Hibs Midfield

[Donegal Hibby]

Looking at our midfield I still think it's not right and would like to see us add a creative midfielder , just don't see one in our current midfield at all .

I'm also slightly concerned about Amos in will he stay fit which is why I'd have quite liked Triantis back tbh .

I do think Campbell will see more game time under Gray as I think he's the type of player Gray likes in his team .

I would like to see 2 midfielders signed this summer though maybe we have to move somebody on first in order for that to happen.

In truth I don't think our midfield has a particular good balance to it , it would be good to see abit more competition for places in say Campbell , Newell or any other of our midfielders form dipped we could put somebody else in rather than being to reliant on the same players all the time.

Hopefully we can add to the midfield soon as imo it's been our main problem for a few years now .

[RIP]

Could Dylan Levitt or Nathan Moriah-Welsh could make a difference?

[easty]

I’d like a creative mid to sit behind the striker(s) and a solid defensive mid. I’m not interested in bringing Triantis back.

I do like Levitt despite how he played last season.

[Donegal Hibby]

Could Dylan Levitt or Nathan Moriah-Welsh could make a difference?

I haven't seen anything from Levitt last season to suggest he could make a difference, probably been one of our most disappointing signings so far though maybe with a good pre-season behind him who knows , he might come good . NMW looks like one that could make a difference TBF .

[judas]

Looking at our midfield I still think it's not right and would like to see us add a creative midfielder , just don't see one in our current midfield at all .

I'm also slightly concerned about Amos in will he stay fit which is why I'd have quite liked Triantis back tbh .

I do think Campbell will see more game time under Gray as I think he's the type of player Gray likes in his team .

I would like to see 2 midfielders signed this summer though maybe we have to move somebody on first in order for that to happen.

In truth I don't think our midfield has a particular good balance to it , it would be good to see abit more competition for places in say Campbell , Newell or any other of our midfielders form dipped we could put somebody else in rather than being to reliant on the same players all the time.

Hopefully we can add to the midfield soon as imo it's been our main problem for a few years now .

Apologies for saying it, but the current squad and first team has relegation written all over it.

SDG will have his work cut out.

[Donegal Hibby]

Apologies for saying it, but the current squad and first team has relegation written all over it.

SDG will have his work cut out.

With a GK and 2 CHs in and something added to both midfield and attack I think we will have a decent season. Even as the squad stands now in a team I'd pick ...

Bursik .

O' Hora .
Ekpiteta.
Rocky .

Cadden .
NMW.
Newell .
Campbell/ Amos
Obita.

Boyle/ Vente or Youan

There's absolutely no danger of relegation imo.
In truth I think we aren't a million miles away from having a decent side to be challenging for 3rd spot .

[GreenCastle]

With a GK and 2 CHs in and something added to both midfield and attack I think we will have a decent season. Even as the squad stands now in a team I'd pick ...

Bursik .

O' Hora .
Ekpiteta.
Rocky .

Cadden .
NMW.
Newell .
Campbell/ Amos
Obita.

Boyle/ Vente or Youan

There's absolutely no danger of relegation imo.
In truth I think we aren't a million miles away from having a decent side to be challenging for 3rd spot .

Reality is that 11 won’t always be available.

Would say it’s 50/50 if Youan stays. Hopefully he does as the thought of losing him and Myziane goal contributions is worrying.

That team though is still pretty similar to last season middle to front.

We need more starters to sign.

We haven’t replaced Myziane yet.

We have added to replace Hanlon - still need to replace Stevenson.

Last seasons squad still better than the current group.

[Greenio]

Wasnt often i admit, but Levitt did show glimpses of skill and confidence to try stuff. Just never really clicked for him. I think he found the step up hard and just didnt settle. Could well come into this season being what we hoped hed be..

Miller is the same imo. Lots of room to grow into somethimg good imo


I guess as always, proof will be on the pitch

I feel were missing that partnership in midfield. No two players in there reeally look like they just click as a pairing...

Sturuggling to remember our last solid midfied pairing tbh

[Heisenberg]

With a GK and 2 CHs in and something added to both midfield and attack I think we will have a decent season. Even as the squad stands now in a team I'd pick ...

Bursik .

O' Hora .
Ekpiteta.
Rocky .

Cadden .
NMW.
Newell .
Campbell/ Amos
Obita.

Boyle/ Vente or Youan

There's absolutely no danger of relegation imo.
In truth I think we aren't a million miles away from having a decent side to be challenging for 3rd spot .

A team with Rocky starting every week at the back has no chance of challenging for 3rd so I’d be looking for another centre half if it’s 3-5-2.

Midfield does need some work but probably need to get rid of a couple first.

[tug.lismore]

That team though is still pretty similar to last season middle to front.

That will be because we haven't signed anyone in the front to middle positions yet.

No indication from the club that we are done with new signings so just have to wait.

Centre half and goalkeeper were the priority.

Imagine the meltdown if we had signed a creative midfielder before we brought in Bursik, O'Hora and Ekpiteta.

Still plenty in the kitty to bring in more players.

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[GreenCastle]

That will be because we haven't signed anyone in the front to middle positions yet.

No indication from the club that we are done with new signings so just have to wait.

Centre half and goalkeeper were the priority.

Imagine the meltdown if we had signed a creative midfielder before we brought in Bursik, O'Hora and Ekpiteta.

Still plenty in the kitty to bring in more players.

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Of course.

All just replacements..and only time will tell if upgrades on what we had.

Middle to front is going to be interesting as we need more steel / creativity and goals.

[GreenCastle]

A team with Rocky starting every week at the back has no chance of challenging for 3rd so I’d be looking for another centre half if it’s 3-5-2.

Midfield does need some work but probably need to get rid of a couple first.

What formation did we play at the weekend ?

Looking at Hibs training video - training like a 3-1-4-2

[H18 SFR]

Could Dylan Levitt or Nathan Moriah-Welsh could make a difference?

My biggest worry with Levitt was his lack of ability to have an impact in attacking phases. The fact that he was unable to win the ball back or foul an opponent to stop a counter attack (on the odd occasion he tried to foul he couldn’t even do it) was just the cherry on top.

I would imagine he’s on seriously good money as wel.

[Edina Street]

Looking at our midfield I still think it's not right and would like to see us add a creative midfielder , just don't see one in our current midfield at all .

I'm also slightly concerned about Amos in will he stay fit which is why I'd have quite liked Triantis back tbh .

I do think Campbell will see more game time under Gray as I think he's the type of player Gray likes in his team .

I would like to see 2 midfielders signed this summer though maybe we have to move somebody on first in order for that to happen.

In truth I don't think our midfield has a particular good balance to it , it would be good to see abit more competition for places in say Campbell , Newell or any other of our midfielders form dipped we could put somebody else in rather than being to reliant on the same players all the time.

Hopefully we can add to the midfield soon as imo it's been our main problem for a few years now .

Sadly the days of Hibernian being able to afford and keep international class attacking midfielders appear to be over.

Even during the 80's, considered one of Hibernian's most depressing decades, we were blessed to watch John Collins whom rejected an offer from Tottenham Hotspur to stay with us for another three seasons. Imo, had John Collins been English, then John Collins would have been good enough to have stole the England left-wing position after John Barnes hung up his boots, even though it would have meant him playing out of position. Would it be possible to have a Hibs player today whom rejects an offer from Tottenham Hotspur to stay another 3 years whilst probably being good enough to play for England?

Then the little magician. Thirty-third best player in the world. Or was it thirty-first? Will we ever see another day when a player of Dwight Yorke's calibre announces in the newspaper that Hibernian's new signing is the best attacking midfielder he ever played with, whilst being in his prime and heading the attack of one of the best teams in Europe which consists of Paul Scholes?

Since then we have had Broony, Zemmama, Allan.

All good players, but a level below world class.

We now seem to be declining to an even lesser class, despite our average attendances being the best since the 50's.

Definitely time for a Rabbit out of the hat.

[Saint Hibee]

I’d like a creative mid to sit behind the striker(s) and a solid defensive mid. I’m not interested in bringing Triantis back.

I do like Levitt despite how he played last season.

Agreed, apart from the bit about Levitt. He's shown zero fight and zero passion, a criticism also levied at him by Dundee Utd fans.

[Paul1642]

Apologies for saying it, but the current squad and first team has relegation written all over it.

SDG will have his work cut out.


Absolutely no chance. Even if we see no more moves in or out (which certainly won’t be the case) we have more than enough about us to compete for the top 6.

