David Grays Hibs Team

[Donegal Hibby]

Been wondering with Gray as manager will our signing targets have changed slightly now and how do you think the team will play with him as manager? .

[H18 SFR]

Been wondering with Gray as manager will our signing targets have changed slightly now and how do you think the team will play with him as manager? .

I’m 100% certain we will be more direct and look to get the players playing wide heavily involved. I’d imagine it will be a copy and paste of Kilmarnock tactics.

[Unseen work]

I have a feeling we’ll see a 352 used alot more regularly at times. Think he’ll 100% be more flexible in formations anyway.

Also think we’ll see a lot of cross field switch of plays to get the wingers on the ball so that they’re 1 on 1 with full backs.

A more Scottish player/played in SPFL before driven recruitment strategy.

A physical number 9 that can hold it in, win the ball in the air etc.

[JohnM1875]

I have a feeling we’ll see a 352 used alot more regularly at times. Think he’ll 100% be more flexible in formations anyway.

Also think we’ll see a lot of cross field switch of plays to get the wingers on the ball so that they’re 1 on 1 with full backs.

A more Scottish player/played in SPFL before driven recruitment strategy.

A physical number 9 that can hold it in, win the ball in the air etc.

I'm a massive fan of a 352. Will mean we need to sign about four CBs though, which is a big ask!

Genuinely excited to see how we will play under Gray, already buzzing for the League Cup games, will only get more exciting after we make some signings.

[Donegal Hibby]

I sort of expect us to be like what Gray was as a player in hard working that always gives 100% . Pretty much what he said what the non-negotiable's were for him .

Defensively I think we will be organised and not as open at the back as we have been under the last two managers and harder to score against ( hopefully ).

When attacking I don't think we will see as much of the slow build up play from playing out from the back , I'd imagine we will mix it up a fair bit and go direct at times too .

[andrew70]

Much will depend on how he constructs his midfield. Must get rid of the imposters that have been in there lately. I expect big things of Amos.

[Greensunshine]

My only hope is that Rocky does not start in his first eleven 🙏

[hibsbollah]

My only hope is that Rocky does not start in his first eleven 🙏

My only hope is fans give Gray the opportunity to pick whoever he sees fit, he knows all the players better than we do.

Anyway, it’s obviously going to be like Louis van Gaal’s champions league winning Ajax of 1994-95. 3-4-3, with NMW playing the Frank Rijkard role. European domination awaits.

[Donegal Hibby]

My only hope is that Rocky does not start in his first eleven 🙏

Wither it's Rocky or someone else starting I doubt very much our defence will be as open with our fullbacks regularly getting caught out and leaving us badly exposed at the back .

I'm convinced Gray will have us better organised defensively whoever's playing .

[RIP]

Been wondering with Gray as manager will our signing targets have changed slightly now and how do you think the team will play with him as manager? .

Dont forget that the football operation is managed by Malky with Brian handling recruitment.

Thats why Davie didn't get offered the manager's job. He's only Head Coach.

He will be listened too of course but the signings will be the responsibility of the men he reports to.

[Smartie]

Wither it's Rocky or someone else starting I doubt very much our defence will be as open with our fullbacks regularly getting caught out and leaving us badly exposed at the back .

I'm convinced Gray will have us better organised defensively whoever's playing .

It’ll be interesting to see how the fullbacks / defending thing pans out.

Our first choice full backs’ main attributes are attacking ones with both having looked suspect at times defensively.

Even in Gray’s 2 games at the end of the season - rock solid on the LHS against Motherwell then sloppiness crept back in on that side against Livi.

Our fullbacks both look like naturally good wingbacks so a back 3 isn’t a bad shout at all.

[B.H.F.C]

Dont forget that the football operation is managed by Malky with Brian handling recruitment.

Thats why Davie didn't get offered the manager's job. He's only Head Coach.

He will be listened too of course but the signings will be the responsibility of the men he reports to.

Lee Johnson was the ‘manager’ but it’s not as if every signing was identified and made by him. Same with Montgomery.

