Gray and the season ahead.

[HIBS NUTS]

At the moment, I’m a bit worried, I am happy with the 2 centrehalfs and new goalkeepers , we definitely needed a change in this department.However at the moment we are playing with the same squad as last year, perhaps worse, certainly up front we are miles worse off.If we do not spend some significant money , on improving the starting lineup, then I’m afraid , SDG has absolutely no chance of improvement.I know it’s early in the season, but we can’t keep the same players, and expect a different outcome.😞

[Gordy M]

At the moment, I’m a bit worried, I am happy with the 2 centrehalfs and new goalkeepers , we definitely needed a change in this department.However at the moment we are playing with the same squad as last year, perhaps worse, certainly up front we are miles worse off.If we do not spend some significant money , on improving the starting lineup, then I’m afraid , SDG has absolutely no chance of improvement.I know it’s early in the season, but we can’t keep the same players, and expect a different outcome.😞I agree with some of what you have posted, however the general consensus on here was that Montgomery was the problem and didnt know how to set up a team/tactics. We have now replaced what was seen by many as the issue, so it is possible that we have improved results because of that?

[theonlywayisup]

I think we've a mid-table starting eleven, then the team gets progressively worse whenever we make subs. It's going to be a long hard season if we're planning to continue as we are. I think SDG has improved the team structure considerably, but he needs better players.

[hibsforeurope]

The problem is not necessarily the starting team that should be enough to get top 6 it's just we've nothing of any note to bring on if we get injuries or suspensions. If we have to rely on the wider squad then were in for a very difficult season.

We're woefully short on quality on the bench and up top.

[Donegal Hibby]

I honestly believe our strongest 11 is good enough to challenge for a top 6 spot , my worry is a few injuries / suspensions and we will struggle as we lack depth in the squad.

[B.H.F.C]

I’ve seen enough this far to think Gray can improve us.

But if he’s not backed, he stands no chance. 10 days until the league starts and the squad is, arguably, weaker than the already weak squad that finished last season.

[Hiber-nation]

I honestly believe our strongest 11 is good enough to challenge for a top 6 spot , my worry is a few injuries / suspensions and we will struggle as we lack depth in the squad.

And challenging for a top 6 spot is way below what our ambition should be. We need 2 strikers in for starters and we're short of quality in the Campbell/Amos position.

[Cabbage-Patch]

May be an unpopular opinion but this squad based on it's current make up ie no more players signed is bottom 6 and struggling to avoid the play offs. We need 4-5 players in minimum asap. Priority needs to be strikers and a playmaking midfielder.

[Heisenberg]

We’ve lost our main and at times only threat from the second half of last season in Maolida and so far replaced him in the team with Rudi, Jair or Mckirdy. I really hope they give Gray the backing he needs in the next month or so or he’s going to struggle. Not having more in before the first league game will be bad enough if they don’t manage it.

[Jones28]

Starting 11 needs a striker.

Bench sorely needs an uplift in quality. We are 4 players short of a squad with the depth and quality required.

Molotnikov, Megwa and Whittiker are good options but I'd rather not see us in a position where injuries (Obita for example) sees us needing to chuck Megwa on a left back because we don't have an adequate left back to fill in.

Injuries happen but already seeing Youan injured means we're relying on McKirdy for example, who still has a point to prove.

[Nicho87]

100% worried

Lack of signings is concerning

Squad still has to be many Consistant failures for my liking

On gray I think he has the fans full or as close to full backing more than anyone

The main reason being the Hibs fans are so fed up with the board.

The board need to realise we could lose the first 5 games 3-0 and we won’t be calling for grays head it will be sack the board.

[blackpoolhibs]

As we stand i dont think we are making top 6, any new players we do sign will have to be very good for that to change in my opinion.

[Ozyhibby]

Unless significant funds are made available for quality signings in midfield and up front then Gray won’t survive. This squad is bottom 6 and with a bit of injury problems will be in a relegation battle.
We already know that he does not have full backing of the board.

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[SunshineOn1875]

I think a lot of folk need to realise the last 2/3 years, we haven't struggled to score goals. We've struggled keeping them out at the other end. In the last 2 season's we've scored more goals than anyone outside the old firm (Hearts last season). Defensively we are a mess and folk are quick to forget this. If Marv/Ohora can keep things tight at one end then maybe just maybe it won't be as bad as people think, with a couple of new additions that is.

[Wheat Hound]

SDG has my full support.

