Adam Le Fondre

[California-Hibs]

We miss him. Big time. (Same with Cadden)

That's all.

[Winston Ingram]

We really don’t. This is just revisionism.

We scored 5 goals in the 7 games that he featured under Monty and in those games he managed just 1 assist and no goals.

We were just as **** when he was fit.

[Stevie Reid]

We really don’t. This is just revisionism.

We scored 5 goals in the 7 games that he featured under Monty and in those games he managed just 1 assist and no goals.

We were just as **** when he was fit.

According to Soccerbase he featured in eight games between NM being appointed and ALF getting injured - we scored 12 goals in them.

We definitely do miss him IMO, his quality was obvious when he was on the park almost every time I saw him.

[BILLYHIBS]

Le Fondre is a fox in the box an intelligent striker that brings others into play and talks his teammates through games lending the benefit of his vast experience

Adds goals and assists and is a lot tougher than he looks holds up the ball well and doesn’t give opposition defenders a minutes peace

Hoping Monty teaches Cadden how to look up has a tremendous engine but if he could just look up and pick out a man he would be a full international by now and wouldn’t be at Hibs

Anyway, we need both back like yesterday

[BILLYHIBS]

According to Soccerbase he featured in eight games between NM being appointed and ALF getting injured - we scored 12 goals in them.

We definitely do miss him IMO, his quality was obvious when he was on the park almost every time I saw him.

Winston doesn’t rate Nisbet and MacLaren either best ignored

[Bridge hibs]

According to Soccerbase he featured in eight games between NM being appointed and ALF getting injured - we scored 12 goals in them.

We definitely do miss him IMO, his quality was obvious when he was on the park almost every time I saw him.Yep, very clever and experienced player and hopefully is back soon

[Winston Ingram]

According to Soccerbase he featured in eight games between NM being appointed and ALF getting injured - we scored 12 goals in them.

We definitely do miss him IMO, his quality was obvious when he was on the park almost every time I saw him.

Sorry missed the 35 mins he played in the cup game v St Mirren. He was on the pitch for 2 of them.

[BILLYHIBS]

ALF has scored 3 goals in 16 appearances

Under Monty he has only been on the losing side once in 8 appearances a 0-4 loss at Ibrox

His value to the team is there for all to see

Haste ye back

[Spike Mandela]

The idea that what we are currently missing is a 37 yr old striker, who whilst cearly a talented and intelligent player is currently displaying the stereotypical position of a 37 yr old player, on the injury table with his best years behind him, is ludicrous.

[Rumble de Thump]

The idea that what we are currently missing is a 37 yr old striker, who whilst cearly a talented and intelligent player is currently displaying the stereotypical position of a 37 yr old player, on the injury table with his best years behind him, is ludicrous.

So we're not missing an intelligent and talented player?

[Bridge hibs]

The idea that what we are currently missing is a 37 yr old striker, who whilst cearly a talented and intelligent player is currently displaying the stereotypical position of a 37 yr old player, on the injury table with his best years behind him, is ludicrous.

Would you not agree that in the past few weeks we perhaps have missed the talented and intelligent player ?

We will be fine with Doidge and Landers though 👍

[JammyDoidger]

He's finished, won't be getting another deal surely, time we brought someone in that can be our main man for years if it's not going to be Vente.

[McD]

Le Fondre is a fox in the box an intelligent striker that brings others into play and talks his teammates through games lending the benefit of his vast experience

Adds goals and assists and is a lot tougher than he looks holds up the ball well and doesn’t give opposition defenders a minutes peace

Hoping Monty teaches Cadden how to look up has a tremendous engine but if he could just look up and pick out a man he would be a full international by now and wouldn’t be at Hibs

Anyway, we need both back like yesterday



While not disagreeing with your point re. Cadden, he is a full international, 2 caps

[Pretty Boy]

We have missed him this season but he's not really any kind of solution is he?

Time he gets fit then gets up to speed a huge chunk of the season is gone and I'd be amazed if he is here next season.

It feels a bit like the days of 'as soon as Magennis is fit'. A lot of eggs being put in one very unreliable basket.

[BILLYHIBS]

While not disagreeing with your point re. Cadden, he is a full international, 2 caps

👍

Should have more then 😀

Edit :

Both as a sub on Mexico tour whilst at Motherwell 2017/18

[He's here!]

The way he set up that goal for Vente against Lucern was the highlight of our season.

[jacomo]

We really don’t. This is just revisionism.

We scored 5 goals in the 7 games that he featured under Monty and in those games he managed just 1 assist and no goals.

We were just as **** when he was fit.


By all means have your opinion, but dismissing someone else’s as ‘revisionism’ is rude and dumb.

If we are sticking to two strikers, one of them needs to hold it up or come for the ball and create something. ALF is very much at the veteran stage of his career but an intelligent and useful footballer… I think he could help us.

Both him and McKirdy coming back would give us more options up top, and allow us to focus our transfer activities elsewhere in this window.

[Forza Fred]

He’s the cleverest player we have by far.

[B.H.F.C]

By all means have your opinion, but dismissing someone else’s as ‘revisionism’ is rude and dumb.

