The gaffer

[Donegal Hibby]

You mean like you’ve just done Donegal ? :wink:

I didn't actually bring him up first though J :wink:, my post on him was secondary on the topic of our ex manager which I will keep doing when i think there's an unfair comment about him though I'd rather be talking about our current manager instead 👍

[The Veteran]

A reminder that we lost 3 straight games in the league before his appointment. Sitting bottom of the league with zero points and two home losses. We are unbeaten at home since then.

So, yes. I am giving the new manager credit for that.

If you're going to pull me up on Hibs facts, may I respectfully suggest that you get yours correct?

Because, your ‘3 straight games’ remark is wrong.

Cheers.

[Hibby Bairn]

Hibs now up to 3rd in the "form league" over the last 5 games and 4th over the last 10.

Big improvement since Montgomery came in.

[Northernhibee]

I really like him. Think that we look better in defence (albeit not the finished article) and we were different gravy in the first half, Jair’s goal was a superb team move with brilliant movement and awareness from Marshall, Jair, Vente, and Campbell.

[jeffers]

Said it before but I genuinely think we are on to something special with Monty and the noises coming out of EM and the feelgood factor surrounding him and his coaches is really encouraging. It’s a pity we hadn’t cut our losses with his predecessor at the end of last season and given Monty a preseason to get his ideas across. I’m really looking forward to seeing where he can take us.

[B.H.F.C]

It’s obvious that it’s a work in progress but it’s also been obvious for a number of weeks, IMO, that it is actually progressing.

We’ve lost 1 out of 10 in the league under him so we are obviously doing plenty right. It’s not a huge jump to start converting some of those draws in to wins.

Still worry about us defensively but we’re top scorers in the league outside of the big two, which isn’t bad for a team that I’ve read don’t really create anything.

[JimBHibees]

Said it before but I genuinely think we are on to something special with Monty and the noises coming out of EM and the feelgood factor surrounding him and his coaches is really encouraging. It’s a pity we hadn’t cut our losses with his predecessor at the end of last season and given Monty a preseason to get his ideas across. I’m really looking forward to seeing where he can take us.

Same really like what he is doing and that first goal yesterday was genuinely brilliant. His style is a brave one trying to bring teams on and pick them off plus also controlling the game. Delighted he has put a couple of wins together and don't think it is a stretch to say we should be a few points better off also. Hibs fans imo should be enjoying the time he is at our club.

[worcesterhibby]

Same really like what he is doing and that first goal yesterday was genuinely brilliant. His style is a brave one trying to bring teams on and pick them off plus also controlling the game. Delighted he has put a couple of wins together and don't think it is a stretch to say we should be a few points better off also. Hibs fans imo should be enjoying the time he is at our club.

It's a style that will improve players and make them worth more money. Centre back who just punt the ball and are nothing but stoppers, don't attract buyers from leagues with more cash. Likewise, midfielders have to be comfortable accepting the ball in tight spaces and either turning their man or at least finding a green shirt. If the club is to develop, we need to develop players. It's a learning curve for all of them and they will all make mistakes, but it's making them better players. Monty knows how he wants to play..he will give the players at his disposal every chance to learn to play his way, but if they can't adapt he will get rid and bring someone in who can play the way he wants.

Long term it will also benefit us when and if we qualify for Europe. Kick ans rush physical football isn't going to see you succeed against European opposition beyond the first couple of qualifying rounds, so our players need to play positive, possesion based football with pace and accuracy of passing. We are far from the complete article, but we are moving in the right direction.

[hibee-boys]

Mentioned post game that his family are now over, couldn’t have been easy with them remaining down under. Must’ve been a difficult decision to elect to come back to the UK with a young family. Hopefully they all settle in ok, there’ll be no bigger incentive for NM to succeed at Hibs than to give his family a period of stability as they adjust to life here.

[JimBHibees]

It's a style that will improve players and make them worth more money. Centre back who just punt the ball and are nothing but stoppers, don't attract buyers from leagues with more cash. Likewise, midfielders have to be comfortable accepting the ball in tight spaces and either turning their man or at least finding a green shirt. If the club is to develop, we need to develop players. It's a learning curve for all of them and they will all make mistakes, but it's making them better players. Monty knows how he wants to play..he will give the players at his disposal every chance to learn to play his way, but if they can't adapt he will get rid and bring someone in who can play the way he wants.

Long term it will also benefit us when and if we qualify for Europe. Kick ans rush physical football isn't going to see you succeed against European opposition beyond the first couple of qualifying rounds, so our players need to play positive, possesion based football with pace and accuracy of passing. We are far from the complete article, but we are moving in the right direction.

Great analysis agree with every word. Very good point about Europe also.

[The Modfather]

Have any of the posters who were less convinced on Monty softened their stance or still where they were previously? A genuine question and not an attempt to bait or goad. Have back to back wins and creeping up the table given those previously not as convinced more confidence than they had?

[Paulie Walnuts]

Have any of the posters who were less convinced on Monty softened their stance or still where they were previously? A genuine question and not an attempt to bait or goad. Have back to back wins and creeping up the table given those previously not as convinced more confidence than they had?

Yes.

His record prior to the last two games wasn’t great, it’s as simple as that.

Those two wins though have made a huge difference to his record and ultimately to where we currently sit in the league. I can’t say I’m totally convinced that we’re going to be hugely successful under him as some folk are but my biggest issue was that he seemed to be really toiling to win games. That issue seems to have been resolved.

Will we go on to put in a proper challenge for 3rd under him? I’m not as convinced regarding that.

[Wilson]

Have any of the posters who were less convinced on Monty softened their stance or still where they were previously? A genuine question and not an attempt to bait or goad. Have back to back wins and creeping up the table given those previously not as convinced more confidence than they had?

I hadn't been anti Monty. I just wasn't seeing whatvsome others were. I guess I lean slightly towards the results business side of things.

I think this result is the first one that had me thinking maybe we're on to something. I'd genuinely have taken a draw given our form and theirs. It was made to look easier than I expected. Seeing out the win in spite of the red card...

You'll get the odd poster giving it the "it's only Dundee" line but I was happy with this win and how we got it.

Maybe we are on the right track!

[Saint Hibee]

Have any of the posters who were less convinced on Monty softened their stance or still where they were previously? A genuine question and not an attempt to bait or goad. Have back to back wins and creeping up the table given those previously not as convinced more confidence than they had?

I think the biggest challenge for any Hibs manager is going to be consistency. If he can build upon the past two games and get up a head of steam, then I will become more convinced.

[blackpoolhibs]

Have any of the posters who were less convinced on Monty softened their stance or still where they were previously? A genuine question and not an attempt to bait or goad. Have back to back wins and creeping up the table given those previously not as convinced more confidence than they had?

I'm still to be convinced, even though i like what he's trying to achieve and have thought from the minute he walked through the door that we've been better, controlled games better but not seen games out as much as we'd all have liked.

Probably the main reason i'm not convinced is because its Hibs, and i've seen these false dawns before and because i've seen these green shoots signs and got carried away only to be let down many times, i'm now in self preservation mode and wont let myself get excited on what might happen anymore.

[Lago]

Have any of the posters who were less convinced on Monty softened their stance or still where they were previously? A genuine question and not an attempt to bait or goad. Have back to back wins and creeping up the table given those previously not as convinced more confidence than they had?
To be frank a number will never be convinced or even want to be convinced.

[TrinityHFC]

Yes.

His record prior to the last two games wasn’t great, it’s as simple as that.

Those two wins though have made a huge difference to his record and ultimately to where we currently sit in the league. I can’t say I’m totally convinced that we’re going to be hugely successful under him as some folk are but my biggest issue was that he seemed to be really toiling to win games. That issue seems to have been resolved.

Will we go on to put in a proper challenge for 3rd under him? I’m not as convinced regarding that.
I think we might but really, we’ve got a very good squad and our three league games to start the season I think were a bit of an anomaly.

Are we doing better with NM than we would have with LJ or someone else? I’m still to be convinced on that. I think we’ve got players to do much more in an attacking sense.

I don’t think Youan and Boyle are just ‘off form’ I think we are not using them properly and in this formation and style we may not ever. I’d have concerns over that. Boyle was a multi million pound player and Youan was on the verge of that. Jair playing better and Campbell scoring a couple of goals wouldn’t make up for ruining those guys.

Winning games helps of course so long may that continue but I think he still had a lot to do.

[B.H.F.C]

I think we might but really, we’ve got a very good squad and our three league games to start the season I think were a bit of an anomaly.

Are we doing better with NM than we would have with LJ or someone else? I’m still to be convinced on that. I think we’ve got players to do much more in an attacking sense.

I don’t think Youan and Boyle are just ‘off form’ I think we are not using them properly and in this formation and style we may not ever. I’d have concerns over that. Boyle was a multi million pound player and Youan was on the verge of that. Jair playing better and Campbell scoring a couple of goals wouldn’t make up for ruining those guys.

Winning games helps of course so long may that continue but I think he still had a lot to do.

We are doing better under Montgomery than we were under Johnson.

We’re taking points at a better rate than we managed under him in his time in charge, albeit it’s only over 10 league games. That may change from week to week but, by the end of the season, I think there’ll have been a decent uplift in the points won.

Disagree on the squad being very good. We probably have about 14 players who we can change about and be fairly consistent but we’re still weak in key areas for me.

[RMQ1967]

Yes.

His record prior to the last two games wasn’t great, it’s as simple as that.

Those two wins though have made a huge difference to his record and ultimately to where we currently sit in the league. I can’t say I’m totally convinced that we’re going to be hugely successful under him as some folk are but my biggest issue was that he seemed to be really toiling to win games. That issue seems to have been resolved.

Will we go on to put in a proper challenge for 3rd under him? I’m not as convinced regarding that.

I think you need to look a little deeper than than the black & white of the record though.

There are other factors, signs that things are moving in the right direction, or not as it may be.

I think the majority would agree that outside of a few poor decisions (by players and/or the manager himself) we've been fairly well in control of games but thrown away winning positions. A much preferable situation to chasing games from a losing position but also maybe more frustrating.

Add to that the improvement of certain players, the better use of the more senior & young players, better ball retention & more methodical generation of goal scoring opportunities.

A few draws, now a couple of wins, not a trend in itself but many signs that things are moving in a positive direction. As Mogga used to say - if the performances are good the results will take care of themselves. I think most people would agree the performances are getting there.

[Greenio]

Keen to hear how people feel Boyle or Youan don't fit into this style of play. What's not working with them?

I fhey are good footballers, not being played out of position and getting regular amounts of time with the ball.

I feel it is due to form. Martin seems to have lost of bit of his first touch and his shooting is off, Youan doesn't seem to be running as freely at defenders as he had been.

Both will get a rise in form soon I suspect

[Since452]

I think we might but really, we’ve got a very good squad and our three league games to start the season I think were a bit of an anomaly.

Are we doing better with NM than we would have with LJ or someone else? I’m still to be convinced on that. I think we’ve got players to do much more in an attacking sense.

I don’t think Youan and Boyle are just ‘off form’ I think we are not using them properly and in this formation and style we may not ever. I’d have concerns over that. Boyle was a multi million pound player and Youan was on the verge of that. Jair playing better and Campbell scoring a couple of goals wouldn’t make up for ruining those guys.

Winning games helps of course so long may that continue but I think he still had a lot to do.

Completely agree. The last two games I'd expect us to win with the squad we have. Hopefully Montgomery has turned a corner with the back to back wins. Absolutely nobody will be criticising him if we continue to get three points regularly. He, like LJ has the tools at his disposal to make that happen.

[Not In The Know]

Completely agree. The last two games I'd expect us to win with the squad we have. Hopefully Montgomery has turned a corner with the back to back wins. Absolutely nobody will be criticising him if we continue to get three points regularly. He, like LJ has the tools at his disposal to make that happen.

That’s the thing, if we always win every game we expect to win we’d be 3rd every year.

[flash]

I think we might but really, we’ve got a very good squad and our three league games to start the season I think were a bit of an anomaly.

Are we doing better with NM than we would have with LJ or someone else? I’m still to be convinced on that. I think we’ve got players to do much more in an attacking sense.

I don’t think Youan and Boyle are just ‘off form’ I think we are not using them properly and in this formation and style we may not ever. I’d have concerns over that. Boyle was a multi million pound player and Youan was on the verge of that. Jair playing better and Campbell scoring a couple of goals wouldn’t make up for ruining those guys.

Winning games helps of course so long may that continue but I think he still had a lot to do.

We absolutely don't have a "very good squad".

[B.H.F.C]

Keen to hear how people feel Boyle or Youan don't fit into this style of play. What's not working with them?

I fhey are good footballers, not being played out of position and getting regular amounts of time with the ball.

I feel it is due to form. Martin seems to have lost of bit of his first touch and his shooting is off, Youan doesn't seem to be running as freely at defenders as he had been.

Both will get a rise in form soon I suspect

I think they’re simply not playing particularly well at the moment.

Boyle hasn’t really been at it for most of the season coming back from injury. Youan started well under Montgomery but has faded lately.

Other players occupying the wide positions in Tavares and, in the last couple of games Campbell, have done well and contributed in the final third whilst contributing better defensively IMO. If you’d said a few weeks ago that you might be playing them wide instead of Boyle and Youan I’d have thought you were mental.

Boyle I’m less sure about as I think there is something missing there a bit, but Youan will get his form back sooner rather than later.

[Paulie Walnuts]

I think you need to look a little deeper than than the black & white of the record though.

