after the next 4 fixtures. I don’t think that should be the case though.

[MrSmith]

For me and IMO, after the Ross County game, in his post match chat he sounded so downbeat and almost as though he'd given up. I don't blame him given the amount of dross he has to work with. Again, IMO, there appears to be no structure to our signing just this scattergun approach to it all. We need experience and leaders, we are getting children for a B-Team. I would like to see Leeanne return and DOF to ensure we get back on track. I hope we don't sack LJ.

[Since452]

We'll lose the Rangers game and in all likelihood we'll lose at Tynecastle. Will we beat Livingston? Doubt it. I'd be surprised if we take more than zero points from them. Three very difficult fixtures which Lee and the team should have had a bit of credit in the bank going in to. Defeats to dross like Dundee United, Killie and Ross County has put serious pressure on him going in to these games. If he were then to lose his job off the back of it then you couldn't really say it wasn't coming. I hope he gets the time and I really want him to do well as i like him and his philosophy but we cant go on getting beat. My concern isn't so much losing these games, i've kind of resigned myself that we will, it's how badly we'll lose them. A dodgy decision or sending off and we're likely to fall apart. Ibrox and Tynecastle? We'll be like lambs to the slaughter. Anyway where's that Prozac?

[Donegal Hibby]

Four very tough games coming up for Lee Johnson no doubt about it though still feel we should give him till end of season at the least . Jack Ross sacking was awful bad timing imo , Maloney was a disastrous appointment and thought he was another Cathro. Johnson's appointment I was happy with but we are on a bad run and managers before this have come and gone too in fairly quick time as well .The names put forward on this thread don't fill me with any great confidence either .
Kevin Thomson = one managers job at lower level and a Hun into the bargain.
Marvin Bartley = Really like the guy but has never managed.
Ian Murray= what's he done like to even be considered for Hibs job ?.
James mcpake = see above.
Roy Keane = numerous clubs and hasn't done well also a very fiery and volatile character.
David Martindale = Don't like his past history . Doing ok with Livy on there plastic pitch but nothing more than that.
Michael O'Neill = Done well at Northern Ireland but Stoke fans were glad to see him go for playing negative footie .
Alan Stubbs = Legend who won us cup but struggled to get us out of championship and couldn't wait to leave.
Neill Lennon = Got Hibs out of championship and into premier,then Europe before everything went bad also went on a bad run like Johnson too . Fiery and volatile character too.Just don't see any of these any better than what we've got and changing managers is only going to put us back to square one again

[jeffers]

I want to see if Ron understands yet we need more experienced players. For me LJ should get the January window regardless of results before then.

This is the bit I struggle with to some extent. Isn’t it up to Johnson to insist on more experienced players ? I don’t believe he was so desperate for a job he took it with the understanding he couldn’t sign the type of players he wanted, he’s ultimately setting himself up to fail otherwise.

[Paulie Walnuts]

This is the bit I struggle with to some extent. Isn’t it up to Johnson to insist on more experienced players ? I don’t believe he was so desperate for a job he took it with the understanding he couldn’t sign the type of players he wanted, he’s ultimately setting himself up to fail otherwise.

He moaned about the fact he wasn’t getting them in the summer. That to me suggests he was expecting the recruitment team to get him them but they never.

[jeffers]

He moaned about the fact he wasn’t getting them in the summer. That to me suggests he was expecting the recruitment team to get him them but they never.

Possibly, but I think the inability to move others on - he said two or three is my recollection and we only managed to move on Doidge, then spending the remaining budget bringing back Boyle probably had a greater impact.

[silverhibee]

This is the bit I struggle with to some extent. Isn’t it up to Johnson to insist on more experienced players ? I don’t believe he was so desperate for a job he took it with the understanding he couldn’t sign the type of players he wanted, he’s ultimately setting himself up to fail otherwise.

LJ has said he has the final say on signings, none of his signings are making it in to the team, a couple, but he is still going with the same midfield that have been rotten for last couple of seasons, 1, you don’t get good players in the January window, it will be a couple of loans and we might sign someone on a long term contract and McGennis will just be coming back from injury and it will be like having a new player coming in to the team :rolleyes: week later he’s out injured again, 2. do we trust LJ the January window to bring in players after the summer disaster.

1 point from our next 4 games will see him gone, and we might not even get a point. :greengrin

[jeffers]

LJ has said he has the final say on signings, none of his signings are making it in to the team, a couple, but he is still going with the same midfield that have been rotten for last couple of seasons, 1, you don’t get good players in the January window, it will be a couple of loans and we might sign someone on a long term contract and McGennis will just be coming back from injury and it will be like having a new player coming in to the team :rolleyes: week later he’s out injured again, 2. do we trust LJ the January window to bring in players after the summer disaster.