[Donegal Hibby]

A team with Rocky starting every week at the back has no chance of challenging for 3rd so I’d be looking for another centre half if it’s 3-5-2.

Midfield does need some work but probably need to get rid of a couple first.

I think if Grays going to be changing formations he probably won't be starting every week if we go to a back 4 maybe it will be Cadden, O'Hora, Ekpiteta , Obita .

While I think Rocky's main weaknesses is his concentration and heading , I still feel in a more structured defence he might do better which I think Gray will have us .

Agree about the midfield and Kenneh is obviously one we should be trying to move on imo .

[B.H.F.C]

A team with Rocky starting every week at the back has no chance of challenging for 3rd so I’d be looking for another centre half if it’s 3-5-2.

Midfield does need some work but probably need to get rid of a couple first.

Biggest issue with midfield is they’re all on good contracts and will probably be hard to shift. Having got the two centre halves and goalie, I think a centre forward needs to be our next priority. We only have one and he wasn’t very good last season.

[MWHIBBIES]

Would move on Campbell and Levitt if possible. Don't think they offer enough

[Donegal Hibby]

Reality is that 11 won’t always be available.

Would say it’s 50/50 if Youan stays. Hopefully he does as the thought of losing him and Myziane goal contributions is worrying.

That team though is still pretty similar to last season middle to front.

We need more starters to sign.

We haven’t replaced Myziane yet.

We have added to replace Hanlon - still need to replace Stevenson.

Last seasons squad still better than the current group.

True .

I'd rather Youan stays and agree again about losing both Maolida and Youan's goal contributions would be a worry though on the flip side of that is I don't think the club will let Youan go for anything less than 3 mill .

Which spent wisely we could strengthen both midfield and attack to a point where dare I say we might become a better team for it .

At the minute last year's squad is probably better though I think that will change when we get some more signings in . The 3 we have taken in so far look to be good signings .

I'm also convinced Gray will have us hard to beat and we aren't giving away as many silly goals too though midfield for me is still a worry in I felt last season it fell out / disappeared in games quite alot .

[InvertedFullBak]

If we have a midfield where Joe newell is considered to be the best of the guys who play centrally then we are in big big trouble. If we can’t empty some of these guys and get bodies through the door who’re better then expect another season of our midfield being over ran time after time , game after game.

[J-C]

I still feel we need a proper DM to do the real nitty gritty dirty work, this'll allow Newell, Amos, etc, the freedom to create more. Can I also be greedy and ask for an attacking mid to create and score goals, there only seems to be Campbell capable of scoring in our midfield.

[tug.lismore]

Of course.

All just replacements..and only time will tell if upgrades on what we had.

Middle to front is going to be interesting as we need more steel / creativity and goals.Agree

I have no idea if the 3 new signings are good or not. What they do is reshape the defence.

Of the midfielders we have there are combinations we have seen that patently don't work. We certainly have not seen a combination that definitely does work.

Just feels like we could do with a marquee signing in the middle who reinvigorates our midfield. Changes the narrative so to speak.

Is also a statement of intent that could attract other players.

Upfront we are a bit short of players. However, get the midfield right and players like Vente, Boyle and McKirdy might come into their own.



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[RIP]

My biggest worry with Levitt was his lack of ability to have an impact in attacking phases. The fact that he was unable to win the ball back or foul an opponent to stop a counter attack (on the odd occasion he tried to foul he couldn’t even do it) was just the cherry on top.

I would imagine he’s on seriously good money as wel.

I'm not a fan of small, skinny midfielders. The SPL can be physical and that's not Dylan's forte. I'd put his namesake up front into the same boat.

Rocky on the other hand is good with the ball and absolutely fearless in the tackle. If Gray can teach judgement I think there's an ever present in there. His headers are excellent (apart from when the cheat Shankland rabbit punches him in the throat that is). 😀

[marinello59]

I'm not a fan of small, skinny midfielders. The SPL can be physical and that's not Dylan's forte. I'd put his namesake up front into the same boat.

Rocky on the other hand is good with the ball and absolutely fearless in the tackle. If Gray can teach judgement I think there's an ever present in there. His headers are excellent (apart from when the cheat Shankland rabbit punches him in the throat that is). 😀

I’m a huge fan of small skinny midfielders, I love seeing them get the better of lumbering brutes. C’mon the wee guys. :greengrin

[Chipper1875]

I'm not a fan of small, skinny midfielders. The SPL can be physical and that's not Dylan's forte. I'd put his namesake up front into the same boat.

Rocky on the other hand is good with the ball and absolutely fearless in the tackle. If Gray can teach judgement I think there's an ever present in there. His headers are excellent (apart from when the cheat Shankland rabbit punches him in the throat that is). 😀

Rocky is brutal with the ball . Brutal
At heading . Has zero timing . Tefal
Heid didnt foul rocky

[Heisenberg]

I'm not a fan of small, skinny midfielders. The SPL can be physical and that's not Dylan's forte. I'd put his namesake up front into the same boat.

Rocky on the other hand is good with the ball and absolutely fearless in the tackle. If Gray can teach judgement I think there's an ever present in there. His headers are excellent (apart from when the cheat Shankland rabbit punches him in the throat that is). 😀

Good with the ball? We cannot have been watching the same player.

[Hulk1875]

We’ve had managers in with nice ideas but not the players for it. SDG will get fee more players and have our team play to there strengths

[Forza Fred]

Once again I say we should sign Australia's player of the year Josh Nisbet

He is out of contract and wouldn't cost a transfer fee...which seems the way we want to do business, is a Socceroo and any coach he has had confirms he is capable of playing at a higher level.

If he turns out to be less than anticipated..no great loss, we offload him when we can..

I would guess he's he your 'low risk' signing.

[BILLYHIBS]

I'm not a fan of small, skinny midfielders. The SPL can be physical and that's not Dylan's forte. I'd put his namesake up front into the same boat.

Rocky on the other hand is good with the ball and absolutely fearless in the tackle. If Gray can teach judgement I think there's an ever present in there. His headers are excellent (apart from when the cheat Shankland rabbit punches him in the throat that is). ��

I am Rocky’s biggest fan on here and he is not good with the ball

Looks slow cumbersome and awkward never seems to be in total control and needs to do things quicker faster I can see why he gives some the fear

The way we set up last season opposition teams were happy to let us have the ball in our own half and take as long as we want

He has improved season on season and has worked hard especially on his weaker foot and is far from the car crash he was when he first came into the team

His heading is still a weak part of his game needs to be more assertive and get a greater spring in his legs and neck muscles and improve his timing to ensure his defensive headers at least clear our box

Much maligned I can only think of two calamities that cost us last season other players were more culpable

Returned from AFCON in good form but suffered from a loss of concentration that affected his positioning

Thought he spoke well for the team during NM’s darkest hours and comes across as being a good character

Hoping the two new CB’s help bring him on to be the best he can be

Is strong quick and mobile can see him starting more games than people think but it all depends on if SDG rates him or not ?

[Hibs4185]

Unfortunately it’s been our downfall for the last 5 years.

It’s the aspect that has seen off 4-5 managers.

If SDG wants to be successful, that’s the area that needs addressed the most

[MWHIBBIES]

Unfortunately it’s been our downfall for the last 5 years.

It’s the aspect that has seen off 4-5 managers.

If SDG wants to be successful, that’s the area that needs addressed the most

Our midfield was fine the last 2 seasons. Forwards were worse in 22/23 until Nisbet got fit and defence was worse last season.

[Greenworld]

I still feel we need a proper DM to do the real nitty gritty dirty work, this'll allow Newell, Amos, etc, the freedom to create more. Can I also be greedy and ask for an attacking mid to create and score goals, there only seems to be Campbell capable of scoring in our midfield.Amos

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[theonlywayisup]

Would move on Campbell and Levitt if possible. Don't think they offer enough

We need better, but at least Campbell scores goals and takes shots at the target!


Our midfield was fine the last 2 seasons. Forwards were worse in 22/23 until Nisbet got fit and defence was worse last season.

I don't agree with that at all. The midfield has been the problem area for years and IMO was only improved the season we got Gogic in to solidify it. The midfield we've had since Gogic left is not creative enough, nor does it offer enough protection to our defence.