If we are sticking to two strikers, one of them needs to hold it up or come for the ball and create something. ALF is very much at the veteran stage of his career but an intelligent and useful footballer… I think he could help us.

Both him and McKirdy coming back would give us more options up top, and allow us to focus our transfer activities elsewhere in this window.

The numbers quoted weren’t even accurate.

He made 8 appearances under Montgomery and we scored 9 goals when he was on the pitch. Appearances only totalled 422 minutes though.

He definitely gave us something in terms of getting on the ball and pulling people about. Doesn’t get any assists for them but came on at Tynecastle at 2-0 down and was involved in the build up for both goals. Same for the goal at Kilmarnock when he came on.

We have missed him but, sadly, I don’t think many folk will be surprised that we haven’t seen a 37 year old on the park very often.

[Paulie Walnuts]

I like ALF but I’m not going to be getting my hopes up that we’ll get all that much more out of him.

When’s he due back?

[Spike Mandela]

So we're not missing an intelligent and talented player?


Would you not agree that in the past few weeks we perhaps have missed the talented and intelligent player ?

We will be fine with Doidge and Landers though 👍

What we are missing is a 24-27yr old ALF like player. This should be the prime objective of our scouting dept.

I would never dismiss his talent but his age can’t be ignored and the likelihood is he will spend most of his time at us either injured or not going a full 90 minutes

His effect on us at the moment is more likely to be a cameo rather than the key missing link.

[keep the faith]

If we miss Cadden then we are in bigger trouble than I thought!!
Think some have rose tinted glasses on there!

[Col2]

ALF has scored 3 goals in 16 appearances

Under Monty he has only been on the losing side once in 8 appearances a 0-4 loss at Ibrox

His value to the team is there for all to see

Haste ye back

100% this. He is our most experienced striker, a goalscorer and we need him back.

[eastmainsmsh]

Spoke to Alf last week hoping to be back this month

[LaMotta]

So we're not missing an intelligent and talented player?


Would you not agree that in the past few weeks we perhaps have missed the talented and intelligent player ?

We will be fine with Doidge and Landers though ��


The way he set up that goal for Vente against Lucern was the highlight of our season.


By all means have your opinion, but dismissing someone else’s as ‘revisionism’ is rude and dumb.

If we are sticking to two strikers, one of them needs to hold it up or come for the ball and create something. ALF is very much at the veteran stage of his career but an intelligent and useful footballer… I think he could help us.

Both him and McKirdy coming back would give us more options up top, and allow us to focus our transfer activities elsewhere in this window.


He’s the cleverest player we have by far.


The numbers quoted weren’t even accurate.

He made 8 appearances under Montgomery and we scored 9 goals when he was on the pitch. Appearances only totalled 422 minutes though.

He definitely gave us something in terms of getting on the ball and pulling people about. Doesn’t get any assists for them but came on at Tynecastle at 2-0 down and was involved in the build up for both goals. Same for the goal at Kilmarnock when he came on.

We have missed him but, sadly, I don’t think many folk will be surprised that we haven’t seen a 37 year old on the park very often.


100% this. He is our most experienced striker, a goalscorer and we need him back.

:agree:

With 5 goal contributions in only 809 minutes on the pitch this season, ALF has been statistically our most prolific attacking player this season for minutes played.

But even if the stats werent in his favour, using just your eyes you could see his 2 goals v St Mirren and Aberdeen were of the highest quality, and his assists for Vente v Luzern and St Johnstone were probably even better.

I think its unarguable that we have missed him, genuinely can't believe anyone could think otherwise. He's been an absolute pleasure to watch.

Of course there is a different point about whether we should be reying on a 37 year old and whether we could have expected him to feature much. That is fair but it doesnt takeaway from the fact that we've actually missed what he brought to the team.

[Ozyhibby]

I for one am shocked that the 37 year old we signed is injured more than available.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Caversham Green]

Interesting stat re ALF - until Haaland turned up he had the record for most goals per touch in the EPL.

[WhileTheChief..]

Missed him? We've barely had him!!

[Bridge hibs]

I for one am shocked that the 37 year old we signed is injured more than available.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkFootball player gets injured, shock horror

JDH and Cadden are much younger and they have been out for a long time, must be age related

Le Fondre when he was playing looked a lot fitter than a few of them on the park, he has looked after himself

[andrew70]

I for one am shocked that the 37 year old we signed is injured more than available.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

He got injured whilst golfing in Gullane. Nothing to do with football.

No one has his football brain in our current squad.

[brydekirk]

We miss him. Big time. (Same with Cadden)

That's all.

Imo, Cadden is not good enough to be starting, we only need him back because we have no one else better.

[Shrekko]

His class is obvious but I think he's been most effective when coming off the bench. A good player to have around, but it's being overblown how much we've missed him.

[Smartie]

He got injured whilst golfing in Gullane. Nothing to do with football.

No one has his football brain in our current squad.

FFS

What was the injury?

Tbf, the last time I was “injured” and unable to play sport it was after rolling my ankle in the rough when I was playing golf (I have a dodgy ankle that seems to withstand playing football no bother when it’s properly warmed up but seems to “go” on uneven paving slabs and wobbling on tree roots looking for my golf ball in the rough playing golf etc).