1 point from our next 4 games will see him gone, and we might not even get a point. :greengrin

If we only manage that he should be gone imo.

[Basildon Hibs]

LJ has said he has the final say on signings, none of his signings are making it in to the team, a couple, but he is still going with the same midfield that have been rotten for last couple of seasons, 1, you don’t get good players in the January window, it will be a couple of loans and we might sign someone on a long term contract and McGennis will just be coming back from injury and it will be like having a new player coming in to the team :rolleyes: week later he’s out injured again, 2. do we trust LJ the January window to bring in players after the summer disaster.

1 point from our next 4 games will see him gone, and we might not even get a point. :greengrin

Correct.He'll be toast - and rightly so.The fitba manager equivalent of 'Swiss Tony'

👍

[Smartie]

LJ has said he has the final say on signings, none of his signings are making it in to the team, a couple, but he is still going with the same midfield that have been rotten for last couple of seasons, 1, you don’t get good players in the January window, it will be a couple of loans and we might sign someone on a long term contract and McGennis will just be coming back from injury and it will be like having a new player coming in to the team :rolleyes: week later he’s out injured again, 2. do we trust LJ the January window to bring in players after the summer disaster.

1 point from our next 4 games will see him gone, and we might not even get a point. :greengrin

Not sure I agree that you don't get good players in the January window.

You rarely get the best permanent signings who become a bedrock of your team for years to come in January, true, but we did a cracking job for a few years there of correcting poor summers with some great loan signings in January.

Unfortunately the Ian Gordon era has generally meant disastrous summer windows that couldn't be salvaged in January no matter how hard we tried - and I suspect the same might be true again here - but if you've got a team 80% + of the way there, I think you can get some cracking players to put in a proper shift for you over the second half of a season.

Again - whether our current recruitment structure has what it takes to identify then sign them, I'm not so sure.

[MWHIBBIES]

LJ has said he has the final say on signings, none of his signings are making it in to the team, a couple, but he is still going with the same midfield that have been rotten for last couple of seasons, 1, you don’t get good players in the January window, it will be a couple of loans and we might sign someone on a long term contract and McGennis will just be coming back from injury and it will be like having a new player coming in to the team :rolleyes: week later he’s out injured again, 2. do we trust LJ the January window to bring in players after the summer disaster.

1 point from our next 4 games will see him gone, and we might not even get a point. :greengrin

What about all the good players we've signed in January previously?

[hibsforeurope]

Meanwhile hecky has Sheffield United top of championship.

He's not having to work with Ron and Co now though.

[Jones28]

LJ has said he has the final say on signings, none of his signings are making it in to the team, a couple, but he is still going with the same midfield that have been rotten for last couple of seasons, 1, you don’t get good players in the January window, it will be a couple of loans and we might sign someone on a long term contract and McGennis will just be coming back from injury and it will be like having a new player coming in to the team :rolleyes: week later he’s out injured again, 2. do we trust LJ the January window to bring in players after the summer disaster.

1 point from our next 4 games will see him gone, and we might not even get a point. :greengrin


You definitely can make good signings in January. Maybe not permanent ones, but you can.

[Jones28]

Correct.He'll be toast - and rightly so.The fitba manager equivalent of 'Swiss Tony'

👍


Absolute *****. "Swiss Tony"?

Jambo levels of banter.

[J-C]

LJ has said he has the final say on signings, none of his signings are making it in to the team, a couple, but he is still going with the same midfield that have been rotten for last couple of seasons, 1, you don’t get good players in the January window, it will be a couple of loans and we might sign someone on a long term contract and McGennis will just be coming back from injury and it will be like having a new player coming in to the team :rolleyes: week later he’s out injured again, 2. do we trust LJ the January window to bring in players after the summer disaster.

1 point from our next 4 games will see him gone, and we might not even get a point. :greengrin


Like Ross before him, they were relying on Magennis being fit and turning into the new McGinn, unfortunately as we've seen that isn't happening any time soon, by doing so and not getting some form of replacement has been a huge mistake for Ross, Maloney and now Johnston. Going with 3 players who were one of the reasons Ross got sacked and hoping on Magennis, was very short sighted and thinking Henderson was maybe going to be the answer is another mistake. Bringing in Kenneh is a step in the right direction but the laddie hasn't played any senior games before this season and at times his rawness is obvious, he'll get better though. I think Johnson's thinking was to bring in loads of attacking players who can play across the front 3 positions and try to runs over teams with pace and skill, That's all very well in FM or FIFA but not in reality and especially this league, unless you have lots of money to get the players Celtic have. Brought in a hoard of players and we're still needing at least another 4-5.