Whilst I agree we had to get better defenders in, the midfield remains my number one goal for an overhaul. The topic has been discussed many times on this forum (see below) and the consensus of many is that our midfield is just not good enough. To say it's fine is one of the daftest things I've read on this forum.

https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?358810-Midfield&highlight=midfield

[andrew70]

Our midfield was fine the last 2 seasons. Forwards were worse in 22/23 until Nisbet got fit and defence was worse last season.

Our midfield has been shocking for years. Players who can’t pass, who can’t tackle, who can’t follow their men, who can’t shoot. Other than that they’ve been a joy to watch.

The midfield is the fulcrum of the team and if they can’t do the basics then the rest of the team isn’t going to function and that’s exactly what we’ve witnessed.

We need a midfielder or two this summer to add to the newly organised spine of our team to take us forward.

[GreenCastle]

Our midfield was fine the last 2 seasons. Forwards were worse in 22/23 until Nisbet got fit and defence was worse last season.

Our midfield was fine ???

Is that a wind up?

Can hardly remember any games that Newell ran the show.
Can’t remember a good defensive midfielder.
Can’t think of many games I came away and thought we bossed that midfield.

It’s a serious problem with the team and NMW has helped but it’s still not at the level we need to progress and doesn’t have the balance as Levitt / Newell dont make enough tackles.

Newell for as good he can be I still feel is an issue with the balance. We also have the issue he’s been here last few years and been part of some shocking displays.

I would love for him to get the right players around him and shine but I also think he could be stopping us fully push on as he’s a 1st choice.

[MWHIBBIES]

I don't think it's been great, but it's not as bad as folk make out. Our defence cost us a lot more than midfield last season.

We score goals but our forwards don't defend, can't hold the ball up and go weeks without threatening at times.

It's becoming the only defence for Campbell that he scores goals. He got 5 last season. Not enough to offset his issues.

We need new midfielders to play alongside Newell, and to get those we'll need to let some go. Campbell and Levitt the most obvious ones that we should move on imo.

[MWHIBBIES]

Our midfield was fine ???

Is that a wind up?

Can hardly remember any games that Newell ran the show.
Can’t remember a good defensive midfielder.
Can’t think of many games I came away and thought we bossed that midfield.

It’s a serious problem with the team and NMW has helped but it’s still not at the level we need to progress and doesn’t have the balance as Levitt / Newell dont make enough tackles.

Newell for as good he can be I still feel is an issue with the balance. We also have the issue he’s been here last few years and been part of some shocking displays.

I would love for him to get the right players around him and shine but I also think he could be stopping us fully push on as he’s a 1st choice.

Every single player to ever play for Hibs has been part of some shocking displays.

NMW hasn't helped. We were as bad with him as without. He looks busy but didn't offer much.

[superfurryhibby]

Amos

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So far he hasn't contributed anything. Whilst he has the pedigree, he also has the injury history and that is why he's ended up at Hibs. Potentially a massive addition in quality to our terrible midfield, but equally likely to be a Magennis figure.

[CapitalGreen]

Our midfield does little to protect our defence and little to support our attack. A collection of non-entities, lacking in both presence out of possession and composure in possession. It has been far from “fine”.

[Donegal Hibby]

I don't think it's been great, but it's not as bad as folk make out. Our defence cost us a lot more than midfield last season.

We score goals but our forwards don't defend, can't hold the ball up and go weeks without threatening at times.

It's becoming the only defence for Campbell that he scores goals. He got 5 last season. Not enough to offset his issues.

We need new midfielders to play alongside Newell, and to get those we'll need to let some go. Campbell and Levitt the most obvious ones that we should move on imo.

One minute your saying it's fine and the next it's not great. It has been bad for years and still is , our defence has lost goals though there's been many games where the midfield has faded or not started in games .

Kilmarnock 2-2 , just after we scored the 2nd goal the ball became like a hot potato to our midfield which Killies dominant . Hertz 2-2 game was much the same , only it took us going 2 down in that one before the midfield woke up . It's been pretty much like that for the last couple of seasons.

Maybe part of the problem in our forwards not threatening as you say could be down to a lack of creativity in midfield, like a Scotty Allan type.

Campbell indeed only got 5 goals last season which I think was 1 more than Newell having played 19 games less.

You say we need better players around Newell though even if we had , there's still going to be games like last season where he's been really poor in to a degree you wouldn't know he was playing at times . At 31 now , it's not any better he's getting either.

As to moving Campbell on , we could do that as he's probably the most valuable midfielder we have though he's also the only attacking midfielder we have , who is probably our best chance of a goal from midfield too. Which would leave us needing 2 then .

[GreenCastle]

One minute your saying it's fine and the next it's not great. It has been bad for years and still is , our defence has lost goals though there's been many games where the midfield has faded or not started in games .

Kilmarnock 2-2 , just after we scored the 2nd goal the ball became like a hot potato to our midfield which Killies dominant . Hertz 2-2 game was much the same , only it took us going 2 down in that one before the midfield woke up . It's been pretty much like that for the last couple of seasons.

Maybe part of the problem in our forwards not threatening as you say could be down to a lack of creativity in midfield, like a Scotty Allan type.

Campbell indeed only got 5 goals last season which I think was 1 more than Newell having played 19 games less.

You say we need better players around Newell though even if we had , there's still going to be games like last season where he's been really poor in to a degree you wouldn't know he was playing at times . At 31 now , it's not any better he's getting either.

As to moving Campbell on , we could do that as he's probably the most valuable midfielder we have though he's also the only attacking midfielder we have , who is probably our best chance of a goal from midfield too. Which would leave us needing 2 then .


A good - no nonsense CDM would make us instantly better. We haven't got one yet and going with the more hybrid type of player but in the Scottish leagues you need someone who just protects the back line and stops counter attacks.

We simply don't make enough tackles in central midfield.

[Exuberance1875]

Would move on Campbell and Levitt if possible. Don't think they offer enough

While I don’t disagree levitt didn’t offer loads last season. If we had the same opinion on Newell in his first season, as we do Levitt, Newell wouldn’t be here - as he struggled initially.

I know you like Newell as a player and while I have some varying opinions on him, he is someone I wouldn’t offload and as time goes on and the season approaches I think he could have a decent role to play, especially from hearing him speak a lot recently.

I do think it’s a worthy point noting though, when discussing NMW and Levitt etc

[Alfred E Newman]

I don't think it's been great, but it's not as bad as folk make out. Our defence cost us a lot more than midfield last season.

We score goals but our forwards don't defend, can't hold the ball up and go weeks without threatening at times.

It's becoming the only defence for Campbell that he scores goals. He got 5 last season. Not enough to offset his issues.

We need new midfielders to play alongside Newell, and to get those we'll need to let some go. Campbell and Levitt the most obvious ones that we should move on imo.

Our midfield was non existent most weeks last season. Playing in front of or behind that lot must be a thankless task. As for Campbell, I think he will end up being a key player this season as Gray obviously rates him.

[1875M]

Be interesting to see the system DG employs, especially in midfield. For me, I think we're more suited to playing with 2 Centre Mid's and a Number 10, rather than with a single sitter (it was usually Levitt). It's been the downfall of the last 4/5 managers imo. He needs to get it right or he'll be another one gone. Nice to see we've addressed the CH problem. We still need at least 1 starter in the middle of the pitch though, ideally a creative type who can get forward and chip in with assists and goals. I don't mind Campbell and think he brings good energy but I wouldn't have him as a starter.

[LeithMike]

Our midfield has been shocking for years. Players who can’t pass, who can’t tackle, who can’t follow their men, who can’t shoot. Other than that they’ve been a joy to watch.

The midfield is the fulcrum of the team and if they can’t do the basics then the rest of the team isn’t going to function and that’s exactly what we’ve witnessed.

We need a midfielder or two this summer to add to the newly organised spine of our team to take us forward.

Don’t think this is far off the mark to be honest. Midfielders should ideally be able to both attack and defend but we don’t really have any of that nature. When NMW came in it was like a breath of fresh air watching someone press and try and tackle an opponent in the opposition’s half. That’s not to say he’s the solution but it showed what we have been missing.

Our midfield of the last few years hasn’t really progressed that much from the nadir of Josh Vela, Stevie Mallan and Scott Alan which had zero mobility. Please, please, please can we get some verve and industry in there. McCowan looks like he could give us that.

[Basildon Hibs]

If we have a midfield where Joe newell is considered to be the best of the guys who play centrally then we are in big big trouble. If we can’t empty some of these guys and get bodies through the door who’re better then expect another season of our midfield being over ran time after time , game after game.