[andrew70]

FFS

What was the injury?

Tbf, the last time I was “injured” and unable to play sport it was after rolling my ankle in the rough when I was playing golf (I have a dodgy ankle that seems to withstand playing football no bother when it’s properly warmed up but seems to “go” on uneven paving slabs and wobbling on tree roots looking for my golf ball in the rough playing golf etc).

A back problem

[andrew70]

Imo, Cadden is not good enough to be starting, we only need him back because we have no one else better.

Exactly this. Cadden is athletic but struggles in final third, like most of our players currently.

[Hermit Crab]

He's finished, won't be getting another deal surely, time we brought someone in that can be our main man for years if it's not going to be Vente.

He brings more to the team that Doidge does. I'd much rather have ALF up top than Doidge.

[GreenPJ]

ALF brings much needed composure and game intelligence to the pitch - you could see how much better Vente looked when ALF played.

His age is against him but he is our player in the summer and in the squad and coming off the bench he will be very valuable. Would still like us to be looking at a first choice forward (someone more of the ilk of Holt but obviously younger). If we can hold the ball better upfront that gives some relief to the midfield/defence.

[BoomtownHibees]

A back problem

He said on Twitter that it was a PCL Grade 2 injury (knee)

[andrew70]

He said on Twitter that it was a PCL Grade 2 injury (knee)

Interesting. He definitely injured his back playing golf with Lewis Miller and when he was first missing Montgomery said it was a back issue in one of his pre match interviews. Maybe suffered another injury setback.

[jakeshibs]

ALF is a quality player and links up play, looked ay how Vente was able to get in the box when ALF was there, he may be older but he is wiser and has the composure and exxperience.

[Silky]

The idea that what we are currently missing is a 37 yr old striker, who whilst cearly a talented and intelligent player is currently displaying the stereotypical position of a 37 yr old player, on the injury table with his best years behind him, is ludicrous.

He's a better striker than Boyle IMO and, I think, Vente has played better beside ALF than he has beside Boyle.

[greenlex]

We really don’t. This is just revisionism.

We scored 5 goals in the 7 games that he featured under Monty and in those games he managed just 1 assist and no goals.

We were just as **** when he was fit.
He plays the role Vente is being asked to play at the moment. When Ventes doing that there’s a gaping hole in and around the box. ALF is certainly a miss.

[B.H.F.C]

He's a better striker than Boyle IMO and, I think, Vente has played better beside ALF than he has beside Boyle.

I’ve been critical of Vente lately but I’ve thought it’s been clear for ages that he needs a proper partner. In terms of getting the best from him, I think it’s an absolute must. In his earlier days there was loads of chopping and changing then lately he’s been playing with Boyle who isn’t a striker. Should be one of our priorities in the window for me but don’t think it will be.

[Tyler Durden]

As much as we might all rate the guy when fit, he has to go down as another poor signing.

We really should not be signing anyone older than 30/31 IMO - certainly not 35 year olds - it's not worth the risk at our level. Keepers may be the exception albeit Marshall has been an awful signing too.

[Brooster]

He’s the cleverest player we have by far.

I agree, to dismiss his contribution is silly. Can't wait to get him back.

[Smartie]

I'm trying to remember who it was against, maybe Luzern at home... but there was a bit of skill to create a goal in their box that ALF showed that we've not seen from many players over the years.

He definitely showed at the start of the season that he has an awful lot to offer us, even is it is only off the bench for the last half hour of matches.

I'm sure he helped swing the St Mirren home match in our favour when he went on too.

Having seen so many passengers drift through games not having an effect over the years, I wouldn't be dismissing someone who can clearly make a positive impact on matches for us.

[neil7908]

He plays the role Vente is being asked to play at the moment. When Ventes doing that there’s a gaping hole in and around the box. ALF is certainly a miss.

Absolutely spot on. I was less than thrilled by the signing of ALF but he's got great movement and a real football brain.

Pity we couldn't get him 10 years ago.

Vente looks much more comfortable playing higher up than dropping deep imo. Get the right player next to him and I think Vente will score plenty.

[VoltaireHibs]

What Alf bring to this team is not only his experience and intelligence, but also that fact that he's really a team player. He's not selfish or greedy with the ball. Boyle and Youan are both solo merchants whenever there's even the slightest hint of a goal. I think Vente has suffered a bit from that. Vente, Youan and Boyle all see themselves as the main man, Alf sees himself as a team player.

[CB Hibs 68]

FFS

What was the injury?

Tbf, the last time I was “injured” and unable to play sport it was after rolling my ankle in the rough when I was playing golf (I have a dodgy ankle that seems to withstand playing football no bother when it’s properly warmed up but seems to “go” on uneven paving slabs and wobbling on tree roots looking for my golf ball in the rough playing golf etc).
Probably best you keep to the fairway and avoid any potential injuries by going in the rough 😎

[hibbymick]

As much as we might all rate the guy when fit, he has to go down as another poor signing.

We really should not be signing anyone older than 30/31 IMO - certainly not 35 year olds - it's not worth the risk at our level. Keepers may be the exception albeit Marshall has been an awful signing too.