[SHODAN]

It will be good

[eastmainsmsh]

Love to see Gray set us up like Stubbs teams fan of the 3-5-2

[SeanWilson]

i'd just like to see us play to the strengths of whatever we have at our disposal.

I would want a decent keeper and two good centre halves, a creative midfielder and a striker that can score goals. We have none of which available as it stands (yes, i include our current captain in that).

[RIP]

Lee Johnson was the ‘manager’ but it’s not as if every signing was identified and made by him. Same with Montgomery.

Absolutely. You know that. I know that.

However a lot of fans and the mainstream media cant appear to get their heads around the fact that we haven't signed a Manager who will 'get his own players in.'

As if any club is going to do that in this day and age.

[Donegal Hibby]

It’ll be interesting to see how the fullbacks / defending thing pans out.

Our first choice full backs’ main attributes are attacking ones with both having looked suspect at times defensively.

Even in Gray’s 2 games at the end of the season - rock solid on the LHS against Motherwell then sloppiness crept back in on that side against Livi.

Our fullbacks both look like naturally good wingbacks so a back 3 isn’t a bad shout at all.

I don't think Gray will be wanting the fullbacks playing the way they were under Monty so it will be interesting to see what he does on that one , as you say both's strengths are in attack while suspect defensively.

Back 3 might be the way to go with them tbh .

[Donegal Hibby]

Dont forget that the football operation is managed by Malky with Brian handling recruitment.

Thats why Davie didn't get offered the manager's job. He's only Head Coach.

He will be listened too of course but the signings will be the responsibility of the men he reports to.

Yeah I get that about Malky and Brian though I do wonder if the players that Gray want would maybe be different than the ones Monty would have wanted attribute wise .

Take the Goalkeeper for instance , I think Monty would be looking for one that was good with the ball at his feet , passing /control etc while i don't think that would be as big a priority with Gray as i think we wont be playing out from the back as much .

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

My only hope is that Rocky does not start in his first eleven 🙏

Maybe better to hope that SDG gives him clear instructions of what he has to do, rather than expecting him to be Beckenbaur

[Tambo]

We will probably be a bit more of team and don't concede as many silly goals, no doubt will be a few stuffy frustrating performances along the road.

Again recruitment is key this season along with a good start to the season when they hurry up and release the fixtures.

[Dalkeith Boy]

We need a spine at minimum….Goalie, Centre Half, Centre mid and Centre forward

[JimBHibees]

i'd just like to see us play to the strengths of whatever we have at our disposal.

I would want a decent keeper and two good centre halves, a creative midfielder and a striker that can score goals. We have none of which available as it stands (yes, i include our current captain in that).

Agree important thing is to get a bit of spirit and quality with all players playing to their potential

[Spike Mandela]

Whilst I am sure SDG will have a say in the players recruited and he might have a style that he prefers to play (who knows he might adapt style depending on the game), i think Malky Mackay and the rest of the recruitment team will be sourcing and identifying available players and it will be a collaborative effort as to who signs.

SDG will be expected to coach them such that we win games.and are successful.

[eastmainsmsh]

Maybe better to hope that SDG gives him clear instructions of what he has to do, rather than expecting him to be Beckenbaur

Hey Rocky look when your going to heider the baw and try n no nutmeg yourself :flag:

[Donegal Hibby]

Maybe better to hope that SDG gives him clear instructions of what he has to do, rather than expecting him to be Beckenbaur

In a more organised defence he might do alright imo .

[Saint Hibee]

Dont forget that the football operation is managed by Malky with Brian handling recruitment.

Thats why Davie didn't get offered the manager's job. He's only Head Coach.

He will be listened too of course but the signings will be the responsibility of the men he reports to.

Not disagreeing with this, but Gray was described as "managing the team" in the Hibs press release of his appointment. So whatever the role entails, he is a "manager".

[RIP]

Not disagreeing with this, but Gray was described as "managing the team" in the Hibs press release of his appointment. So whatever the role entails, he is a "manager".

Malky means managing the players i.e. Tactics, performance, motivation.

