Bipolar performance

[hibsbollah]

I'm trying to get my head round that performance, just a weird, weird game.

For the first 30 minutes I was prepared to believe that Montgomery is on to something. Some of the pass and move, interplay involving all the attacking players especially Jair who was sensational, was just a joy to watch. Paul Hanlon looking imperious, Obita dominating. Then we concede a sloppy goal, Whittaker at fault and unsurprising he's going to make the odd mistake in amongst some good stuff, and the rest of the first half is a bit meh. The reception at the half was good from the East, seems like the efforts went recognised, none of the using booing when we're not ahead. I was prepared for us to go on and win the game we'd been mostly dominating.

Second half was some of the worst football ive ever seen us play. All the heads drop at the second goal, noone clapping or encouraging teammates, not even Joe. No team spirit, no togetherness, no clue. Basic ball control lets everyone down. Against what looked to me like a very poor Motherwell side. The equaliser from another deflection gave us something to cheer about but really it shouldnt hide the deficiencies. Youan scored two but was among the worst of our players, a really poor effort from him today. Levitt and Obita both were very poor second half, and we're proving time and time again that even when our centre backs are playing well WITH the ball (both Hanlon and Fish contributed with their passing and driving past the midfield), there's no confidence that we can defend our own box, which is the essential thing you look for at that position.

I was willing to stand and applaud the players at the end who came over to the East, partly to thank them for the first 30 minutes and partly because the likes of Obita and Jair always make that effort to appreciate us and I want to give that back. (i don't get why folk shout 'what are you clapping THEM for?', if you dont want to applaud, don't, but don't tell me what to do, ta). But that performance just wasnt good enough, neither is two dropped points against a poor side. If someone knows how to bottle that first half hour, answers on a postcard to Mr Nicholas Montgomery.

[Hiber-nation]

Motherwell were the worst team I've seen this season. We have to beat the likes of them at home. But we can take something from the first half hour.

[Since452]

Motherwell were absolutely woeful as their record suggests. I did say on the match day thread that it was probably our best 45 under Montgomery so far. Very disappointing to go in at half time level then come out with that **** show in the second half. We need to be beating teams like Motherwell at home if we have aspirations of top six.

[Davy Mac]

Desperately need another experienced centre back, Fish passed on the big fella to Whittaker and he got done for the goal.

For me it should have been big on big, and sadly he got done again with virtually the same move so Fish should have taken a bit more repsonsibility in my opinion.

[hibsbollah]

Motherwell were absolutely woeful as their record suggests. I did say on the match day thread that it was probably our best 45 under Montgomery so far. Very disappointing to go in at half time level then come out with that **** show in the second half. We need to be beating teams like Motherwell at home if we have aspirations of top six.

I said the same, the best 45 under Montgomery and as a team as a whole probably since the Lucerne game. Then the erse falls out of everything like we've all got E Coli.

[Davy Mac]

I said the same, the best 45 under Montgomery and as a team as a whole probably since the Lucerne game. Then the erse falls out of everything like we've all got E Coli.

And confidence in the last third is dwindling fast, they will just not have a dig, slippy surface today and all that.

[Carheenlea]

I'm trying to get my head round that performance, just a weird, weird game.

For the first 30 minutes I was prepared to believe that Montgomery is on to something. Some of the pass and move, interplay involving all the attacking players especially Jair who was sensational, was just a joy to watch. Paul Hanlon looking imperious, Obita dominating. Then we concede a sloppy goal, Whittaker at fault and unsurprising he's going to make the odd mistake in amongst some good stuff, and the rest of the first half is a bit meh. The reception at the half was good from the East, seems like the efforts went recognised, none of the using booing when we're not ahead. I was prepared for us to go on and win the game we'd been mostly dominating.

Second half was some of the worst football ive ever seen us play. All the heads drop at the second goal, noone clapping or encouraging teammates, not even Joe. No team spirit, no togetherness, no clue. Basic ball control lets everyone down. Against what looked to me like a very poor Motherwell side. The equaliser from another deflection gave us something to cheer about but really it shouldnt hide the deficiencies. Youan scored two but was among the worst of our players, a really poor effort from him today. Levitt and Obita both were very poor second half, and we're proving time and time again that even when our centre backs are playing well WITH the ball (both Hanlon and Fish contributed with their passing and driving past the midfield), there's no confidence that we can defend our own box, which is the essential thing you look for at that position.

