Recruitment report card 📝

[Hibbyradge]

We're now a season into LJs term so let's have a look at how our recruitment efforts have turned out so far (in my opinion).

I'm dealing solely with the first team, not the players signed for the Development squad.

Players who have definitely improved the side are:

Boyle
CJ
Fish
Jeggo
Kukharevych
Miller
Youan

'Jury's out' players:

Cabraja
Hoppe
Kenneh
McGeady
McKirdy
Melkerson


Players who haven't worked out at all:

Bojang 🔥
Tavares

I think I've included everyone.

So, on balance, it seems that First Team recruitment has been much more successful than people were initially thinking.

If there hadn't been such a fanfare when we were signing the development lads, maybe the recruitment team's reputation wouldn't have been as damaged.

[Since452]

We're now a season into LJs term so let's have a look at how our recruitment efforts have turned out so far (in my opinion).

I'm dealing solely with the first team, not the players signed for the Development squad.

Players who have definitely improved the side are:

Boyle
CJ
Fish
Jeggo
Miller
Youan

'Jury's out' players:

Cabraja
Hoppe
Kenneh
McGeady
McKirdy
Melkerson


Players who haven't worked out at all:

Bojang 🔥
Tavares

I think I've included everyone.

So, on balance, it seems that First Team recruitment has been much more successful than people were initially thinking.

If there hadn't been such a fanfare when we were signing the development lads, maybe the recruitment team's reputation wouldn't have been as damaged.

I'd put McKirdy in the "haven't worked out" bracket. I think recruitment has on the whole been a big improvement. Especially factoring the players we got rid of in January.

[ScottB]

I dunno, Boyle I think shouldn’t count. They didn’t exactly discover him! He was nailed on to be good, credit for getting him back of course.

So, 4 or 5 good discoveries, more than double that either not sure or bad, 1 of which is already gone, 2 away on loan. Missed out Marshall too, but not sure he’d be in the good camp and Devlin who hasn’t kicked a ball.

Not a particularly good hit rate, but the worse thing is failing to address known problem areas like midfield, depth at CB and upfront. Granted we signed McGeady and Myko, but both have been injured more than not.

This summer they really need to make the starting 11 better, something we’ve struggled at for years. We need clear upgrades at a number of positions throughout the spine of the team.

[Pretty Boy]

I'd move Jeggo to the jury's out. I thought he was an improvement at first but the more I see, the less sure I am.

We improved markedly when he went off last night. He's chronically slow and often wasteful in possession. I really hope Kenneh has kicked on after getting game time at Ross County as I liked him, if he isn't ready then i think a sitting midfielder is one for the shopping list.

I'm not sure about Boyle either. We really had no choice but to bring him back when it was clear he was available so I don't blame the club for doing so but my gut instinct is he won't be the same player next season and will end up being high cost for not a huge return.

Agree with the rest.

[The Modfather]

We're now a season into LJs term so let's have a look at how our recruitment efforts have turned out so far (in my opinion).

I'm dealing solely with the first team, not the players signed for the Development squad.

Players who have definitely improved the side are:

Boyle
CJ
Fish
Jeggo
Kukharevych
Miller
Youan

'Jury's out' players:

Cabraja
Hoppe
Kenneh
McGeady
McKirdy
Melkerson


Players who haven't worked out at all:

Bojang 🔥
Tavares

I think I've included everyone.

So, on balance, it seems that First Team recruitment has been much more successful than people were initially thinking.

If there hadn't been such a fanfare when we were signing the development lads, maybe the recruitment team's reputation wouldn't have been as damaged.

Nothing too controversial in there. I think McGeady and McKirdy have to sit in the not worked out camp. A lot of money for both for little to no return. I also think it’s kind on Kenneth when he was brought in as the only midfielder we signed in the summer and then loaned out in the next window.

[The Tubs]

Nothing too controversial in there. I think McGeady and McKirdy have to sit in the not worked out camp. A lot of money for both for little to no return. I also think it’s kind on Kenneth when he was brought in as the only midfielder we signed in the summer and then loaned out in the next window.

I can understand putting McGeady in the "hasn't worked out" group, but we'd have to put Kukharevych in there too I'd say. They've probably played about the same number of games and had a similar good influence when they've played.

Having said that, I'd only give Kukharevych another chance next season.