I think some fans and some news outlets assume he will be managing all aspects of the football operation i.e. Introducing a philosophy across the club, saying which players he wants, signing replacements etc.

The phrase 'David Gray's Hibs Team' is misleading. We have a management team of 3 and the men on the park will be a Malky, Brian and David Hibs Team.

[Donegal Hibby]

Malky means managing the players i.e. Tactics, performance, motivation.

I think some fans and some news outlets assume he will be managing all aspects of the football operation i.e. Introducing a philosophy across the club, saying which players he wants, signing replacements etc.

The phrase 'David Gray's Hibs Team' is misleading. We have a management team of 3 and the men on the park will be a Malky, Brian and David Hibs Team.

Malky will be there to help , give advice etc in any way he can and I'm sure there will be discussions between the 3 . McDermott I'd imagine will be more focused now on player recruitment in getting Gray the players he wants .

Basically the 3 of them will be working together though imo Gray will be deciding on training , formation/ tactics and having the main say on what type of players ( attribute wise ) comes to the club .

It will be very much Grays team imo.

[I'm Spartacus]

Maybe better to hope that SDG gives him clear instructions of what he has to do, rather than expecting him to be Beckenbaur

"Don't nutmeg yourself when missing a header then don't fall to the ground", you mean those types of clear instructions?

See with Jim Goodwin at Aberdeen, then Robson, and then LJ and NM with us, in football discussions I've always said "He needs to sort that defence" and every single one at both clubs never did sort the defence and all fell due to that simple failure.

I will be really interested to see where his priority lies for building a stable squad. Folk mention, and often default to 'the spine', spend your money there and then focus on flair ones you get that as solid as money can buy.

[Tyler Durden]

Malky means managing the players i.e. Tactics, performance, motivation.

I think some fans and some news outlets assume he will be managing all aspects of the football operation i.e. Introducing a philosophy across the club, saying which players he wants, signing replacements etc.

The phrase 'David Gray's Hibs Team' is misleading. We have a management team of 3 and the men on the park will be a Malky, Brian and David Hibs Team.

I think you're going a bit OTT on this bee in your bonnet. Most people understand this as it's how most clubs at a similar level operate these days.

Gray will still ultimately be the one judged, he'll still have a massive input into signing players, it will be his team.

[Tyler Durden]

I think we'll see a bit more pragmatism akin to Jack Ross. A willingness to change formations when the situation demands it, either between games or within the 90 minutes.

I really hope we see some energy and pressing. I think the biggest disappointment (results aside of course) from me in the batch of Heckingbottom, Ross, Maloney, Johnson, Monty was that very rarely did we see fast, energetic, dynamic front foot pressing games.

Jack Ross's approach generally worked for him but it was more about retaining a shape and letting the opponent have the ball in front of you. The other managers for all their English experience didn't seem to prioritise signing players with any great physical capacity. Bizarre in particular that Hecky brought in the likes of Tom James and Vela who simply couldn't run.

Tbf to Lee Johnson, when he had Nisbet fit we were pretty good at pressing high and winning the ball and transitioning quickly. But it was short lived.

I hope Gray wants a team to fly out the traps and get in other teams faces, press high and prioritise quick counters over possession football. Be hard to beat first and foremost.

[judas]

The current retained Hibs squad for the 24/25 season, is a relegation squad.

Gray needs help. Let’s hope he gets it.

[Mcbizz1998]

The current retained Hibs squad for the 24/25 season, is a relegation squad.

Gray needs help. Let’s hope he gets it.

I don’t even know what a retained squad is? Sounds American.

all they have done is listed the players who are still under contract, it’s meaningless.

[andrew70]

I don’t even know what a retained squad is? Sounds American.

all they have done is listed the players who are still under contract, it’s meaningless.

All in, it is meaningless as it’s what we’ve got at end of August that matters but it does show the gravity of the job MM has ahead of him.

[ben johnson]

"Don't nutmeg yourself when missing a header then don't fall to the ground", you mean those types of clear instructions?

See with Jim Goodwin at Aberdeen, then Robson, and then LJ and NM with us, in football discussions I've always said "He needs to sort that defence" and every single one at both clubs never did sort the defence and all fell due to that simple failure.