If things don't start well, the pressure, focus and unrest will in large part be directed at the board, in my opinion.

[Gordy M]

Unless significant funds are made available for quality signings in midfield and up front then Gray won’t survive. This squad is bottom 6 and with a bit of injury problems will be in a relegation battle.We already know that he does not have full backing of the board.Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkWe will be nowhere near a relegation battle. This gets trotted out every year. When was the last time we were in a relagation battle? Even last year, when we were not playing well with a manager who most did not rate, we werw 20 seconds from top 6.

[GreenNWhiteArmy]

In the league last season, we scored 52 and conceded 59. I think SDG has taken steps to improve the conceded column.

We've lost Maolida (10), ALF (5) and Marcondes (3) and signed nobody to replace them.

We need minimum 2 top quality signings that will dramatically improve us going forward.

Early summer I was excited. The season has crept up and now I'm a bit apprehensive if I'm honest. We needed more activity. The bench last night highlighted a drastic lack of premiership ready back up options for injuries/suspensions

[hibsforeurope]

SDG has my full support.

If things don't start well, the pressure, focus and unrest will in large part be directed at the board, in my opinion.

I wonder if this is why things are so slow. The Board know that fans won't turn on SDG as quick as others so they are trotting out the hands tied until next summer story.

[H18 SFR]

The level of rebuild needed means it was a bit of a poisoned chalice for anyone coming in. Appointing SDG with his legendary status will buy time and a bit of patience from a very unhappy wider support base.

If we’d appointed someone else and we were scrapping 9th / 10th place the noise would be to sack again. I think that is where we are destined to finish and SDG will get a little more leeway from the support.

The Kelty team selection showed his utter inexperience and that he hasn’t learned from the LJ league cup showing. I really hope it has been a wake up call and his head isn’t buried in the sand.

[HIBS NUTS]

I think a lot of folk need to realise the last 2/3 years, we haven't struggled to score goals. We've struggled keeping them out at the other end. In the last 2 season's we've scored more goals than anyone outside the old firm (Hearts last season). Defensively we are a mess and folk are quick to forget this. If Marv/Ohora can keep things tight at one end then maybe just maybe it won't be as bad as people think, with a couple of new additions that is.Agree we haven’t struggled to score goals, in the past , BUT we didn’t have, one centre forward VENTE, who my opinion , hasn’t shown he will score regularly in our league, the back up striker appears to be Josh Campbell, at the moment.😳

[GreenCastle]

If we don’t make top 6 again - serious questions will need to be asked.

Are we top 6 ready…don’t think so.

Posted this the other day but I think it’s 2 or 3 spots up for grabs..

Celtic
Rangers
Hearts

Plus 3 from..:

Killie / Aberdeen / Dundee / St Mirren / Motherwell / Hibs

I just can’t believe we haven’t added to key areas - even some free transfers - surely we have had players offered to us who will improve us.

We have hardly started season and we have injuries to…

Cadden
Bursik
Youan
JDH

A good team is only as good as its bench and right now players who aren’t good enough are filling the bench.

We have lost a serious amount of goals scored and assists from Myziane and Youan - again alarm bells surely must be ringing from staff about how we will win close games.

We are also back to leaking goals - new defenders look solid enough but we don’t have a CDM and better teams will cause us issues.

[Tambo]

A few more quality recruitments will be the difference between top 6 or not looking at the squad overall.

A good start and getting points on the board early also is key I think, not the easiest of starts though.

[Gatecrasher]

My only real worry is goals, I don't think we have a reliable source. I'm generally feeling positive but I'm aware we are a work in progress with the new regime in place. (even though it feels like that every year)

[Donegal Hibby]

And challenging for a top 6 spot is way below what our ambition should be. We need 2 strikers in for starters and we're short of quality in the Campbell/Amos position.

I'd be relatively happy with making the top 6 (4th or 5th) and a good cup run after the season we've just had .

A target man and another forward who is versatile with a left back would be good .

I'm abit of a Campbell fan so I'm happy if he's playing as I rate him TBH .I think Grays style of play where we will be more direct might suit him as well.

Problem with our midfield is we have to many of them that won't be easy to move on . JDH , Levitt and maybe Amos would be the ones I think we should try to though.