[MWHIBBIES]

Like Ross before him, they were relying on Magennis being fit and turning into the new McGinn, unfortunately as we've seen that isn't happening any time soon, by doing so and not getting some form of replacement has been a huge mistake for Ross, Maloney and now Johnston. Going with 3 players who were one of the reasons Ross got sacked and hoping on Magennis, was very short sighted and thinking Henderson was maybe going to be the answer is another mistake. Bringing in Kenneh is a step in the right direction but the laddie hasn't played any senior games before this season and at times his rawness is obvious, he'll get better though. I think Johnson's thinking was to bring in loads of attacking players who can play across the front 3 positions and try to runs over teams with pace and skill, That's all very well in FM or FIFA but not in reality and especially this league, unless you have lots of money to get the players Celtic have. Brought in a hoard of players and we're still needing at least another 4-5.

It still cracks me up folk think midfield has been a bigger problem than our forwards this season. Joe Newell has been better and more consistent than any of our forward players this season, including Boyle. They are the ones who desperately need to step up for us, score, create (not just the midfielders jobs, I know, crazy suggestion) and take the pressure off us.

[Since452]

It still cracks me up folk think midfield has been a bigger problem than our forwards this season. Joe Newell has been better and more consistent than any of our forward players this season, including Boyle. They are the ones who desperately need to step up for us, score, create (not just the midfielders jobs, I know, crazy suggestion) and take the pressure off us.

I agree. About time our forwards stepped up.

[Tambo]

Former Hibernian boss Alan Stubbs has warned his old club they risk turning into the Watford of the Scottish game if they sack under-fire manager Lee Johnson.

[HibeeHibernia]

Former Hibernian boss Alan Stubbs has warned his old club they risk turning into the Watford of the Scottish game if they sack under-fire manager Lee Johnson.

If only we had Watford's transfer budget

[hibsforeurope]

Former Hibernian boss Alan Stubbs has warned his old club they risk turning into the Watford of the Scottish game if they sack under-fire manager Lee Johnson.

He's not wrong we can't keep sacking managers at this rate, the reputation of the club is already on the downward spiral, but we also have to get the right person in in the 1st place.

[GreenCastle]

The common theme is recruitment at the club seems to be very hit or miss.

Think it’s fair to be asking questions about the way the club has changed so many staff last couple years.

[GreenGray]

It still cracks me up folk think midfield has been a bigger problem than our forwards this season. Joe Newell has been better and more consistent than any of our forward players this season, including Boyle. They are the ones who desperately need to step up for us, score, create (not just the midfielders jobs, I know, crazy suggestion) and take the pressure off us.

Bar Campbell's early season flurry of goals, there has been almost no goals or creativity from midfield. Exact same as last season.

I like Newell and kenneh and they are good at what they do but we are crying out for a creative forward thinking midfielder who can play the forwards in behind but also chip in with goals himself.

Currently the majority of our chances are coming from poor balls in form the full backs you can't blame the forwards when the chances being created for them are of poor quality.

[number9dream]

I agree. About time our forwards stepped up.

Last couple of games we had two young lads up top who can’t have started 20 senior games between them. That’s down to injuries and poor recruitment. A recurring theme… Hopefully the picture improves after the break with Nisbet on his way back and we just have to pray Boyle doesn’t need any kind of operation to sort out his current problem.
The outlook is bleak for Johnson unless these big players can come back and make an impact.

[superfurryhibby]

Bar Campbell's early season flurry of goals, there has been almost no goals or creativity from midfield. Exact same as last season.

I like Newell and kenneh and they are good at what they do but we are crying out for a creative forward thinking midfielder who can play the forwards in behind but also chip in with goals himself.

Currently the majority of our chances are coming from poor balls in form the full backs you can't blame the forwards when the chances being created for them are of poor quality.

Of course, it's laughably obvious that our midfield is devoid of goalscoring threat. Predictable and lacking the ability to beat a man, make a decisive pass or by run beyond and into space that matters. Our forwards haven't been on fire, but they have to live on the meagre scraps created by another aimless cross into the box.

[J-C]

Of course, it's laughably obvious that our midfield is devoid of goalscoring threat. Predictable and lacking the ability to beat a man, make a decisive pass or by run beyond and into space that matters. Our forwards haven't been on fire, but they have to live on the meagre scraps created by another aimless cross into the box.

This my point, workmanlike midfield are all well and good but we've had no creativity since Allan. I think McGeady was meant to be the creativity but injury again scuppered that, this applies to Magennis also. Our midfield balance is all wrong.