I was willing to stand and applaud the players at the end who came over to the East, partly to thank them for the first 30 minutes and partly because the likes of Obita and Jair always make that effort to appreciate us and I want to give that back. (i don't get why folk shout 'what are you clapping THEM for?', if you dont want to applaud, don't, but don't tell me what to do, ta). But that performance just wasnt good enough, neither is two dropped points against a poor side. If someone knows how to bottle that first half hour, answers on a postcard to Mr Nicholas Montgomery.

Up until the Motherwell equaliser the football was hugely enjoyable and looked like a team who’d shook off the disappointment of the derby defeat to show us that deep down, they’re a very good side.

While that is the case (or more so that they have the ability to be a very good side) the underlying fragility of confidence was plain to see once we conceded after dominating proceedings. Happens pretty regularly.

As you highlight, we then go from playing top-of-the-table standard football to a side that looks in relegation difficulties within barely an hour. That fragility of confidence spreads to the support, as you always get a sense from the support of nobody really being able to relax until we have a three goal lead.

[B.H.F.C]

We were playing really well and lose a goal out of nothing.

Lost our way after that instead of just getting back to doing what we’d been doing.

It was only when Rudi came on and showed a bit of enthusiasm that the rest of them realised they needed to show a bit of urgency. A bloody 17 year old having to show the rest of them what to do.

[Murphys Touch]

We were playing really well and lose a goal out of nothing.

Lost our way after that instead of just getting back to doing what we’d been doing.

It was only when Rudi came on and showed a bit of enthusiasm that the rest of them realised they needed to show a bit of urgency. A bloody 17 year old having to show the rest of them what to do.

I blame Monty 100% for his lack of in game management and/or stubbornness. Motherwell changed shape slightly, stopped Whittaker going forward and the supply to Jair.

Monty does not react to anything and it’s showing. Teams in Scotland main objective is to nullify their opponents….no one is going to allow us to fanny about with it.

Monty starting to be the problem sadly

[B.H.F.C]

I blame Monty 100% for his lack of in game management and/or stubbornness. Motherwell changed shape slightly, stopped Whittaker going forward and the supply to Jair.

Monty does not react to anything and it’s showing. Teams in Scotland main objective is to nullify their opponents….no one is going to allow us to fanny about with it.

Monty starting to be the problem sadly

Surely the players take some responsibility for the nature of the goals lost? As soon as we started to play of urgency again, we started to look dangerous again.

[Allant1981]

Thought we played some good football at times today, then as you say we were horrendous in parts. Totally appreciate we had Miller, rocky and Boyle away but should still have been better. I ended up arguing with a guy behind me today which I am now pretty embarrassed about but he was constantly moaning about how s##t whittaker is, had a go at molotnikov after about 2 mins being on the park, don't think he had a good thing to say about any of them and I ended up having a go at him, again the football in parts was awful but they need us behind them when not playing well, not constantly giving them pelters, especially the 16 and 17 year olds

[hibsbollah]

Surely the players take some responsibility for the nature of the goals lost? As soon as we started to play of urgency again, we started to look dangerous again.

:agree: The amount of times we would be attacking in a great position and someone would just take a heavy touch, or a double contact, or try something clever when the simple pass was on. Lots of times it was just rubbish basic skills. Montgomery can't do much about clumsy technique.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Thought we played some good football at times today, then as you say we were horrendous in parts. Totally appreciate we had Miller, rocky and Boyle away but should still have been better. I ended up arguing with a guy behind me today which I am now pretty embarrassed about but he was constantly moaning about how s##t whittaker is, had a go at molotnikov after about 2 mins being on the park, don't think he had a good thing to say about any of them and I ended up having a go at him, again the football in parts was awful but they need us behind them when not playing well, not constantly giving them pelters, especially the 16 and 17 year olds

Molotnikov was one of the few positives of the day when he came on.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

:agree: The amount of times we would be attacking in a great position and someone would just take a heavy touch, or a double contact, or try something clever when the simple pass was on. Lots of times it was just rubbish basic skills. Montgomery can't do much about clumsy technique.

There was one in the second half when Levitt played a great ball out wide to Lewis, it took him about half an hour to control the ball, and never managed to get a cross in from a very decent position.

[hibsbollah]

There was in the second half when Levitt played a great ball out wide to Lewis, it took him about half an hour to control the ball, and never managed to get a cross in from a very decent position.