[WestStandWillie]

At the moment, I’m a bit worried, I am happy with the 2 centrehalfs and new goalkeepers , we definitely needed a change in this department.However at the moment we are playing with the same squad as last year, perhaps worse, certainly up front we are miles worse off.If we do not spend some significant money , on improving the starting lineup, then I’m afraid , SDG has absolutely no chance of improvement.I know it’s early in the season, but we can’t keep the same players, and expect a different outcome.😞Putting our faith in a lot of players who have previous for letting the fans down. We were woeful defensively last season, so happy we've addressed that but offensively we haven't got a Maolida to bail us out this time.I'm worried about Gray but he gets the club and if he has to get nasty with the players then so be it.

[MWHIBBIES]

Will be funny when we have a good season .

[GreenPJ]

Whilst it would obviously be much better if we as a team were much better but I do think that St Mirren and Killie will not be as effective next season when you consider the impact Europe has on any of our teams (even the Old Firm).

[B.H.F.C]

Whilst it would obviously be much better if we as a team were much better but I do think that St Mirren and Killie will not be as effective next season when you consider the impact Europe has on any of our teams (even the Old Firm).

It really shouldn’t impact them over the course of the season. They’ll play one or two rounds each, tops. St Mirren and Killie that is.

[john rossi]

I am of the same opinion we are so short of attacking options it’s very worrying with the season one week away at St Mirrin. With Yohan injured out for 2 weeks more like a month we have to rely on Vente, Boyle and Mcgirdy if any of them get injured we are in dire straits.Gray hopes to bring in 2 players before the window closes, not nearly enough IMO. I really fear for Hibs under the Gordon/Foley ownership just broken promises recruitment wise.

[Pretty Boy]

It's going to be a slog.

I don't think it's possible to overestimate the damage that has been done to the club with our recruitment over the last few years. We have a whole load of guys on the best contracts they are ever going to get in football who we are stuck with for at least another year (thankfully next summer see the majority finally out of contract). When we can shed them it should free up a not insignificant sum of money and allow us to really rebuild. Sorting that central defensive area as a priority was the right thing to do; if we don't leak loads of silly goals then we won't find ourselves in any real trouble and should be ok for top 6.

We needs to see improvement this year but we also need to be realistic. We simply aren't going to be in the mix for 3rd this year, we are miles off it and I think the football guys at the club will be well aware of that; Mackay has already dropped a few hints about where he sees us and his view on how big the task is. I am very much in favour giving DG and MM time to rebuild (again as long as we are seeing some signs of forward progress). I'd usually judge a manager harshly for finishing 6th but Gray has inherited such a shambolic situation it would be a a decent achievement this season imo. It's arguably the worst starting point a manager has had since Stubbs came in (I would even suggest Stubbs had it slightly better as he had an almost clean slate and minimal expectation).

As it stands Gray and Mackay have my full backing and I really hope they do well. The people who got us into this mess, not so much and if we are struggling this season that is where my ire will be aimed.

[Ozyhibby]

Will be funny when we have a good season .

The happy clappers have been on a long losing streak now. You’ll be right one day.[emoji106]


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[LunasBoots]

Need another striker and possibly upgrades in midfield, goalie and defence I'm OK with, there's been signs of similar issues from last season in pre season in the striking area and midfield area where I feel other teams are getting in to easily, I've been more impressed with the set up and less side to side passing though, at the moment I think we'll be competing around that split spot again which is below what I expect us to be competing. Still time in the window to get a few new faces in.

[MWHIBBIES]

The happy clappers have been on a long losing streak now. You’ll be right one day.[emoji106]


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It's like you take some joy from Hibs fans who support the team being wrong about us having a good season. Very weird.

[Gordy M]

Dont see how we can say where we will finish until we see what the other teams have to offer. Its so unfortunate that we lost that Kelty game as it really has taken the air out some of the positivity that was building. I saw most of the Aberdeen game the other night they looked no better than us. In fact, id suggest we look better. Hearts havent exactly set the heather on fire in pre-season so far, and we will see what St Mirren and Killie are like. For all we were v poor for large parts of last season we lost aomething 2/3 games more than Killie in 4th. That gives me hope that with a couple additions we are not going to be far away. The other teams outwith the Old Firm arent miles ahead of us imo.

[Ozyhibby]

It's like you take some joy from Hibs fans who support the team being wrong about us having a good season. Very weird.

We both support the team. We just view our current predicament differently.


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[MWHIBBIES]

We both support the team. We just view our current predicament differently.


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How do I view our current predicament?

[The Modfather]

It's going to be a slog.