[GreenGray]

If Johnson does get sacked (personally think he shouldn't) I don't think we should rock the boat for the next appointment. No projects, no young or untested, someone who knows Scottish football. When you look at the coaches doing well in this league it appears you don't need to be some highly rated coach. You just need to be semi competent and be pally with the Scottish media (half the battle up here).

Given the standard of the league it appears to finish third or fourth you don't need to be some unbelievable team you just need to stay semi-consistent, there must be a manager out there who can do that with our squad?

[OldEast]

I don't see any manager worth his salt doing well at Hibs under the Gordons.

[Donegal Hibby]

I don't see any manager worth his salt doing well at Hibs under the Gordons.
If we keep sacking managers no worthwhile manager going to want the Hibs job anyhow

[bingo70]

If we keep sacking managers no worthwhile manager going to want the Hibs job anyhow

Worthwhile remembering the only manager that was sacked after a short period of time was Maloney, who was clearly miles out his depth.

Any comparisons to the likes of Watford at this stage is way off.

I wouldn’t sack LJ just now but I think regardless of any other issues in the background, he will be aware that he’s in a business where he needs to get results. If he’s not doing that, his job will be at risk the same way it would be anywhere else.

[Donegal Hibby]

Worthwhile remembering the only manager that was sacked after a short period of time was Maloney, who was clearly miles out his depth.

Any comparisons to the likes of Watford at this stage is way off.

I wouldn’t sack LJ just now but I think regardless of any other issues in the background, he will be aware that he’s in a business where he needs to get results. If he’s not doing that, his job will be at risk the same way it would be anywhere else.
Sorry ,what I read must be wrong that in last 12 years we have sacked 5 managers , 2 leaving by mutual consent, 1 resigned and the other leaving us for another club .Maybe some of these weren't sacked though its pretty Grim stuff that this is our 10th manager in 12 years maybe not up there with Watford yet but it's still a alarming rate of managers. Totally agree that if LJ doesn't turn it around he will have to go but he has stated he needs 2 or 3 transfer windows let's give him January one at the very least and see how things go!

[MWHIBBIES]

Bar Campbell's early season flurry of goals, there has been almost no goals or creativity from midfield. Exact same as last season.

I like Newell and kenneh and they are good at what they do but we are crying out for a creative forward thinking midfielder who can play the forwards in behind but also chip in with goals himself.

Currently the majority of our chances are coming from poor balls in form the full backs you can't blame the forwards when the chances being created for them are of poor quality.

How many goals should a midfield be scoring?

Newell 3
Henderson 4
Campbell 5?
Kenneh 1

Plenty goals from midfield this season. Not the problem. Our midfield, especially Newell, consistently put our forwards in good positions. Kilmarnock win, Newell put 2 on a plate. Brilliant passes Vs St mirren and St Johnsone should've led to goals had Cabraja not messed up. Kenneh plays the pass to Melkersen Vs St Mirren.

Our forwards have been really poor, apart from the big man recently. They need to step up or be replaced as much as any other position.

[B.H.F.C]

How many goals should a midfield be scoring?

Newell 3
Henderson 4
Campbell 5?
Kenneh 1

Plenty goals from midfield this season. Not the problem. Our midfield, especially Newell, consistently put our forwards in good positions. Kilmarnock win, Newell put 2 on a plate. Brilliant passes Vs St mirren and St Johnsone should've led to goals had Cabraja not messed up. Kenneh plays the pass to Melkersen Vs St Mirren.

Our forwards have been really poor, apart from the big man recently. They need to step up or be replaced as much as any other position.

There hasn’t been plenty goals scored from midfield. Nowhere near enough.

Henderson and Newell boosted by doubles against Bonnyrigg Rose but both have a single goal in the league and were nearly at the half way point.

Hasn’t been enough from the forwards either but the previous comparison between Boyle and Newell is a poor one. If Boyle hadn’t come back we’d be in even more trouble. He makes a difference, even when he’s not been at the top of his game. If Newell hadn’t been playing we’d be in much the same position, results don’t regress when he’s had spells out the team in the last couple of seasons and they wouldn’t now.

Campbell was the exception when he had his purple patch where he was doing well.

[MWHIBBIES]

There hasn’t been plenty goals scored from midfield. Nowhere near enough.

Henderson and Newell boosted by doubles against Bonnyrigg Rose but both have a single goal in the league and were nearly at the half way point.