There are other factors, signs that things are moving in the right direction, or not as it may be.

I think the majority would agree that outside of a few poor decisions (by players and/or the manager himself) we've been fairly well in control of games but thrown away winning positions. A much preferable situation to chasing games from a losing position but also maybe more frustrating.

Add to that the improvement of certain players, the better use of the more senior & young players, better ball retention & more methodical generation of goal scoring opportunities.

A few draws, now a couple of wins, not a trend in itself but many signs that things are moving in a positive direction. As Mogga used to say - if the performances are good the results will take care of themselves. I think most people would agree the performances are getting there.

I’ve not watched us and thought we’ve been in control of games to the level others have. Generally speaking I feel like our results had matched our performances.

Your point about the improvement in players is one I’ve mentioned before. He deserves huge credit for the improvement in Jair, Rocky and Marshall. The issue I have with that is that we’ve also seen huge regression imo in Boyle, Newell and Youan (although in Youans case someone did point out to me that statistically he’s done well under NM). Whilst it’s admirable that he’s brought other players up, the fact our better players are performing at a significantly poorer level concerns me a bit and is part of the reason I’d be surprised to see us challenge for 3rd.

[Dmas]

Keen to hear how people feel Boyle or Youan don't fit into this style of play. What's not working with them?

I fhey are good footballers, not being played out of position and getting regular amounts of time with the ball.

I feel it is due to form. Martin seems to have lost of bit of his first touch and his shooting is off, Youan doesn't seem to be running as freely at defenders as he had been.

Both will get a rise in form soon I suspect

I think we play to feet to often, I know it wont be the only issue effecting the form but with these guys your needing to be playing the ball for them to be running onto using their pace advantage, not into feet and hoping they dribble by them, I think that’s why Jair and Campbell have looked better as they are more the type that want the ball to feet.

Saying that I wouldn’t say Boyle has hit any real form this season yet, seen glimpses but nothing consistent which is to be expected being out so long but I’d be wary of blaming the system for Boyles season so far, Youan for sure has had a drop off as has Newell but for me he was playing far higher than his usual earlier in the season probably spurred by the chance to go play at VP probably raised the bar too high to hit consistently as he was tremendous first couple months

[Dashing Bob S]

I’m sorry, but you have to question the mental capacity of anyone who doesn’t believe that Montgomery is a massive step up from Johnson. (And I wasn’t particularly anti Johnson).

[eastterrace]

Yes.

His record prior to the last two games wasn’t great, it’s as simple as that.

Those two wins though have made a huge difference to his record and ultimately to where we currently sit in the league. I can’t say I’m totally convinced that we’re going to be hugely successful under him as some folk are but my biggest issue was that he seemed to be really toiling to win games. That issue seems to have been resolved.

Will we go on to put in a proper challenge for 3rd under him? I’m not as convinced regarding that.
He has lost one league game and you’re not totally convinced that we are going to be successful under him. Compare to lee Johnson it’s like night and day, as under him we were going nowhere. I don’t know who you would have liked as manager but surely you can see an improvement in our play with the same players Johnson had.

[Paulie Walnuts]

He has lost one league game and you’re not totally convinced that we are going to be successful under him. Compare to lee Johnson it’s like night and day, as under him we were going nowhere. I don’t know who you would have liked as manager but surely you can see an improvement in our play with the same players Johnson had.

You don’t get your final league placing off a lack of defeats. I could equally point to the fact that before the last two league games (which is the period I criticised), we’d also only won one league game. Whether you’re successful or not will be dictated by ALL of your results, so pointing to the fact we’d only lost one league game is deliberately ignoring the fact we were also pretty much not winning any.

Do I see an improvement in our play from LJ? If you’re using this season as the basis for that then probably, although Luzern was probably our best performance of the season with these players. If you use last season as the example? I’m not sure there’s been a huge difference so far from a team that finished 5th and scored a decent amount of goals. I think the idea ‘it’s like night and day’ as some are suggesting is getting far too carried away. If it was like night and day from a team that finished 5th, 5 points off 3rd place, then I’d suggest we’d be blowing teams away and winning the majority of our games. As it is I reckon we look like a team who will likely finish about 5th again and again, score a decent amount of goals.

[Hibs90]

We absolutely don't have a "very good squad".

Agreed, certainly defensively it is pretty weak IMO.

[The Modfather]

You don’t get your final league placing off a lack of defeats. I could equally point to the fact that before the last two league games (which is the period I criticised), we’d also only won one league game. Whether you’re successful or not will be dictated by ALL of your results, so pointing to the fact we’d only lost one league game is deliberately ignoring the fact we were also pretty much not winning any.

Do I see an improvement in our play from LJ? If you’re using this season as the basis for that then probably, although Luzern was probably our best performance of the season with these players. If you use last season as the example? I’m not sure there’s been a huge difference so far from a team that finished 5th and scored a decent amount of goals. I think the idea ‘it’s like night and day’ as some are suggesting is getting far too carried away. If it was like night and day from a team that finished 5th, 5 points off 3rd place, then I’d suggest we’d be blowing teams away and winning the majority of our games. As it is I’d suggest we look like a team who will likely finish about 5th again and again, score a decent amount of goals.

For me the night and day comparison stems from the fact we have a clear formation and way of playing under Montgomery. We are structured and there is a clear identity to what a Montgomery team looks like. Which makes it easier to sign players for specific roles. That and the fact we are now actually blooding the youngsters.

Under Johnson I still couldn’t tell you what a Johnson team looked like. It always seemed a team of individuals cobbled together who would fall upon a formation that worked for a while before the wheels would spectacularly fall off and we were back in the cycle of selection and formation bingo. Added to a recruitment strategy to sign lots of good individual players and worry about how they fit together later.

Montgomery has come in and set up a defined and structured team straight away from Johnson’s tools with no fuss. Where as Johnson talked about needing x amount of windows, needing to get rid and of a load of the squad, about all these youngsters he was going to bring through, just bluster and self preservation.

[Crunchie]

I think you need to look a little deeper than than the black & white of the record though.

There are other factors, signs that things are moving in the right direction, or not as it may be.

I think the majority would agree that outside of a few poor decisions (by players and/or the manager himself) we've been fairly well in control of games but thrown away winning positions. A much preferable situation to chasing games from a losing position but also maybe more frustrating.

Add to that the improvement of certain players, the better use of the more senior & young players, better ball retention & more methodical generation of goal scoring opportunities.

A few draws, now a couple of wins, not a trend in itself but many signs that things are moving in a positive direction. As Mogga used to say - if the performances are good the results will take care of themselves. I think most people would agree the performances are getting there.
:top marks. I agree with everything you say. I'd also say there's too many who put an emphasis on bare results even when we've played well or been extremely unlucky.

[blackpoolhibs]

For me the night and day comparison stems from the fact we have a clear formation and way of playing under Montgomery. We are structured and there is a clear identity to what a Montgomery team looks like. Which makes it easier to sign players for specific roles. That and the fact we are now actually blooding the youngsters.

Under Johnson I still couldn’t tell you what a Johnson team looked like. It always seemed a team of individuals cobbled together who would fall upon a formation that worked for a while before the wheels would spectacularly fall off and we were back in the cycle of selection and formation bingo. Added to a recruitment strategy to sign lots of good individual players and worry about how they fit together later.

Montgomery has come in and set up a defined and structured team straight away from Johnson’s tools with no fuss. Where as Johnson talked about needing x amount of windows, needing to get rid and of a load of the squad, about all these youngsters he was going to bring through, just bluster and self preservation.

Spot on, you are either blind or in complete denial if you cant see the difference between LJ and Monty.

[neil7908]

For me the night and day comparison stems from the fact we have a clear formation and way of playing under Montgomery. We are structured and there is a clear identity to what a Montgomery team looks like. Which makes it easier to sign players for specific roles. That and the fact we are now actually blooding the youngsters.

Under Johnson I still couldn’t tell you what a Johnson team looked like. It always seemed a team of individuals cobbled together who would fall upon a formation that worked for a while before the wheels would spectacularly fall off and we were back in the cycle of selection and formation bingo. Added to a recruitment strategy to sign lots of good individual players and worry about how they fit together later.

Montgomery has come in and set up a defined and structured team straight away from Johnson’s tools with no fuss. Where as Johnson talked about needing x amount of windows, needing to get rid and of a load of the squad, about all these youngsters he was going to bring through, just bluster and self preservation.

I don't want to make this an LJ pile on but it's been so refreshing having NM. LJ talked a great deal but it never translated into anything resembling a strategy on the park.

We now have a clear style and although I think we need to be a bit cannier at times, I like that the manager has a way he wants us to play, and one that has us passing the ball.

He's also learning imo. Some of the substitutions we saw that cost us in earlier games haven't been repeated. It feels like he's got an idea now on who he can trust in the squad, something again that I never felt with LJ.

And big thing for me is the improvement has been done without bringing in any of his own players. Miller and Tavares have come on leaps and bounds, and although it's been hard, benching Stevenson and Hanlon has been the absolute right move. We've relied far too much on them.

I'm enjoying Hibs again and excited for what we can do with a few more signings. We'll have setbacks but it definitely feels like we are on the right track, and it's been a few managers ago that I personally had the same optimism.

[B.H.F.C]

For me the night and day comparison stems from the fact we have a clear formation and way of playing under Montgomery. We are structured and there is a clear identity to what a Montgomery team looks like. Which makes it easier to sign players for specific roles. That and the fact we are now actually blooding the youngsters.

Under Johnson I still couldn’t tell you what a Johnson team looked like. It always seemed a team of individuals cobbled together who would fall upon a formation that worked for a while before the wheels would spectacularly fall off and we were back in the cycle of selection and formation bingo. Added to a recruitment strategy to sign lots of good individual players and worry about how they fit together later.

Montgomery has come in and set up a defined and structured team straight away from Johnson’s tools with no fuss. Where as Johnson talked about needing x amount of windows, needing to get rid and of a load of the squad, about all these youngsters he was going to bring through, just bluster and self preservation.

Pretty much totally agree with this.

The point about individuals is interesting. Individually, we didn’t have our best players on the pitch on Saturday but we had a better functioning team. Under Johnson it was just always a case of hoping an individual would dig you out of trouble. Now, I think there is a bit structure there and the players are slowly improving (or quickly improving in the case of Tavares).

[The Modfather]

Is there anyone still on the fence with Montgomery?

We’re far from perfect, but I can’t help but get excited about life under Montgomery. Not because we’re now only a point off 3rd but it feels like it’s on the back of proper foundations being laid and not a short term new manager bounce or papering over the cracks.

To take a squad that’s not his and had lost its first 3 games. Introduce a clear and structured formation and recognisable style. Rehabilitate the likes of Tavares from banishment to one of our best players. Improve players like Rocky, Miller, Marshall etc as well as giving youngsters game time in Whittaker, Landers & Molotnikov is evidence he is the real deal IMO and makes me excited for what he can achieve with his own players signed for specific roles.

Feels like the start of Mowbray time for me.

[JohnM1875]

Is there anyone still on the fence with Montgomery?

We’re far from perfect, but I can’t help but get excited about life under Montgomery. Not because we’re now only a point off 3rd but it feels like it’s on the back of proper foundations being laid and not a short term new manager bounce or papering over the cracks.

To take a squad that’s not his and had lost its first 3 games. Introduce a clear and structured formation and recognisable style. Rehabilitate the likes of Tavares from banishment to one of our best players. Improve players like Rocky, Miller, Marshall etc as well as giving youngsters game time in Whittaker, Landers & Molotnikov is evidence he is the real deal IMO and makes me excited for what he can achieve with his own players signed for specific roles.

Feels like the start of Mowbray time for me.

I wanted Monty as soon as his name was mentioned. A wee bit early of course, but already buzzing to start a thread when we cruise to third place and win the Scottish Cup telling everyone how right I was!

Think he’s worked wonders picking up the pieces from the wee man’s mess.

[bingo70]

I think he’s done a brilliant job to make the most of the current squad and he deserves all the credit in the world for that.

I don’t really feel like we’re seeing his team yet though. I was hoping to see us play with a lot more attacking intent if I’m being really honest. I think (hope) this will come when he starts to bring his own players in but for now while I’m really impressed with some aspects of his management, I hope there’s more to come.

[Since452]

Is there anyone still on the fence with Montgomery?

We’re far from perfect, but I can’t help but get excited about life under Montgomery. Not because we’re now only a point off 3rd but it feels like it’s on the back of proper foundations being laid and not a short term new manager bounce or papering over the cracks.

To take a squad that’s not his and had lost its first 3 games. Introduce a clear and structured formation and recognisable style. Rehabilitate the likes of Tavares from banishment to one of our best players. Improve players like Rocky, Miller, Marshall etc as well as giving youngsters game time in Whittaker, Landers & Molotnikov is evidence he is the real deal IMO and makes me excited for what he can achieve with his own players signed for specific roles.

Feels like the start of Mowbray time for me.

I don't enjoy the football under Montgomery but if we keep winning I could give a flying monkeys.

[B.H.F.C]

Is there anyone still on the fence with Montgomery?

We’re far from perfect, but I can’t help but get excited about life under Montgomery. Not because we’re now only a point off 3rd but it feels like it’s on the back of proper foundations being laid and not a short term new manager bounce or papering over the cracks.