Was Sauzee not 34 when he joined Hibs :greengrin

[Stuart93]

Miss ALF.

Think he brought out the best in Vente as well

[BlackSheep]

Miss ALF.

Think he brought out the best in Vente as well

Correct, ALF's brains and understanding of being a striker made him the ideal partner for Vente. ALF and Vente think very similarly and ALF was always 2 steps ahead of most on the park when it came to footballing brains.... we will hopefully see this partnership come to fruition once ALF returns from injury.

[WeeRussell]

By all means have your opinion, but dismissing someone else’s as ‘revisionism’ is rude and dumb.

If we are sticking to two strikers, one of them needs to hold it up or come for the ball and create something. ALF is very much at the veteran stage of his career but an intelligent and useful footballer… I think he could help us.

Both him and McKirdy coming back would give us more options up top, and allow us to focus our transfer activities elsewhere in this window.

Yep - debatable how MUCH of a difference having him back might make but of course we miss a player of his quality when not available, especially given our lack of consistent goalscorer just now. ALF could help with that whether it’s his goals or involvement in games.

Mind you, I’m sure the quoted poster used to argue that we didn’t miss Nisbet when he wasn’t fit.

[neil7908]

As much as we might all rate the guy when fit, he has to go down as another poor signing.

We really should not be signing anyone older than 30/31 IMO - certainly not 35 year olds - it's not worth the risk at our level. Keepers may be the exception albeit Marshall has been an awful signing too.

I think he's fine as a back up - the trouble is we don't have anyone else. Vente and AN other with ALF on the bench is fine. But he ended up being a starter for us, which is the issue imo.

Happy for us to sign player reaching the twilight of their careers but needs to be done with the understanding they won't play much.

[madabouthibs]

We're the 3rd highest scorers in the league, but we're sitting 6th in the league.
I'd be quite happy if we prioritise sorting the midfield and defence and goalkeeper positions before we splash out on another striker.

[California-Hibs]

We're the 3rd highest scorers in the league, but we're sitting 6th in the league.
I'd be quite happy if we prioritise sorting the midfield and defence and goalkeeper positions before we splash out on another striker.

100% this! Talk of signing a striker should be way off the agenda!

[B.H.F.C]

100% this! Talk of signing a striker should be way off the agenda!

We are, but not a lot are coming from those playing up top.

Vente needs a proper partner to get the best out of him. The only one currently available is Doidge and we’ve been trying to offload him for a year and a bit. I think signing a striker is really important at this point.

[WhileTheChief..]

We're crying out for a striker and it absolutely should be a priority.

I know the defence and midfield are rank, but we're in January and our top scorer has got maybe 5 or 6 goals? That's poor by any standards.

[Smartie]

We're crying out for a striker and it absolutely should be a priority.

I know the defence and midfield are rank, but we're in January and our top scorer has got maybe 5 or 6 goals? That's poor by any standards.

Not saying we don't appear to need a striker but the strikers we do already have have been feeding off scraps - turning this around must be the priority for January. I think we meed midfielders, creativity and a plan to get the best out of our current strikers before we need a personnel change up front. Pretty much any striker available within our budget would struggle to score goals in our current set up.

[B.H.F.C]

Not saying we don't appear to need a striker but the strikers we do already have have been feeding off scraps - turning this around must be the priority for January. I think we meed midfielders, creativity and a plan to get the best out of our current strikers before we need a personnel change up front. Pretty much any striker available within our budget would struggle to score goals in our current set up.

If you look at our striking options they’re just not as good as we maybe think IMO. Vente still has it all to prove and I think a proper partner helps with that. Doidge is the only other one currently available and we’ve been trying to offload him for about the last 3-4 windows, he won’t be around next season. ALF looked decent but he’s 37 and currently unavailable. Boyle isn’t a striker and is also unavailable.

In this system the best thing we can do to get the best from Vente is get him a partner IMO.

[Alex Trager]

Not saying we don't appear to need a striker but the strikers we do already have have been feeding off scraps - turning this around must be the priority for January. I think we meed midfielders, creativity and a plan to get the best out of our current strikers before we need a personnel change up front. Pretty much any striker available within our budget would struggle to score goals in our current set up.

Agree. We need creativity and we need to shore up.

We still score goals most weeks.

If we can stop conceding so many then things will improve.

The top of the park is the least priority for me.

[Stevie Reid]

If you look at our striking options they’re just not as good as we maybe think IMO. Vente still has it all to prove and I think a proper partner helps with that. Doidge is the only other one currently available and we’ve been trying to offload him for about the last 3-4 windows, he won’t be around next season. ALF looked decent but he’s 37 and currently unavailable. Boyle isn’t a striker and is also unavailable.

In this system the best thing we can do to get the best from Vente is get him a partner IMO.

Last few weeks have been disappointing re: Vente (and last week was definitely his worst in a Hibs shirt by far) but that’s definitely not his fault as he’s being asked to drop so deep.

Early on his chance conversion rate was excellent, scored with his first five shots and has barely missed the target since. Hasn’t missed an out and out sitter either.