I don't think it's possible to overestimate the damage that has been done to the club with our recruitment over the last few years. We have a whole load of guys on the best contracts they are ever going to get in football who we are stuck with for at least another year (thankfully next summer see the majority finally out of contract). When we can shed them it should free up a not insignificant sum of money and allow us to really rebuild. Sorting that central defensive area as a priority was the right thing to do; if we don't leak loads of silly goals then we won't find ourselves in any real trouble and should be ok for top 6.

We needs to see improvement this year but we also need to be realistic. We simply aren't going to be in the mix for 3rd this year, we are miles off it and I think the football guys at the club will be well aware of that; Mackay has already dropped a few hints about where he sees us and his view on how big the task is. I am very much in favour giving DG and MM time to rebuild (again as long as we are seeing some signs of forward progress). I'd usually judge a manager harshly for finishing 6th but Gray has inherited such a shambolic situation it would be a a decent achievement this season imo. It's arguably the worst starting point a manager has had since Stubbs came in (I would even suggest Stubbs had it slightly better as he had an almost clean slate and minimal expectation).

As it stands Gray and Mackay have my full backing and I really hope they do well. The people who got us into this mess, not so much and if we are struggling this season that is where my ire will be aimed.

I think Monty inherited a worse position. He essentially inherited what Gray has but Marshall, Hanlon & Fish instead of the new signings and no summer to work with them.

Both Montgomery and Gray (thus far) have been set up to fail IMO and I feel sorry for them both.

Where are the posters that were talking up the squad last season and putting the blame solely on Montgomery. Why aren’t they talking up the same squad this summer?

[Joe6-2]

I think we've a mid-table starting eleven, then the team gets progressively worse whenever we make subs. It's going to be a long hard season if we're planning to continue as we are. I think SDG has improved the team structure considerably, but he needs better players.

Definitely a concern that subs never improve things

[Jones28]

Definitely a concern that subs never improve things

Didn't McKirdy improve us last night?

[Keith_M]

I think a lot of folk need to realise the last 2/3 years, we haven't struggled to score goals. We've struggled keeping them out at the other end. In the last 2 season's we've scored more goals than anyone outside the old firm (Hearts last season). Defensively we are a mess and folk are quick to forget this. If Marv/Ohora can keep things tight at one end then maybe just maybe it won't be as bad as people think, with a couple of new additions that is. Actually, Motherwell scored 4 more than Hibs, and I think the figures are skewed a bit by whether your last five fixtures are in the top or bottom six after the split.

If you take it from the pre-split table (played all teams three times), then Hibs were equal 5th in goals scored.

In fairness, though, we'd only scored two less than Hearts at that point, despite the 23 point difference.

[ekhibee]

As we stand i dont think we are making top 6, any new players we do sign will have to be very good for that to change in my opinion.

This.

[Hibiza]

Stick in David.

[McGruber]

I think Monty inherited a worse position. He essentially inherited what Gray has but Marshall, Hanlon & Fish instead of the new signings and no summer to work with them. Both Montgomery and Gray (thus far) have been set up to fail IMO and I feel sorry for them both. Where are the posters that were talking up the squad last season and putting the blame solely on Montgomery. Why aren’t they talking up the same squad this summer?To be fair, the squad is a bit weaker albeit with time left in the window. We've just lost 5 or 6 starters and brought in 3 so far. Small sample size but Joedan Smith looks a downgrade from Wollacot - though neither were good enough. Possibly still worthwhile if saving on wages there

[RIP]

Gray's job is to improve our application, tactics and making us harder to beat. Two of the goals against Watford and the Kelty goal suggest we are still struggling to get the basics right.

Mackay's job is to sign players. A very difficult job to convince quality players to come to a bottom six SPL club. Yet he will be judged on his ability to sign a midfielder and two strikers.

A tough ask for both.

[B.H.F.C]

Gray's job is to improve our application, tactics and making us harder to beat. Two of the goals against Watford and the Kelty goal suggest we are still struggling to get the basics right.

Mackay's job is to sign players. A very difficult job to convince quality players to come to a bottom six SPL club. Yet he will be judged on his ability to sign a midfielder and two strikers.

A tough ask for both.

Mackay’s job is a lot bigger than simply signing players and Gray absolutely has a part to play in that as well.