To take a squad that’s not his and had lost its first 3 games. Introduce a clear and structured formation and recognisable style. Rehabilitate the likes of Tavares from banishment to one of our best players. Improve players like Rocky, Miller, Marshall etc as well as giving youngsters game time in Whittaker, Landers & Molotnikov is evidence he is the real deal IMO and makes me excited for what he can achieve with his own players signed for specific roles.

Feels like the start of Mowbray time for me.

I think we have a great chance of getting third. He’s done a very good job to put us in a position that we’re thinking about that.

There’s no excuses with him. Nothing about playing midweek. No complaints when there is an injury and he has to play a 16 year old. Just gets on with it and it’s so, so different to what went before.

It’s not brilliant viewing at the moment but hopefully we can just keep grinding results out between now and January and he can start making some changes then.

[Earlydelivery]

I don't enjoy the football under Montgomery but if we keep winning I could give a flying monkeys.
Which kind of football would you like ? Serious question

[CapitalGreen]

Which kind of football would you like ? Serious question

He was desperate for Stephen Robinson as manager, take from that what you will.

[bingo70]

Which kind of football would you like ? Serious question

Just don’t ask his preferred formation.

Joking aside, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with his post, perfectly entitled not to enjoy this style of football, I’ve not really enjoyed it too much either and I’m one of thr managers biggest supporters.

[ancient hibee]

I think he’s done a brilliant job to make the most of the current squad and he deserves all the credit in the world for that.

I don’t really feel like we’re seeing his team yet though. I was hoping to see us play with a lot more attacking intent if I’m being really honest. I think (hope) this will come when he starts to bring his own players in but for now while I’m really impressed with some aspects of his management, I hope there’s more to come.

Only the OF have scored more league goals than we have. Think only Celtic equal our record of number of games we’ve scored in. It’s the defence that needs to shape up as our goals against shows.I’m looking forward to seeing if there’s a difference when he is able to bring in players to play in a certain way rather than trying to improve players who may find it difficult.

[babahibs]

I don't enjoy the football under Montgomery but if we keep winning I could give a flying monkeys.

Yeah, Lee Johnsons was way better eh!!!!!!!!!

[bingo70]

Only the OF have scored more league goals than we have. Think only Celtic equal our record of number of games we’ve scored in. It’s the defence that needs to shape up as our goals against shows.I’m looking forward to seeing if there’s a difference when he is able to bring in players to play in a certain way rather than trying to improve players who may find it difficult.

Oh definitely, I totally agree.

I think we are scoring goals but I like to see us dominating games and creating loads of chances. I don’t think we have really dominated the games we have won recently.

I know that sounds really picky and I don’t mean it to sound as negative as it probably does as I love NM, I just feel we are maybe scoring then trying to see games out. I totally get why but I look forward to the day we are going and scudding teams 4 and 5 nothing, we’re good enough to do that now IMO but we are in the process of learning our lessons from giving away leads recently.

I don’t doubt it’ll come but for now I don’t think we are really clicking as a great side.

[ancient hibee]

We
Oh definitely, I totally agree.

I think we are scoring goals but I like to see us dominating games and creating loads of chances. I don’t think we have really dominated the games we have won recently.

I know that sounds really picky and I don’t mean it to sound as negative as it probably does as I love NM, I just feel we are maybe scoring then trying to see games out. I totally get why but I look forward to the day we are going and scudding teams 4 and 5 nothing, we’re good enough to do that now IMO but we are in the process of learning our lessons from giving away leads recently.

I don’t doubt it’ll come but for now I don’t think we are really clicking as a great side.

Yes we do play in quite a restrained way. Partly I think it’s because we could be caught out if our central midfield two pushed up in a sort of gung-ho hunt for goals.I think giving some team a good hiding would help to make later games more relaxing.

[wookie70]

I don't enjoy the football under Montgomery but if we keep winning I could give a flying monkeys.

I enjoy the very brief moments but for the most part we are brutal to watch. It is a style of football I just don't really enjoy. That being said it is a style that has got us winning games ugly and that doesn't happen that often. I'm also hopeful that as the players get used to it we will move the ball much, much quicker and improve our movement so we get up the park more often. The other point well made by an earlier poster is we now know exactly the type of player to develop, purchase or loan.

The gaffer has also been true to his word in keeping the formation and style and has definitely got the players playing as a group and fighting for the badge. I'm an entertainment man over results, at least in the longer term, but considering the mess he inherited he has done a great job and I can wait for some more consistent good football rather than the odd bit every now and again

[Trinity Hibee]

Yeah, Lee Johnsons was way better eh!!!!!!!!!

Not really what he is saying though is it? Strange that people can’t be entitled to an opinion. I don’t really care what the style is as long as we win which is what the poster is also saying.

FWIW, I wasn’t excited by montgomery’s appointment but I’m starting to see his way of playing coming through and he’s had a positive effect on some of the players. Still think he needs to bring his own players in but fingers crossed the improvement continues for rest of the season

[ancient hibee]

I enjoy the very brief moments but for the most part we are brutal to watch. It is a style of football I just don't really enjoy. That being said it is a style that has got us winning games ugly and that doesn't happen that often. I'm also hopeful that as the players get used to it we will move the ball much, much quicker and improve our movement so we get up the park more often. The other point well made by an earlier poster is we now know exactly the type of player to develop, purchase or loan.

The gaffer has also been true to his word in keeping the formation and style and has definitely got the players playing as a group and fighting for the badge. I'm an entertainment man over results, at least in the longer term, but considering the mess he inherited he has done a great job and I can wait for some more consistent good football rather than the odd bit every now and again
With entertainment over results there is no longer term:greengrin.

[B.H.F.C]

Just don’t ask his preferred formation.

Joking aside, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with his post, perfectly entitled not to enjoy this style of football, I’ve not really enjoyed it too much either and I’m one of thr managers biggest supporters.

Same with me. I absolutely think he’s got us going in the right direction and will improve us further. It’s been a bit of a tough watch at times but it’s clear that he’s trying to build something and is managing to do that. It was never going to happen overnight and we’re only a defeat away from hearing that 442 doesn’t work, the way we play doesn’t work, we’re not getting enough from players. Massive upturn since he came in though, IMO.

[#2 Double Tap]

With entertainment over results there is no longer term:greengrin.

winning without entertainment and there are hardly any fans in the stands to watch :na na:

[Hibees1973]

Since he has come in his main objectives were to steady the ship and to maximise what is a thin and poorly balanced squad.

Questionable recruitment and has shown we are weak in both full back positions and central defence. We could also do with a quality defensive midfielder. We are decent going forward.

From the position we were in when Montgomery came in he has made us more robust and difficult to beat. Apart from the OF, who pump most teams, I think we have done well. There are a couple of games we have drawn from comfortable positions, but on the other hand have come back and achieved draws.

Montgomery is balanced and cool and just what we needed. Previous appointments were a disaster so we have McDermott to thank for bringing him in.

Today wasn't a great watch, but look at the circumstances. Loads of SPFL games at this time of the year are dire. There will always be bumps in the road but with Montgomery in charge I have more hope we will improve under him than I have felt in the last 2-3 years.

Give him and McDermott time to work together, move a few players out and get better players in. I'm now looking forward to the next couple of transfer windows with the money we got from Melkersen and potential new investment coming in.

[babahibs]

Not really what he is saying though is it? Strange that people can’t be entitled to an opinion. I don’t really care what the style is as long as we win which is what the poster is also saying.

FWIW, I wasn’t excited by montgomery’s appointment but I’m starting to see his way of playing coming through and he’s had a positive effect on some of the players. Still think he needs to bring his own players in but fingers crossed the improvement continues for rest of the season

Who said he can't be entitled to an opinion?

[Donegal Hibby]

I don't enjoy the football under Montgomery but if we keep winning I could give a flying monkeys.

I'm pretty much in the same boat.

A lot of our possession is passing it back to the keeper and in around our defence . Regularly in games our midfield two don't dominate games and are outnumbered which I think puts pressure on our defence too .

First 20 minutes or so today was probably has bad as I've seen in awhile from us and going 1up imo really flattered
us at that time . Performance today like a few others haven't been enjoyable to watch though we won and we seem to be grinding out wins which is the main thing 👍

[A Hi-Bee]

I'm pretty much in the same boat.

A lot of our possession is passing it back to the keeper and in around our defence . Regularly in games our midfield two don't dominate games and are outnumbered which I think puts pressure on our defence too .

First 20 minutes or so today was probably has bad as I've seen in awhile from us and going 1up imo really flattered
us at that time . Performance today like a few others haven't been enjoyable to watch though we won and we seem to be grinding out wins which is the main thing ��

This guy is the real deal we should enjoy him while he is at Hibs, Monty is making a silk purse out of a pigs ear, wait till he gets his own players in, the sign of a decent team is winning when they dont play so well.
Watching that in the worst weather for ages and on the worst pitch going we done alright and got the 3 points to move above the hertz. I could have gone to the cinema but would rather watch the Hibs.
:thumbsup:

[B.H.F.C]

This guy is the real deal we should enjoy him while he is at Hibs, Monty is making a silk purse out of a pigs ear, wait till he gets his own players in, the sign of a decent team is winning when they dont play so well.
Watching that in the worst weather for ages and on the worst pitch going we done alright and got the 3 points to move above the hertz.
:thumbsup:

It looked horrible sitting in the stand but we were saying, walking back to the car in it, that it must have been absolutely horrible to play in. To get out of there with three points was a great result and really important. Was never going to be anything other than the type of game it was.

[Carheenlea]

One thing I like about him (and there are many), is that he’s never bemoaned the squad inherited or talked about what he’s hoping to do in the transfer window.

He’s implemented the style he wishes to play with this squad he has and in turn has seen improvement with several players and introductions of youth. He likes to focus on individuals positives rather than negatives, and I see a much more confident looking Hibs side.

He’ll have thoughts I’m sure on what he’d like to do, but that seems to be kept in house and he’s getting on with the job in hand, and a more than decent job he’s doing so far.

[B.H.F.C]

One thing I like about him (and there are many), is that he’s never bemoaned the squad inherited or talked about what he’s hoping to do in the transfer window.

He’s implemented the style he wishes to play with this squad he has and in turn has seen improvement with several players and introductions of youth. He likes to focus on individuals positives rather than negatives, and I see a much more confident looking Hibs side.

He’ll have thoughts I’m sure on what he’d like to do, but that seems to be kept in house and he’s getting on with the job in hand, and a more than decent job he’s doing so far.

No excuses. No talk of needing multiple windows. No trying to be overly clever.

Just gets on with his job, is doing all right, and has loads of scope to improve further.

[Donegal Hibby]

One thing I like about him (and there are many), is that he’s never bemoaned the squad inherited or talked about what he’s hoping to do in the transfer window.

He’s implemented the style he wishes to play with this squad he has and in turn has seen improvement with several players and introductions of youth. He likes to focus on individuals positives rather than negatives, and I see a much more confident looking Hibs side.

He’ll have thoughts I’m sure on what he’d like to do, but that seems to be kept in house and he’s getting on with the job in hand, and a more than decent job he’s doing so far.

I'd be surprised if he did moan about the squad tbh it's a lot better one now than we had a couple of years ago . Outside the old firm it's as good and better in a lot of cases than what other teams have . I genuinely believe we have outside the old firm the best forwards . 2 or 3 additions is all I think it needs . Most managers in Scotland would love to have this squad I think.
https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/article/monty-everyone-dug-in-today

[JimBHibees]

Is there anyone still on the fence with Montgomery?

We’re far from perfect, but I can’t help but get excited about life under Montgomery. Not because we’re now only a point off 3rd but it feels like it’s on the back of proper foundations being laid and not a short term new manager bounce or papering over the cracks.

To take a squad that’s not his and had lost its first 3 games. Introduce a clear and structured formation and recognisable style. Rehabilitate the likes of Tavares from banishment to one of our best players. Improve players like Rocky, Miller, Marshall etc as well as giving youngsters game time in Whittaker, Landers & Molotnikov is evidence he is the real deal IMO and makes me excited for what he can achieve with his own players signed for specific roles.

Feels like the start of Mowbray time for me.

Think he has been great. A good style of play and structure and the clear purpose of how to play. Looks to be an excellent people person. Think we should enjoy the time he is at our club as get the impression he is destined for greater things. Enjoying us playing much more than for a few years.

[Bobby's Cinema]

One thing I like about him (and there are many), is that he’s never bemoaned the squad inherited or talked about what he’s hoping to do in the transfer window.

He’s implemented the style he wishes to play with this squad he has and in turn has seen improvement with several players and introductions of youth. He likes to focus on individuals positives rather than negatives, and I see a much more confident looking Hibs side.

He’ll have thoughts I’m sure on what he’d like to do, but that seems to be kept in house and he’s getting on with the job in hand, and a more than decent job he’s doing so far.
He has revived the Hibs career of several plays that were suffering under LJ. He has also given more minutes to the young guys. We have a clear style of play.

I still think we can get more out of our best attacking players. But It's positives for me. We shouldn't forget we were bottom of the table with 3 defeats from 3 when LJ was sacked and there was pressure on us to get this one right.

[WeeRussell]

He has revived the Hibs career of several plays that were suffering under LJ. He has also given more minutes to the young guys. We have a clear style of play.

I still think we can get more out of our best attacking players. But It's positives for me. We shouldn't forget we were bottom of the table with 3 defeats from 3 when LJ was sacked and there was pressure on us to get this one right.

Spot-on.