I will be really interested to see where his priority lies for building a stable squad. Folk mention, and often default to 'the spine', spend your money there and then focus on flair ones you get that as solid as money can buy.

We scored 52 league goals while our dear neighbours scored 54 this season.
They got into Europe and we got bottom six because of our defence.
I’m eager to see who he brings in to sort the defence but also who comes in to replace the better players who have departed.

[TrinityHFC]

I think you're going a bit OTT on this bee in your bonnet. Most people understand this as it's how most clubs at a similar level operate these days.

Gray will still ultimately be the one judged, he'll still have a massive input into signing players, it will be his team.

Aye absolutely. We all get his football clubs work nowadays.

[worcesterhibby]

We scored 52 league goals while our dear neighbours scored 54 this season.
They got into Europe and we got bottom six because of our defence.
I’m eager to see who he brings in to sort the defence but also who comes in to replace the better players who have departed.

I agree with you to an extent, apart from the fact that 30 of those goals were scored by players who may not be here next season

Maolida (gone) 10
Youan (going?) 4
Le Fondre (gone) 5
Doidge (gone) 3
Marcondes (gone) 3
Squirrel (some suggest is going to Oz) 5

If all of the above leave that is 57% of all our goals gone
If Boyler stays it's 48 %
If Youan stays it's 40%

So that's an absolute minimum 40% of our goals gone and more likely 48%. YES we need to sort out the defence, but we also need to sign player that will score 20+ goals for us.

I do think Vente couold come good in a new system.. so let's double his tally to ten in the league next season. However there is no real indication that there is anyone else on the books liable to contribute more than a goal or two, except perhaps Josh Campbell, who scored 8 the previous season, but only got 3 last term. Let's say Gray gives him game time and he gets 8 again ( which I think is generous) that still leaves us with a lot of goals to find. So we need a couple of goalscorers too !

[blackpoolhibs]

My main worry about David Gray's team is how many players that he needs, and how many he needs to get rid of.

I just dont know if he will get the tools to be a success, obviously we all hope he will get the quality of players we want, my worry is we dont get them this window and we have a slow start, well we know what happens next.

[Donegal Hibby]

We scored 52 league goals while our dear neighbours scored 54 this season.
They got into Europe and we got bottom six because of our defence.
I’m eager to see who he brings in to sort the defence but also who comes in to replace the better players who have departed.

Better players in defence would improve us though looking back on the season I'm now of the conclusion that the way we played our defence was always going to lose goals .

Being more organised which I think Gray will have us will see an improvement on that . Gray already said when taking over after the Aberdeen game we were losing to many goals and we needed to be harder to beat .

The other side of the defence is we need a stronger midfield to protect it too , that's our engine room of the team .I don't think I can remember many games last year were our midfield was totally dominant for large periods of a game in .

Two that springs to mind of the midfield failing was when we went 2-0 up against Killie and the arse feel out of us which was a combination of midfield and defence being poor .

Hertz game that we came back from 2-0 down another example as unfortunately hertz looked the dominant team before going 2 up . We did comeback thankfully.

So I think we need to improve the midfield as well as the defence .

Worrying thing now is after losing Maolida if both Boyle and Youan go , we are going to have to find players who can score goals too . Replacing players of these 3 quality will be far from easy as well .

[MWHIBBIES]

My main worry about David Gray's team is how many players that he needs, and how many he needs to get rid of.

I just dont know if he will get the tools to be a success, obviously we all hope he will get the quality of players we want, my worry is we dont get them this window and we have a slow start, well we know what happens next.

If he gets 4 or 5 good players, we'll be top 5 easily. Don't need to fix everything in 1 window.

[Smartie]

If he gets 4 or 5 good players, we'll be top 5 easily. Don't need to fix everything in 1 window.

We're also quite good at emergency fixes in January.

So if we didn't get it all done this summer, if we managed to hang in there enough to January, I'd expect us to fix obvious problems fairly effectively.