Doesn’t have anything to prove IMO - we need to create more chances for him. So frustrating to have such a good finisher so devoid of service, especially when we have wide players who are very good SPL players.

[B.H.F.C]

Last few weeks have been disappointing re: Vente (and last week was definitely his worst in a Hibs shirt by far) but that’s definitely not his fault as he’s being asked to drop so deep.

Early on his chance conversion rate was excellent, scored with his first five shots and has barely missed the target since. Hasn’t missed an out and out sitter either.

Doesn’t have anything to prove IMO - we need to create more chances for him. So frustrating to have such a good finisher so devoid of service, especially when we have wide players who are very good SPL players.

He has it all to prove IMO, we need more. I think it’s too easy just to blame tactics or whatever. I do agree we could be doing with creating a bit more but he plays a part in that as well. As I say, I think a proper partner helps him massively and we get more from him.

[Stevie Reid]

He has it all to prove IMO, we need more. I think it’s too easy just to blame tactics or whatever. I do agree we could be doing with creating a bit more but he plays a part in that as well. As I say, I think a proper partner helps him massively.

It’s easy to blame tactics because we’re not creating anything for him. Like a few others, he’s being asked to play in a way that isn’t going to bring out the best in him.

IIRC, there was an attack from the first half of the Motherwell game where he dropped deep and played Jair in behind. Jair beat his man and put a great ball across the six yard box, but Vente couldn’t get on the end of it as he’d dropped so deep originally.

TBF he does have a reasonable number of assists for us I think, but they have dried up of late as well.

What does he need to prove, exactly? From my point of view, he was brought into score goals and he has proven that he will do that with the right service. A few weeks ago he looked really lively and like he was enjoying his football - but the last few weeks have been very different.

He’s clearly a clever player, a willing worker, and a very good finisher, IMO. It’s not his fault we’re not able to see the best of him right now. Partner may help certainly, but I still think 4-3-3 with Youan and Boyle either side is the obvious way to go.

[Col2]

What a thread this is. I am still non the wiser when ALF is due back, anyone got a clue?

[B.H.F.C]

It’s easy to blame tactics because we’re not creating anything for him. Like a few others, he’s being asked to play in a way that isn’t going to bring out the best in him.

IIRC, there was an attack from the first half of the Motherwell game where he dropped deep and played Jair in behind. Jair beat his man and put a great ball across the six yard box, but Vente couldn’t get on the end of it as he’d dropped so deep originally.

TBF he does have a reasonable number of assists for us I think, but they have dried up of late as well.

What does he need to prove, exactly? From my point of view, he was brought into score goals and he has proven that he will do that with the right service. A few weeks ago he looked really lively and like he was enjoying his football - but the last few weeks have been very different.

He’s clearly a clever player, a willing worker, and a very good finisher, IMO. It’s not his fault we’re not able to see the best of him right now. Partner may help certainly, but I still think 4-3-3 with Youan and Boyle either side is the obvious way to go.

The instance you’re talking about against Motherwell was a good move. Doidge was about an inch from getting on the end of the ball in and Youan had it taken right of his foot by the left back. In that instance, it was fine Vente dropping deep, he played a part in a good move that we could have scored from. If you didn’t have him doing that the rest of the move doesn’t happen. Strikers, especially in a two, will always drop off at times.

As for what he needs to prove, he needs to prove that he can score goals regularly in this league. 3 in 18, even in this set up isn’t good enough. Nisbet, who he’s replaced, would have scored and done more IMO. Part of the reason for that is that he had the ability to create something for himself, he’d have a shot from wherever. Shankland, who is the best striker in the league at the moment is similar. With Vente, it feels like we/he are waiting for the perfect chance. He’s had chances that he could have done better with recently IMO, he should have put one away against Hearts, dragged a good chance wide at Livingston. The lack of chances, efforts on goal are whatever haven’t just been when he’s played in this system with these tactics, it was before Monty came in as well.

[B.H.F.C]

What a thread this is. I am still non the wiser when ALF is due back, anyone got a clue?

Monty said he’s been doing a bit of running but not been involved with the team yet. Think they want him back involved in Dubai.

[Stevie Reid]

The instance you’re talking about against Motherwell was a good move. Doidge was about an inch from getting on the end of the ball in and Youan had it taken right of his foot by the left back. In that instance, it was fine Vente dropping deep, he played a part in a good move that we could have scored from. If you didn’t have him doing that the rest of the move doesn’t happen. Strikers, especially in a two, will always drop off at times.

As for what he needs to prove, he needs to prove that he can score goals regularly in this league. 3 in 18, even in this set up isn’t good enough. Nisbet, who he’s replaced, would have scored and done more IMO. Part of the reason for that is that he had the ability to create something for himself, he’d have a shot from wherever. Shankland, who is the best striker in the league at the moment is similar. With Vente, it feels like we/he are waiting for the perfect chance. He’s had chances that he could have done better with recently IMO, he should have put one away against Hearts, dragged a good chance wide at Livingston. The lack of chances, efforts on goal are whatever haven’t just been when he’s played in this system with these tactics, it was before Monty came in as well.