Tavares has went from being a player almost every one of us thought we’d probably not see in a hibs jersey again (whether some of us believed he had ability or not) to looking like a strong contender for player of the year in a few weeks.

Obviously most of the credit goes to Jair himself, but it wouldn’t have happened under our last manager.

[TrinityHFC]

I'd be surprised if he did moan about the squad tbh it's a lot better one now than we had a couple of years ago . Outside the old firm it's as good and better in a lot of cases than what other teams have . I genuinely believe we have outside the old firm the best forwards . 2 or 3 additions is all I think it needs . Most managers in Scotland would love to have this squad I think.
https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/article/monty-everyone-dug-in-today

Agree. He has a good squad here. There wasn’t a big turnaround needed. Once we got settled this year and not playing in Europe I think we’d have been doing well anyway.

I’m not convinced yet. We don’t lose a lot but I’d expect that from this team. I find the football boring and think our attacking play is quite poor. Every week the opposition tend to have a lot more efforts on goal than we do.

Yes, Jair is back in and playing well so that’s a big plus but I also don’t think it is a miracle. It is a different manager with a different style of play giving a player a chance. I think there’s others we are not getting enough out of.

Winning games helps and long may that continue.

[wookie70]

With entertainment over results there is no longer term:greengrin.

At the extremes yes but given our resources I wouldn't be overly worried about the longer term. Also entertainment very often means good results. I have no complaints at all about the way Montgomery has went about his job. He is getting results the previous manager didn't and there are the odd sparks in our otherwise dour displays. The goal Jair scored the other week was fantastic viewing but passages of football like that are very rare in our games and for the most part David Marshall seems to be our best passer of the ball. I get why teams knock it about the back but to me it is not great to watch when done at the speed we are doing it and for the most part the purpose of our play is imagined not really evident. If he keeps getting the results then there will be little to complain about for most.

[B.H.F.C]

Agree. He has a good squad here. There wasn’t a big turnaround needed. Once we got settled this year and not playing in Europe I think we’d have been doing well anyway.

I’m not convinced yet. We don’t lose a lot but I’d expect that from this team. I find the football boring and think our attacking play is quite poor. Every week the opposition tend to have a lot more efforts on goal than we do.

Yes, Jair is back in and playing well so that’s a big plus but I also don’t think it is a miracle. It is a different manager with a different style of play giving a player a chance. I think there’s others we are not getting enough out of.

Winning games helps and long may that continue.

The first bit is entirely hypothetical. It’s easy to forget how bad those first three league games were. Europe or not we were an absolute shambles. It wasn’t a team playing with the same desire as we see now, even if quality is still lacking at times.

We have some good attacking players but we’re very weak defensively. We’ve had to play a 16 year old at right back. At the other end of the scale we’ve had to play a 36 year old at left back.

There is a lot of talk about not getting enough out of certain players but we are getting a lot more out of the team, and that’s the most important thing.

[Since452]

Which kind of football would you like ? Serious question

Preferably something a bit more fluid, attacking and exciting. Today, and against Aberdeen we've been a tough watch, as we are most weeks under Montgomery. I'm not including the Celtic game as that's unfair. That's just my opinion. And like I said in the post you replied to, I couldn't really care as long as we win. Which to be fair to Montgomery, he's done in 4 of our last 5 games. He's now finding a way to turn the draws in to wins and that's all that really matters.

[WeeRussell]

Preferably something a bit more fluid, attacking and exciting. Today, and against Aberdeen we've been a tough watch, as we are most weeks under Montgomery. I'm not including the Celtic game as that's unfair. That's just my opinion. And like I said in the post you replied to, I couldn't really care as long as we win. Which to be fair to Montgomery, he's done in 4 of our last 5 games. He's now finding a way to turn the draws in to wins and that's all that really matters.

In terms of your first sentence I actually think it’s fair and reasonable to want that over time. I do as well.

I just don’t think we can demand that just now. I think it’ll improve in the new year, and like you say, the main thing just now is picking up the points that puts us in a position to challenge.

I said on another thread that we haven’t been overly exciting (in terms of our style) to watch in a long time.

It’ll come. Things are definitely improving.

[Since452]

In terms of your first sentence I actually think it’s fair and reasonable to want that over time. I do as well.

I just don’t think we can demand that just now. I think it’ll improve in the new year, and like you say, the main thing just now is picking up the points that puts us in a position to challenge.

I said on another thread that we haven’t been overly exciting (in terms of our style) to watch in a long time.

It’ll come. Things are definitely improving.

Ironically, I think Montgomery's best team performance so far was in the semi final loss. I'll take wins all day long though.

[tamig]

I'd be surprised if he did moan about the squad tbh it's a lot better one now than we had a couple of years ago . Outside the old firm it's as good and better in a lot of cases than what other teams have . I genuinely believe we have outside the old firm the best forwards . 2 or 3 additions is all I think it needs . Most managers in Scotland would love to have this squad I think.
https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/article/monty-everyone-dug-in-today

Unlike your old mucker LJ you mean? Always keen to let us know how many more windows it would take to get the squad right. We do have a good set of forward players but there are still glaring gaps in the squad - some that have been obvious for a few years now. I trust BM and Monty to finally address some of that in the next window.

[Mcbizz1998]

I was someone who wanted Monty in once his name was mentioned, and he is delivering what I hoped. It’s not been perfect of course but as others have said, there is a style of play, improving players and bringing in the youngsters. We went on that run of 8 games without a win (or something like that) but even then we weren’t far away - lots of draws and narrow losses, it’s starting to come together now and if we forget the write off of a game that is Celtic away, that’s 4 wins in a row! 2 winnable games up next before we welcome our pink pals just after Christmas, I’m hopeful a win in that game will be to extend our lead in 3rd!

[Donegal Hibby]

Unlike your old mucker LJ you mean? Always keen to let us know how many more windows it would take to get the squad right. We do have a good set of forward players but there are still glaring gaps in the squad - some that have been obvious for a few years now. I trust BM and Monty to finally address some of that in the next window.

There seems to be abit of a fixation about our ex manager on here . Yes I wanted him to get time and transfer windows to see if he could improve the squad.

I also want Monty to get time and transfer windows to take in his own players . Maybe add 2 or 3 players and get Mckirdy , Cadden , JDH back , Miller today was also out , that's four good options. Monty might want to move a couple on and other clubs might be interested in one or two though I'm sure we'll deal with that if it happens

I don't believe Monty has taken over a squad thats as bad as some are making out it is . We were only something like 5 points of third last year . January window is incredibly hard to do business in so I think Monty will need the summer one at least tbh .

[Unseen work]

I like the thought of possession based football.

But alot of the times it need to be done 20 yards further up the pitch imo. Us knocking the ball about our centre half’s in the edge of our box isn’t good football.

When we do, it’s decent.

But we need to create more chances for Vente etc, we need to be giving guys of his quality multiple chances a game. Not one.

It’s just a bit slow for my liking st the moment and then when we’re pressed it’s launched to one of our front four, none of whom are good in the air
.
I like Montgomery and really like what he’s trying to do, maybe his own players will sharpen it up a bit.

[JohnM1875]

There seems to be abit of a fixation about our ex manager on here . Yes I wanted him to get time and transfer windows to see if he could improve the squad.

I also want Monty to get time and transfer windows to take in his own players . Maybe add 2 or 3 players and get Mckirdy , Cadden , JDH back , Miller today was also out , that's four good options. Monty might want to move a couple on and other clubs might be interested in one or two though I'm sure we'll deal with that if it happens

I don't believe Monty has taken over a squad thats as bad as some are making out it is . We were only something like 5 points of third last year . January window is incredibly hard to do business in so I think Monty will need the summer one at least tbh .

Probably cause LJ is a useless slaver that's more than likely about to get found out and sacked again. Not his fault we appointed him mind you but I do feel sorry for Fleetwood when you hear his post match interviews on Twitter. Same old nonsense trotted out 'we've let the tea lady down, ball boys down blah, blah, blah'

Interesting hearing McGeady talk about him recently. By all accounts he was a good coach at Sunderland, very involved and hands on but seemed to think the coaching side of things was above him at us.

[WhileTheChief..]

We're on a cracking wee run just now and I'm delighted with the results.

I don't think we're all that good though. The games we've been winning are ones I'd expect any decent Hibs side to win.

I think our squad is still generally weak, so I'm happy to give NM huge credit for turning around LJs mess.

Other than that, I've no real opinion of NM. I've not listened to his interviews or read anything about him since the first week he was appointed.

After listening to LJs constant BS, I decided to avoid managers' chat for a while!

[Nicho87]

We’re winning

We’re 1 point off third

That was miles off with the previous regime

We are getting better each week

Monty has lost two league games, both to the uglies in Glasgow

No disgrace at all

What more can we ask for

Keep it up

[Johnny_Leith]

We've came into some form which is good, what's even better is that the performances haven't been all encompassing, so we'll only get better.

I'm still convinced we can go to Glasgow and get results/give them a scare which lesser teams in the league seem to do every so often when they approach those games with a more conservative approach.

Have maintained there is talent in the squad and glad to see NM managing to get a tune from them. Not finished article at all but moving in the right direction, the form found my marshall of late has made a huge difference, we were oxley Territory of basically conceding every shot on goal that wasn't straight at him but now we're seeing how many points a good GK can save us and NM and his team deserve credit for improving his, the team's and the other fringe players form.

[MrSmith]

I’m 100% behind our Mon! Bringing the youngsters in is a master stroke for me and is a real indication that we are building for the future while revitalising our identity.

[Hibernian Verse]

We’re winning

We’re 1 point off third

That was miles off with the previous regime

We are getting better each week

Monty has lost two league games, both to the uglies in Glasgow

No disgrace at all

What more can we ask for

Keep it up

This in a nutshell.

[Since90+2]

He's done a phenomenal job when you consider the mess he inherited from LJ. We hardly lose any games, and are the top scorers in the league outside the old firm.

When you consider he's not even had a transfer window overall he's been an excellent appointment.

[LaMotta]

The derby is huge in shaping people's perception of him. Really really really want him to win that one. Always would want to win every derby of course but this one feels more important somehow.

[makaveli1875]

I was someone who wanted Monty in once his name was mentioned, and he is delivering what I hoped. It’s not been perfect of course but as others have said, there is a style of play, improving players and bringing in the youngsters. We went on that run of 8 games without a win (or something like that) but even then we weren’t far away - lots of draws and narrow losses, it’s starting to come together now and if we forget the write off of a game that is Celtic away, that’s 4 wins in a row! 2 winnable games up next before we welcome our pink pals just after Christmas, I’m hopeful a win in that game will be to extend our lead in 3rd!

I was the opposite, had no idea who he was and when folk were throwing his name about I was scratching my head wondering what you were all slavering about . He's been a breath of fresh air . Really like the guy , the way he plays , the way he talks . His handling of the young lads is refreshing too .

[DIXIHIBS]

The derby is huge in shaping people's perception of him. Really really really want him to win that one. Always would want to win every derby of course but this one feels more important somehow.

Definitely feels more important. Chance to put down a marker. We are not defined by our results against hertz but it gives everyone a huge lift. Unfortunately a win could see end of Naismith.

[B.H.F.C]

He's done a phenomenal job when you consider the mess he inherited from LJ. We hardly lose any games, and are the top scorers in the league outside the old firm.

When you consider he's not even had a transfer window overall he's been an excellent appointment.

Keep saying it but I honestly think the mess we were in at the start of the season is being under estimated.

We got by in a couple of European ties courtesy of our good attacking players but you think as far back as the game in Andorra, how much of a mess we were defensively and how that continued in to the start of the league season. It’s still there at times because we just have some average to poor players in defensive areas along with having to play 16 year olds. You look at our bench most weeks and there is very little there.

There are three draws in amongst his results, Killie, Ross County and St Mirren that should have been wins but it was clear during that time that we weren’t far away from turning those types of games in to wins.

He needs the window to upgrade some positions but, meantime, he seems to have instilled a desire and will to win in the team that was lacking before.

[Not In The Know]

Think he has been great. A good style of play and structure and the clear purpose of how to play. Looks to be an excellent people person. Think we should enjoy the time he is at our club as get the impression he is destined for greater things. Enjoying us playing much more than for a few years.

100%. Him and Sergio are the real deal.

[J-C]

He's done a phenomenal job when you consider the mess he inherited from LJ. We hardly lose any games, and are the top scorers in the league outside the old firm.

When you consider he's not even had a transfer window overall he's been an excellent appointment.

According to some on here LJ just needed more time and windows, just look at the mess he's making at Fleetwood.

The squad isn't a bad one, not great but not that bad, it needed some proper coaching and organisation, so far things are looking better.

[WhileTheChief..]

Keep saying it but I honestly think the mess we were in at the start of the season is being under estimated

Maybe by a few, but an awful lot of us were on here constantly moaning about LJ and begging for the club to make the change!!

In a perverse way, it was a great time fro anyone coming into the job. The only way was, literally, up.

I'd never heard of NM when his name was mentioned, and I certainly didn't think it was a great appointment, but it's working out ok so far.

Still way too early to say if he'll be a success but it's looking promising.

[Since452]

Actually thought we played some great stuff under LJ. Including this season. I don't understand the over the top hatred towards him. Three narrow league defeats while playing in European games at the start of the season isn't a disaster. It was probably time for a change in direction but we've had far, far, worse than LJ. Still think he left us in a better position than when he took over.