Problem we have is that you could imagine the problem position being almost any of the positions on the park if we don't get the summer work done to at least a minimum standard and some of the rumoured departures come to pass.

[Donegal Hibby]

If he gets 4 or 5 good players, we'll be top 5 easily. Don't need to fix everything in 1 window.

I thought that too , though if both Boyle and Youan go after losing Maolida we will need a few more than 4 or 5 and even then top 5 isn't a gimme , your talking about losing near 30 goals there.

[Smartie]

I thought that too , though if both Boyle and Youan go after losing Maolida we will need a few more than 4 or 5 and even then top 5 isn't a gimme , your talking about losing near 30 goals there.

It's a lot of goals to lose... and worth remembering what happened the last time we lost our 3 highest scorers in Griffiths, Doyle and Wotherspoon.

Some might scoff at Doyle and Wotherspoon there but goals the following season were hard to come by and the trap door was waiting.

[blackpoolhibs]

If he gets 4 or 5 good players, we'll be top 5 easily. Don't need to fix everything in 1 window.

We say that most summers.

[Donegal Hibby]

It's a lot of goals to lose... and worth remembering what happened the last time we lost our 3 highest scorers in Griffiths, Doyle and Wotherspoon.

Some might scoff at Doyle and Wotherspoon there but goals the following season were hard to come by and the trap door was waiting.

Good goalscorers aren't easy to find or cheap at times . Losing 3 of ours again like the last time would be a concern alright.

[WestStandWillie]

Spine of the team needs major surgery. Really want to see our midfield boss games (as they should against the smaller teams in the league).

Our biggest downfall last season was dropping points to dross. Fair enough it happens from time to time but it was far too many. St Johnstone, Livingston, Ross County etc...

[ian cruise]

Ah, a good old Hibs paradox.

Our attackers are rubbish, but we can't afford to get rid of them because of all the goals they score.

[hibsbollah]

25 players out, 5 in.

That’s whats required.

[PHeffernan]

I agree with you to an extent, apart from the fact that 30 of those goals were scored by players who may not be here next season

Maolida (gone) 10
Youan (going?) 4
Le Fondre (gone) 5
Doidge (gone) 3
Marcondes (gone) 3
Squirrel (some suggest is going to Oz) 5

If all of the above leave that is 57% of all our goals gone
If Boyler stays it's 48 %
If Youan stays it's 40%

So that's an absolute minimum 40% of our goals gone and more likely 48%. YES we need to sort out the defence, but we also need to sign player that will score 20+ goals for us.

I do think Vente couold come good in a new system.. so let's double his tally to ten in the league next season. However there is no real indication that there is anyone else on the books liable to contribute more than a goal or two, except perhaps Josh Campbell, who scored 8 the previous season, but only got 3 last term. Let's say Gray gives him game time and he gets 8 again ( which I think is generous) that still leaves us with a lot of goals to find. So we need a couple of goalscorers too !

I like this post. A bit of thought has gone into it.
Thanks.

[Paul1642]

25 players out, 5 in.

That’s whats required.

Clever. Can’t be outplayed if you can’t field 11 players. What odd do I get on Hibs loosing 3-0

[hibsbollah]

Clever. Can’t be outplayed if you can’t field 11 players. What odd do I get on Hibs loosing 3-0

You know we have somewhere in the region of 45 players on our books right?

[Ronniekirk]

You know we have somewhere in the region of 45 players on our books right?
I think a lot of fans don’t realise that But it highlights how difficult the task is to move on the number of players we need to
It ain’t going to happen in one window that’s for sure .It also highlights we really needed to appoint someone who we are going to stick with for a few seasons , as another Managerial change this season would be a disaster
We have also changed club strucure to the point there isn’t another post we can create
Am looking forward to seeing who we sign ,but patience will be needed The Black Knoghts connection may yield a few gems closer to the end of the window

[RIP]

I think you're going a bit OTT on this bee in your bonnet. Most people understand this as it's how most clubs at a similar level operate these days.

Gray will still ultimately be the one judged, he'll still have a massive input into signing players, it will be his team.