[patlowe]

Could probably add Myko as a qualified success too, though unfortunate with injuries (edit - ah, you have :agree:)

I do agree to an extent, and it's promising that the hit rate was very good in January. Though I think the issue is less good signings vs bad signings but more where we've prioritised and the overall strategy. Maybe going over old ground but I think the biggest criticism would have to be the failure to properly address key areas of the team while spending big on development elsewhere. No issues with signing Kenneh (or any other guy with potential) but we needed players who were ready to play at this level, particularly in central midfield. Obviously we addressed things to a certain extent in January but it's that sense that we are constantly in a cycle of spending to fix prior mistakes. And with a number of the successes being loans, there is still a huge test this summer in getting the balance of the squad right. I feel positive about the current setup though, lots of reasons to be optimistic.

[Donegal Hibby]

We're now a season into LJs term so let's have a look at how our recruitment efforts have turned out so far (in my opinion).

I'm dealing solely with the first team, not the players signed for the Development squad.

Players who have definitely improved the side are:

Boyle
CJ
Fish
Jeggo
Kukharevych
Miller
Youan

'Jury's out' players:

Cabraja
Hoppe
Kenneh
McGeady
McKirdy
Melkerson


Players who haven't worked out at all:

Bojang 🔥
Tavares

I think I've included everyone.

So, on balance, it seems that First Team recruitment has been much more successful than people were initially thinking.

If there hadn't been such a fanfare when we were signing the development lads, maybe the recruitment team's reputation wouldn't have been as damaged.
Would have Tavares in " jury's out " still think he could come good and would also put Henderson in it as well . Odd good performance but normally he's been poor imo .

[Hibbyradge]

Would have Tavares in " jury's out " still think he could come good and would also put Henderson in it as well . Odd good performance but normally he's been poor imo .

Henderson was signed before Johnson arrived on a "loan to buy" deal which is why I didn't include him.

[jeffers]

I’d add Cabraja to the haven’t worked out at all and Jeggo isn’t good enough imo and isn’t really any upgrade on Kenneh.

[CapitalGreen]

I dunno, Boyle I think shouldn’t count. They didn’t exactly discover him! He was nailed on to be good, credit for getting him back of course.


There is more to recruitment than just identifying players. Structuring deals with selling clubs and players to get them in the door ahead of other clubs is a massive part of it. The deal we negotiated to get Boyle back from Saudi won’t have been straightforward.

[Unseen work]

I’d add Cabraja to the haven’t worked out at all and Jeggo isn’t good enough imo and isn’t really any upgrade on Kenneh.

Really?

I think he’s improved us massively in midfield with his organisation, pressing and overall defensive attributes.

Not the best on the ball, but far more comfortable and more quality on it than Kenneh imo

[Northernhibee]

We signed way too many "project players" (Fish, Youan, Kenneh, Tavares, Miller, Bojang etc), and the players that were supposed to be for the first team (McKirdy, Cabraja, Marshall etc) largely aren't good enough.

Now some of the "project players" are up to speed we look a decent team, albeit with little depth. If we'd focused on just getting the first team to be as strong as we could, we'd be clear in third.

I'd rate it as "gotten away with it" - could have ended up much worse in terms of consequences, but also could be looking forward to group football at this moment in time if we'd been sensible.

[Donegal Hibby]

Henderson was signed before Johnson arrived on a "loan to buy" deal which is why I didn't include him.
Fair enough 👍 . Think the recruitment did make mistakes during the summer transfer window though they did get players like Youan , fish , CJ ,Jeggo etc and have all been excellent signings . Unlucky losing Boyle and Mcgeady to injuries also .

[Brightside]

I’d add Cabraja to the haven’t worked out at all and Jeggo isn’t good enough imo and isn’t really any upgrade on Kenneh.

Yep - and 99 hasn't played enough to put down as a success. I don't understand the Jeggo plaudits at all. We are much more dynamic when he is off the pitch.

[Hibbyradge]

Yep - and 99 hasn't played enough to put down as a success. I don't understand the Jeggo plaudits at all. We are much more dynamic when he is off the pitch.

The team before Jeggo arrived was being pushed around in the middle of the park. Jeggo has added much needed steel.

He's not a Rolls Royce, for sure, and I'm sure we can find a better player, but we've improved since his inclusion.

I think we'll sorely miss him if he doesn't play for any reason on Saturday.

[jeffers]

Really?

I think he’s improved us massively in midfield with his organisation, pressing and overall defensive attributes.

Not the best on the ball, but far more comfortable and more quality on it than Kenneh imo

I don’t see it tbh, don’t think he’s any better than Kenneh and I’m not saying he was great, but thought he was worth persevering with. Any improvement in that respect is probably down to the fact we actually have a defensive midfielder rather than the player himself being up to much imo.