[Mrimbetween]

What ever way we wrap it up, things aint great

Team will give everything, but I don't think that's enough for a decent season, we are screaming out for new signings and its not happening as yet
Youan outs a killer, we get any more injuries and its help ma boab


2 decent signing will give us all a massive lift and hopefully todays the day

[Contador]

Not worried signings wise, I am sure they will come and provide us with much needed depth, whether they will be of a high enough standard to improve us is the million dollar question.

At the same time, whilst we of course all want SDG to succeed, he is a rookie manager and will have to learn very quickly on the job.

The combination of the support having doubts about the squad alongside an inexperienced manager doesn’t bode well so I think its fair for us to have concerns going into the new season. Guess we’ll need to wait and see.

[Up-the-slope]

The opening point is contradictory saying we have added good starting players in keeper & 2 CH's then goes on to say the squad is the same? surely where we have had at least 3 seasons when a good few additions have been made but many not first team impact ready (and many failed to make any impact at all) we need to have patience to try and get only players who will take first 11 shirts? otherwise the bloated squad / wage burden / many making no contribution / squad recycle will just be on repeat againof course we all want more signings - previous years I remember the threads of 'im not renewing till we sign a couple of players' after we sign 2 ... 'im not renewing till we see more, 2 is not enough' etc - but as much as its possible to be sure we need to make the right ones. that means they need to be available and willing to come / then us able to make a deal.after these last years i'm prepared to be patient - and just as keen to see deadwood removed as new players come in

[RIP]

Mackay’s job is a lot bigger than simply signing players and Gray absolutely has a part to play in that as well.

Agreed.

But we will quickly find that if we dont fill these gaps, Malky will be judged accordingly. He, Marshall and our recruitment team of scouts and analysts will be fully occupied on getting players in and out. The Watford game was an opportunity to put fringe players in the shop window.

David Gray's main focus will be on working with the players on the training pitch. He will be judged on the team's performance on the field of play. For me, that's the bottom line and why the board appointed him.

[HIBS NUTS]

The opening point is contradictory saying we have added good starting players in keeper & 2 CH's then goes on to say the squad is the same? surely where we have had at least 3 seasons when a good few additions have been made but many not first team impact ready (and many failed to make any impact at all) we need to have patience to try and get only players who will take first 11 shirts? otherwise the bloated squad / wage burden / many making no contribution / squad recycle will just be on repeat againof course we all want more signings - previous years I remember the threads of 'im not renewing till we sign a couple of players' after we sign 2 ... 'im not renewing till we see more, 2 is not enough' etc - but as much as its possible to be sure we need to make the right ones. that means they need to be available and willing to come / then us able to make a deal.after these last years i'm prepared to be patient - and just as keen to see deadwood removed as new players come inI probably opened the thread slightly contradictory, but the message was the defence looks better, however the overall squad, midfield and especially up upfront, is weaker.I was expecting a much higher turnaround, as I’ve unfortunately made my opinion on most of our fringe squad, being not good enough, no matter the manager. My worry being we had a terrible season, and so far, we look weaker overall.

[Ozyhibby]

I probably opened the thread slightly contradictory, but the message was the defence looks better, however the overall squad, midfield and especially up upfront, is weaker.I was expecting a much higher turnaround, as I’ve unfortunately made my opinion on most of our fringe squad, being not good enough, no matter the manager. My worry being we had a terrible season, and so far, we look weaker overall.

It’s difficult to even say if the defence is better as they have not really been tested yet? Plus I think a big part of our weakness in defence is the lack of protection in front of them and that hasn’t changed.
On a brighter note, I do like the look of the two centre halves.


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[MWHIBBIES]

It’s difficult to even say if the defence is better as they have not really been tested yet? Plus I think a big part of our weakness in defence is the lack of protection in front of them and that hasn’t changed.
On a brighter note, I do like the look of the two centre halves.


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Protection for the defence comes from proper coaching. Team shape, proper pressing and tracking your man will offer 1000% more protection than sticking some big smasher in there. I think that element will improve a lot under gray.

[Since452]

I've thought we've looked far more attacking compared to last season. Even in the Kelty game where we had enough clear cut chances to win two games. Compare that to Forfar last season where we were extremely poor. Funny old game as we lost but it was night and day performance wise. We look quicker, sharper, more attacking and better at the back albeit against poorer opposition. I'm still positive about the season ahead. Put it this way I think I'll enjoy the football more.

[CapitalGreen]

Protection for the defence comes from proper coaching. Team shape, proper pressing and tracking your man will offer 1000% more protection than sticking some big smasher in there. I think that element will improve a lot under gray.