[1875M]

I don’t think it’s fair to judge a manager fully until they can get their own players in. However, I think he’s made a really positive start. There’s a clear identity about the team, the players have responded to him well, Jair is looking much much better and the most important thing, we’re actually winning games of football.

Moving forward, I’d like to see us play a bit higher up. Also, still think we need at least 4 quality signings to improve squad depth.

[Eyrie]

I started firmly in the McInnes camp but when Montgomery was mentioned I was intrigued and before long I'd decided that the potential upside outweighed the concerns. The Hibs board then made what is turning out to be the right decision in appointing him.

Next season will be even better as he'll have had long enough to work with the current squad and two transfer windows to bring in his own players. A good enough manager doesn't need multiple transfer windows to demonstrate his quality.

[The Modfather]

Actually thought we played some great stuff under LJ. Including this season. I don't understand the over the top hatred towards him. Three narrow league defeats while playing in European games at the start of the season isn't a disaster. It was probably time for a change in direction but we've had far, far, worse than LJ. Still think he left us in a better position than when he took over.

The three narrow league defeats as you describe them weren’t the issue in themselves it was the performances that were the real alarm bells. We looked like Butchers Hibs with aimless hoofs into the corners or in the vague direction of Doidge, who was back in favour after a summer of trying to sell him.

Montgomery must have played a similar number of midweek games to Johnson (St Mirren H, Ross County H, St Mirren A, Celtc A off the top of my head). Granted with less traveling, however navigating two games a week hasn’t been an issue post Johnson nor was ever used as mitigation for our spate of draws from those criticising him.

Johnson was heavily backed last season and met his minimum targets of 5th, never getting to the bottom of the streaks. This season he was backed potentially more than any manager in our history but continued to go backwards at an alarming rate.

[ancient hibee]

There seems to be abit of a fixation about our ex manager on here . Yes I wanted him to get time and transfer windows to see if he could improve the squad.

I also want Monty to get time and transfer windows to take in his own players . Maybe add 2 or 3 players and get Mckirdy , Cadden , JDH back , Miller today was also out , that's four good options. Monty might want to move a couple on and other clubs might be interested in one or two though I'm sure we'll deal with that if it happens

I don't believe Monty has taken over a squad thats as bad as some are making out it is . We were only something like 5 points of third last year . January window is incredibly hard to do business in so I think Monty will need the summer one at least tbh .
Of course the squad weren’t bad-it was the manager-which is pretty obvious where the improvement has come from.

[Iain G]

Of course the squad weren’t bad-it was the manager-which is pretty obvious where the improvement has come from.

I didn't mind LJ, hoped it would settle and he would come good but he was guilty of overthinking Scottish football.

We now have a manager who is focusing on implementing a specific and clear way of playing and working on continuous improvement. It's been a very good start and we are now getting more resilient and we are getting results.

[matty_f]

I like Montgomery a lot, for a few reasons. Firstly, in. my professional life I do leadership training and from the outside looking in, it looks like Montgomery ticks an awful lot of boxes in terms of being an exceptional leader. For a start, his man-management appears to be fantastic, and he's quickly built trust with the players by backing up his words with actions.
Contrast LJ's "we won't sign more players because I need to create a pathway for young players here" statement, followed immediately by playing Josh O'Connor and McIntyre (I think?) off the bench when we were scudding Aberdeen, only to never really play them again, with Montgomery's "I like to play youth players" and then integrating Rory Whittaker and now Rudi Molotnikov into the first team, not just as a token gesture but in games where the result is still in the balance.

He's set out a style of play and stuck to it, again, from a leadership perspective, this is someone who steadfastly believes in their vision, and is bringing others along with them even when it's been difficult and people have raised doubts.

There's the togetherness aspect, you have someone like Jair - completely frozen out to the point of having one foot out the door under LJ and being unknown to the first team - now playing an active part in the team.

I mentioned before that I had been down to the training centre recently for a work meeting, and the place was genuinely buzzing - it was the Friday before we played Dundee (IIRC) and for all the times that I've been there over the years, this was by far the most I have felt a real electricity in the air. It was startling.

As for the football, the results speak for themselves - 2 defeats, both against the Old Firm, and draws now turning to wins. Although we lost, we had the most attacking display (backed by stats) at Celtic of any league team to visit there this season. We've climbed the league and have gone from a team that some on here were touting for relegation to one that has a very credible punt at third.

All of this without any signings other than a backroom team.

I think he's done an incredible job so far for the reasons above, and there is definitely room for improvement - some of the performances have been hard going, but I think it would be really harsh not to acknowledge that when it clicks in games for us, we play some terrific stuff.

[Bridge hibs]

According to some on here LJ just needed more time and windows, just look at the mess he's making at Fleetwood.

The squad isn't a bad one, not great but not that bad, it needed some proper coaching and organisation, so far things are looking better.

To be fair NM has inherited LJs signings, or most of them at least and he has done a remarkable job considering. In LJs defence he inherited a team that was managed by Scott Brown who got emptied with no doubt having to do similar to NM with a few of Browns signings

Im not defending LJ by the way but there are parallel's. For the avoidance of doubt I think LJ will be emptied if they dont sign well or pick up results in January as I just dont think he is a good manager

[Donegal Hibby]

Probably cause LJ is a useless slaver that's more than likely about to get found out and sacked again. Not his fault we appointed him mind you but I do feel sorry for Fleetwood when you hear his post match interviews on Twitter. Same old nonsense trotted out 'we've let the tea lady down, ball boys down blah, blah, blah'

Interesting hearing McGeady talk about him recently. By all accounts he was a good coach at Sunderland, very involved and hands on but seemed to think the coaching side of things was above him at us.

I didn't actually think our previous manager was as bad a slaver as others thought, think all manager slaver abit to be honest . I certainly don't remembering him praising rangers as a great club with special fans that create a great atmosphere either. It don't think Fleetwood was a particularly good job for any manager to take , brown was sacked for 1point out of 18 I think .

When he was at us I did want to see him get time and transfer windows to improve the squad which seems to have rattled certain folk as they keep bringing it up though I want the same for Monty or any other manager we have in place.

Back to what should be the main focus is Hibs and our current manager . While like a few others I haven't enjoyed watching us under Monty the guy is doing well in grinding out result . I'm looking forward to seeing what type of players he will bring in though I don't think the squad we have is as bad as some say . Monty also said he was happy enough with it too .

[He's here!]

Actually thought we played some great stuff under LJ. Including this season. I don't understand the over the top hatred towards him. Three narrow league defeats while playing in European games at the start of the season isn't a disaster. It was probably time for a change in direction but we've had far, far, worse than LJ. Still think he left us in a better position than when he took over.

I never got the venom directed at him by some either. I thought he was a dedicated boss who really wanted to succeed at Hibs and who engineered some memorable, occasionally stunning, results. The guy did his best and it simply wasn't good enough.

[Johnny_Leith]

I like Montgomery a lot, for a few reasons. Firstly, in. my professional life I do leadership training and from the outside looking in, it looks like Montgomery ticks an awful lot of boxes in terms of being an exceptional leader. For a start, his man-management appears to be fantastic, and he's quickly built trust with the players by backing up his words with actions.
Contrast LJ's "we won't sign more players because I need to create a pathway for young players here" statement, followed immediately by playing Josh O'Connor and McIntyre (I think?) off the bench when we were scudding Aberdeen, only to never really play them again, with Montgomery's "I like to play youth players" and then integrating Rory Whittaker and now Rudi Molotnikov into the first team, not just as a token gesture but in games where the result is still in the balance.

He's set out a style of play and stuck to it, again, from a leadership perspective, this is someone who steadfastly believes in their vision, and is bringing others along with them even when it's been difficult and people have raised doubts.

There's the togetherness aspect, you have someone like Jair - completely frozen out to the point of having one foot out the door under LJ and being unknown to the first team - now playing an active part in the team.

I mentioned before that I had been down to the training centre recently for a work meeting, and the place was genuinely buzzing - it was the Friday before we played Dundee (IIRC) and for all the times that I've been there over the years, this was by far the most I have felt a real electricity in the air. It was startling.

As for the football, the results speak for themselves - 2 defeats, both against the Old Firm, and draws now turning to wins. Although we lost, we had the most attacking display (backed by stats) at Celtic of any league team to visit there this season. We've climbed the league and have gone from a team that some on here were touting for relegation to one that has a very credible punt at third.

All of this without any signings other than a backroom team.

I think he's done an incredible job so far for the reasons above, and there is definitely room for improvement - some of the performances have been hard going, but I think it would be really harsh not to acknowledge that when it clicks in games for us, we play some terrific stuff.

3x defeats. Aberdeen semi final.

[WeeRussell]

Actually thought we played some great stuff under LJ. Including this season. I don't understand the over the top hatred towards him. Three narrow league defeats while playing in European games at the start of the season isn't a disaster. It was probably time for a change in direction but we've had far, far, worse than LJ. Still think he left us in a better position than when he took over.

I agree about the over the top hatred, but disagree about the great stuff.

[Since452]

I agree about the over the top hatred, but disagree about the great stuff.

It wasn't all great obviously but we had some cracking performances and results under him. Never seemed to find the consistency to get any real momentum though.

[Donegal Hibby]

It wasn't all great obviously but we had some cracking performances and results under him. Never seemed to find the consistency to get any real momentum though.

Certainly wasn't all great and we never did seem to find any consistency though your right in we did have some cracking performance under him . Got us into Europe which I was happy about. Think the hatred towards him was / is definitely away OTT tbh .

[CallumLaidlaw]

It wasn't all great obviously but we had some cracking performances and results under him. Never seemed to find the consistency to get any real momentum though.

I was very much Johnson In even until very late in his tenure, but our league performances under him this season were awful. We went backwards in terms of any kind of “way” of playing. Had become punt it long for youan and boyle to chase. Was awful to watch. And very easy to play against.
Couple of European performances were good.
Problem with Johnson was, he was constantly changing the formations and tactics so no chance for and consistency.

We now have a manager with absolute belief in his system which the players seem
Bought into and we’re seeing them grow in confidence in it. The longer he works with them and then adds a few of his own signings, we’ll only get better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[blackpoolhibs]

I've no hatred of LJ, i think he's hopeless as a manager, especially man management. He spoke in riddles, in fact i've said it on here many times, managers do talk sheite, but he was way off down the pipes into the sea off seafield with it.

No wonder the team looked like they hadnt a clue what to do after listening to him, yet give Monty 5 minutes and they look like they know what they are doing and winning games of football, with his players.

I'm very hopefull we are going in the right direction now, under LJ i was not.:top marks

[matty_f]

3x defeats. Aberdeen semi final.

Correct, 2 league defeats is what I should have said.

[jeffers]

Never met him so I've no idea what he was like as a bloke. I just think that as a manager he did no worse than plenty of others, always spoke very highly of the club and did nothing to merit more flak than other sacked managers have got. It didn't look like it was going to work out tho and hopefully we now have a better manager in charge.

Fair enough. I’m delighted he’s gone and we have a proper manager in charge now, but far more important than my opinion the players think that too. Still early days but a sign of a good manager for me is being able to improve what he’s inherited, Monty has clearly done that.

[WhileTheChief..]

The 'hatred' directed towards LJ wasn't personal, it was for the way he was treating our club and the damage he was doing to it.

It's no surprise that things started to improve the moment he left. Not weeks later, but within hours.

He should never have been anywhere near us.

[Wilson]

The 'hatred' directed towards LJ wasn't personal, it was for the way he was treating our club and the damage he was doing to it.

It's no surprise that things started to improve the moment he left. Not weeks later, but within hours.

He should never have been anywhere near us.

How many hours and how do you qualify that?

Just wondering.

[WeeRussell]

How many hours and how do you qualify that?

Just wondering.

Can I add a query about his “treatment of the club”?

Have I missed or forgotten a story, or do you just mean by not being a great manager for us?

[He's here!]

Can I add a query about his “treatment of the club”?

Have I missed or forgotten a story, or do you just mean by not being a great manager for us?

From what I recall the statement he released after his departure was full of praise for the club, the players and the fans.

[Centre Hawf]

The 'hatred' directed towards LJ wasn't personal, it was for the way he was treating our club and the damage he was doing to it.

It's no surprise that things started to improve the moment he left. Not weeks later, but within hours.

He should never have been anywhere near us.

I didn't like him one bit. Was always speaking utter tam white and was making us a laughing stock by giving the press stupid headlines and soundbites but he never seemed to cease in doing it because he loved being in the limelight and was so obsessed with being adored that he pulled out all these lines about letting the fans down constantly (doing the same at Fleetwood it seems).

As an actual football manager he was an enigma, he promised swashbuckling football when he turned up and while it was better than Maloney it was hardly Tony Mowbray era stuff, in fact before he was sacked it was some of the most eye bleeding stuff I've seen in years and I could probably count on the one hand over the 40 or so games he had with us where we looked like that team that was promised.

His treatment of players was hampering us not just as a team but I think as a club trying to forward plan. I'm not sure if he thought there was an unlimited supply of money to replace the 'duds' but he also never took any responsibility for signing them and was keen to remind us all of the ones that did work being something he orchestrated (his City group connection and thanking them whenever big Myk bagged a goal was brought out consistently to the point of nauseum) and he also seemed to sit and let Ian Gordon/recruitment dept take flak for some signings he just refused to play when actually they've started contributing upon being introduced (Jair, Miller,) and that's before you even discuss his inability to introduce any young players from what has looked a cracking group last year.

I'm delighted he's gone and if my dislike for him is OTT then so be it.