Hasn’t been enough from the forwards either but the previous comparison between Boyle and Newell is a poor one. If Boyle hadn’t come back we’d be in even more trouble. He makes a difference, even when he’s not been at the top of his game. If Newell hadn’t been playing we’d be in much the same position, results don’t regress when he’s had spells out the team in the last couple of seasons and they wouldn’t now.

Campbell was the exception when he had his purple patch where he was doing well.

Even without league cup goals our midfield are scoring enough. Compare them to other midfields in the league.

It's our forwards who do not stack up.

[B.H.F.C]

Even without league cup goals our midfield are scoring enough. Compare them to other midfields in the league.

It's our forwards who do not stack up.

Even Joe Newell says Joe Newell doesn’t score enough goals. About every time he gets a goal he speaks about the fact he should do it more often.

That’s not excusing the strikers, different and valid conversation that.

[Smartie]

How many goals should a midfield be scoring?

Newell 3
Henderson 4
Campbell 5?
Kenneh 1

Plenty goals from midfield this season. Not the problem. Our midfield, especially Newell, consistently put our forwards in good positions. Kilmarnock win, Newell put 2 on a plate. Brilliant passes Vs St mirren and St Johnsone should've led to goals had Cabraja not messed up. Kenneh plays the pass to Melkersen Vs St Mirren.

Our forwards have been really poor, apart from the big man recently. They need to step up or be replaced as much as any other position.

I tend to agree although that the forwards are most culpable and tbf it's only recently that the big lad has started to get in about the goals.

The wide forwards and the number 10 have probably been the main issue so far. I know you can probably point at Campbell's goal return as being decent there, which it is, but we're not really getting enough creativity from these positions. As a "front 4" we're not getting enough goals and we're not really creating gilt-edged chances for us to miss.

So whilst I accept that the midfield isn't most culpable (it's arguably done better than expected) the midfield going forward, turning possession into chances, is also part of what we badly need to improve imo.

In Magennis, McGeady and Boyle we've got 3 players who could easily be part of the solution if they could get and stay fit.

Without wanting to sound like Michael Stewart, we've got a lot of players who will likely be hanging around who play in those positions who are either not good enough or not good enough yet to make a significant impact.

[The Modfather]

Even without league cup goals our midfield are scoring enough. Compare them to other midfields in the league.

It's our forwards who do not stack up.

In the league:

Josh Campbell has 4 goals 0 assists
Henderson has 1 goal and 2 assists
Newell has 1 goal 0 assists
Kenneh has 1 goal 0 assists
JDH 0 goals zero assists
Magennis 0 goals 0 assists

The forwards are also a big issue in our lack of goals, particularly our quality out wide. However our midfield has 2 assists in the league between them. That’s abysmal!

Newell has the same amount of goals and assists, in the league, as Kenneh despite playing 466 minutes more than him. When we play Kenneh and Newell we are effectively asking that 3rd midfielder, be it Campbell, Henderson or Maggenis to carry the midfield creativity on their own. Our forwards haven’t been good enough, and a big part of that is our quality out wide, however 2 league assists from all our midfielders tells its own story and is also a big part in our strikers struggles.

[MWHIBBIES]

In the league:

Josh Campbell has 4 goals 0 assists
Henderson has 1 goal and 2 assists
Newell has 1 goal 0 assists
Kenneh has 1 goal 0 assists
JDH 0 goals zero assists
Magennis 0 goals 0 assists

The forwards are also a big issue in our lack of goals, particularly our quality out wide. However our midfield has 2 assists in the league between them. That’s abysmal!

Newell has the same amount of goals and assists, in the league, as Kenneh despite playing 466 minutes more than him. When we play Kenneh and Newell we are effectively asking that 3rd midfielder, be it Campbell, Henderson or Maggenis to carry the midfield creativity on their own. Our forwards haven’t been good enough, and a big part of that is our quality out wide, however 2 league assists from all our midfielders tells its own story and is also a big part in our strikers struggles.

If Bojang and Youan score absolute sitters vs Kilmarnock Newell has 2 assists, is that Newells fault?

[Centre Hawf]

Sorry ,what I read must be wrong that in last 12 years we have sacked 5 managers , 2 leaving by mutual consent, 1 resigned and the other leaving us for another club .Maybe some of these weren't sacked though its pretty Grim stuff that this is our 10th manager in 12 years maybe not up there with Watford yet but it's still a alarming rate of managers. Totally agree that if LJ doesn't turn it around he will have to go but he has stated he needs 2 or 3 transfer windows let's give him January one at the very least and see how things go!