It was a good move, and it shows he can be involved in creating things. Definitely fine to drop deep at times, but he is dropping deep all the time. I genuinely can’t see how he can be criticised for not scoring enough when he has nothing to get on the end of, and/or has dropped deep to create a chance for someone else.

We’re just going to go round in circles here, but for my money he’s proven that he’s got everything we need if used correctly. Nisbet would not have scored more in this team, IMO - he was a classic penalty box striker. Shankland does have that ability for distance but it’s fine that Vente appears not to.

If he was missing sitters every week I’d agree that we have a problem. The fact that you’ve only been able to identify a couple of chances where he could have done better, shows that he doesn’t miss much.

[B.H.F.C]

It was a good move, and it shows he can be involved in creating things. Definitely fine to drop deep at times, but he is dropping deep all the time. I genuinely can’t see how he can be criticised for not scoring enough when he has nothing to get on the end of, and/or has dropped deep to create a chance for someone else.

We’re just going to go round in circles here, but for my money he’s proven that he’s got everything we need if used correctly. Nisbet would not have scored more in this team, IMO - he was a classic penalty box striker. Shankland does have that ability for distance but it’s fine that Vente appears not to.

If he was missing sitters every week I’d agree that we have a problem. The fact that you’ve only been able to identify a couple of chances where he could have done better, shows that he doesn’t miss much.

I think things are just being exaggerated when folk talk about him dropping deep ‘all the time’ and never being in the box.

Look back at the games in the last month. Motherwell we agree he was really poor but go back and look at the highlights, he’s in the box for pretty much every chance they show. Hearts game, two chances right in the middle of the box, should have taken one. Game prior was St Johnstone, whole team dreadful. Game prior Livingston, disallowed goal from about 3 inches out and missed another chance in the first half in the middle of the box. Didn’t play at Parkhead and got a tap in at home to Aberdeen before that. In the games prior to that he had good assists from positions high up the park when he was running in behind (Dundee and St Mirren).

As I say, I’m not actually arguing that he’s a poor player. He’s not, but I think we should be getting more from him irrespective of how we’re currently set up.

Re the point on Nisbet, he had much more to his game than just being a penalty box player. He could come in and link the game and looked like he could score a goal from a half chance. I also think he just looked hungrier to score goals. Most of the decent strikers we’ve had, the likes of Nisbet, Cummings, Stokes and Griffiths all come to mind were all greedy and would shoot from anywhere. We’re not good enough for strikers to have to wait on clear cut chances coming along all the time. We need them to, at least occasionally, do something a bit different.

[Stevie Reid]

I think things are just being exaggerated when folk talk about him dropping deep ‘all the time’ and never being in the box.

Look back at the games in the last month. Motherwell we agree he was really poor but go back and look at the highlights, he’s in the box for pretty much every chance they show. Hearts game, two chances right in the middle of the box, should have taken one. Game prior was St Johnstone, whole team dreadful. Game prior Livingston, disallowed goal from about 3 inches out and missed another chance in the first half in the middle of the box. Didn’t play at Parkhead and got a tap in at home to Aberdeen before that. In the games prior to that he had good assists from positions high up the park when he was running in behind (Dundee and St Mirren).

As I say, I’m not actually arguing that he’s a poor player. He’s not, but I think we should be getting more from him irrespective of how we’re currently set up.

Re the point on Nisbet, he had much more to his game than just being a penalty box player. He could come in and link the game and looked like he could score a goal from a half chance. I also think he just looked hungrier to score goals. Most of the decent strikers we’ve had, the likes of Nisbet, Cummings, Stokes and Griffiths all come to mind were all greedy and would shoot from anywhere. We’re not good enough for strikers to have to wait on clear cut chances coming along all the time. We need them to, at least occasionally, do something a bit different.

Nisbet’s goals are here. Probably about five truly outstanding finishes here, the rest are penalty box goals, from good movement and finished well. Maybe one goal that you could say he created all on his own.

Get Vente on the end of these chances and the end result would be the same/very similar number of goals:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYOMyaVN7oo

[B.H.F.C]

Nisbet’s goals are here. Probably about five truly outstanding finishes here, the rest are penalty box goals, from good movement and finished well. Maybe one goal that you could say he created all on his own.

Get Vente on the end of these chances and the end result would be the same/very similar number of goals:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYOMyaVN7oo

There are all types of different goals there. Half chances, free kicks, bringing the ball down with a defender right behind him at the edge of the box to turn and shoot. Vente has ability and may prove to be a good player but I’ve yet to see the same type of instinct from him in the box. If you look at the Motherwell game as an example, even when in the box he was always coming away from goal looking for a pull back to the edge, where as Nisbet would almost always go in the other way.

[Col2]

Monty said he’s been doing a bit of running but not been involved with the team yet. Think they want him back involved in Dubai.

Thanks.

[Stevie Reid]

There are all types of different goals there. Half chances, free kicks, bringing the ball down with a defender right behind him at the edge of the box to turn and shoot. Vente has ability and may prove to be a good player but I’ve yet to see the same type of instinct from him in the box. If you look at the Motherwell game as an example, even when in the box he was always coming away from goal looking for a pull back to the edge, where as Nisbet would almost always go in the other way.