[Iain G]

Never met him so I've no idea what he was like as a bloke. I just think that as a manager he did no worse than plenty of others, always spoke very highly of the club and did nothing to merit more flak than other sacked managers have got. It didn't look like it was going to work out tho and hopefully we now have a better manager in charge.

Jeffers never met him either!🤣

[jeffers]

Jeffers never met him either!��

I’ve never met Allan McGregor either and he’s a ****** too. I’d wager the posters claiming Johnson was a “nice” guy had never met him either.

[MrSmith]

I did like LJ and never posted venom about him but I did know early this season that had we kept him as manager, we were going to be relegated. So, I was firmly in the LJ out camp. I still do think he was all over the place with team talk.

[bingo70]

Still annoys me that LJ said he was out having a family meal at Mad dogs (or whatever it’s called now) the night before the derby. Because he lied about that, I never really trusted him after that.

As a manager I thought he was alright at times and dreadful at times. I don’t think he came across as someone that you’d want in the trenches with you and majority of stuff he said was all about self preservation, even if that meant at the expense of players which is a bit of a *****y thing to do IMO. I don’t have any bitterness towards him though, he didn’t want to fail, he tried his best but it wasn’t to be, .

To bring it back to the current manager, I think he comes across as the opposite to LJ in terms of his personality traits. If the going got tough, I’d expect him to have my back, if he makes a mistake I suspect he’d own it and try to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

[Lago]

Montgomery is quite simply a breath of fresh air, hopefully Hibs have a manager succession plan in place because Monty will undoubtedly go onto greater things.

[He's here!]

I’ve never met Allan McGregor either and he’s a ****** too. I’d wager the posters claiming Johnson was a “nice” guy had never met him either.

Funny you've picked him as an example because he actually stayed not far from us when he was a kid at Hutchie Vale. Nice enough lad at the time but that was obviously a good while back.

[Allant1981]

Do some posters still think Montgomery is a clown and imposter as they posted a few weeks ago?

[Tambo]

Do some posters still think Montgomery is a clown and imposter as they posted a few weeks ago?

To be where we currently are in the league after our first 3 games is a decent start for Monty, yes one game was SDG and 2 maybe 3 games(Dundee) we really should of come away with 3 points.

A good little run of games also before the January transfer window.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Can I add a query about his “treatment of the club”?

Have I missed or forgotten a story, or do you just mean by not being a great manager for us?

His behaviour before the derby where he was out up the town in bars etc was a joke and hugely disrespectful to the club imo.

[Since452]

Do some posters still think Montgomery is a clown and imposter as they posted a few weeks ago?

I don't think anyone will if we continue winning. I personally don't enjoy the football or like how many chances/shots we allow the opposition to have but if we keep winning that'll do me fine.

[Donegal Hibby]

His behaviour before the derby where he was out up the town in bars etc was a joke and hugely disrespectful to the club imo.

I had no problem with it and don't think it was in any way disrespectful to the club , said his family was up for the game ( nan) had a meal and then a couple of drinks and back home quarter to ten or something like that ! . I never heard anything else btw to suggest that he was out on the pi** to all hours .

[sean]

I like Montgomery a lot, for a few reasons. Firstly, in. my professional life I do leadership training and from the outside looking in, it looks like Montgomery ticks an awful lot of boxes in terms of being an exceptional leader. For a start, his man-management appears to be fantastic, and he's quickly built trust with the players by backing up his words with actions.
Contrast LJ's "we won't sign more players because I need to create a pathway for young players here" statement, followed immediately by playing Josh O'Connor and McIntyre (I think?) off the bench when we were scudding Aberdeen, only to never really play them again, with Montgomery's "I like to play youth players" and then integrating Rory Whittaker and now Rudi Molotnikov into the first team, not just as a token gesture but in games where the result is still in the balance.

He's set out a style of play and stuck to it, again, from a leadership perspective, this is someone who steadfastly believes in their vision, and is bringing others along with them even when it's been difficult and people have raised doubts.

There's the togetherness aspect, you have someone like Jair - completely frozen out to the point of having one foot out the door under LJ and being unknown to the first team - now playing an active part in the team.

I mentioned before that I had been down to the training centre recently for a work meeting, and the place was genuinely buzzing - it was the Friday before we played Dundee (IIRC) and for all the times that I've been there over the years, this was by far the most I have felt a real electricity in the air. It was startling.

As for the football, the results speak for themselves - 2 defeats, both against the Old Firm, and draws now turning to wins. Although we lost, we had the most attacking display (backed by stats) at Celtic of any league team to visit there this season. We've climbed the league and have gone from a team that some on here were touting for relegation to one that has a very credible punt at third.

All of this without any signings other than a backroom team.

I think he's done an incredible job so far for the reasons above, and there is definitely room for improvement - some of the performances have been hard going, but I think it would be really harsh not to acknowledge that when it clicks in games for us, we play some terrific stuff.


great summary

[Paulie Walnuts]

I had no problem with it and don't think it was in any way disrespectful to the club , said his family was up for the game ( nan) had a meal and then a couple of drinks and back home quarter to ten or something like that ! . I never heard anything else btw to suggest that he was out on the pi** to all hours .

Elios doesn’t do food.

Dinner before the game, fair enough. Bevvying? Nah. It shows a huge lack of professionalism imo.

[Iain G]

Elios doesn’t do food.

Dinner before the game, fair enough. Bevvying? Nah. It shows a huge lack of professionalism imo.

They used to when they were a chippy on Duke Street 😁

[Bridge hibs]

Elios doesn’t do food.

Dinner before the game, fair enough. Bevvying? Nah. It shows a huge lack of professionalism imo.

Bevvying, how much bevvy did he consume ?

[Donegal Hibby]

Elios doesn’t do food.

Dinner before the game, fair enough. Bevvying? Nah. It shows a huge lack of professionalism imo.

Is it not possible he could have had a meal elsewhere and then went to another place for a couple drinks? . He had stated he was back home quarter to ten or something like that too . Bevvying and having a couple of night caps are two totally different scenarios imo . All irrelevant now anyway though if Monty had went out before a game had a meal and a couple of drinks I wouldn't think any worse of him either tbh .

[SHODAN]

Do some posters still think Montgomery is a clown and imposter as they posted a few weeks ago?

Save your breath mate, they won't be back posting on here until our next defeat.

[leith lynx]

They used to when they were a chippy on Duke Street 😁

That's going back a few years! I remember that place well, especially the sit in section, ashtrays on the formica tables! luxury!

[linlithgowhibbie]

They used to when they were a chippy on Duke Street ��

Elios,,, thats a blast from the past, my one and only favourite chippy in my youth. Quite often all my family of 7 went there , sat in and had majestic food.

[Forza Fred]

I wanted Monty before his name appeared on here….or anywhere for that matter.

Having followed his progress with the Mariners I thought he was the best fit for us….we needed to change our ‘tried and trusted, knows Scottish football’ mindset and go in a different direction, or be stuck with more of the same.

As they say, ‘if nothing changes….then nothing changes’.

He’s still in stage 1 of the change process….there’s a bit to go, but I really think we will be a better side after he gets a few players in that he thinks are more suited to his preferred style in.

He’s not a messiah…just a good manager.

[JimBHibees]

I wanted Monty before his name appeared on here….or anywhere for that matter.

Having followed his progress with the Mariners I thought he was the best fit for us….we needed to change our ‘tried and trusted, knows Scottish football’ mindset and go in a different direction, or be stuck with more of the same.

As they say, ‘if nothing changes….then nothing changes’.

He’s still in stage 1 of the change process….there’s a bit to go, but I really think we will be a better side after he gets a few players in that he thinks are more suited to his preferred style in.

He’s not a messiah…just a good manager.

Agree wanted him from the moment he was linked with us. He has got us better in a short space of time including three games we drew we probably should have won. Clear as day he seems to have galvanised a team spirit in the team and club. Long may it last and imo only gets better Definitely need to be enjoying him while here as think he is on an upward trajectory career wise.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Is it not possible he could have had a meal elsewhere and then went to another place for a couple drinks? . He had stated he was back home quarter to ten or something like that too . Bevvying and having a couple of night caps are two totally different scenarios imo . All irrelevant now anyway though if Monty had went out before a game had a meal and a couple of drinks I wouldn't think any worse of him either tbh .

The players wouldn’t be allowed to do it. In fact the players would be hammered by the club if they did. I wouldn’t expect the manager to either. He’s part of the team.

[1van Sprou7e]

The players wouldn’t be allowed to do it. In fact the players would be hammered by the club if they did. I wouldn’t expect the manager to either. He’s part of the team.

Didn't realise he was in the starting XI that day

[jeffers]

If this is from your usual sources we can take it as nonsense.

And who would they be ?

Out of interest what have I posted that was proved to be nonsense ?

[Blaster]

If this is from your usual sources we can take it as nonsense.

I don’t know Jeffers sources but I trust mine and I heard the same from mine. I heard many things about him during his tenure and not many positive things. Anyway he’s gone - best focus on the here and now and hope we are heading in the right direction eventually

[Paulie Walnuts]

Didn't realise he was in the starting XI that day

Ah, I didn’t realise it was only the starting 11 that applied to. Do the subs go out the night before a game since they’re not starting 11?

He doesn’t need to be part of the starting 11. They’re a team. Management and coaches etc included. It was completely unprofessional, and by extension, disrespectful to the club.

[Donegal Hibby]

It was also said about a family man with a young daughter that the young female staff in hospitality would be glad he was gone too ! Some horrible stuff was said about the guy that was totally ott without any proof either.

[WhileTheChief..]

Not to me personally. Nasty to those around him that he had any kind of managerial power over. That made me dislike him. He is very much a ME rather than an US.

He'd make a very good Tory politician tbh.

It was always only ever about LJ, not the team or the club.

Watch Naismsith's interview after their defeat to Aberdeen.

The first thong he says when asked what went wrong, was to state it was nothing to do with tactics, to shift any blame away from himself.

That's not leadership or management, it's cowardice, and shows why he'll never be a successful manager. LJ was similar.

[Rumble de Thump]

It was always only ever about LJ, not the team or the club.

Watch Naismsith's interview after their defeat to Aberdeen.

The first thong he says when asked what went wrong, was to state it was nothing to do with tactics, to shift any blame away from himself.

That's not leadership or management, it's cowardice, and shows why he'll never be a successful manager. LJ was similar.

Don't get your knickers in a twist.

[007]

It was always only ever about LJ, not the team or the club.

Watch Naismsith's interview after their defeat to Aberdeen.

The first thong he says when asked what went wrong, was to state it was nothing to do with tactics, to shift any blame away from himself.

That's not leadership or management, it's cowardice, and shows why he'll never be a successful manager. LJ was similar.

I noticed that with Naismith's interview too. Brendan Rodgers does something similar.

[WhileTheChief..]

Don't get your knickers in a twist.

:confused:

[Brightside]

:confused:

"the first thong"

[WhileTheChief..]

Don't get your knickers in a twist.

Ah, now I get it :top marks:greengrin

[WhileTheChief..]

"the first thong"

:aok:

Took me a minute!

[matty_f]

Bevvying, how much bevvy did he consume ?

Still genuinely blows my mind that folk got annoyed about an adult having a drink on a work night.

Anyway, not going to change anyone’s mind on it and nobody will change mine so not much point in dragging up an old argument.

[bingo70]

Still genuinely blows my mind that folk got annoyed about an adult having a drink on a work night.

Anyway, not going to change anyone’s mind on it and nobody will change mine so not much point in dragging up an old argument.

I was more annoyed about him lying about it afterwards than the night itself. I do think it was naive of him to be out on George street the night before a derby though, even if it’s no exactly a sackable offence in itself.

[Smartie]

I was more annoyed about him lying about it afterwards than the night itself. I do think it was naive of him to be out on George street the night before a derby though, even if it’s no exactly a sackable offence in itself.

I'd be annoyed too if he was pissing in the corners of nightclubs, splashing the champagne around or fighting, the "George Street" stuff players of the past used to do.

He was out for a meal with his gran iirc. Given he wasn't required to cover every blade of the Tynecastle grass the next day, I don't think there was anything wrong with his actions on that occasion.

I accept that the time had come for him to go but I couldn't have cared less about that incident. I'm probably more concerned about the rumours of players having not liked him and I'm retrospectively wondering what has gone on with his treatment of some of our younger players, players who have either left or who have responded very well to Montgomery.

[WeeRussell]

[QUOTE=Brightside;7526392]

From memory I think admins deleted these sort of posts and warned that pretty malicious attacks on LJ’s character based on rumours, or made up, wouldn’t be tolerated.

Might be wise to get rid and say no more ��

[1van Sprou7e]

Ah, I didn’t realise it was only the starting 11 that applied to. Do the subs go out the night before a game since they’re not starting 11?

He doesn’t need to be part of the starting 11. They’re a team. Management and coaches etc included. It was completely unprofessional, and by extension, disrespectful to the club.