You understand how most clubs work. So do I. So do the many seasoned posters who have contributed to this thread. It's because for the most part we dig a bit deeper, analyse a bit more, and follow articles and interviews on the club website.

But the majority of supporters I see posting on Facebook, the ones I know who are not online and some sports reporters will still incorrectly credit Gray with responsibility for the whole football operation.

For example,
if Malky and Brian let Elie and Martin depart the club this summer,
if, as a result our goal threat is severely blunted
if the club fails to sign replacements and forward play is even more dull and predictable than before Brian sourced Myziane
and if we slip farther down towards relegation

You can bet it won't be the two above SDG who will wreak the wrath of the fans...

It will be "the Manager's job is on the line".

It's absolutely not the job title that you wrongly assume that I've got a 'bee in my bonnet' about. It's the worry that they are potentially and perhaps inadvertently setting up our Scottish Cup Hero as a Stool Pidgeon.

I pray that I'm worrying unnecessarily. 🙏

[hibsbollah]

I think a lot of fans don’t realise that But it highlights how difficult the task is to move on the number of players we need to
It ain’t going to happen in one window that’s for sure .It also highlights we really needed to appoint someone who we are going to stick with for a few seasons , as another Managerial change this season would be a disaster
We have also changed club strucure to the point there isn’t another post we can create
Am looking forward to seeing who we sign ,but patience will be needed The Black Knoghts connection may yield a few gems closer to the end of the window

Yeah, i was being slightly mischievous there, i know its going to be a bit tricky to flog 25 players at their market value immediately just like you do playing career mode :greengrin But its a measure of the scale of the task. The immediate task of the BKs may be to soak up some financial loss in the short term so we can buy a player or two while disguising the fact we’re having a bit of a clearout and will probably accept less than a players potential true worth in one or two cases. Then again, we got a million for melkerson so…

[erin go bragh]

Really hope were after Mitov as our no 1 keeper. St Johnston just signed a keeper, so looks like he is ofski.
Cmon Hibs

[Brightside]

If he gets 4 or 5 good players, we'll be top 5 easily. Don't need to fix everything in 1 window.

This is important. We aren't going to get a whole new team in the building. 4 or 5 changes. Goalie, 2 CBs, Striker and another attacking mid.

[bingo70]

You understand how most clubs work. So do I. So do the many seasoned posters who have contributed to this thread. It's because for the most part we dig a bit deeper, analyse a bit more, and follow articles and interviews on the club website.

But the majority of supporters I see posting on Facebook, the ones I know who are not online and some sports reporters will still incorrectly credit Gray with responsibility for the whole football operation.

For example,
if Malky and Brian let Elie and Martin depart the club this summer,
if, as a result our goal threat is severely blunted
if the club fails to sign replacements and forward play is even more dull and predictable than before Brian sourced Myziane
and if we slip farther down towards relegation

You can bet it won't be the two above SDG who will wreak the wrath of the fans...

It will be "the Manager's job is on the line".

It's absolutely not the job title that you wrongly assume that I've got a 'bee in my bonnet' about. It's the worry that they are potentially and perhaps inadvertently setting up our Scottish Cup Hero as a Stool Pidgeon.

I pray that I'm worrying unnecessarily. 🙏

Gray will get the credit if it goes well and he’ll get the criticism if it doesn’t.

Regardless if the rights and wrongs or the structure above and around him, that’s the role he’s signed up for and he will be well aware of that.

That’s probably why players are now doing things to become director of football rather than managers and coaches. It’s a longer term role that doesn’t come with the same game to game or season to season scrutiny.

[Donegal Hibby]

25 players out, 5 in.

That’s whats required.

If we only take in 5 , I take it that's a GK , 2 CH , DM , CF . Which probably means we are going with a combination of Newell , NMW in midfield does it ? .

[hibsbollah]

If we only take in 5 , I take it that's a GK , 2 CH , DM , CF . Which probably means we are going with a combination of Newell , NMW in midfield does it ? .

Very difficult to say, it depends on who we sell. If Boyle and Youan are both sold, for example, we’re looking for 3 new forward players in. This is assuming Gray wants to play two up top.