And yet even Nisbet only managed nine goals in 36 appearances in 2021/22. Six goals in 21 appearances before Ross was sacked, and three in 15 after he went. So he too struggled in a team that wasn’t playing well or creating much.

[B.H.F.C]

And yet even Nisbet only managed nine goals in 36 appearances in 2021/22. Six goals in 21 appearances before Ross was sacked, and three in 15 after he went. So he too struggled in a team that wasn’t playing well or creating much.

Had a good record overall though. If Vente can replicate that, I’d be happy and he’d probably get a move.

[PHeffernan]

And yet even Nisbet only managed nine goals in 36 appearances in 2021/22. Six goals in 21 appearances before Ross was sacked, and three in 15 after he went. So he too struggled in a team that wasn’t playing well or creating much.

Vente for 6th placed Hibs has scored every 428 minutes in the SPL this season
Nisbet for 5th placed Hibernian scored every 93 minutes in the SPL last season

Nisbet for 15th placed Millwall has scored every 231 minutes in the far higher standard English Championship this season

Nisbet is a far better striker

[MagicSwirlingShip]

Vente for 6th placed Hibs has scored every 428 minutes in the SPL this season
Nisbet for 5th placed Hibernian scored every 93 minutes in the SPL last season

Nisbet for 15th placed Millwall has scored every 231 minutes in the far higher standard English Championship this season

Nisbet is a far better striker

Hard to say that when it’s clear to everyone with eyes Vente isn’t being deployed to his strengths

[Stevie Reid]

Had a good record overall though. If Vente can replicate that, I’d be happy and he’d probably get a move.

Agreed.

[Forza Fred]

Interesting what Tam McManus said recently…along the lines of…strikers may be asked to hold up the ball, track back etc…but sooner or later they realise that they are ultimately judged on their scoring rate,so should get in the box more.

My view is that whatever ‘other duties’ they might be asked to carry out, top strikers will still find a way to score.

[BILLYHIBS]

Interesting what Tam McManus said recently…along the lines of…strikers may be asked to hold up the ball, track back etc…but sooner or later they realise that they are ultimately judged on their scoring rate,so should get in the box more.

My view is that whatever ‘other duties’ they might be asked to carry out, top strikers will still find a way to score.
Just need to look across the way at Shankland ridiculed for just scoring pens they have dried up but still finding a way often scoring out of nothing or simply just sticking the ball in the net not as easy as it looks

That is why strikers get paid the big bucks

Goals win games

Nisbet MacLaren Cummings and Griffiths at Easter Road spring to mind

[JimBHibees]

He got injured whilst golfing in Gullane. Nothing to do with football.

No one has his football brain in our current squad.

Unfortunate and annoying that was the case.

[Bridge hibs]

Unfortunate and annoying that was the case.Freak accidents happen - Steve Morrow defender broke his collarbone after falling off the shoulders of Tony Adams while celebrating the 1993 League Cup final win against Sheffield Wednesday.

Svein Grondalen The Norway defender had to withdraw from an international during the 1970s after colliding with a moose while out jogging.

Alan Mullery The England star missed the 1964 tour of South America after injuring his back while brushing his teeth.

David Batty The former Leeds and Blackburn midfielder managed to re-injure his achilles tendon when he was run over by his toddler on a tricycle.

Darren Barnard The former Barnsley midfielder was sidelined for five months with a torn knee ligament after he slipped in a puddle of his puppy's urine on the kitchen floor.

Lee Hodges The then Barnet player slipped on a bar of soap in the shower and wrenched his groin.

Craig Levein former hearts player and manager slipped off the toilet pan at Dens Park resulting in him bursting his piles and subsequently missing his team hearts winning the league

[andrew70]

Just need to look across the way at Shankland ridiculed for just scoring pens they have dried up but still finding a way often scoring out of nothing or simply just sticking the ball in the net not as easy as it looks

That is why strikers get paid the big bucks

Goals win games

Nisbet MacLaren Cummings and Griffiths at Easter Road spring to mind

Shankland is playing further forward than he did last term.

[Skol]

Interesting what Tam McManus said recently…along the lines of…strikers may be asked to hold up the ball, track back etc…but sooner or later they realise that they are ultimately judged on their scoring rate,so should get in the box more.

My view is that whatever ‘other duties’ they might be asked to carry out, top strikers will still find a way to score.

Way back in time I had a VHS video about football. There was a clip in it off clough on the training pitch.

I forget who it was but it was a corner and the centre forward was lining up to take it. Clough wades in and calls the gut over.

What number is on your back on a Saturday ?

Nine gaffer

Exactly. I pay you to score goals, get in there. Clough says while pointing at the goalmouth.

[BILLYHIBS]

Shankland is playing further forward than he did last term.

Yip and scoring goals out of nothing yet I had jumbo mates who told me he was a fat lazy bassa this season although their silence has been deafening lately

[andrew70]

Yip and scoring goals out of nothing yet I had jumbo mates who told me he was a fat lazy bassa this season although their silence has been deafening lately

Vente is very similar to Shankland. Play him further forward he’d score goals. Play him deeper like Shankland last season he will utilise other parts of his game. His link up play, his determination and his intelligence.

Just a shame he never took the pen in the derby.