Correct. We need some hard *******s in midfield.
It's been soft as ***** for a good few years now.

[Donegal Hibby]

Our midfield was non existent most weeks last season. Playing in front of or behind that lot must be a thankless task. As for Campbell, I think he will end up being a key player this season as Gray obviously rates him.

I think your right about Campbell , that's 2 goals from 2 pre-season games . He's the best chance we have of a goal from midfield .

[MWHIBBIES]

One minute your saying it's fine and the next it's not great. It has been bad for years and still is , our defence has lost goals though there's been many games where the midfield has faded or not started in games .

Kilmarnock 2-2 , just after we scored the 2nd goal the ball became like a hot potato to our midfield which Killies dominant . Hertz 2-2 game was much the same , only it took us going 2 down in that one before the midfield woke up . It's been pretty much like that for the last couple of seasons.

Maybe part of the problem in our forwards not threatening as you say could be down to a lack of creativity in midfield, like a Scotty Allan type.

Campbell indeed only got 5 goals last season which I think was 1 more than Newell having played 19 games less.

You say we need better players around Newell though even if we had , there's still going to be games like last season where he's been really poor in to a degree you wouldn't know he was playing at times . At 31 now , it's not any better he's getting either.

As to moving Campbell on , we could do that as he's probably the most valuable midfielder we have though he's also the only attacking midfielder we have , who is probably our best chance of a goal from midfield too. Which would leave us needing 2 then .

Eh do you think me saying it's fine and not great are different things? Think about it. No part of our team is great. Some parts are fine.

You speak like only one team is playing the match. We played well in that Kilmarnock game for an hour. Then Doidge went off and we struggled to hold it up and it kept coming back at us.

Newell offers a lot more than Campbell. He plays much deeper and is involved far more. He got 4 goals 9 assists. A brilliant contribution from that position. Hopefully the same this season. Campbell offers very little aside from goals.

You're definitely getting mixed up with Newell and Campbell when it comes to disappearing and games passing by. Sadly, that's what happens most times Josh plays.

[MagicSwirlingShip]

Midfield fine 😂

[Donegal Hibby]

Eh do you think me saying it's fine and not great are different things? Think about it. No part of our team is great. Some parts are fine.

You speak like only one team is playing the match. We played well in that Kilmarnock game for an hour. Then Doidge went off and we struggled to hold it up and it kept coming back at us.

Newell offers a lot more than Campbell. He plays much deeper and is involved far more. He got 4 goals 9 assists. A brilliant contribution from that position. Hopefully the same this season. Campbell offers very little aside from goals.

You're definitely getting mixed up with Newell and Campbell when it comes to disappearing and games passing by. Sadly, that's what happens most times Josh plays.

Your actually words were " Our midfield was fine over the last 2 seasons which you changed to " I don't think it's been great. How can something be fine and not great . That's like saying it's good but not so good , is it not ? .

Disagree about the Killie game , wither doidge went off or not I'd still expect our midfield to have abit of control of the middle of the park , they feel out of it which put more pressure on the defence, the Killie midfield got a grip of that game and controlled it in the end up .

Same things happened in many games . Our forwards last season in games have sometimes had very few shots too which is another indication of a failing midfield.

The midfield imo is the most important part of our team , it's the engine room . It should dominate games which takes pressure of the defence , it should create chances for the forwards though in truth it doesn't do either , at least not consistently.

Newell should have goals and assists because he takes the bulk of our free kicks and corners , Campbell still scored more than him and probably will this season too .

2 goals from 2 pre-season games has Josh of to a good start already.

[Alex Trager]

Sadly the days of Hibernian being able to afford and keep international class attacking midfielders appear to be over.

Even during the 80's, considered one of Hibernian's most depressing decades, we were blessed to watch John Collins whom rejected an offer from Tottenham Hotspur to stay with us for another three seasons. Imo, had John Collins been English, then John Collins would have been good enough to have stole the England left-wing position after John Barnes hung up his boots, even though it would have meant him playing out of position. Would it be possible to have a Hibs player today whom rejects an offer from Tottenham Hotspur to stay another 3 years whilst probably being good enough to play for England?

Then the little magician. Thirty-third best player in the world. Or was it thirty-first? Will we ever see another day when a player of Dwight Yorke's calibre announces in the newspaper that Hibernian's new signing is the best attacking midfielder he ever played with, whilst being in his prime and heading the attack of one of the best teams in Europe which consists of Paul Scholes?

Since then we have had Broony, Zemmama, Allan.

All good players, but a level below world class.

We now seem to be declining to an even lesser class, despite our average attendances being the best since the 50's.

Definitely time for a Rabbit out of the hat.

We may well see another world class midfielder or two at ER in the seasons to come.

IF we make the latter stages of Euro qualification/the groups.

We’ll never have one of our own. The days are long gone.

That’s not to say we can’t have a good midfield, at our level, with good midfielders in it.

This current midfield though, is far off that.

[MWHIBBIES]

Your actually words were " Our midfield was fine over the last 2 seasons which you changed to " I don't think it's been great. How can something be fine and not great . That's like saying it's good but not so good , is it not ? .

Disagree about the Killie game , wither doidge went off or not I'd still expect our midfield to have abit of control of the middle of the park , they feel out of it which put more pressure on the defence, the Killie midfield got a grip of that game and controlled it in the end up .

Same things happened in many games . Our forwards last season in games have sometimes had very few shots too which is another indication of a failing midfield.

The midfield imo is the most important part of our team , it's the engine room . It should dominate games which takes pressure of the defence , it should create chances for the forwards though in truth it doesn't do either , at least not consistently.

Newell should have goals and assists because he takes the bulk of our free kicks and corners , Campbell still scored more than him and probably will this season too .

2 goals from 2 pre-season games has Josh of to a good start already.

Eh, no. Great means well above average. Fine is just, fine. Okay, decent. I'm surprised you don't know the difference.

Joe doesn't take our set pieces because he was picked out of a hat. He takes them over Campbell or others is because he's better than them.

Our midfield creates plenty for our forwards. They miss plenty. Our forwards get the ball in good positions so often.

It's great that Campbell scores. Just all the other things to work on now. Hope he can do so.

[Alfred E Newman]

Eh, no. Great means well above average. Fine is just, fine. Okay, decent. I'm surprised you don't know the difference.

Joe doesn't take our set pieces because he was picked out of a hat. He takes them over Campbell or others is because he's better than them.

Our midfield creates plenty for our forwards. They miss plenty. Our forwards get the ball in good positions so often.

It's great that Campbell scores. Just all the other things to work on now. Hope he can do so.
How many goals do we score from corners? Joe's tame floated kicks are pretty hopeless.

[MWHIBBIES]

How many goals do we score from corners? Joe's tame floated kicks are pretty hopeless.

Probably about the same as everyone else to be honest. Goals from corners are very rare. Most decent sides take them short to retain the ball.

Joe is good at corners/free kicks

[JimBHibees]

I'm not a fan of small, skinny midfielders. The SPL can be physical and that's not Dylan's forte. I'd put his namesake up front into the same boat.

Rocky on the other hand is good with the ball and absolutely fearless in the tackle. If Gray can teach judgement I think there's an ever present in there. His headers are excellent (apart from when the cheat Shankland rabbit punches him in the throat that is). 😀

Like Rocky as he seems a good sort however his heading is very poor mistimes them and no real power on them hence the reason he hasn’t scored

[Hibby Kay-Yay]

Going by the last two games our set up is 433.

The middle three just now is made up of:

Amos, Campbell, NMW, Levitt & Newell. I doubt we’ll see JDH, Henderson or Delf feature. I’d expect one more to come into that mix, more than likely a loan from BK group.

I reckon that SDG will get a better tune out of those midfielders than NM did. Amos has a lot to offer IMO.

[theonlywayisup]

To add a new conversation theme to this thread, one thing that I think we'll all recognise is that our midfield quite frequently pass the ball backwards / sideways when there are times when the correct play is to take the ball forward either by running with the ball and/or picking out a forward pass into space for our forwards to run into.

I know it's Euro level, but I was very impressed by the Turkey midfield players (against Austria) who just got the ball and ran with it. Joe Newell did this really well in some of the games at the start of the season, but it infuriates me when I see him lazily pass the ball backwards as if it's his default setting. Apart from Super Joe, I can't recall many occasions when any other Hibs midfielder ran with the ball and attempted to break the first press.