Defensive midfielders can only be “big smasher types”?

[Col2]

We have a worse squad that last season and a rookie Head Coach. We also have what appears to be a material disconnect with Foley and Gordon and lack of basic leadership at the club. And with a week until the start of the league season the fans are getting pissed off.

What does that mean? At best 6th, likely 8th, worse case - we might be in trouble. I hope desperately Gray gets time and support. I think this week proved he is a rookie (reserve team at Kelty) and he is also likely to be the fall guy while Gordon and Kensall hide from any scrutiny.

[SunshineOn1875]

Protection for the defence comes from proper coaching. Team shape, proper pressing and tracking your man will offer 1000% more protection than sticking some big smasher in there. I think that element will improve a lot under gray.I'd say 50% of the goals we conceded last season were down to certain members of our starting 11 not working hard enough/tracking there runs/men. Footballs a simple game, people are too quick to forget the fundamentals that are work hard and give your all for the badge you have on your chest. Do that and you might just get folk on your side.

[Gordy M]

We have a worse squad that last season and a rookie Head Coach. We also have what appears to be a material disconnect with Foley and Gordon and lack of basic leadership at the club. And with a week until the start of the league season the fans are getting pissed off. What does that mean? At best 6th, likely 8th, worse case - we might be in trouble. I hope desperately Gray gets time and support. I think this week proved he is a rookie (reserve team at Kelty) and he is also likely to be the fall guy while Gordon and Kensall hide from any scrutiny.Just out of interest and at best are 6th as you have said. Who do you think are above us? Bearing in mind, last season, we lost 3 more matches than 4th with a manager who most said wasnt up to it?

[7Hero]

A few folk on the thread saying we have a squad who should be mid table. Where do you come up with these thoughts ? the Squad is worse than last season and last season it didn't finish mid table..

[Ozyhibby]

Protection for the defence comes from proper coaching. Team shape, proper pressing and tracking your man will offer 1000% more protection than sticking some big smasher in there. I think that element will improve a lot under gray.

I totally agree that that’s how you set up and I’m not saying you need some big smasher in there. What I am saying is that our current midfielders have yet to show they can press properly or keep their shape when we don’t have the ball.
Hope you’re right and David Gray is the man to finally get these players to do that.[emoji1696][emoji1696][emoji1696]


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[Ozyhibby]

Just out of interest and at best are 6th as you have said. Who do you think are above us? Bearing in mind, last season, we lost 3 more matches than 4th with a manager who most said wasnt up to it?

Right now we are weaker than last season and we don’t know if the new manager is up to it yet?


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[Gordy M]

A few folk on the thread saying we have a squad who should be mid table. Where do you come up with these thoughts ? the Squad is worse than last season and last season it didn't finish mid table..Yep im one of them, its not the Premiership we are playing in. The SPL after the old firm is tight. All the teams are capable of beating each other. Last year, wasnt great, manager struggled and yet we were 30 secs from being top 6. We will miss Maolida, but we have signed 2 CHs and a keeper, and id suggest losing goals was our major problem last year. How many times did we draw having been 1 or 2 up? If they are better than what we had, then the first 11 isnt too bad, add in another striker/midfielder i dint see why we cant finish top 5.....obviously barring injuries etc.

[Logie]

I’m pretty worried now I think it’s another bottom 6 season. Lack of transfers during pre season is really concerning, reality is we are not in a position to hit the ground running imo, most of the same players we know are not up to scratch. Feel for DG hope he can pull a few rabbits out the hat before the end of the transfer window but it appears there is a lot going on in the background and the club feels like a shambles just now. I’m not a bed wetter and usually pretty optimistic each season however it feels like we are so unorganised and unprepared for the season ahead with only a week to go until it starts.

[Seafield Scott]

I reckon SDG will get a better tune out of the current squad than Monty did. O’Hora looks decent so getting happier with the defence. Think we’ll bring 2-3 during the next 5 weeks & then there’s the unattached available after that. I’ll watch over that period to see us build depth in the squad. Not squeaky bum time yet.

[greenlex]

Right now we are weaker than last season and we don’t know if the new manager is up to it yet?


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Are we really tho? Up top yes I’d agree and as for the manager whether he’s up to it or not only time will tell. What I will say is the players although largely the same except at the back seem to be playing more direct and with purpose and desire. That has to be on the manager. Could anyone really say that games competitive or otherwise so far this term would have been as positive in terms of performances and results under the previous three managers? We are not as bad or in as bad a state as what I perceive the majority in here seem to think. We will be competitive on a game by game basis and that’s all I think we have ever been in nearly over 50 years of me watching.