[Baader]

Way back in time I had a VHS video about football. There was a clip in it off clough on the training pitch.

I forget who it was but it was a corner and the centre forward was lining up to take it. Clough wades in and calls the gut over.

What number is on your back on a Saturday ?

Nine gaffer

Exactly. I pay you to score goals, get in there. Clough says while pointing at the goalmouth.

Clough got how simple football can be which was a big part of his brilliance. Instructions to hard tackling midfielders to win the ball and pass it to someone who can pass better than you!

Think it was Kenny Burns who asked him what the tactic for freekicks was. Clough just said shoot. "What if its indirect?" "Pass it to the side then shoot!"

[BILLYHIBS]

Vente is very similar to Shankland. Play him further forward he’d score goals. Play him deeper like Shankland last season he will utilise other parts of his game. His link up play, his determination and his intelligence.

Just a shame he never took the pen in the derby.

Took the words right out of my mouth

[Paul1642]

Freak accidents happen - Steve Morrow defender broke his collarbone after falling off the shoulders of Tony Adams while celebrating the 1993 League Cup final win against Sheffield Wednesday.

Svein Grondalen The Norway defender had to withdraw from an international during the 1970s after colliding with a moose while out jogging.

Alan Mullery The England star missed the 1964 tour of South America after injuring his back while brushing his teeth.

David Batty The former Leeds and Blackburn midfielder managed to re-injure his achilles tendon when he was run over by his toddler on a tricycle.

Darren Barnard The former Barnsley midfielder was sidelined for five months with a torn knee ligament after he slipped in a puddle of his puppy's urine on the kitchen floor.

Lee Hodges The then Barnet player slipped on a bar of soap in the shower and wrenched his groin.

Craig Levein former hearts player and manager slipped off the toilet pan at Dens Park resulting in him bursting his piles and subsequently missing his team hearts winning the league

Did the indestructible Rob Jones not putting his back out doing the ironing if I remember right?

[Eyrie]

Another freak accident was Kirk Broadfoot getting injured when he microwaved an egg.

[B.H.F.C]

Marco Negri at Rangers got smacked in the face playing Squash. He’d scored 23 goals in his first 10 games but never properly recovered.

[andrew70]

Marco Negri at Rangers got smacked in the face playing Squash. He’d scored 23 goals in his first 10 games but never properly recovered.

Was it not a teammate who done it too? Porrini possibly?

[Springbank]

Agree. We need creativity and we need to shore up.

We still score goals most weeks.

If we can stop conceding so many then things will improve.

The top of the park is the least priority for me.

Hibs 0 St Johnstone 1
Hibs 0 Hearts 1

If we set up to score goals we win both games

[CB Hibs 68]

Hibs 0 St Johnstone 1
Hibs 0 Hearts 1

If we set up to score goals we win both gamesSpot on.Most fans are fixated with Defensive frailties which we obviously can’t ignore.The attack is just as big an issue for me in terms of chances created.So in summary we have issues across the team but hopefully Monty can address this window
.

[B.H.F.C]

Spot on.Most fans are fixated with Defensive frailties which we obviously can’t ignore.The attack is just as big an issue for me in terms of chances created.So in summary we have issues across the team but hopefully Monty can address this window
.

7 times we’ve scored two goals in a game but failed to win it. If we were even just reasonably competent defensively, we’d be much better off. Scoring two goals should be enough to win them more often than not.

I think we have the players to improve offensively, even without any coming in. We’re never going to improve defensively though. Has to be the priority for me.

[ancient hibee]

7 times we’ve scored two goals in a game but failed to win it. If we were even just reasonably competent defensively, we’d be much better off. Scoring two goals should be enough to win them more often than not.

I think we have the players to improve offensively, even without any coming in. We’re never going to improve defensively though. Has to be the priority for me.

Exactly. Until recently we were second to Rangers in the number of league games we’d scored in. The reason we aren’ t higher in the table is losing dreadful goals like the Motherwell second goal were we conceded because we lost three headers in a row in the middle of the box. Basic stuff.

[MagicSwirlingShip]

Spain goalie Canizares put himself out of the World Cup when he dropped an aftershave bottle on his foot

[Stevie Reid]

Was it not a teammate who done it too? Porrini possibly?

Yeah that was the rumour I think, him or Amoruso. Surely professional footballers aren’t allowed to play squash, or any sport with such a high chance of injury. Is that not why most of them seem to play golf or PlayStation?

[McD]

Was it not a teammate who done it too? Porrini possibly?



Think it was him, iirc it was an eye injury.


Hardly scored after that, was the 97/98 season I think, might also have been a bit of a falling out with the manager after the injury but not sure

[HoboHarry]

Way back IIRC Tommy Smith missed a European Cup final for Liverpool after dropping a pickaxe on his toe.

[.Sean.]

Did Riordan not miss a derby after falling over his dog or something

[Eyrie]

Was there not a story about Ryan Giggs having a dodgy hamstring because he drove a Ferrari?

[WeeRussell]

Way back IIRC Tommy Smith missed a European Cup final for Liverpool after dropping a pickaxe on his toe.

To be fair to Tommy he had ice in his veins.