When watching Liverpool a few seasons ago, I was always impressed by Keita whose first thought when receiving the ball was look up, look forward and see what options were available, sprint a little into space if it was available and then pass it backwards / sideways if there was no better option. With our midfield, it feels to me that the backwards / sideways pass happens by default.

[BILLYHIBS]

Probably about the same as everyone else to be honest. Goals from corners are very rare. Most decent sides take them short to retain the ball.

Joe is good at corners/free kicks

10 goals in 189 appearances since 2019 his corners and free kicks are usually uninspiring to say the least struggling to remember any corner kick assists

Will Fish did score a header last season against the Sheep but that was from a Martin Boyle corner IIRC

His free kicks ?

Struggling to remember any assists

There was his welcome late goal direct from a free kick Inter away to keep us in the tie and I remember one free kick against Aberdeen at Easter Road where his initial effort was bizarrely punched back to him beyond the defensive wall and he did well to bury the rebound into the bottom corner under pressure

Joe should really be contributing more from set pieces and outfield play he will know that himself

Big season expected hopefully SDG will spur him on to greater efforts

[Hibs4185]

Our midfield was fine the last 2 seasons. Forwards were worse in 22/23 until Nisbet got fit and defence was worse last season.

Massively disagree. We have a midfield who can’t provide or assist the forwards, hence the lack of goal scoring forwards.

We also have a midfield who don’t help protect the defenders as much as they should, hence the poor defensive record.

Any midfield with JDH, Newell and Campbell at its core is always going to suffer from the same symptoms as witnessed on numerous occasions

[MWHIBBIES]

Massively disagree. We have a midfield who can’t provide or assist the forwards, hence the lack of goal scoring forwards.

We also have a midfield who don’t help protect the defenders as much as they should, hence the poor defensive record.

Any midfield with JDH, Newell and Campbell at its core is always going to suffer from the same symptoms as witnessed on numerous occasions

We have forwards who can't create their own chances and miss plenty, hence the lack of goalscoring forwards. If you need it on a plate, you're a bad player. Who was Hearts highest assisting central midfielder? They must have some midfield for Shankland to score so many.

We have forwards who also don't protect defence, we had a **** goalie, and an inconsistent mess at the back. Hence the bad defensive record.

JDH hasnt been a core player for 2 years now. Campbell wasn't last season. Newell is and has been mostly good.

[CapitalGreen]

Massively disagree. We have a midfield who can’t provide or assist the forwards, hence the lack of goal scoring forwards.

We also have a midfield who don’t help protect the defenders as much as they should, hence the poor defensive record.

Any midfield with JDH, Newell and Campbell at its core is always going to suffer from the same symptoms as witnessed on numerous occasions

You’ll no doubt be gaslit into believing that we create plenty chances and the issue is our finishing, however this is false.

Only Celtic were more accurate in their shooting than us last season and only Motherwell had a better conversion rate of shots resulting in goals. Our problem is we take less shots per game than Hearts, Killie and Aberdeen.

[easty]

10 goals in 189 appearances since 2019 his corners and free kicks are usually uninspiring to say the least struggling to remember any corner kick assists



Where are you getting that stat? I've looked for stats on goals from corners before and not been able to find it anywhere.

[BILLYHIBS]

You’ll no doubt be gaslit into believing that we create plenty chances and the issue is our finishing, however this is false.

Only Celtic were more accurate in their shooting than us last season and only Motherwell had a better conversion rate of shots resulting in goals. Our problem is we take less shots per game than Hearts, Killie and Aberdeen.

Valid point

I attended every home game last season and noticeable there was a reluctance to shoot from outside the box

Anytime they did try usually when we needed a goal it would end up in row ZZ

Which begged the question what did they do in Training along with the high press and drilling them in ball retention game management and playing the ball out from the back

Anyway a new broom

[BILLYHIBS]

Where are you getting that stat? I've looked for stats on goals from corners before and not been able to find it anywhere.

www.fitbastats.com (http://www.fitbastats.com)

Best ihibs out there gives all games inc cup ties

https://www.fitbastats.com/hibs/player_list_az.php?page=N

[easty]

www.fitbastats.com (http://www.fitbastats.com)

Best ihibs out there gives all games inc cup ties

https://www.fitbastats.com/hibs/player_list_az.php?page=N


Thanks, but where does it tell you we scored from a corner?

Ignore that, I've read your post wrong. I thought you were saying he'd assisted 10 goals from corners.

[BILLYHIBS]

Thanks, but where does it tell you we scored from a corner?

It doesn’t relying on my memory for that then double check match reports

[BILLYHIBS]

Thanks, but where does it tell you we scored from a corner?

Ignore that, I've read your post wrong. I thought you were saying he'd assisted 10 goals from corners.

No only scored 10 : 189

[MWHIBBIES]

You’ll no doubt be gaslit into believing that we create plenty chances and the issue is our finishing, however this is false.

Only Celtic were more accurate in their shooting than us last season and only Motherwell had a better conversion rate of shots resulting in goals. Our problem is we take less shots per game than Hearts, Killie and Aberdeen.

Id imagine quite a lot of that is because our forwards are basically a black hole where our build up play goes to die. They get on the ball plenty. They lose it, hit the first man, or get turned back basically every time.

[RIP]

Tefal
Heid didnt foul rocky

Shankland did it twice actually. Two Easter Road Derbies in a row.

He's a sly dog with hand and arm fouls. Once it's noticed it's hard to unsee. 06:50 in the clip below. Clear rabbit punch to the breastplate.

https://youtu.be/kx4Hk63qv2Y?feature=shared

Some regard it as acceptable in the 'modern game'. I consider it cheating and would like to see VAR pick it up. I'm not holding my breath though.

[SHODAN]

We're due a midfield.

[Smartie]

Probably about the same as everyone else to be honest. Goals from corners are very rare. Most decent sides take them short to retain the ball.

Joe is good at corners/free kicks

I thought our corners from Newell and Boyle were starting to look really pretty dangerous during the second half of the season.

No, we don’t score from all of them and we make a proper mess of them on occasion but we scored from a few and threatened from a lot.

I’ve always liked Joe Newell’s set piece delivery. One or twice I’ve sat right in line with the goal line at ER and you get quite a good perspective on the actual ball flight from there - some look a nightmare to defend against.

[BILLYHIBS]

Shankland did it twice actually. Two Easter Road Derbies in a row.

He's a sly dog with hand and arm fouls. Once it's noticed it's hard to unsee. 06:50 in the clip below. Clear rabbit punch to the breastplate.

https://youtu.be/kx4Hk63qv2Y?feature=shared

Some regard it as acceptable in the 'modern game'. I consider it cheating and would like to see VAR pick it up. I'm not holding my breath though.
Pretty sure his opener in Boyle’s second debut 1-1 was a clear handball that VAR failed to notice but hey ho it is only Hibs

[Alex Trager]

Pretty sure his opener in Boyle’s second debut 1-1 was a clear handball that VAR failed to notice but hey ho it is only Hibs

It was a handball, that is right.

VAR came in later that season.

After the ridiculous decision against Myko at Tynie.

[MWHIBBIES]

Pretty sure his opener in Boyle’s second debut 1-1 was a clear handball that VAR failed to notice but hey ho it is only Hibs

Tbf, there was a good reason VAR missed it.

[superfurryhibby]

Shankland did it twice actually. Two Easter Road Derbies in a row.

He's a sly dog with hand and arm fouls. Once it's noticed it's hard to unsee. 06:50 in the clip below. Clear rabbit punch to the breastplate.

https://youtu.be/kx4Hk63qv2Y?feature=shared

Some regard it as acceptable in the 'modern game'. I consider it cheating and would like to see VAR pick it up. I'm not holding my breath though.

Initially thought Rocky should have scored. When you watch the arm being used (not a punch-it was a flat arm, pushed into the chest) it's obvious that Shankenstein's timing was perfect. He caught Rocky and put him off balance just as he was leaping. Clear penalty there.

[Donegal Hibby]

Eh, no. Great means well above average. Fine is just, fine. Okay, decent. I'm surprised you don't know the difference.

Joe doesn't take our set pieces because he was picked out of a hat. He takes them over Campbell or others is because he's better than them.

Our midfield creates plenty for our forwards. They miss plenty. Our forwards get the ball in good positions so often.

It's great that Campbell scores. Just all the other things to work on now. Hope he can do so.