Players shouldn't drink before games (or at all) due to the negative consequences on physical performance. It's not the same thing when it comes to coaches

And just to be clear I'm talking about one or two drinks, not enough to affect your cognitive performance the next day

[007]

Players shouldn't drink before games (or at all) due to the negative consequences on physical performance. It's not the same thing when it comes to coaches

And just to be clear I'm talking about one or two drinks, not enough to affect your cognitive performance the next day

And we know he didn't because he'd have talked total sense in his pre and post match interviews. :wink:

[A Hi-Bee]

There was me thinking we was talking about our new manager who is doing pretty well with the limited assets he has to work with, along with some broken ones he is having to mend. Why talk about a slaver that done more harm than good for our great club, **** him he is history.
In Monty we have a real good man in charge.
:thumbsup:

[Lago]

:confused:
Read your homework before handing it in and correct any mistakes :greengrin

[Hibs90]

To bring it back to the current manager, I think he comes across as the opposite to LJ in terms of his personality traits. If the going got tough, I’d expect him to have my back, if he makes a mistake I suspect he’d own it and try to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Exactly. That is a manager I'd want to bust a gut for.

It's a great leadership trait to have, and coupled with the improvements in results and individual players and the integration of youth. Tells you all you need to know. He's not a perfect manager by any stretch, but nobody is, he has made a mistake or two and will do again but he's certainly a very good one and a good leader for the squad.

[Since452]

Never met LJ but I found him a likeable guy who only ever said good things about the club, and very often. He tried his best, bought in to Hibs, left us better than he found us and moved on. He's almost given the same treatment on here as Butcher or Calderwood. Bizarre. He's gone now and hopefully the new manager can improve us further. He has a very decent foundation to build on.

[Donegal Hibby]

There was me thinking we was talking about our new manager who is doing pretty well with the limited assets he has to work with, along with some broken ones he is having to mend. Why talk about a slaver that done more harm than good for our great club, **** him he is history.
In Monty we have a real good man in charge.
:thumbsup:

The limited assets you refer to is as good as anything outside the old firm and imo improved since Maloney time .All managers slaver , our current one spoke of rangers being a great club with special fans that create a great atmosphere ! , we all know what kind of atmosphere they create and the traditions there clubs build on ! .How much harm did our previous manager do to the club ? Yes we lost our first 3 games of the new season though I'd hardly call qualifying for Europe as more harm than good 👍

[CapitalGreen]

Never met LJ but I found him a likeable guy who only ever said good things about the club, and very often. He tried his best, bought in to Hibs, left us better than he found us and moved on. He's almost given the same treatment on here as Butcher or Calderwood. Bizarre. He's gone now and hopefully the new manager can improve us further. He has a very decent foundation to build on.

He left us bottom of the league with 0 points from 9 :confused:

He also didn’t move on, he was given his jotters.

[Wilson]

He left us bottom of the league with 0 points from 9 :confused:

He also didn’t move on, he was given his jotters.

I hope we'll be in Europe every year but we might have to get used to a poor league run coinciding with strenuous efforts in Europe. Richer clubs with greater depth also struggle with the schedule.

Johnson probably didn't have enough credit in the bank to withstand the poor league form - given the streaky nature of his tenure. Monty perhaps will have.

Our foray into Europe was credible - ending against a superb Villa side. Progression in the cup against Raith not to be sniffed at - Murray is doing a good job and his side are underrated.

We get a lot of posts about how horrible he is, and how hated, and how crap the league form was.

There is no balance on this discussion anymore though.

[Donegal Hibby]

When someone leaves the club ( manager & player) having tried there best and been complimentary to the club ,melkersen , Nisbet, CJ , Hecky , LJ , Ross etc etc . I hope they do well in the future . Hopefully we can move on from malicious rumours now 👍 . Apologies if already seen , article on our current manager and transfers.
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/hibs-exclusive-ai-cant-tell-you-if-a-player-fits-our-culture-4442823

[The Modfather]

Never met LJ but I found him a likeable guy who only ever said good things about the club, and very often. He tried his best, bought in to Hibs, left us better than he found us and moved on. He's almost given the same treatment on here as Butcher or Calderwood. Bizarre. He's gone now and hopefully the new manager can improve us further. He has a very decent foundation to build on.

Did he buy into Hibs? I always felt he bought into Lee Johnson. He seemed to always be trying to buy time for himself to offset against the job he was doing on the park. Talking up his City connections, the managerial app he created, giving Pep advice, talking about needing 3 windows, the 80 odd problems he identified, needing to get rid of players to create a pathway for the youngsters but actually having no real intention to blood them, talking about how he had been to Aston Villa before and up to the squad to match him etc etc

None of those are insurmountable in themselves if he’s doing the job on the park. His problem was that he spent A LOT of money in his time here and finishing 5th is fine in itself, but was done so on the back of flimsy foundations of the streaks he goes on and the formation and lineup bingo.

Contrast his job to the one Montgomery is doing and it’s night and day. Montgomery has a clear and consistent formation and way of playing, which is true to what he said he would do. Has shown he can improve players individually and also have a team looking organised and like they understand what it is they are supposed to be doing. With the added bonus of actually bringing youngsters through and giving Whittaker proper minutes while it not being to the detriment of our results.

I thibk Hibs need to get better at factoring in how managers are perceived at previous clubs as fans largely call it as it is. Jack Ross came with a reputation of not winning the big games and that’s how it played out. Johnson came as someone who was a bit of a joke figure with his Brent-isims and a reputation for streaks and formations and lineup bingo to arrest those steaks. Monty came in with a reputation for playing 442 and bringing through youth, which is what we’ve seen.

[Since452]

He left us bottom of the league with 0 points from 9 :confused:

He also didn’t move on, he was given his jotters.

After 3 league games during a European run. He finished 5 points off 3rd and achieved our best European result over two legs in 30/40 years. That was a season after Shaun Maloney. He was hardly a disaster.

[The Modfather]

When someone leaves the club ( manager & player) having tried there best and been complimentary to the club ,melkersen , Nisbet, CJ , Hecky , LJ , Ross etc etc . I hope they do well in the future . Hopefully we can move on from malicious rumours now 👍 . Apologies if already seen , article on our current manager and transfers.
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/hibs-exclusive-ai-cant-tell-you-if-a-player-fits-our-culture-4442823

The more I hear from Monty the more I think he’s the real deal and unfortunately won’t be here for long. We’ve gone far too heavy on stats in the last number of years IMO. They have their place but it’s why we saw a contrast between having a statistically good midfield in JDH, Newell & Campbell and the reality we could all see in with our own eyes.

[WeeRussell]

After 3 league games during a European run. He finished 5 points off 3rd and achieved our best European result over two legs in 30/40 years. That was a season after Shaun Maloney. He was hardly a disaster.

Can throw-in the final game of the previous season too as that attempt to beat ten-man hearts was easily the game that left me most pissed-off with LJ and his approach.

[Donegal Hibby]

Can throw-in the final game of the previous season too as that attempt to beat ten-man hearts was easily the game that left me most pissed-off with LJ and his approach.

Injuries , fatigue think all played a part in that one , throwing on a CB up front was last chance saloon . Frustrating as hell that one ! . While not as many as I hoped we'd have try and remember the good times conk face 😂.
https://youtu.be/9ZBKmkFpF1w?si=rjlTEoLmuRTdAmrn

[cameronw-hfc]

I know it's the in thing currently but would like to see us try the fullbacks being more narrow/inverted.

The main idea behind doing that is to protect against counters on the break, and I think that's where we get caught out the most. We like to get bodies forward and seem to get caught sleeping at times. Wonder if its something he will try. Think it would help with LS being less athletic than before when he plays.

Otherwise very happy with NM so far. Feel we are in good hands.

[Since90+2]

I know it's the in thing currently but would like to see us try the fullbacks being more narrow/inverted.

The main idea behind doing that is to protect against counters on the break, and I think that's where we get caught out the most. We like to get bodies forward and seem to get caught sleeping at times. Wonder if its something he will try. Think it would help with LS being less athletic than before when he plays.

Otherwise very happy with NM so far. Feel we are in good hands.

The issue with playing narrower full backs is we'll get less balls put into the oppositions box as we'll have less width throughout the team.

It works in the EPL as they have world class players who can play lovely intricate football and break teams down through the narrow lines, they don't need to shell the ball into the box from out wide. I'm not sure we have the level of players to play that way, and it could make as less of a threat going forward.

Not saying it wouldn't work, but it does have an obvious downside.

[Unseen work]

The issue with playing narrower full backs is we'll get less balls put into the oppositions box as we'll have less width throughout the team.

It works in the EPL as they have world class players who can play lovely intricate football and break teams down through the narrow lines, they don't need to shell the ball into the box from out wide. I'm not sure we have the level of players to play that way, and it could make as less of a threat going forward.

Not saying it wouldn't work, but it does have an obvious downside.

I’ve actually thought about it a couple of times recently when I thought we’ve struggled getting the ball to our wide players.

I think Obita would be really good at going inside, if the winger goes with him if it gives us a quicker and unobstructed pass to the winger like Youan or Jair. If they leave him he can then turn and play them in behind or link play with the central midfielders and strikers.

Miller I’d be worried about centrally.

Something I wouldn’t be against us trying in possession though as sometimes it feels like we struggle getting the wingers on on one

[A Hi-Bee]

Now, I get it that some people may have thought that Lee J, was a really fine manager and that is up to them, I happen to think the opposite and as he is history **** him.
What was it they called our new manager down under, that will do for me, add in all the lovely dollars in new investment and he is a man I will trust to take us forward. Imagine all that new investment coming in with that previous plonker LJ.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Still genuinely blows my mind that folk got annoyed about an adult having a drink on a work night.

Anyway, not going to change anyone’s mind on it and nobody will change mine so not much point in dragging up an old argument.

Adult having a drink on a work night doesn’t really work the same when it comes to elite level football to how it works in standard 9-5 jobs.

He was paid absolutely massive amounts of money to do a job where each individual result could be the difference between hundreds of thousands of pounds, if not millions. In fact seeing as we finished 2 behind Hearts you could argue that game did cost us hundreds of thousands.

If I was to be told in my job I absolutely wasn’t allowed to go out for a drink, I was to eat certain foods, be in my bed by a certain time by my manager and I was to do everything I could to be prepared because we had an absolutely massive occasion at work the next day, I wouldn’t be all that pleased to find out that they decided all of that didn’t apply to them and that they were off up the town rather than preparing for the day as I was being asked to.

We can safely say we wouldn’t see any elite managers out in city centre bars the night before a huge derby. It was completely unprofessional.

[A Hi-Bee]

Adult having a drink on a work night doesn’t really work the same when it comes to elite level football to how it works in standard 9-5 jobs.

He was paid absolutely massive amounts of money to do a job where each individual result could be the difference between hundreds of thousands of pounds, if not millions. In fact seeing as we finished 2 behind Hearts you could argue that game did cost us hundreds of thousands.

If I was to be told in my job I absolutely wasn’t allowed to go out for a drink, I was to eat certain foods, be in my bed by a certain time by my manager and I was to do everything I could to be prepared because we had an absolutely massive occasion at work the next day, I wouldn’t be all that pleased to find out that they decided that didn’t apply to them and that they were off up the town rather than preparing for the day in the same way I was being asked to.

Did, we no just have a whole government who done the same thing during covid, it should not be done but hey ho it gets done me I shake ma heid and get on wi it.
:greengrin
Anyways Monty is no like that, so I for one have forgot about the blathering skate that was Lee J. He is history we move on.

[Since90+2]

If anyone has actually claimed that they should be banned from the forum. You can't be chucking accusations like that around, apart from the morality of it I'd imagine it puts the site admins in a spot of bother potentially (see the banning of the commonly used word for Rangers fans recently).

Saying that I've no idea if it's actually been said or not, but if it has I'm surprised it's been tolerated by admin who are usually all over stuff like that.

[Since90+2]

Admins said to stop talking about. DH brought it up.

Anyone making those accusations shouldn't be posting on the board. Simple as that.

This is not twitter and a cesspit of crude accusations and posts.

[Rumble de Thump]

Anyone got a link to the thread about our current head coach?

[Allant1981]

So, nick Montgomery is doing a good job so far, hopefully see him get some of his own players in January and kick on in the league

[The Modfather]

Oh well, another thread destined to get closed because all the usual suspects are bickering again.

[jeffers]

Wonder what Monty’s priority positions will be to strengthen. A Doidge replacement and another CB would be my guess. It’s possible Utd could recall Fish in January, not that I’m suggesting so they could play him.

[Trinity Hibee]

Wonder what Monty’s priority positions will be to strengthen. A Doidge replacement and another CB would be my guess. It’s possible Utd could recall Fish in January, not that I’m suggesting so they could play him.

CB and a forward player. Boyle will be away with Oz and feel we still a bit light there

[B.H.F.C]

Wonder what Monty’s priority positions will be to strengthen. A Doidge replacement and another CB would be my guess. It’s possible Utd could recall Fish in January, not that I’m suggesting so they could play him.

Has to be a centre half. We need one of them even if Fish is still here.

I had thought a striker was important and we’d sign one to partner Vente because of all the chopping and changing. Boyle starting to find a bit of form and consistency maybe changes things and I think we might hold on to the summer and do it properly. To be honest, I’d have a real bash at sorting us out defensively. If we do that I think we’ll finish third.

[The Modfather]

Has to be a centre half. We need one of them even if Fish is still here.

I had thought a striker was important and we’d sign one to partner Vente because of all the chopping and changing. Boyle starting to find a bit of form and consistency maybe changes things and I think we might hold on to the summer and do it properly. To be honest, I’d have a real bash at sorting us out defensively. If we do that I think we’ll finish third.

How do we sort us defensively? Individually a good case can be made for all of Marshall (finally looking like the player we thought we were signing), Obita, Rocky, Fish & Miller. Is it one of Rocky & Fish that needs sacrificed for a natural left footed centreback? Upgrade on Miller or Obita? Not sure I can work out an obvious answer.