As much as I love Lewis that was an embarrassing piece of play, we went from attacking with the ball in a wide right crossing position with three in the box and their defence stretched, to passing it all the way back to Fish deep in our half.

[He's here!]

Motherwell were the worst team I've seen this season. We have to beat the likes of them at home. But we can take something from the first half hour.

That's the alarming thing. We ended up a bit lucky to take a point against one of poorest teams in the league. We're going into the break only 3 points clear of Aberdeen and Dundee, both of whom have 2 games in hand on us. We're not far from trouble if we don't bring in players who can make a difference.

[Paulie Walnuts]

That's the alarming thing. We ended up a bit lucky to take a point against one of poorest teams in the league. We're going into the break only 3 points clear of Aberdeen and Dundee, both of whom have 2 games in hand on us. We're not far from trouble if we don't bring in players who can make a difference.

The next run of games is very difficult. Looking at them game by game, we could be starting to lose touch with the top 6 if they go the way you’d expect at this point in time.

[Bristolhibby]

As much as I love Lewis that was an embarrassing piece of play, we went from attacking with the ball in a wide right crossing position with three in the box and their defence stretched, to passing it all the way back to Fish deep in our half.

A lefty fullback being asked to deliver the ball of a right winger.

He doesn’t like crossing at the best of times. But he had a gap to fill that wasn’t his position.

Almost scored a Worldy mind.

J

[Greenio]

Bipolar is right. Slick stuff for the first half hour. Poor the rest. For an arial attacker Doidge doesn't do much arial attacking eh.

Lucky to get the point and I do agree it needed tactical changes that didn't come. Just hope NM gets the players he wants.

It was a pretty threadbare team

[hibsbollah]

A lefty fullback being asked to deliver the ball of a right winger.

He doesn’t like crossing at the best of times. But he had a gap to fill that wasn’t his position.

Almost scored a Worldy mind.

J

I agree, not Lewis' fault that we're in this position. At one point i think Youan was playing right back and Lewy had moved to a centre back position where he was marking Theo Blair who appeared to be a foot taller than him.

[Tambo]

We had a really good spell in the first half in which there was signs of improvement, as you say though second half was another slow and ponderous performance.

I was impressed with Rudi yet again and I believe he will have a good future in the game.

[truehibernian]

Not going to blame the manager today, going to blame the experienced players for not grasping the nettle and taking absolute responsibility on the ball and collectively driving the team on when we were poor - Paul, Obita, Joe, Doidge - all experienced players yet they didn’t act as a collective experienced ‘leading’ unit instead they each went into themselves. The introduction of a youth player and a player who has had monumental health scares introduced urgency and a press. That’s down to the players on the pitch not being leaders.

We need a proper winner in that midfield, takes no nonsense and doesn’t suffer fools - we are a right soft touch in every area. That’s a recruitment failure, the manager can’t suddenly inject leadership when we’ve a squad littered with players unwilling to take complete responsibility and watch their team mates try to change a game without themselves getting the sleeves well and truly rolled up.

Signing a 20 year old from Leeds Utd makes my heart sink - a failure of the recruitment team to read the room, properly evaluate the squad, and still intent on ‘projects’.

I think the manager will be a great fit, just need to shed players who quite simply have been here way too long, and others who are coasting through football life and picking up their wage. I honestly think NM has sussed that but needs windows to deal with that.

[Crunchie]

I'm trying to get my head round that performance, just a weird, weird game.

For the first 30 minutes I was prepared to believe that Montgomery is on to something. Some of the pass and move, interplay involving all the attacking players especially Jair who was sensational, was just a joy to watch. Paul Hanlon looking imperious, Obita dominating. Then we concede a sloppy goal, Whittaker at fault and unsurprising he's going to make the odd mistake in amongst some good stuff, and the rest of the first half is a bit meh. The reception at the half was good from the East, seems like the efforts went recognised, none of the using booing when we're not ahead. I was prepared for us to go on and win the game we'd been mostly dominating.

Second half was some of the worst football ive ever seen us play. All the heads drop at the second goal, noone clapping or encouraging teammates, not even Joe. No team spirit, no togetherness, no clue. Basic ball control lets everyone down. Against what looked to me like a very poor Motherwell side. The equaliser from another deflection gave us something to cheer about but really it shouldnt hide the deficiencies. Youan scored two but was among the worst of our players, a really poor effort from him today. Levitt and Obita both were very poor second half, and we're proving time and time again that even when our centre backs are playing well WITH the ball (both Hanlon and Fish contributed with their passing and driving past the midfield), there's no confidence that we can defend our own box, which is the essential thing you look for at that position.