Yeah , both when referring to something as fine or great can be seen in a positive way . Though that's not the way you mentioned our midfield , was it ?

Our midfield was fine the last two years. ( Meaning it's been ok , good . A positive remark ) .

I don't think it's been great .( meaning it's been poor , not working probably . A negative remark).

I see the difference in both your remarks alright .

Some of Newells set- pieces are good and some aren't .

There's been games last year were we have struggled to create shots which is down to a lack of creativity in midfield imo .

The thing about our midfield being a problem over the last few years is your quite prepared to blame the defence, forwards or certain midfielders , yet the one player that probably plays more games than most in your mind isn't part of the problem.

It is great to see Josh scoring goals , goal scoring midfielders are hard to get and we have one that not only does score goals but works his socks off and is versatile in he can play a few positions.

There is parts of his game he needs to work on though at 24 and his best years still ahead of him which is something sadly we can't say about Newell , he's got time on his side to do so .

[BILLYHIBS]

It was a handball, that is right.

VAR came in later that season.

After the ridiculous decision against Myko at Tynie.

👍

Thought there was something I was missing 😂

[MWHIBBIES]

Yeah , both when referring to something as fine or great can be seen in a positive way . Though that's not the way you mentioned our midfield , was it ?

Our midfield was fine the last two years. ( Meaning it's been ok , good . A positive remark ) .

I don't think it's been great .( meaning it's been poor , not working probably . A negative remark).

I see the difference in both your remarks alright .

Some of Newells set- pieces are good and some aren't .

There's been games last year were we have struggled to create shots which is down to a lack of creativity in midfield imo .

The thing about our midfield being a problem over the last few years is your quite prepared to blame the defence, forwards or certain midfielders , yet the one player that probably plays more games than most in your mind isn't part of the problem.

It is great to see Josh scoring goals , goal scoring midfielders are hard to get and we have one that not only does score goals but works his socks off and is versatile in he can play a few positions.

There is parts of his game he needs to work on though at 24 and his best years still ahead of him which is something sadly we can't say about Newell , he's got time on his side to do so .

If something great, it does not mean it's poor. Not every other wall is poor just because China has the great one.

What positions can josh Campbell play in to an SPL level? Just because you once played somewhere does mean you're good at it.

He has more to work on that he should at 24 imo. Good scoring midfielders maybe hard to come by, but quality ones are much harder to come by. He just isn't a quality spl player yet.

[Donegal Hibby]

If something great, it does not mean it's poor. Not every other wall is poor just because China has the great one.

What positions can josh Campbell play in to an SPL level? Just because you once played somewhere does mean you're good at it.

He has more to work on that he should at 24 imo. Good scoring midfielders maybe hard to come by, but quality ones are much harder to come by. He just isn't a quality spl player yet.

Your neighbours got the flu , you ask his wife . How his he ?
Two replies..

He's great today .
He's not been great today.
One suggests he's better the other he's still ill.

Two very different meanings which was what you posted in.... Our midfields been fine last couple of years, I don't think it's been great . Both again two different meanings.

Anyhow it doesn't matter ...

You say Campbells not quality though he worth a lot more than any of our other midfielders , he also the one that will most likely attract interest from other clubs and get us a sizeable fee .... Newells next move will be a free to QotS or Doncaster Rovers if they'll have him of course ..

Sorry but Newell has been just as much one of our midfield problems as any of our other midfielders and again at 31 it's no better he's getting now too .

[MWHIBBIES]

Your neighbours got the flu , you ask his wife . How his he ?
Two replies..

He's great today .
He's not been great today.
One suggests he's better the other he's still ill.

Two very different meanings which was what you posted in.... Our midfields been fine last couple of years, I don't think it's been great . Both again two different meanings.

Anyhow it doesn't matter ...

You say Campbells not quality though he worth a lot more than any of our other midfielders , he also the one that will most likely attract interest from other clubs and get us a sizeable fee .... Newells next move will be a free to QotS or Doncaster Rovers if they'll have him of course ..

Sorry but Newell has been just as much one of our midfield problems as any of our other midfielders and again at 31 it's no better he's getting now too .

Right, but if Joe Newell never gets better, he's still better than Campbell is now, but quite a bit.

How much is Campbell worth, what bids have we turned down?

[easty]

Yeah , both when referring to something as fine or great can be seen in a positive way . Though that's not the way you mentioned our midfield , was it ?

Our midfield was fine the last two years. ( Meaning it's been ok , good . A positive remark ) .

I don't think it's been great .( meaning it's been poor , not working probably . A negative remark).

I see the difference in both your remarks alright .

Some of Newells set- pieces are good and some aren't .

There's been games last year were we have struggled to create shots which is down to a lack of creativity in midfield imo .

The thing about our midfield being a problem over the last few years is your quite prepared to blame the defence, forwards or certain midfielders , yet the one player that probably plays more games than most in your mind isn't part of the problem.

It is great to see Josh scoring goals , goal scoring midfielders are hard to get and we have one that not only does score goals but works his socks off and is versatile in he can play a few positions.

There is parts of his game he needs to work on though at 24 and his best years still ahead of him which is something sadly we can't say about Newell , he's got time on his side to do so .

Josh Campbell scored 5 goals last season. He's got 15 in 105 games total at Hibs. I'm no sure I'd describe him as a goal scoring midfielder.

[easty]

Right, but if Joe Newell never gets better, he's still better than Campbell is now, but quite a bit.



:agree:

[The Modfather]

Maybe Campbell would improve with better midfielders around him. I think he would look better in front of Amos & NMW than Newell & Levitt for example. If Gray is to succeed and build a spine we can use further than ripping it up at the next transfer window then it can’t contain either Campbell or Newell as more than squad players IMO.

[easty]

Maybe Campbell would improve with better midfielders around him. I think he would look better in front of Amos & NMW than Newell & Levitt for example. If Gray is to succeed and build a spine we can use further than ripping it up at the next transfer window then it can’t contain either Campbell or Newell as more than squad players IMO.

Newell will play every week. I'm 100% convinced of that.

I doubt replacing him is even in SDG's mind at all.

[Hibernian Verse]

Newell will play every week. I'm 100% convinced of that.

I doubt replacing him is even in SDG's mind at all.

If we replace Newell, the replacement will be one hell of a midfielder.

[andrew70]

If we replace Newell, the replacement will be one hell of a midfielder.

It would definitely be a midfielder, one that we’ve been missing for an age as Newell masquerades as a footballer.

[flash]

It would definitely be a midfielder, one that we’ve been missing for an age as Newell masquerades as a footballer.

That doesn't say much for the rest of them then as he has comfortably been our best midfielder for some time now.

[Stuart93]

That doesn't say much for the rest of them then as he has comfortably been our best midfielder for some time now.

You’re right it doesn’t cause they’ve been even worse

Our midfields been pish for years now and it’s seen off 3 managers

[Fergus52]

It would definitely be a midfielder, one that we’ve been missing for an age as Newell masquerades as a footballer.

Love that cutting insight mate, fantastic point.

[Hibernian Verse]

It would definitely be a midfielder, one that we’ve been missing for an age as Newell masquerades as a footballer.

Nothing like a bit of hyperbole on the internet

[Hibiza]

Newell has a good game 1 / 10 .A few great passes in between .👋

[easty]

Newell has a good game 1 / 10 .A few great passes in between .👋

Aye of course he does

[MWHIBBIES]

Newell has a good game 1 / 10 .A few great passes in between .👋

1/10 :faf:

So weird people say this about him and none of the far less consistent players.

[MagicSwirlingShip]

Just checking it’s MWHIBEES I contact to join the Joe Newell fan club?

[Wilson]

Just checking it’s MWHIBEES I contact to join the Joe Newell fan club?

Only if you can't get Joe Newell.

[Donegal Hibby]

Josh Campbell scored 5 goals last season. He's got 15 in 105 games total at Hibs. I'm no sure I'd describe him as a goal scoring midfielder.

Josh Campbell had 5 goals and 1 assist in the 27 games he played in last season after returning from injury.If he's playing regularly , avoids injuries I think he could very well get double figures in goals for us .

Newell has 10 from 188 I think , of all our current midfielders , Campbell is the one most likely to get us goals from midfield.

If Campbell isn't scoring and his form dips then he should be dropped from the team and put on the bench , sadly one of our problems last year and before when Newell hit bad form or disappeared in games ( which he did ! ) we keep playing him which we shouldn't . He's been inconsistent .


https://youtu.be/lPa6QllAy7A?si=42sDs9tsjL7MFjvX

[MWHIBBIES]

Just checking it’s MWHIBEES I contact to join the Joe Newell fan club?