[Since90+2]

How do we sort us defensively? Individually a good case can be made for all of Marshall (finally looking like the player we thought we were signing), Obita, Rocky, Fish & Miller. Is it one of Ricky & Fish that needs sacrificed for a natural left footed centreback? Upgrade on Miller or Obita? Not sure I can work out an obvious answer.

Obita overall I think has don't fairly well, but a completely solid defensively left back I think would help out massively.

For me it's the middle of the park that should be the main area we look at. If we can get a high quality starter in the middle it will improve us hugely.

[Trinity Hibee]

How do we sort us defensively? Individually a good case can be made for all of Marshall (finally looking like the player we thought we were signing), Obita, Rocky, Fish & Miller. Is it one of Rocky & Fish that needs sacrificed for a natural left footed centreback? Upgrade on Miller or Obita? Not sure I can work out an obvious answer.

Another CB for me preferably an experienced one. It seems clear Harbottle isn’t going to play, Hanlon can’t play all the time. Rocky can be inconsistent and fish could be away in Jan due to loan agreement

[Since90+2]

Another CB for me preferably an experienced one. It seems clear Harbottle isn’t going to play, Hanlon can’t play all the time. Rocky can be inconsistent and fish could be away in Jan due to loan agreement

If Fish goes then that would trump the need for a centre mid for me. I don't think it will come to that though as I think the loan will continue until the end of the season.

[Keepthefaith]

Obita overall I think has don't fairly well, but a completely solid defensively left back I think would help out massively.

For me it's the middle of the park that should be the main area we look at. If we can get a high quality starter in the middle it will improve us hugely.

So who do you drop? Levitt or newell? I'm not disagreeing, personally I'd drop Levitt as he's just not showing any consistency

[B.H.F.C]

How do we sort us defensively? Individually a good case can be made for all of Marshall (finally looking like the player we thought we were signing), Obita, Rocky, Fish & Miller. Is it one of Rocky & Fish that needs sacrificed for a natural left footed centreback? Upgrade on Miller or Obita? Not sure I can work out an obvious answer.

Improvement on Rocky is the obvious one for me. It’s a funny one because Fish has made some bad mistakes but I still think he’s the better of the two and you forget how young he is sometimes. A left footed centre half would be the improvement.

I’m still not convinced on us at full back either. With Miller, I think his performance levels tend to be at either end of the scale with not much in between. He is capable but inconsistent for me. Obita is generally fairly steady and the best option that we have but not much more than that.

[Since90+2]

So who do you drop? Levitt or newell? I'm not disagreeing, personally I'd drop Levitt as he's just not showing any consistency

Think it depends on what system NM wants to play depending on who was brought in and what they added to the side. You could potentially have both plus an additional player in there.

I still think we are missing something in the middle. I'm not tactically aware enough to pinpoint exactly what it is, but I just get the feeling it would add massively to the side.

A prime Scott Allan would be nice.

[Keepthefaith]

Think it depends on what system NM wants to play depending on who was brought in and what they added to the side. You could potentially have both plus an additional player in there.

I still think we are missing something in the middle. I'm not tactically aware enough to pinpoint exactly what it is, but I just get the feeling it would add massively to the side.

A prime Scott Allan would be nice.

Depends on what system? He's playing 442 hence my question of which of the midfield two you drop. It has to be an upgrade on either as I don't think we're changing our wingers...

We really do need to accept his 442 system rather than keep questioning it...

[B.H.F.C]

Think it depends on what system NM wants to play depending on who was brought in and what they added to the side. You could potentially have both plus an additional player in there.

I still think we are missing something in the middle. I'm not tactically aware enough to pinpoint exactly what it is, but I just get the feeling it would add massively to the side.

A prime Scott Allan would be nice.

The way we set up we’re always going to be missing something in the middle of the park IMO. We’re sacrificing something there to try and gain elsewhere. For what Monty wants, I think it’ll be quite difficult to improve on the current two. We probably need a bit more depth as, if we’re without one, it potentially changes the way we play as nobody else is as comfortable on the ball as them.

[Since90+2]

Depends on what system? He's playing 442 hence my question of which of the midfield two you drop. It has to be an upgrade on either as I don't think we're changing our wingers...

We really do need to accept his 442 system rather than keep questioning it...

I'm not questioning his 442, it's done well for us.

I do think we need flexibility in the way we play though at times, if teams can predict exactly how we'll play each week as the season goes on it's going to be more difficult to keep picking up the points we have.

[HNA2]

Way too much time deleting posts after warning on the content previously. Thank you to everyone who tried to get the thread back on track and asked posters to stop what they were posting. Apologies if any posts got deleted having been caught in the crossfire. We wont allow unfounded and serious allegations to be posted on here, im sure no explanation is required.

[Keepthefaith]

I'm not questioning his 442, it's done well for us.

I do think we need flexibility in the way we play though at times, if teams can predict exactly how we'll play each week as the season goes on it's going to be more difficult to keep picking up the points we have.

But that's exactly my point, he's been as clear as is possible that he's not looking for flexibility in his system. He's playing 442 and playing to the strengths within that. We saw vs Celtic home that it can still be adaptable but he's not changing.

We had different formations most weeks with LJ, and look how that turned out...

[JimBHibees]

The way we set up we’re always going to be missing something in the middle of the park IMO. We’re sacrificing something there to try and gain elsewhere. For what Monty wants, I think it’ll be quite difficult to improve on the current two. We probably need a bit more depth as, if we’re without one, it potentially changes the way we play as nobody else is as comfortable on the ball as them.

Are we always short in the middle thought with full backs pushing up the wingers tuck inside to middle areas.

[Since452]

For whatever reason we've seen the opposition dominating for long spells. Particularly in our last three games. I'm not sure if it's the players getting used to the system or the system itself. We've won two of them which is the main thing but if it clicks for the opposition and they convert some of the chances we're running the risk of taking a real hammering. The 2-2 game against Hearts was another one we got away with (in my opinion).

[B.H.F.C]

For whatever reason we've seen the opposition dominating for long spells. Particularly in our last three games. I'm not sure if it's the players getting used to the system or the system itself. We've won two of them which is the main thing but if it clicks for the opposition and they convert some of the chances we're running the risk of taking a real hammering. The 2-2 game against Hearts was another one we got away with (in my opinion).

Since Montgomery came in we’ve only actually been behind in three league games, two of them in Glasgow which we went on to lose, so I don’t think we’re regularly getting away with it. It’s a bit of a stretch to go from hardly ever being behind to being at risk of a hammering.

[RMQ1967]

Improvement on Rocky is the obvious one for me. It’s a funny one because Fish has made some bad mistakes but I still think he’s the better of the two and you forget how young he is sometimes. A left footed centre half would be the improvement.

I’m still not convinced on us at full back either. With Miller, I think his performance levels tend to be at either end of the scale with not much in between. He is capable but inconsistent for me. Obita is generally fairly steady and the best option that we have but not much more than that.

If we can afford real quality after investment I'd be focusing on the spine of the team.

Equivalents of Sauzee, Latapy & Paatalainan - the rest of the squad has enough quality to compliment a few top players in the key positions.

[J-C]

You have to ask the question, which players are good enough, or capable enough to get us to 3rd place. The majority are still either inconsistent or not good enough. Levitt and Newell it's been said would walk into any other team outwith the OF, surely we want players that are good enough to walk into any OF team, that would mean we're well ahead of the rest and challenging the OF.
Newll et Al have been part of mediocrity for 4-5 years now, if we get big investment then there can be no sentiment.

[Malthibby]

You have to ask the question, which players are good enough, or capable enough to get us to 3rd place. The majority are still either inconsistent or not good enough. Levitt and Newell it's been said would walk into any other team outwith the OF, surely we want players that are good enough to walk into any OF team, that would mean we're well ahead of the rest and challenging the OF.
Newll et Al have been part of mediocrity for 4-5 years now, if we get big investment then there can be no sentiment.

Always room for sentiment, or perhaps I'm a big softy. As it happens I'd love to see Newall & others in a team full of 'better' players; we won't get a total clear-out & we won't be competing with
those OFFs for players either, we aren't going to get that sort of budget if the Foley deal comes through. I'm pretty hopeful of what's in front of us, but I don't think it's realistic to think we are suddenly going
to be able to compete with Glasgow's 'finest.' No harm in dreaming, mind.
GG

[ancient hibee]

Since Montgomery came in we’ve only actually been behind in three league games, two of them in Glasgow which we went on to lose, so I don’t think we’re regularly getting away with it. It’s a bit of a stretch to go from hardly ever being behind to being at risk of a hammering.

So far in the league only Rangers have had more clean sheets and no other club has scored in more matches than us so we must be doing something right.Only downside has been the scores away to the OF.

[Basildon Hibs]

Always room for sentiment, or perhaps I'm a big softy. As it happens I'd love to see Newall & others in a team full of 'better' players; we won't get a total clear-out & we won't be competing with
those OFFs for players either, we aren't going to get that sort of budget if the Foley deal comes through. I'm pretty hopeful of what's in front of us, but I don't think it's realistic to think we are suddenly going
to be able to compete with Glasgow's 'finest.' No harm in dreaming, mind.
GG

There's no room for sentiment in business...

[jacomo]

There's no room for sentiment in business...


There is in football though.

Without it, fans would swap allegiances every summer, depending on which club was doing better.

Sentiment has held Hibs together through many dark times. This is not a rational business (and all the better for it).

[jacomo]

You have to ask the question, which players are good enough, or capable enough to get us to 3rd place. The majority are still either inconsistent or not good enough. Levitt and Newell it's been said would walk into any other team outwith the OF, surely we want players that are good enough to walk into any OF team, that would mean we're well ahead of the rest and challenging the OF.
Newll et Al have been part of mediocrity for 4-5 years now, if we get big investment then there can be no sentiment.


I always believed that the way to improve a team is to replace its lowest performing player. Keep doing that and you will get better.

I don’t know why people still fixate on Joe. Is it because he carries a lot of creative responsibility and is therefore one of most prominent players?

He is definitely one of our better players.

[WeeRussell]

I always believed that the way to improve a team is to replace its lowest performing player. Keep doing that and you will get better.

I don’t know why people still fixate on Joe. Is it because he carries a lot of creative responsibility and is therefore one of most prominent players?

He is definitely one of our better players.

He was part of a poor team for a significant spell. At times some of the criticism was justified.

Now he’s part of a better team and remained a constant throughout. I think that’s testament to him. Some people don’t like to adjust their opinion.

Like most in our team. An upgrade isn’t impossible.. but he’s more than earned his place as a regular important player for us now.

[J-C]

He was part of a poor team for a significant spell. At times some of the criticism was justified.

Now he’s part of a better team and remained a constant throughout. I think that’s testament to him. Some people don’t like to adjust their opinion.

Like most in our team. An upgrade isn’t impossible.. but he’s more than earned his place as a regular important player for us now.

I wasn't having a go at Newell and yes he's improved a lot this season, my point was if we see any significant investment, then all positions are up for grabs if the players we can get are better.

[The Modfather]

Lee Johnson was on talk sport earlier for anyone that’s interested.

https://youtu.be/4KKB6RKyfhs

[J-C]

Lee Johnson was on talk sport earlier for anyone that’s interested.

https://youtu.be/4KKB6RKyfhs

Haha naughty

[Trinity Hibee]

Lee Johnson was on talk sport earlier for anyone that’s interested.

https://youtu.be/4KKB6RKyfhs

😂😂😂😂😂

[JohnM1875]

Lee Johnson was on talk sport earlier for anyone that’s interested.

https://youtu.be/4KKB6RKyfhs

It’s somehow more bizarre than actually having Johnson on the show. Mental! 😂

[WeeRussell]

I wasn't having a go at Newell and yes he's improved a lot this season, my point was if we see any significant investment, then all positions are up for grabs if the players we can get are better.

I agree with you JC. To be clear, my post was purely in response to the one I quoted, and not a dig at yours before.

[Since90+2]

I wasn't having a go at Newell and yes he's improved a lot this season, my point was if we see any significant investment, then all positions are up for grabs if the players we can get are better.

I agree with the general point but the level of investment we'd need to have Newell as a back up is unrealistic IMO.

He's either the first or second name on the team sheet and I can't see us going out and buying 10 or 11 new first team players ahead of him, that's not going to happen.

[Smartie]

I wasn't having a go at Newell and yes he's improved a lot this season, my point was if we see any significant investment, then all positions are up for grabs if the players we can get are better.

Newell was always capable of putting in a good performance but he’s added consistency over the past couple of seasons that wasn’t there so much before as he also had quiet and poor performances in him.

[Alex Trager]

For whatever reason we've seen the opposition dominating for long spells. Particularly in our last three games. I'm not sure if it's the players getting used to the system or the system itself. We've won two of them which is the main thing but if it clicks for the opposition and they convert some of the chances we're running the risk of taking a real hammering. The 2-2 game against Hearts was another one we got away with (in my opinion).
Don’t agree regards the Hearts game at all.

The stats tell a very different story to what the Hearts fans will tell you.

They had two more shots on target than we did with 5.

They had six more shots than we did with 22.

They also were gifted what can only be described as a classic Hearts goal in the OG (who happens to be their second top scorer this season).

I don’t think that is getting away with it, personally. They may have been in control but it hardly shows.

Compare that to the Aberdeen game where they had more than double the shots and exactly double the shots on target.