I was willing to stand and applaud the players at the end who came over to the East, partly to thank them for the first 30 minutes and partly because the likes of Obita and Jair always make that effort to appreciate us and I want to give that back. (i don't get why folk shout 'what are you clapping THEM for?', if you dont want to applaud, don't, but don't tell me what to do, ta). But that performance just wasnt good enough, neither is two dropped points against a poor side. If someone knows how to bottle that first half hour, answers on a postcard to Mr Nicholas Montgomery.
I gave up reading after the imperious Hanlon comment.

[hibsbollah]

I gave up reading after the imperious Hanlon comment.

He was very good up to the goal in all aspects of his play.

[davym7062]

barca to spartans in 20 mins

[Crunchie]

He was very good up to the goal in all aspects of his play.
He had virtually nothing to do and when he did he failed to see the danger at their first goal, he should have been across covering Whittaker, instead he ended up on his arse as usual watching the ball hit our net.
The second goal is a typical powder puff header straight to an opponent instead of heading it sideways to safety.

Anyway, vg is not imperious, I'd say Tavares was imperious that first 30.

[Since452]

It would have been far more acceptable if we were abysmal first half and then played better in the second half. Theses things happen and usually a bollocking causes a reaction. Unfortunately it was the opposite. I'd love to have been a fly on the wall in the dressing room at HT. Pity the manager wasn't mic'd up.

[hibsbollah]

He had virtually nothing to do and when he did he failed to see the danger at their first goal, he should have been across covering Whittaker, instead he ended up on his arse as usual watching the ball hit our net.
The second goal is a typical powder puff header straight to an opponent instead of heading it sideways to safety.

Anyway, vg is not imperious, I'd say Tavares was imperious that first 30.

Thank you for the feedback, I will use the word 'imperious' in a more accurate way in future.
The rest of your post is irrelevant to the point, because you're describing the goal and the period after the goal.

[scoopyboy]

He had virtually nothing to do and when he did he failed to see the danger at their first goal, he should have been across covering Whittaker, instead he ended up on his arse as usual watching the ball hit our net.
The second goal is a typical powder puff header straight to an opponent instead of heading it sideways to safety.

Anyway, vg is not imperious, I'd say Tavares was imperious that first 30.

Should it not have been Fish covering Whittaker at the first goal? He is after all the right sided central defender

[Crunchie]

Should it not have been Fish covering Whittaker at the first goal? He is after all the right sided central defender
Look at the goal and tell me what Hanlon's doing/marking. How would you summarise his header at their second.

[scoopyboy]

Look at the goal and tell me what Hanlon's doing/marking. How would you summarise his header at their second.

I've only seen the goals at the game, I've recorded Sportscene but don't know if I can be bothered watching it.

At the game Hanlon was giving Fish pelters when they scored the first. I sit at the FF end of the West so didn't really see what was going on with their second

[B.H.F.C]

Not going to blame the manager today, going to blame the experienced players for not grasping the nettle and taking absolute responsibility on the ball and collectively driving the team on when we were poor - Paul, Obita, Joe, Doidge - all experienced players yet they didn’t act as a collective experienced ‘leading’ unit instead they each went into themselves. The introduction of a youth player and a player who has had monumental health scares introduced urgency and a press. That’s down to the players on the pitch not being leaders.

We need a proper winner in that midfield, takes no nonsense and doesn’t suffer fools - we are a right soft touch in every area. That’s a recruitment failure, the manager can’t suddenly inject leadership when we’ve a squad littered with players unwilling to take complete responsibility and watch their team mates try to change a game without themselves getting the sleeves well and truly rolled up.

Signing a 20 year old from Leeds Utd makes my heart sink - a failure of the recruitment team to read the room, properly evaluate the squad, and still intent on ‘projects’.

I think the manager will be a great fit, just need to shed players who quite simply have been here way too long, and others who are coasting through football life and picking up their wage. I honestly think NM has sussed that but needs windows to deal with that.

Agree with pretty much all of that. Maybe apart from the bit about Obita, I thought he actually tried to keep driving us on and is much better when he just gets the ball out of his feet and puts it in early.

There have been to many things happened in the last two games that no formation or tactical decision can impact, predominantly defensively. If we think the answer to our defensive issues is to sign an untested 20 year old, I’d be pretty pissed off.