More chance of joining that club than a comedy one. 2/10, poor effort.

[MagicSwirlingShip]

More chance of joining that club than a comedy one. 2/10, poor effort.

You just show up at Comedy Clubs. No need for membership.

[Tambo]

You could say that every position Hibs could have better, Newell has been very good the past few seasons, no player is going to play a 10/10 every game.

Joe would be the last midfielder I would be getting rid of this season.

[The Modfather]

They should do a case study on Newell when he retires. I’ve rarely known a player to split opinions so severely and how people can see him so differently.

I’m not a big fan. I think he’s a talented player, but his skill set drags down a midfield to being less tgan the sum of its parts. The things he’s good at, retaining possession, taking the ball of the defence etc generally slow down our midfield. He also has bad habits he falls into all too often, like his first thought being to pass back or sideways. Or dropping deep to playing beside the centre backs. For every Luzern driving performance (which is the my template for a midfielder and he was McGinn-esque that night) there’s playing as a 3rd centre back last game of the season at Tynecastle or Aberdeen semi when they went to 10 men.

I think his best season under Ross was also the season we effectively gave up the midfield for gains elsewhere. Talk of one good game in ten in trolling, but I struggle to believe those that vehemently argue he’s consistently good. I reckon a fair summary is probably one good game, one average game and one poor game in three.

It’s interesting how Rocky, whose poor and costly games are probably in the minority of his games, although still too frequent to be the answer IMO, is defined by those poor games. Yet Newell has gone 180 from scapegoat to his poor games are forgotten or attributed to his teammates. Has there ever been a player more synonymous with “least of our problems” or “he would be better beside better players” after 5 years at a club?

[ChilliEater]

They should do a case study on Newell when he retires. I’ve rarely known a player to split opinions so severely and how people can see him so differently.

I’m not a big fan. I think he’s a talented player, but his skill set drags down a midfield to being less tgan the sum of its parts. The things he’s good at, retaining possession, taking the ball of the defence etc generally slow down our midfield. He also has bad habits he falls into all too often, like his first thought being to pass back or sideways. Or dropping deep to playing beside the centre backs. For every Luzern driving performance (which is the my template for a midfielder and he was McGinn-esque that night) there’s playing as a 3rd centre back last game of the season at Tynecastle or Aberdeen semi when they went to 10 men.

I think his best season under Ross was also the season we effectively gave up the midfield for gains elsewhere. Talk of one good game in ten in trolling, but I struggle to believe those that vehemently argue he’s consistently good. I reckon a fair summary is probably one good game, one average game and one poor game in three.

It’s interesting how Rocky, whose poor and costly games are probably in the minority of his games, although still too frequent to be the answer IMO, is defined by those poor games. Yet Newell has gone 180 from scapegoat to his poor games are forgotten or attributed to his teammates. Has there ever been a player more synonymous with “least of our problems” or “he would be better beside better players” after 5 years at a club?

10/10

Not necessarily on your opinion - I think he's better than you are giving him credit for - but for the quality of your post. Well thought out and balanced.

A refreshing change from the hyperbole - both positive and negative - dragging this place down.

[superfurryhibby]

They should do a case study on Newell when he retires. I’ve rarely known a player to split opinions so severely and how people can see him so differently.

I’m not a big fan. I think he’s a talented player, but his skill set drags down a midfield to being less tgan the sum of its parts. The things he’s good at, retaining possession, taking the ball of the defence etc generally slow down our midfield. He also has bad habits he falls into all too often, like his first thought being to pass back or sideways. Or dropping deep to playing beside the centre backs. For every Luzern driving performance (which is the my template for a midfielder and he was McGinn-esque that night) there’s playing as a 3rd centre back last game of the season at Tynecastle or Aberdeen semi when they went to 10 men.

I think his best season under Ross was also the season we effectively gave up the midfield for gains elsewhere. Talk of one good game in ten in trolling, but I struggle to believe those that vehemently argue he’s consistently good. I reckon a fair summary is probably one good game, one average game and one poor game in three.

It’s interesting how Rocky, whose poor and costly games are probably in the minority of his games, although still too frequent to be the answer IMO, is defined by those poor games. Yet Newell has gone 180 from scapegoat to his poor games are forgotten or attributed to his teammates. Has there ever been a player more synonymous with “least of our problems” or “he would be better beside better players” after 5 years at a club?

Fair summary.

[BoomtownHibees]

Nothing like a bit of hyperbole on the internet

You’re right. Great example of it here:

“If we replace Newell, the replacement will be one hell of a midfielder“

[theonlywayisup]

They should do a case study on Newell when he retires. I’ve rarely known a player to split opinions so severely and how people can see him so differently.

I’m not a big fan. I think he’s a talented player, but his skill set drags down a midfield to being less tgan the sum of its parts. The things he’s good at, retaining possession, taking the ball of the defence etc generally slow down our midfield. He also has bad habits he falls into all too often, like his first thought being to pass back or sideways. Or dropping deep to playing beside the centre backs. For every Luzern driving performance (which is the my template for a midfielder and he was McGinn-esque that night) there’s playing as a 3rd centre back last game of the season at Tynecastle or Aberdeen semi when they went to 10 men.

I think his best season under Ross was also the season we effectively gave up the midfield for gains elsewhere. Talk of one good game in ten in trolling, but I struggle to believe those that vehemently argue he’s consistently good. I reckon a fair summary is probably one good game, one average game and one poor game in three.

It’s interesting how Rocky, whose poor and costly games are probably in the minority of his games, although still too frequent to be the answer IMO, is defined by those poor games. Yet Newell has gone 180 from scapegoat to his poor games are forgotten or attributed to his teammates. Has there ever been a player more synonymous with “least of our problems” or “he would be better beside better players” after 5 years at a club?

I think that's an excellent summary. The problem, as evident on this very thread, is that posters go to extremes to justify their point of view.

You've pretty well summarised my view. IMO Joe Newell is a very good player in the right team - that was a good point to note about the Jack Ross team with Gogic beside him too. However, I've also stated that Joe Newell is the root cause of all our midfield problems, for the very reasons you state. He's too slow in getting the ball forward and his auto-pilot mode is backwards passing. It infuriates me!

If we could get the right guys beside him I might be happy to retain, but my view now is that we need younger legs in midfield.

[Bobby's Cinema]

I like Joe. I think the issue is when we are locked in a game and it is on us to break a team down, he is the guy you look to in the midfield and can he take on that role.

It is absolutely his lack of consistency that let's him down I'm not sure many would disagree, probably would say so himself. Definitely has a big part to play at Hibs still.

Personally I'd love to see SDG ask him to play more on the front foot - do away with the dropping in with the CB's - and drive on with the ball getting past people in that JM style far more often as he is a decent runner with the ball when he get's going.

[RIP]

It would definitely be a midfielder, one that we’ve been missing for an age as Newell masquerades as a footballer.

Andrew, welcome to Hibs.Net. This is a great forum for people who attended Easter Road for the first time last season.

Pity you weren't watching the team the previous season when your fellow supporters and Joe's fellow players all voted him Player of The Year!

Only a set of solid performances by Jordan Obita prevented Joe picking up the award last season as well. He was awarded MOM several times.

[andrew70]

Andrew, welcome to Hibs.Net. This is a great forum for people who attended Easter Road for the first time last season.

Pity you weren't watching the team the previous season when your fellow supporters and Joe's fellow players all voted him Player of The Year!

Only a set of solid performances by Jordan Obita prevented Joe picking up the award last season as well. He was awarded MOM several times.

Aye very good. Season ticket holder for 31 years.

Joe Newell will never get any credit from me as he doesn’t deserve it. The fact he won POTY or came close in two of our poorest seasons doesn’t make any difference. The best of a very bad bunch.

I’ll take you back to the year he won POTY and the last game at Tynecastle.

Hearts had gone down to ten men early on and we should have pummelled them instead we were left with Newell “spraying” passes out of the pitch and beyond our only good player that term. Who had incidentally scored a great free kick that day.

Not only disappointing but an absolutely disgraceful performance from a man who is meant to be leader.

I could go on but until we get better players than your Caddens, Newells and dare I say it Campbells we won’t create, we won’t dominate teams and we won’t challenge for honours.