St Mirren have had 11 managers in 12 years and Motherwell 10. Dundee United about 10 permanent, are they all on their way to becoming the Watfords of Scottish as well? Pre covid a managers average lifespans ended up at around 2.5 seasons, which was 1 full season down from where it was 10 years prior. The game has changed because there's far too much at stake now to miss out on your objectives as a football club from a financial perspective.

If a manager isn't right then the worst thing you can do is listen to outside influence from people who do not have to live with the repercussions of it going wrong. I'm not saying sack the man today, but should we come out of the next run of games with the results we're all worried we could get then I quite frankly couldn't care less how long Shaun Maloney got as manager when considering if Lee Johnson should stay or go.

That was then, and this is now.

[The Modfather]

If Bojang and Youan score absolute sitters vs Kilmarnock Newell has 2 assists, is that Newells fault?

I’m not sure I’ve seen those chances/can remember them. Taking it on face value that puts Newell on 1 goal and 2 assists, and 4 assists for the midfield collectively. Doesn’t really change my initial point that the midfield, collectively, don’t contribute enough to our attack and are as much a part of the issue as the strikers themselves.

Most people will have seen a lot more of Hibs this season than me, but the general feeling doesn’t seem to be that we create a lot of great chances and we’re simply missing large amounts of sitters that’s the issue. Rather than we have a midfield, and out wide, that don’t really score or create quality chances as well as strikers that are not scoring enough.

[Hibees1973]

I don't see any manager worth his salt doing well at Hibs under the Gordons.

Wouldn't go as far as that but, any future manager with proper credentials and who has had success at a level comparable with the SPFL should have serious concerns working under the Gordon's.

If Johnson, currently or any new manager wants a particular player will Ron say, oh just run it past my son as Head of Recruitment and he will decide. As has been said on here numerous times Ron's son has no experience or qualifications to be in this role at Hibs.

Sadly, due the sacking of various managers, the debacle of the last few transfer windows under the Gordon's and the distinct lack of quality in the squad our clubs image is currently damaged.

Will take a miracle for the Gordon's and our current manager to turn this around. Can only see it improving when Ron admits he cannot run the football side of the club, the most important part, sells up and we get an owner who knows what they are doing.

[B.H.F.C]

I’m not sure I’ve seen those chances/can remember them. Taking it on face value that puts Newell on 1 goal and 2 assists, and 4 assists for the midfield collectively. Doesn’t really change my initial point that the midfield, collectively, don’t contribute enough to our attack and are as much a part of the issue as the strikers themselves.

Most people will have seen a lot more of Hibs this season than me, but the general feeling doesn’t seem to be that we create a lot of great chances and we’re simply missing large amounts of sitters that’s the issue. Rather than we have a midfield, and out wide, that don’t really score or create quality chances as well as strikers that are not scoring enough.

There have been a few games where we have created and missed a number of chances. But, having been at every game, I think we largely lack creativity.

We get a lot of bodies forward, put a lot of crosses in to the box and so on but we don’t have anyone, for me, who will consistently take the ball and make things happen. The last few games we’ve created very little in the way of clear cut chances. Possession of the ball is confused with controlling the game IMO. We have the vast majority of the ball in most games but don’t do anything with it. There’s just a lack of quality and until that area of the pitch changes it’ll be more of the same IMO. If I was setting up to play against Hibs I’d do exactly what most teams in the league do and let us have the ball. If you keep your shape and are organised, more than fair chance you’ll get a result.

[Paulie Walnuts]

There have been a few games where we have created and missed a number of chances. But, having been at every game, I think we largely lack creativity.

We get a lot of bodies forward, put a lot of crosses in to the box and so on but we don’t have anyone, for me, who will consistently take the ball and make things happen. The last few games we’ve created very little in the way of clear cut chances. Possession of the ball is confused with controlling the game IMO. We have the vast majority of the ball in most games but don’t do anything with it. There’s just a lack of quality and until that area of the pitch changes it’ll be more of the same IMO. If I was setting up to play against Hibs I’d do exactly what most teams in the league do and let us have the ball. If you keep your shape and are organised, more than fair chance you’ll get a result.

Your last point is what concerns me. I’d do the same and imo we don’t have anywhere near the quality to counter that.

[MWHIBBIES]

I’m not sure I’ve seen those chances/can remember them. Taking it on face value that puts Newell on 1 goal and 2 assists, and 4 assists for the midfield collectively. Doesn’t really change my initial point that the midfield, collectively, don’t contribute enough to our attack and are as much a part of the issue as the strikers themselves.

Most people will have seen a lot more of Hibs this season than me, but the general feeling doesn’t seem to be that we create a lot of great chances and we’re simply missing large amounts of sitters that’s the issue. Rather than we have a midfield, and out wide, that don’t really score or create quality chances as well as strikers that are not scoring enough.