[Crunchie]

I've only seen the goals at the game, I've recorded Sportscene but don't know if I can be bothered watching it.

At the game Hanlon was giving Fish pelters when they scored the first. I sit at the FF end of the West so didn't really see what was going on with their second
Hanlon always points the finger at someone else when we concede, I didn't see what he did after the 2nd but that was all on him, again.

[BILLYHIBS]

There was one in the second half when Levitt played a great ball out wide to Lewis, it took him about half an hour to control the ball, and never managed to get a cross in from a very decent position.

Turned like a trawler in Leith Dock trying to get the ball onto his left foot just swing it in with your right FFS !

[Crunchie]

Turned like a trawler in Leith Dock trying to get the ball onto his left foot just swing it in with your right FFS !
I love LS but for a professional footballer to be so one footed really is embarrassing, he ruined more than 1 attack. When he did cross it with his right it was an embarrassing mi****.

[truehibernian]

I've only seen the goals at the game, I've recorded Sportscene but don't know if I can be bothered watching it.

At the game Hanlon was giving Fish pelters when they scored the first. I sit at the FF end of the West so didn't really see what was going on with their second

And there lies the rub Scoopy. Paul was berating Fish, but he continued to do so well after the goal too - rather, I want to see Paul (or my experienced centre half) transmit messages to Joe who in turn does to Doidge and get the team acting as a complete unit rather than what’s now, the defence, midfield and attack acting as three distinct units and not as a team and collective. Our defenders only communicate with themselves, the midfield (or lack of) have no player with competitive bite, and our front line play as individuals. There’s no cohesion or proper leadership through the spine of the side. Paul wasn’t at fault today but tell you what he waved his hands a lot but didn’t offer any real captaincy or leadership as for me it’s just not innate in him to do so - he’s so consumed in his own performance. Lovely guy, terrific servant, good player but not for a side aiming for top 3 - it’s that brutally simple.

Joe Newell is in the same bracket albeit younger. Good player on his day, but totally lacking in leadership qualities and driving the side on middle to front consistently. Especially when behind in games. Another who focuses on his own game rather than galvanise those around him.

[BILLYHIBS]

First 30 minutes I thought we were really quick neat tidy and inventive on the ball linking well as a team with Jair looking lively on the left and Youan tricky on the right even Doidge had a brilliant turn and hit with a shot on target followed by Youan’ s brilliant well taken goal

I was thinking why couldn’t we have played like this against Hearts maybes Doidge and Youan should have started that game then we lost a preventable sloppy goal and normal service was resumed as Hibs went back on the back foot

Eddie Turnbull used to say a game lasts 90 minutes and we need to keep that level of intensity going for the full 90 minutes without taking the foot off the gas

The secret will be getting the right personnel to play that way for a full game then Monty might be onto something

Happy with a point when all is said and done

[Crunchie]

And there lies the rub Scoopy. Paul was berating Fish, but he continued to do so well after the goal too - rather, I want to see Paul (or my experienced centre half) transmit messages to Joe who in turn does to Doidge and get the team acting as a complete unit rather than what’s now, the defence, midfield and attack acting as three distinct units and not as a team and collective. Our defenders only communicate with themselves, the midfield (or lack of) have no player with competitive bite, and our front line play as individuals. There’s no cohesion or proper leadership through the spine of the side. Paul wasn’t at fault today but tell you what he waved his hands a lot but didn’t offer any real captaincy or leadership as for me it’s just not innate in him to do so - he’s so consumed in his own performance. Lovely guy, terrific servant, good player but not for a side aiming for top 3 - it’s that brutally simple.

Joe Newell is in the same bracket albeit younger. Good player on his day, but totally lacking in leadership qualities and driving the side on middle to front consistently. Especially when behind in games. Another who focuses on his own game rather than galvanise those around him.
Hanlon's that good at waving his arms Turnhouse runway has offered him a job next year :agree:

[truehibernian]

Hanlon's that good at waving his arms Turnhouse runway has offered him a job next year :agree:

I like Paul as a player person and servant to the club, he wasn’t at fault today either - but my point is/was he and the other experienced players focused on their own game today rather than collectively lead the side through the difficult spells. I’ll avoid the spice boys cliche as that’s garbage, rather, we’ve a team of really ‘nice’ players and not a couple of right nasty in your face winners who even if they’re not playing well, scare the life out of those around them to raise their performance levels.