[Allant1981]

Aye very good. Season ticket holder for 31 years.

Joe Newell will never get any credit from me as he doesn’t deserve it. The fact he won POTY or came close in two of our poorest seasons doesn’t make any difference. The best of a very bad bunch.

I’ll take you back to the year he won POTY and the last game at Tynecastle.

Hearts had gone down to ten men early on and we should have pummelled them instead we were left with Newell “spraying” passes out of the pitch and beyond our only good player that term. Who had incidentally scored a great free kick that day.

Not only disappointing but an absolutely disgraceful performance from a man who is meant to be leader.

I could go on but until we get better players than your Caddens, Newells and dare I say it Campbells we won’t create, we won’t dominate teams and we won’t challenge for honours.

We dominated loads last season, problem was defending against other teams attacks

[andrew70]

We dominated loads last season, problem was defending against other teams attacks

We may have had a lot of the ball but what did we do with that? That’s proper domination. Turning possession into serious chances and goals.

We don’t do that with the players we have.

As for the defensive side they are all abject at that too. Not following runners, putting in stupid challenges, getting booked all the time.

Newell is the “lynchpin” of a failing midfield.

[blackpoolhibs]

We may have had a lot of the ball but what did we do with that? That’s proper domination. Turning possession into serious chances and goals.

We don’t do that with the players we have.

As for the defensive side they are all abject at that too. Not following runners, putting in stupid challenges, getting booked all the time.

Newell is the “lynchpin” of a failing midfield.
:top marks

[Allant1981]

We may have had a lot of the ball but what did we do with that? That’s proper domination. Turning possession into serious chances and goals.

We don’t do that with the players we have.

As for the defensive side they are all abject at that too. Not following runners, putting in stupid challenges, getting booked all the time.

Newell is the “lynchpin” of a failing midfield.

Were we not like 4th highest goalscorers last season?(could be making that up)

[andrew70]

Were we not like 4th highest goalscorers last season?(could be making that up)

6th highest. Again, very poor.

[Allant1981]

6th highest. Again, very poor.

Just checked, 5th highest scorers, which still I agree isn't great but it suggests we did create chances

[andrew70]

Just checked, 5th highest scorers, which still I agree isn't great but it suggests we did create chances

“Isn’t great” sums it all up.

We need better. Amos is a start.

[MagicSwirlingShip]

Hibs didn’t dominate many teams last season. Played lots of passes in amongst our own half though.

[LeithMike]

Aye very good. Season ticket holder for 31 years.

Joe Newell will never get any credit from me as he doesn’t deserve it. The fact he won POTY or came close in two of our poorest seasons doesn’t make any difference. The best of a very bad bunch.

I’ll take you back to the year he won POTY and the last game at Tynecastle.

Hearts had gone down to ten men early on and we should have pummelled them instead we were left with Newell “spraying” passes out of the pitch and beyond our only good player that term. Who had incidentally scored a great free kick that day.

Not only disappointing but an absolutely disgraceful performance from a man who is meant to be leader.

I could go on but until we get better players than your Caddens, Newells and dare I say it Campbells we won’t create, we won’t dominate teams and we won’t challenge for honours.

I’m with you Andrew. Newell is a nice footballer, someone you might want in your fives team but for me he lacks the attributes of a central midfielder.

He’s a nice passer with time on the ball but he’s not a great tackler, let’s runners drift by him, not great in tight spaces and doesn’t really play with drive or incision (odd flurry in a game excepted). For me that rules him out as a 6 or 8.. I don’t think it’s that he doesn’t try, it’s just not his natural style. No way does a successful team have a player like that in the centre. If we are accommodating him then prob has to be as a 10 but for me he’s not got enough qualities for that in terms of goals and creation.

Levitt is somewhat similar but I think he does bits a lot better and I could see him succeeding as a 10 perhaps alternating with Campbell or Campbell as 8 (I think his game will grow with David Gray giving him confidence). I think it’s then between NMW and Amos as the 6. Would be a shame to restrict NMW that way as he has lots of energy but perhaps a good way for him to learn discipline and control the runs he makes. Not seen enough of Amos to see where he can play.

I really hope we can get back to an energetic and industrious midfield that moves the ball a lot quicker and you can’t just play through so easy. I know there’s a lot of love for Joe and I understand why but I think it hurts the team as a whole and we need to move on from that languid style and get competitive and tackling in the opponent’s half.


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[andrew70]

I’m with you Andrew. Newell is a nice footballer, someone you might want in your fives team but for me he lacks the attributes of a central midfielder.

He’s a nice passer with time on the ball but he’s not a great tackler, let’s runners drift by him, not great in tight spaces and doesn’t really play with drive or incision (odd flurry in a game excepted). For me that rules him out as a 6 or 8.. I don’t think it’s that he doesn’t try, it’s just not his natural style. No way does a successful team have a player like that in the centre. If we are accommodating him then prob has to be as a 10 but for me he’s not got enough qualities for that in terms of goals and creation.

Levitt is somewhat similar but I think he does bits a lot better and I could see him succeeding as a 10 perhaps alternating with Campbell or Campbell as 8 (I think his game will grow with David Gray giving him confidence). I think it’s then between NMW and Amos as the 6. Would be a shame to restrict NMW that way as he has lots of energy but perhaps a good way for him to learn discipline and control the runs he makes. Not seen enough of Amos to see where he can play.

I really hope we can get back to an energetic and industrious midfield that moves the ball a lot quicker and you can’t just play through so easy. I know there’s a lot of love for Joe and I understand why but I think it hurts the team as a whole and we need to move on from that languid style and get competitive and tackling in the opponent’s half.


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I like Levitt and I hope we see a lot more of him this season. He’s got a bit of dig about him but more refined than fouling players repetitively and is an excellent passer of the ball.

I want to see Levitt, Amos, McCowan but I am aware one of these players isn’t ours and may not be but i do think we need another midfielder.

Amos is a good start to improving our midfield and I hope he stays fit and plays the 8 role. He’s quick and he is good at pressing which we lack.

We need 100% effort every game, I don’t think we get that every game just now. That may come from better fitness levels which I don’t think were great last term after a below par pre season under LJ.

[LeithMike]

I like Levitt and I hope we see a lot more of him this season. He’s got a bit of dig about him but more refined than fouling players repetitively and is an excellent passer of the ball.

I want to see Levitt, Amos, McCowan but I am aware one of these players isn’t ours and may not be but i do think we need another midfielder.

Amos is a good start to improving our midfield and I hope he stays fit and plays the 8 role. He’s quick and he is good at pressing which we lack.

We need 100% effort every game, I don’t think we get that every game just now. That may come from better fitness levels which I don’t think were great last term after a below par pre season under LJ.

Would love McCowan too. He’s got a bit of swagger as well as dig and would help reconnect team with fans. I think he would make a massive difference and buy Gray a lot more time on the job. Worth putting all he money in him.


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[andrew70]

Would love McCowan too. He’s got a bit of swagger as well as dig and would help reconnect team with fans. I think he would make a massive difference and buy Gray a lot more time on the job. Worth putting all he money in him.


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Don’t think it’s unrealistic but probably one that will happen later in the window if at all.

I agree about the need for reconnection. We need a signing that rejuvenates the support albeit the signings up til now have been good, simple and hopefully effective.

[LewysGot2]

Could be a season for a break through for Rudi. He's looking even physically more ready - and he was already pretty physically mature. There's an energy about him that is promising

[Brightside]

Could be a season for a break through for Rudi. He's looking even physically more ready - and he was already pretty physically mature. There's an energy about him that is promising

I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t go out on loan for first 6 months. Perhaps we are waiting on others in/out before we decide. He’s physically up there now for sure.

[Hibiza]

We may have had a lot of the ball but what did we do with that? That’s proper domination. Turning possession into serious chances and goals.

We don’t do that with the players we have.

As for the defensive side they are all abject at that too. Not following runners, putting in stupid challenges, getting booked all the time.

Newell is the “lynchpin” of a failing midfield.
Lynchpin of a failing midfield
,: brill

[Shrekko]

Lynchpin of a failing midfield
,: brill

Is there anything that makes you happier in life than seeing Joe Newell being slagged off?

[Booked4Being-Ugly]

Is there anything that makes you happier in life than seeing Joe Newell being slagged off?

Did you not know it was all Joe Newell’s fault?

If it wasn’t for him we’d definitely maybe be in the top 3 or 4 each season.