[Hibernian Verse]

The team before Jeggo arrived was being pushed around in the middle of the park. Jeggo has added much needed steel.

He's not a Rolls Royce, for sure, and I'm sure we can find a better player, but we've improved since his inclusion.

I think we'll sorely miss him if he doesn't play for any reason on Saturday.

Agree. I thought he played really well last night.

[WhileTheChief..]

I’d put the ‘Jury’s out’ players into the ‘Haven’t worked out’ category’ and Jeggo , Kuchy and Miller into Jury’s Out.

These last 3 haven’t played enough to know if they can improve us but they seem to be decent enough.

Nothing against any of them, but I want to see a huge change to our squad this summer and won’t be upset to see any of players move on.

[Paulie Walnuts]

I’d put the ‘Jury’s out’ players into the ‘Haven’t worked out’ category’ and Jeggo , Kuchy and Miller into Jury’s Out.

These last 3 haven’t played enough to know if they can improve us but they seem to be decent enough.

Nothing against any of them, but I want to see a huge change to our squad this summer and won’t be upset to see any of players move on.

Agree.

All the jury’s out players have either been constantly injured, ended up out on loan cause they’ve not been good enough or poor so to me they’ve not worked out rather than the jury still being out.

I’d move Myko down to jury is out and I’d agree with Jeggo and Miller. The jury is still out on them for me as much as Miller was excellent last night.

Players who have definitely improved the side are:

CJ
Fish
Youan

'Jury's out' players:
Boyle - hardly played and we don’t know what he’ll be like when he’s back from another injury
Jeggo
Miller
Myko

Players who haven't worked out at all:

Bojang
Tavares
Cabraja
McKirdy
Mcgeady
Kenneh
Hoppe
Melkersen
Marshall

[makaveli1875]

Harsh on Jeggo , he's been decent .

[wookie70]

We're now a season into LJs term so let's have a look at how our recruitment efforts have turned out so far (in my opinion).

I'm dealing solely with the first team, not the players signed for the Development squad.

Players who have definitely improved the side are:

Boyle
CJ
Fish
Jeggo
Kukharevych
Miller
Youan

'Jury's out' players:

Cabraja
Hoppe
Kenneh
McGeady
McKirdy
Melkerson


Players who haven't worked out at all:

Bojang 🔥
Tavares

I think I've included everyone.

So, on balance, it seems that First Team recruitment has been much more successful than people were initially thinking.

If there hadn't been such a fanfare when we were signing the development lads, maybe the recruitment team's reputation wouldn't have been as damaged.

I'd move Jeggo, Kukharevych and Miller to Jury is still out. Jeggo for ability and the other two for the number of games because of injury so no idea what they are like over a number of games. Fish and CJ good but not really Hibs player so disruptive when they only stay a year. The Jury isn't out for most of those in that section for me. Kenneh and Melks I would have in there because of tehir age. The others I don't think will have any impact at Hibs. I think you have been generous in your description of teh last two who look nothing like footballers at this level.

For me that leave Youan who has been a success and he is pretty inconsistent but no doubt is heading in the right direction. I'm not convinced recruitment has been that great and we should be doing much better

[Since452]

Really?

I think he’s improved us massively in midfield with his organisation, pressing and overall defensive attributes.

Not the best on the ball, but far more comfortable and more quality on it than Kenneh imo

Agree. Think he's been a very good signing. He's very much like Marvin Bartley but a better footballer imo.

[Eyrie]

We're now a season into LJs term so let's have a look at how our recruitment efforts have turned out so far (in my opinion).

I'm dealing solely with the first team, not the players signed for the Development squad.

Players who have definitely improved the side are:

Boyle
CJ
Fish
Jeggo
Kukharevych
Miller
Youan

'Jury's out' players:

Cabraja
Hoppe
Kenneh
McGeady
McKirdy
Melkerson


Players who haven't worked out at all:

Bojang 🔥
Tavares

I think I've included everyone.

So, on balance, it seems that First Team recruitment has been much more successful than people were initially thinking.

If there hadn't been such a fanfare when we were signing the development lads, maybe the recruitment team's reputation wouldn't have been as damaged.

I think that's a generous assessment.

Kukharevych and Miller haven't played enough so should be in the "jury's out" section.

Hoppe, McGeady, McKirdy and Melkerson are in the "haven't worked out" section for varying reasons (playing time, injury, ability, fee).