[Crunchie]

I like Paul as a player person and servant to time club, he wasn’t at fault today either - but my point is/was he and the other experienced players focused on their own game today rather than collectively lead the side through the difficult spells. I’ll avoid the spice boys cliche as that’s garbage, rather, we’ve a team of really ‘nice’ players and not a couple of right nasty in your face winners who even if they’re not playing well, scare the life out of those around them to raise their performance levels.
He most definitely was at fault for their second, all he has to do is head the ball sideways instead of straight to their player in the centre of the box.
I'd say he was at fault for the second as well, he was too slow in getting over to cover.

[TrinityHibby]

I'm trying to get my head round that performance, just a weird, weird game.

For the first 30 minutes I was prepared to believe that Montgomery is on to something. Some of the pass and move, interplay involving all the attacking players especially Jair who was sensational, was just a joy to watch. Paul Hanlon looking imperious, Obita dominating. Then we concede a sloppy goal, Whittaker at fault and unsurprising he's going to make the odd mistake in amongst some good stuff, and the rest of the first half is a bit meh. The reception at the half was good from the East, seems like the efforts went recognised, none of the using booing when we're not ahead. I was prepared for us to go on and win the game we'd been mostly dominating.

Second half was some of the worst football ive ever seen us play. All the heads drop at the second goal, noone clapping or encouraging teammates, not even Joe. No team spirit, no togetherness, no clue. Basic ball control lets everyone down. Against what looked to me like a very poor Motherwell side. The equaliser from another deflection gave us something to cheer about but really it shouldnt hide the deficiencies. Youan scored two but was among the worst of our players, a really poor effort from him today. Levitt and Obita both were very poor second half, and we're proving time and time again that even when our centre backs are playing well WITH the ball (both Hanlon and Fish contributed with their passing and driving past the midfield), there's no confidence that we can defend our own box, which is the essential thing you look for at that position.

I was willing to stand and applaud the players at the end who came over to the East, partly to thank them for the first 30 minutes and partly because the likes of Obita and Jair always make that effort to appreciate us and I want to give that back. (i don't get why folk shout 'what are you clapping THEM for?', if you dont want to applaud, don't, but don't tell me what to do, ta). But that performance just wasnt good enough, neither is two dropped points against a poor side. If someone knows how to bottle that first half hour, answers on a postcard to Mr Nicholas Montgomery.


Whilst not as inspired as you by the first 30 minutes I totally agree with your assessment of the second half. Mediocrity is embedded within the squad as is a losing mentality which I don’t think our rookie manager will be able to cure.

[TrinityHibby]

I blame Monty 100% for his lack of in game management and/or stubbornness. Motherwell changed shape slightly, stopped Whittaker going forward and the supply to Jair.

Monty does not react to anything and it’s showing. Teams in Scotland main objective is to nullify their opponents….no one is going to allow us to fanny about with it.

Monty starting to be the problem sadly

I totally agree with you…..all things being equal it is the manager that normally makes the difference on where a team finishes in the league ……we have a larger budget than seven teams in the league yet sit behind Killie and St Mirren who have better managers

[Nicho87]

I’m badly losing patience with Monty

Said from a few weeks in his tenure when it was clear he won’t change his formation

This will be his thing that gets him sacked

I find it disrespectful to other teams in a way not to have a plan b

We’re hibs and we’re no where near good enough to be thinking this way is the only method of playing

It’s not working and the performances have been proving this

[truehibernian]

I’m badly losing patience with Monty

Said from a few weeks in his tenure when it was clear he won’t change his formation

This will be his thing that gets him sacked

I find it disrespectful to other teams in a way not to have a plan b

We’re hibs and we’re no where near good enough to be thinking this way is the only method of playing

It’s not working and the performances have been proving this

I think he’ll be a good manager 👍

I watched a really good documentary recently about Leeds under Howard Wilkinson - a no nonsense manager but stubborn in his principles. He left a great job to take on Leeds, soon recognised the squad lacked leaders and characters particularly the spine of the side (which had up and coming players like Speed and Batty). He brought in Strachan, Vinny Jones (which was highly questioned) and Lee Chapman. Three experienced leaders and competitors- and it completely changed the dynamic of the squad, the culture, the training, and ultimately the performances on the pitch. That’s what we need our recruitment team to do in my opinion - identify winners and battlers, but above all ones with character - which augments the young players and existing good players in the side.