He put Bojang through 1v1 and beat 2 guys to cut it back for Youan who blazed over. That's 1 game. He's had many great passes to open teams up this season. St Johnsone on the Friday night should've been dead and buried after 2 chances Newell made with brilliant bits of play. Everything points to our forwards missing loads of chances this season.

[Smartie]

He put Bojang through 1v1 and beat 2 guys to cut it back for Youan who blazed over. That's 1 game. He's had many great passes to open teams up this season. St Johnsone on the Friday night should've been dead and buried after 2 chances Newell made with brilliant bits of play. Everything points to our forwards missing loads of chances this season.

There have been games when we've been created loads and it's been squarely on the strikers but there have been other games where we've huffed and puffed and not given the strikers much or anything to feed off.

Put it this way - just say we get the forwards in that we need to comfortably be where we want to be, that midfield then clear as day looks substandard and we still don't finish in the top 4.

Newell, JDH, Kenneh, Campbell and Magennis are worth keeping and may (will have to) be part of the solution but we must add to the midfield or we'll get nowhere.

[MWHIBBIES]

There have been games when we've been created loads and it's been squarely on the strikers but there have been other games where we've huffed and puffed and not given the strikers much or anything to feed off.

Put it this way - just say we get the forwards in that we need to comfortably be where we want to be, that midfield then clear as day looks substandard and we still don't finish in the top 4.

Newell, JDH, Kenneh, Campbell and Magennis are worth keeping and may (will have to) be part of the solution but we must add to the midfield or we'll get nowhere.

If our forwards had been clinical Vs Livi and St Johnsone, were 3rd. They must take as much blame as anyone. Newell gets far more stick than Boyle for example. Newell has not been any worse on average than Boyle. Probably better imo.

[Smartie]

If our forwards had been clinical Vs Livi and St Johnsone, were 3rd. They must take as much blame as anyone. Newell gets far more stick than Boyle for example. Newell has not been any worse on average than Boyle. Probably better imo.

Don't think I'd disagree with that, Newell was actually having a very good season imo until about a month ago. Boyle has had his moments but has been a bit hit and miss for us so far.

Neither are players I'd be looking to get rid of and both are players I'd be wanting to keep as first picks.

I still maintain that we've got the bones of a good team. If we're to play the 433, we badly need a new attacking central midfielder and a proper left sided attacker to become a decent side. Them, Myko and Boyle up front, Newell and Kenneh sitting, our first choice keeper and back 4 and I think we've got a team that should be up to scratch.

We need add a bit of depth (proper depth) as well so we're not so lost when some people lose form or get injured.

The blend in midfield is just not quite right. I don't have much of an issue with any player individually (apart from possibly Henderson, much as I hate to say it) but I just don't think you get a strong, consistent midfield out of our current midfielders.

[The Modfather]

He put Bojang through 1v1 and beat 2 guys to cut it back for Youan who blazed over. That's 1 game. He's had many great passes to open teams up this season. St Johnsone on the Friday night should've been dead and buried after 2 chances Newell made with brilliant bits of play. Everything points to our forwards missing loads of chances this season.

That’s fair enough, and I’ve not seen a lot of Hibs this season. I didn’t intend to make it a midfield debate about Newell specifically, but it’s easy to highlight individual games where certain players have hypothetically been unfairly denied goals or assists through no fault of their own.

However, last season in the league:

Magennis 2 goals 1 assist
Campbell 1 goal 3 assists
JDH 2 goals 0 assists
Newell 0 goals 2 assists

The season we finished 3rd

Newell 1 goal 3 assists
Magennis 1 goal 0 assists

That’s 2 seasons, plus this season so far, where constants like Newell (2 goals & 5 assists total) & Magennis (3 goals & 1 assist total),as well as the similar meagre goal and assist contributions of midfielders who haven’t been here as long as Newell & Maggenis.

The forwards might be spurning great chances the midfield are creating, I’m not convinced, but it’s a problem we’ve had in midfield for at least 3 seasons. Seasons that both Newell & Magennis have been here for and that Campbell & JDH have been here for from last season and this season.

We’re either extremely unlucky to have a midfield that create great chances our forwards simply don’t take. Or we have a midfield that don’t particularly score or create a lot, alongside an attack that are also part of the problem as to why we struggle in front of goal.

[MWHIBBIES]

That’s fair enough, and I’ve not seen a lot of Hibs this season. I didn’t intend to make it a midfield debate about Newell specifically, but it’s easy to highlight individual games where certain players have hypothetically been unfairly denied goals or assists through no fault of their own.