Based on Amos’ pedigree, id like to think NMW and him could be regulars in midfield. Personally i like Newell and id retain him unless an offer comes in. So id say midfield might be close to being sorted. Id prioritise the two penalty areas. So 2 strikers 2 defenders keeper and/or one more. But Gray might like the 343 and that changes things again :greengrin

[Donegal Hibby]

Very difficult to say, it depends on who we sell. If Boyle and Youan are both sold, for example, we’re looking for 3 new forward players in. This is assuming Gray wants to play two up top.

Based on Amos’ pedigree, id like to think NMW and him could be regulars in midfield. Personally i like Newell and id retain him unless an offer comes in. So id say midfield might be close to being sorted. Id prioritise the two penalty areas. So 2 strikers 2 defenders keeper and/or one more. But Gray might like the 343 and that changes things again :greengrin

While feeling optimistic about the season ahead I must say talk of both Boyle and Youan going has dampened my optimism greatly .

Felt Gray had a big enough job on his hands without losing to key players as well.

As to the midfield I like what I've seen of Amos even though it's not been much but the concern there for me is will he stay fit? . A injury there an a suspension to NMW and we are back to Levitt and Newell again .

I'm not Newell's biggest fan though I'd also keep him unless as you said an offer came in .

I still think with what we have our midfield is lacking in something though.

[hibsbollah]

While feeling optimistic about the season ahead I must say talk of both Boyle and Youan going has dampened my optimism greatly .

Felt Gray had a big enough job on his hands without losing to key players as well.

As to the midfield I like what I've seen of Amos even though it's not been much but the concern there for me is will he stay fit? . A injury there an a suspension to NMW and we are back to Levitt and Newell again .

I'm not Newell's biggest fan though I'd also keep him unless as you said an offer came in .

I still think with what we have our midfield is lacking in something though.

For me Levitt would be first name out of the door, if nobody else wanted to buy him he should be an occasional squad player at best. But his wages will be a drain as well. A disastrous signing. I just dont see his lack of commitment matching with SDGs work ethic.

[worcesterhibby]

For me Levitt would be first name out of the door, if nobody else wanted to buy him he should be an occasional squad player at best. But his wages will be a drain as well. A disastrous signing. I just dont see his lack of commitment matching with SDGs work ethic.

Do you think SDG could get more out of him though ? He deoas have ability. If it's a work ethic thing, then surely that's about mentality and attitude, which can change. I know there have been times in my career that I've been disallusioned with where I work and haven't busted a gut, but then move on to a job where there is a good atmosphere and good management and work my socks off

Although to be fair if there had been 15,000 hibby's shouting at me to work harder in the former job..I would have upped my effort ! :greengrin

[The Modfather]

For me Levitt would be first name out of the door, if nobody else wanted to buy him he should be an occasional squad player at best. But his wages will be a drain as well. A disastrous signing. I just dont see his lack of commitment matching with SDGs work ethic.

I’m not sure it’s commitment that’s the issue with Levitt. His lack of athleticism is his biggest issue. He’s similar to another popular midfielder in that he’s neat and tidy, good technically but can’t run or drive with the ball. He too can point to games like Luzern at home where he was excellent and looked the real deal. However last season he also had many games that passed him by and/or the opposition midfield ran over the top of him.

As it stands I’d be tempted to try him in front of Amos & NMW. Try and carry him like Mallan needed and get him shooting more and more involved in the opposition box.

Saying all that I’d probably have Campbell in front of Amos & NMW and work out a system where Campbell can press but avoid having the ball outside of late runs into the box

A new quality midfielder for Amos & NMW is a must IMO. Two if Amos won’t ever be fit.

[blackpoolhibs]

This is important. We aren't going to get a whole new team in the building. 4 or 5 changes. Goalie, 2 CBs, Striker and another attacking mid.

I'd put money on us signing more than 5 players this summer.

[Squealing pig]

Really hope were after Mitov as our no 1 keeper. St Johnston just signed a keeper, so looks like he is ofski.
Cmon Hibs

Levein will see him anywhere but Hibs