[B.H.F.C]

I think he’ll be a good manager 👍

I watched a really good documentary recently about Leeds under Howard Wilkinson - a no nonsense manager but stubborn in his principles. He left a great job to take on Leeds, soon recognised the squad lacked leaders and characters particularly the spine of the side (which had up and coming players like Speed and Batty). He brought in Strachan, Vinny Jones (which was highly questioned) and Lee Chapman. Three experienced leaders and competitors- and it completely changed the dynamic of the squad, the culture, the training, and ultimately the performances on the pitch. That’s what we need our recruitment team to do in my opinion - identify winners and battlers, but above all ones with character - which augments the young players and existing good players in the side.

I agree that’s what we need more than anything.

There is loads of talk about us being poor going forward but, outside of the big two, nobody has scored more so we must be doing something right. If we were even reasonably competent defensively we’d be so much better off.

[hibsbollah]

I think he’ll be a good manager 👍

I watched a really good documentary recently about Leeds under Howard Wilkinson - a no nonsense manager but stubborn in his principles. He left a great job to take on Leeds, soon recognised the squad lacked leaders and characters particularly the spine of the side (which had up and coming players like Speed and Batty). He brought in Strachan, Vinny Jones (which was highly questioned) and Lee Chapman. Three experienced leaders and competitors- and it completely changed the dynamic of the squad, the culture, the training, and ultimately the performances on the pitch. That’s what we need our recruitment team to do in my opinion - identify winners and battlers, but above all ones with character - which augments the young players and existing good players in the side.

Thats a good analogy, TH. Leeds under Wilko are a good exemplar for signing strong characters (as long we leave out the whole ‘signing a Cantona-like figure, only to sell him to our fiercest local rivals for whom he’d become a legend’-type thing.)

[truehibernian]

Thats a good analogy, TH. Leeds under Wilko are a good exemplar for signing strong characters (as long we leave out the whole ‘signing a Cantona-like figure, only to sell him to our fiercest local rivals for whom he’d become a legend’-type thing.)

He also had Mel Sterland mind, who made Doug Rougvie look like a choir boy 😂

[Hibernia&Alba]

Motherwell were the worst team I've seen this season. We have to beat the likes of them at home. But we can take something from the first half hour.

Agreed, Motherwell are probably the worst team we’ve seen visit ER in the league. They were brutal, we should have have had them buried first half. We can’t be dropping points to teams who are that poor.

[hibsbollah]

He also had Mel Sterland mind, who made Doug Rougvie look like a choir boy 😂

…or players that joined The Rangers :greengrin

[Criswell]

When teams come to ER and put 10 men behind the ball hoping to sneak a goal (or 2) it is not easy to break them down. It was a pity they equalised so soon after our opener as it could have proved to be a different game. Yes, it was not a great performance but we never stopped trying and salvaged a point in the end. Incidentally, those who are criticising our defensive errors, our equaliser came from an equally poor piece of defending on their part.

[truehibernian]

Agreed, Motherwell are probably the worst team we’ve seen visit ER in the league. They were brutal, we should have have had them buried first half. We can’t be dropping points to teams who are that poor.

Hearts were worse than Motherwell were today.

[greenlex]

Should it not have been Fish covering Whittaker at the first goal? He is after all the right sided central defender

Yes. Between Whittaker and Fish. Both done up like kippers. Pun intended. All Hanlon is guilty of is trying to cover and block the shot. Quite why he should have already been there shows what Crunchie is all about.

[vuefrom1875]

Motherwell were absolutely woeful as their record suggests. I did say on the match day thread that it was probably our best 45 under Montgomery so far. Very disappointing to go in at half time level then come out with that **** show in the second half. We need to be beating teams like Motherwell at home if we have aspirations of top six.
All we've got forward is a cop run.and scrambling for top 6..which I can't see.

[Hibernia&Alba]

All we've got forward is a cop run.and scrambling for top 6..which I can't see.

I think we will make top six, but only just. We are a mid-table side right now.

[Crunchie]

Yes. Between Whittaker and Fish. Both done up like kippers. Pun intended. All Hanlon is guilty of is trying to cover and block the shot. Quite why he should have already been there shows what Crunchie is all about.
He's standing watching it unfold and covering no one, if he'd been quicker in reading the situation he would/could have blocked it. What am I about exactly?

[NAE NOOKIE]

That first half hour was as good as Hibs have played all season, it was actually a joy to watch, if we had scored twice in that period there would have been no way back for Motherwell.

I don't agree that we were as bad in the second half as folk are making out, but it was a level below the first half for sure.