[Ozyhibby]

Are we really tho? Up top yes I’d agree and as for the manager whether he’s up to it or not only time will tell. What I will say is the players although largely the same except at the back seem to be playing more direct and with purpose and desire. That has to be on the manager. Could anyone really say that games competitive or otherwise so far this term would have been as positive in terms of performances and results under the previous three managers? We are not as bad or in as bad a state as what I perceive the majority in here seem to think. We will be competitive on a game by game basis and that’s all I think we have ever been in nearly over 50 years of me watching.

It’s difficult to tell anything yet until we start playing better opposition. The defenders look decent but they’ve not really had to deal with faster stronger forwards yet.
We are def down on numbers though and given we were terrible last season I’d say we are nowhere near where we should be even with 5 weeks to go in the window.


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[Col2]

Just out of interest and at best are 6th as you have said. Who do you think are above us? Bearing in mind, last season, we lost 3 more matches than 4th with a manager who most said wasnt up to it?

Right now. Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock. And I am not counting St Mirren or Dundee who have decent settled squads.

Things can change and dramatically but indications are we are likely to make two more signings so unlikely to transform us.

[greenlex]

Right now. Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock. And I am not counting St Mirren or Dundee who have decent settled squads.

Things can change and dramatically but indications are we are likely to make two more signings so unlikely to transform us.

Every one of the teams you mention have had several leaving and players in. Hearts have signed about another team and I don’t think they’ve won a pre season game yet? I’m not sure any of them have settled squads

[Bushwoof]

While I think and hope we'll be better defensively, the loss of Maolida up front is a big blow. Last season's 2-2 draws will become 0-0. I don't see us having more success unless we bring in a top striker, and players of Maolida's class are very hard to find.

[Ozyhibby]

While I think and hope we'll be better defensively, the loss of Maolida up front is a big blow. Last season's 2-2 draws will become 0-0. I don't see us having more success unless we bring in a top striker, and players of Maolida's class are very hard to find.

That’s if we have improved defensively. We don’t know yet.


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[TrinityHFC]

That’s if we have improved defensively. We don’t know yet.


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What’s the rush on signings then if we really can’t say if any of them will make a difference? 😁

[jacomo]

Yep im one of them, its not the Premiership we are playing in. The SPL after the old firm is tight. All the teams are capable of beating each other. Last year, wasnt great, manager struggled and yet we were 30 secs from being top 6. We will miss Maolida, but we have signed 2 CHs and a keeper, and id suggest losing goals was our major problem last year. How many times did we draw having been 1 or 2 up? If they are better than what we had, then the first 11 isnt too bad, add in another striker/midfielder i dint see why we cant finish top 5.....obviously barring injuries etc.


Ah, 30 seconds from the top 6. 30 seconds from ecstasy for our fans, according to Monty’s post match interview.

I knew then he was toast.

[Gordy M]

Ah, 30 seconds from the top 6. 30 seconds from ecstasy for our fans, according to Monty’s post match interview.I knew then he was toast.It wasnt 30 seconds from ecstasy at all, well for me, but the way some folk went on and are still going on, you think we had finished 11th last year and in danger of getting relegated this year. My point was, we had a pretty terrible season last year and still in the mix for top 6. Folk now saying if we play welll we could get 6th?? I think a lot of posters on here always over estimate the other teams. They, just like us, arent that great and with a bit of solidity, i think we will easliy be top 6, at least.

[DIXIHIBS]

Well this is the most depressing thread amongst many depressing threads. Glad most of you won't be at the game tomorrow where you could depress everyone else. The rest of us will enjoy a fine Hibs win and look forward to the rest of the season.

[jacomo]

It wasnt 30 seconds from ecstasy at all, well for me, but the way some folk went on and are still going on, you think we had finished 11th last year and in danger of getting relegated this year. My point was, we had a pretty terrible season last year and still in the mix for top 6. Folk now saying if we play welll we could get 6th?? I think a lot of posters on here always over estimate the other teams. They, just like us, arent that great and with a bit of solidity, i think we will easliy be top 6, at least.


Wasn’t 30 seconds from ecstasy for anyone, save our floundering head coach.

Sorry I derailed the thread a bit… I don’t disagree with you. This league is very poor and we should be capable of top 6 for sure.