[B.H.F.C]

Harsh on Jeggo , he's been decent .

Jeggo, for me, has come in and done a job. I don’t think he’ll be a first pick next year but he’s added some experience and a wee bit dig at a time when we needed it. But I think his weaknesses have become more apparent the more you see him.

[greenlex]

The team before Jeggo arrived was being pushed around in the middle of the park. Jeggo has added much needed steel.

He's not a Rolls Royce, for sure, and I'm sure we can find a better player, but we've improved since his inclusion.

I think we'll sorely miss him if he doesn't play for any reason on Saturday.
Correct.

[Forza Fred]

The team before Jeggo arrived was being pushed around in the middle of the park. Jeggo has added much needed steel.

He's not a Rolls Royce, for sure, and I'm sure we can find a better player, but we've improved since his inclusion.

I think we'll sorely miss him if he doesn't play for any reason on Saturday.

Jeggo does an unheralded job pretty well.

He’s not a great player by any means, but has been mainly effective.

He plays in a role too that is always going to be sacrificed if we are chasing the game, and most of his substitutions have been for tactical reasons.

[ian cruise]

Life has got in the way of Hibs this season, so I've supported from afar. This is only my own opinion based on what I've seen and a huge element of gut feeling for younger players.

There's a lot here, feel free to scroll past, and definitely don't quote if you're responding.

I think jury is out on recruitment overall for fans point of view. From the clubs point of view it's probably a very different approach and assessment.

Club 100% took the approach of gamble ij new markets, with untested players in the league and see if we can find gems/improve players so we're challenging for the higher league positions.

I reckon they'll look at failures such as Bojan with far less emotion than ourselves and just chalk it up as lesson learned rather than abject failure. There's much to be said for trying new things rather than getting caught in a tug of war with the team around us for the same players.

I've marked a lot as Jury's Out, but I think most will play a bigger role and improve next season. We've seen a number of players improve once better settled and potentially via good coaching from LJ this season and I'm confident some more of last summer's signings can come good.

Players who have definitely improved the side are:

Youan - preseason he was the messiah, then he was the poster boy for recruitment needing completely rebuilt not he's a firm fan favourite, and deservedly so. If you don't think he's finishing the season as a successful signing then Hibs aren't the team for you.
Boyle - This felt like an open goal but recruitment team still made it happen. Aberdeen would have happily taken him so I don't think it was as easy as we assume.
CJ - Made a huge difference
Fish - Been massive second half of the sessin. Fan were berating him and recruitment for bringing him in which shows we need more patience and players need time to show what they can do.
Jeggo - He's allowed midfield to play when he's on the pitch which is what we needed and what is being asked of him. He's no world bester but no one said he would be. Doesn't mean we can't recruit better in the summer but he's doing what we needed now.
Miller - limited time but he's showing enough to suggest he's come good and only going to be better. Yes there may be some recency bias but I don't care.


'Jury's out' players:

Kukharevych - I haven't seen enough to put him on the pedestal others put him on. Not saying he's bad but he's as much to prove as McKirdy and co if he's here next season in my eyes.
Cabraja - Tough start but he's got a great mentor at the club in Lewis. Showed potential in flashes.
Kenneh - We forget both how young he is and how much playing in that role is about experience as it is talent. Upfront youthful enthusiasm will get you far, further back you need to be much more measured and read the game well. The latter is a learned skill. Still plenty time to come good.
McKirdy - Gets a raw deal, I genuinely think he loves it here (not as much as he loves Nina, Chelsea or Golf) and is frustrated as the fans. Needs a goal and more time on the pitch as well as playing in a settled squad.
Melkerson - I'm still basing my option on those two Motherwell goals. Lad has natural talent and will come good next season. Fully prepared to start the Melkerson fan club 2023/2024 and post "Told you so..." on many match day threads. Applications for joining open soon 😁
Tavares - Definition of jury's out. As much chance of him being a regular on future "players I forgot played for Hibs" as there is of him being the next Youan. We've not seen enough and he's young enough to come on leaps and bounds with more coaching, game time and as long as he keeps his confidence.
McGeady (hesitated with this as he was good when played, but did exactly what was expected by many. Looked good when available but that was limited too often due to injury)

Players who haven't worked out at all:

Bojang - total punt. Didn't work out, but just imagine if it had. He'd have been the African Ivan Sproule.
Hoppe (he's unlikely to be here next season and didn't feature enough to make an impact while here)