Our issues as a squad were laid bare when we had to bring on Lewis to play right back, even I knew that was a disaster waiting to happen and I can't understand why NM didn't switch him with Obita. These days Lewis can barely get a cross in with his left foot, expecting him to do it with his right was baffling and it was embarrassing watching him tie himself in knots trying to get Levitt's pass under control and onto his left foot.

That's not a criticism of Lewis by the way, the guy will end his career as a club legend and he would play in goals if he was asked to, it was unfair to put him in that position.

The one thing that stood out for me was something that bugs me season after season. We made chances for our midfield to get long range shots in time after time in the 2nd half yesterday but nobody would take one on ... I thought Levitt was supposed to be a bit of an asset in such areas, but nowhere to be seen when we were pinning Motherwell in.

[B.H.F.C]

That first half hour was as good as Hibs have played all season, it was actually a joy to watch, if we had scored twice in that period there would have been no way back for Motherwell.

I don't agree that we were as bad in the second half as folk are making out, but it was a level below the first half for sure.

Our issues as a squad were laid bare when we had to bring on Lewis to play right back, even I knew that was a disaster waiting to happen and I can't understand why NM didn't switch him with Obita. These days Lewis can barely get a cross in with his left foot, expecting him to do it with his right was baffling and it was embarrassing watching him tie himself in knots trying to get Levitt's pass under control and onto his left foot.

That's not a criticism of Lewis by the way, the guy will end his career as a club legend and he would play in goals if he was asked to, it was unfair to put him in that position.

The one thing that stood out for me was something that bugs me season after season. We made chances for our midfield to get long range shots in time after time in the 2nd half yesterday but nobody would take one on ... I thought Levitt was supposed to be a bit of an asset in such areas, but nowhere to be seen when we were pinning Motherwell in.

Would have been no point in switching Obita and weakening two positions instead of one. He actually got forward quite well and has been crossing the ball a lot more and earlier, with a bit of pace. Granted we’ve had a couple of breaks but it was his running and crossing that led to the penalty against Hearts and equaliser yesterday. Just shows what can happen when you actually put the ball in rather than piss about passing it back to your centre halves all the time.

Agree on lack of shooting from midfield. We seem to want to score the perfect goal all too often IMO.

[He's here!]

It would have been far more acceptable if we were abysmal first half and then played better in the second half. Theses things happen and usually a bollocking causes a reaction. Unfortunately it was the opposite. I'd love to have been a fly on the wall in the dressing room at HT. Pity the manager wasn't mic'd up.

For a few years now our play has often been characterised by a woeful first half, where we're lucky if we don't go in at the break a couple of goals down. Yesterday was a refreshing opening period but the way we fell away - and largely failed to recover our poise - immediately after losing a goal was alarming.

[BILLYHIBS]

Seems to be a lack of willingness to take on a shot on goal from distance or any potential shot on target for that matter

Jeggo came on against Hearts and hit a 35 yarder into Row ZZ of the FF Upper for example

What do they do all day HTC ?

Oh and decide on a decent penalty taker how about Vente ?

He is supposed to be a €1m striker ?

Always worth taking a punt three shots on target yesterday and Youan scored twice

[jakedance]

We were all over them and played some good football before they equalised, which gave me some confidence we’re heading in the right direction. There was more urgency in moving the ball forward which was great to see. I’m keeping faith with Montgomery.

I felt a bit for Rory because he completely switched off for the equaliser which turned the game. But the team need to have a look at themselves for how it affected them. I also felt for Lewis getting chucked in to probably the worst position for him. One big positive for me was how well Hanlon played. Also good to see McKirdy come on. I’m keeping in mind that Jair looks like a new player under Montgomery, McKirdy deserves a second chance too, particularly after what he’s been through.

[jakedance]

Seems to be a lack of willingness to take on a shot on goal from distance or any potential shot on target for that matter

Jeggo came on against Hearts and hit a 35 yarder into Row ZZ of the FF Upper for example

What do they do all day HTC ?

Oh and decide on a decent penalty taker how about Vente ?

He is supposed to be a €1m striker ?

Always worth taking a punt three shots on target yesterday and Youan scored twice

There was a good article in the Athletic about how 442, corners into the box, long shots and goalkeepers hoofing it have all gone out of fashion. All the data backs it up but it does make football more boring now.

https://theathletic.com/4997349/2023/11/03/tactics-teams-dont-use-anymore/?source=user_shared_article