[GreenCastle]

The first few games of the season will be very interesting to see how we do.

St Mirren away - I don’t think we will lose but 3 points would be a great start away from home.

Celtic home - can’t see anything except a Celtic win.

We then have Dundee home which is winnable but won’t be easy then Killie away which will be hard.

Previous managers had issues getting “credit in the bank” with a win against Hearts / Celtic / Rangers. We play 2 out of the 3 of these teams at home in first round of games.

The first derby is at home late October so we should know by then how things are shaping up.

What other managers also struggled to do was go on winning runs..last season we won 3 in a row once. Even 2 wins in a row was a struggle. So harder to beat yes but draws really aren’t great either - so makes it even more crucial we add more firepower up top and improve our midfield plus add cover at the back hopefully sooner rather than later.

[fiolex1]

I don’t think us Hibbys have much patience due to the underperformances of the last few seasons.We are 3/4 quality players short in my opinion and if my gut feel is right, I think we will not progress from last season unfortunately. He could be under pressure very quickly. Could be another very long season.

[Hibees1973]

I have grave doubts regarding the season ahead with the status of the current squad.Just now we are only a couple of injuries away from the likes of Bushiri, Jair and McKirdy being in the first team. You are only as strong as your weakest link and if these guys appear regularly we are a bottom 4 side.Maybe the 4 lower league new signings will improve the mentality of the side. It surely can't be any worse than last season when we lost so many goals in the last 10 minutes of games and threw away loads of points.Can Gray improve what we have? There is limits what he can do. I only hope the guys who appointed him, support him and provide 4 or 5 new 1st team players in this window. If they do we might scrape into the top 5 or 6.

[Bridge hibs]

I have grave doubts regarding the season ahead with the status of the current squad.Just now we are only a couple of injuries away from the likes of Bushiri, Jair and McKirdy being in the first team. You are only as strong as your weakest link and if these guys appear regularly we are a bottom 4 side.Maybe the 4 lower league new signings will improve the mentality of the side. It surely can't be any worse than last season when we lost so many goals in the last 10 minutes of games and threw away loads of points.Can Gray improve what we have? There is limits what he can do. I only hope the guys who appointed him, support him and provide 4 or 5 new 1st team players in this window. If they do we might scrape into the top 5 or 6.

I gave up reading after your first 4

words, get yerself away on a holiday for a year ffs

[Hibees1973]

I gave up reading after your first 4words, get yerself away on a holiday for a year ffsLanguage Bridge. No need for that on here.

[Bridge hibs]

Language Bridge. No need for that on here.

You are the exception, have a few months off, go chill and take up macramé

[Hibees1973]

You are the exception, have a few months off, go chill and take up macraméThink it's you that needs to chill with your language Bridge. Hope you are better tomorrow.

[007]

You are the exception, have a few months off, go chill and take up macramé

No Macramé I'm afraid, he signed for Motherwell yesterday.

[Bridge hibs]

Think it's you that needs to chill with your language Bridge. Hope you are better tomorrow.

Aw I feel all fuzzy now thank you, I hope you open your curtains tomorrow and let some sunshine into your life, hey we may even see a new positive you

Or ..

Goodnight mate

[Keepthefaith]

It's interesting that our of our cup games so far, our standout performance was against the next best team! No idea how queens will do in the championship but we played really well against them. Id suggest that was more a barometer than the kelty game.

As others have said, there's little to choose between the majority of the division. Gray wasn't my choice but I like what he's said so far and it's clear the club ARE trying to bring quality in, despite what posters on here claim.

He's addressed the main areas as a priority and I expect more will follow. I predict a good solid season, with a few youngsters to break through too. Totally understand the negativity to an extent, though the degree of melodrama around it at this point does as ever, remind me of a primary school playground...

[Carheenlea]

David Gray’s win percentage currently sits at 50%.

[Baldy Foghorn]

David Gray’s win percentage currently sits at 50%.

For this Season 75% in league cup.

Same if you include 4 friendlies

[Cabbage-Patch]

My honest thoughts based on the current squad (without further signings) is that we will be bottom 6 and potentially fighting to avoid the play offs. We need 5-6 quality signings to enable us to challenge for top 6/euro places.

I think we will sign 2-3 more max and it's really 50/50 whether we make top 6 or not.

Interestingly we have 18 players out of contract at the end of the 24/25 season. Is this just going to be another "transition season" before the proper rebuild begins 25/26?