However, last season in the league:

Magennis 2 goals 1 assist
Campbell 1 goal 3 assists
JDH 2 goals 0 assists
Newell 0 goals 2 assists

The season we finished 3rd

Newell 1 goal 3 assists
Magennis 1 goal 0 assists

That’s 2 seasons, plus this season so far, where constants like Newell (2 goals & 5 assists total) & Magennis (3 goals & 1 assist total),as well as the similar meagre goal and assist contributions of midfielders who haven’t been here as long as Newell & Maggenis.

The forwards might be spurning great chances the midfield are creating, I’m not convinced, but it’s a problem we’ve had in midfield for at least 3 seasons. Seasons that both Newell & Magennis have been here for and that Campbell & JDH have been here for from last season and this season.

We’re either extremely unlucky to have a midfield that create great chances our forwards simply don’t take. Or we have a midfield that don’t particularly score or create a lot, alongside an attack that are also part of the problem as to why we struggle in front of goal.

Specifically based on this season, our midfield are creating very good chances our forwards are missing. Not every game, but certainly in some we've lost. Livi, St Johnstone and Dundee United were games we should've won comfortable and the forwards let us down (along with a daft red card for Kyle). Kilmarnock game especially should've been at least 4-0 if forwards had even remotely tried to score. The biggest 1-0 pumping I've seen.

[The Modfather]

Specifically based on this season, our midfield are creating very good chances our forwards are missing. Not every game, but certainly in some we've lost. Livi, St Johnstone and Dundee United were games we should've won comfortable and the forwards let us down (along with a daft red card for Kyle). Kilmarnock game especially should've been at least 4-0 if forwards had even remotely tried to score. The biggest 1-0 pumping I've seen.

This season might be an outlier in that our midfield has actually been quite creative, and the low stats are more a reflection on our forwards, I’m not convinced. However there is a clear trend over 2 1/2 seasons (less for some) that a midfield containing Newell, Magennis, Henderson, Campbell & JDH will only ever get you a smattering of goals and assists.

[Tambo]

I honestly think it's been a mixbag of everything so far this season.

Some games the midfield have been excellent but the forward players have been poor and then some games the midfield and wing/full backs failing to create anything for the forwards.

Throw in a couple of shockers for the defence.

Roll on 15th of December.

[MWHIBBIES]

This season might be an outlier in that our midfield has actually been quite creative, and the low stats are more a reflection on our forwards, I’m not convinced. However there is a clear trend over 2 1/2 seasons (less for some) that a midfield containing Newell, Magennis, Henderson, Campbell & JDH will only ever get you a smattering of goals and assists.

A new manager and very different, more offensive playstyle totally throws that out the window, though. Again, I'm not saying it's every week, but our forwards are as much to blame as anyone for our current position. They should be creating their own chances too. All good forwards do.

[The Modfather]

A new manager and very different, more offensive playstyle totally throws that out the window, though. Again, I'm not saying it's every week, but our forwards are as much to blame as anyone for our current position. They should be creating their own chances too. All good forwards do.

Hypothetical scenarios are doing a lot of lifting here. The past two and a half seasons our midfield haven’t contributed anywhere near enough goals or assists, and there’s no signs they ever will IMO.

Our forwards are equally to blame, but that’s not a defence of our midfield in itself. Our forwards have changed this season (Scott, Nisbet, Doidge Melkerson, Boyle last season. Big Mike, Boyle, Youan, Mckirdy, Bojang, Melkerson this season) yet our midfield is exactly the same options plus Kenneh.

As others have highlighted our results don’t change whether Newell plays or not. I’d imagine that to be the case for all our midfielders. We have other issues, but midfield is our longest standing problem and I don’t think we’d really notice if any of them left tomorrow.

[HibeeHibernia]

Hypothetical scenarios are doing a lot of lifting here. The past two and a half seasons our midfield haven’t contributed anywhere near enough goals or assists, and there’s no signs they ever will IMO.

Our forwards are equally to blame, but that’s not a defence of our midfield in itself. Our forwards have changed this season (Scott, Nisbet, Doidge Melkerson, Boyle last season. Big Mike, Boyle, Youan, Mckirdy, Bojang, Melkerson this season) yet our midfield is exactly the same options plus Kenneh.

As others have highlighted our results don’t change whether Newell plays or not. I’d imagine that to be the case for all our midfielders. We have other issues, but midfield is our longest standing problem and I don’t think we’d really notice if any of them left tomorrow.

Goals win games and neither the midfield or the strikers are chipping in with enough and that has been our undoing for years mate we desperately need quality in both areas, let's hope we get 2020 Nisbet when he returns