Transfer policy

[Edina Street]

I have for a long time thought that a good transfer policy would be to look for players that are "ahead of their time". By this, I mean players that are in an international u21 squad, or even first team squad whilst still applicable for the u19's. The same policy could be used for even younger players, such as 17 year olds applicable for the u17's that play in the u19's or u21's, or even the first team squad. I am pretty sure that Leigh Griffiths was in the Scotland u21 squad whilst still applicable for the Scotland u17's, thus falling into this category.

Using the current Scotland squad as an example.

1 Craig Gordon - U21 debut aged 19.
2 Nathan Patterson - U21 debut aged 19.
3 Kieran Tierney - U21 debut aged 19.
4 Grant Hanley - U21 debut aged 18.
5 Jack Hendry - Exception to the rule.
6 John McGinn - U21 debut aged 19.
7 Scott McTominay - N/A because he was considered English until Alex Ferguson changed his mind.
8 Billy Gilmour - First team debut aged 19.
9 Lyndon Dykes - Exception to the rule.
10 Che Adams - Exception to the rule.
11 Andrew Robertson - U21 debut aged 19

Using this method then there is a good chance that Scottish wonderkids of the future may be:

(19 years old or younger in Scotland u21 squad)
Jay Hogarth, Jude Smith, Adam Devine, Robbie Fraser, Max Johnston, Liam Morrison, Lewis Neilson, Alex Lowry, Ben Doak, Leon King, Calvin Ramsay, Matthew Craig, Michael Craig, Chris Mochrie, Rory Wilson.

(17 years or younger in Scotland u19 squad)
Dylan Reid

Now I am not saying that every youngster that can be classed as "ahead of their time" will go on to become a full first team internationalist, but I am pretty sure that the vast majority will at least become good enough to be a loyal servant of Hibernian FC, and fans favourite. And though we do not have a crystal ball, but with this policy we at least have a glimpse of the future by using history as a means, and the fact that most full first team internationalists were mostly considered "ahead of their time" long before coming to prominence as a fully pledged first team internationalist.

What do you consider a good Hibernian transfer policy?

[OsiersHibs]

Signing players that have SPL experience and are "ready made" for the league. We are crying out for proper experience in players we sign.

[ErinGoBraghHFC]

Signing players that have SPL experience and are "ready made" for the league. We are crying out for proper experience in players we sign.

Could always do both, you know like a sophisticated and thorough signing policy? It’s been a while since we’ve had one I know but it doesn’t need to be one or the other


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HarpOnHibee]

It's ultimately about striking the right balance. Young players with a lot of energy and a lot to prove, experienced players that know the game and are reliable when it comes to getting the basics right. A "flair player" who can make things happen in an instant. A right hard radge in midfield who will happily bully the opposition all day long and prevent them from playing their own game.... etc

Squad balance has always been a challenge for us.

[OsiersHibs]

Could always do both, you know like a sophisticated and thorough signing policy? It’s been a while since we’ve had one I know but it doesn’t need to be one or the other


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes I agree but I think we need to focus on experience to give us a platform to integrate a developmental signing policy.

We have learned in recent years that its not easy chucking guys in who don't know the league up here. Another young loan signing today is still a gamble.