Rock on Rocky

[hibsbollah]

.

Im not sure why you posted that.

I took that quote to suggest ‘Rocky has contributed to where we are now’ rather than ‘its singlehandedly’ down to Rocky’.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Where is anyone saying hes done anything ‘single handedly’? I think you’re just making that up.

The facts suggest he has had substantially more good games than bad ones and is part of a team thats on a relatively good run since he came back. Whether you think thats all down to other players is down to you of course.
You have made your point forcefully a number of times.

There’s been numerous posts alluding to it. CapitalGreen has just pointed one out. There’s been plenty others with people talking about how you just have to look at the run we’re on, we were relegation candidates until he came into the team, the results before he was in the team and the results after speak for itself as to how good he is etc. There’s also the fact that plenty posters don’t make any/little reference to the likes of Iredale or Smith, the change of system etc yet repeatedly mention Rocky.

Nobody has outright said it, but it’s absolutely been alluded to.

[Dashing Bob S]

I feel like this thread has been the same people either supporting or criticising the idea of a contract extension for him, and has become a bit repetitive.

I just wanted to summarise what has happened since he came back into the team. I've had a wee scroll through this thread and the match reports. Its been only 10 games since he came in. Lots of ups and downs, I think we'd all agree. I'll try to keep it as objective as possible.

9/11 St Mirren- L 2-1, came on at H/T replacing a struggling O'Hora, kept a clean sheet thereafter
23/11 Dundee L 4-1, part of a shocking defence after Obitas early dismissal and Bursik disaster but most of the criticism directed at other players. Still part of that defence of course!
26/11 Aberdeen 3-3, Goal, block, MOTM performance according to some on here.
30/11 Motherwell W3-0, Outstanding according to some on here.
7/12 Celtic L3-0, no particular negative comments, apart from obviously part of a defence that concedes 3 never good obvs.
14/12 Ross County W3-1, "Very good according to some on here.
21/12 Aberdeen W3-1, "very good game"
26/12 Hearts W2-1, Own goal, lot of debate if the deflection mitigated the criticism of him, two good blocks, further mistake leading to Shankland chance.
29/12 Killie W1-0, Good block "solid, new contract please"
2/1 St Johnstone D1-1 no comments either way i could see
5/1 Rangers D3-3, Goal, assist, 2 errors, 1 lead to goal. Got panned and lots of love for the goal as well.

So in those 10 and a half games, in FIVE and a half of them the consensus is he's done well, sometimes very well. Credit to easty and some others for recognising that on this thread at the time. In THREE of those games he's had no particular flowers or pitchforks aimed at him, an away point and two defeats. And in TWO of those games, Hearts and Rangers, which we got 4 points from, he's clearly made some bad mistakes, has been panned by some, and some folk have made some mitigation for those mistakes.

Great post and the St Johnstone comments adds perspective.

Can anyone do a comparison of goals conceded and errors made in the games prior to Rocky coming back where we couldn’t buy a win?

[Pretty Boy]

He’s been here for 3 years, most people aren’t basing their opinion solely on a run of 10 games where he’s played relatively well despite still being culpable for a number of goals conceded.

I suppose if you were basing it on a run of 10 games you'd have to point out that we have been conceding marginally more goals than we were before he came back in despite us having a goalkeeper making a lot more saves (statistically proven) for the bulk of that run. Had Bursik been in goals and continued in the form he was in then there is every chance our defensive record would look worse still.

I'm not totally dismissing the role Rocky has played in our upturn in fortunes. There are some things you can't account for with stats and his heart, work rate, motivation, ability to bounce back from errors are all noteworthy. However a fair bit of the credit given to him is being overplayed (perhaps an understandable counter to the OTT criticism from others) and the biggest factor in our revival has been that we have started scoring goals. Up to the 4-1 defeat in Dundee we conceded 22 goals in 14 games (1.5 goals a game). Since the 3-3 Aberdeen game we have conceded 13 in 9 (1.4 a game). In contrast up to the same points we had scored 12 in 14 (0.85 goals a game) and then 19 in 9 (2.1 goals a game). Our upturn is largely built on our forward play rather than any marked improvement defensively.

I keep saying it but I like Rocky. I like a lot of our current crop but we need better across the park. A few good results and you have people arguing we don't need another keeper (we definitely do) and should just extend Miller, Cadden and Rocky because there is no guarantee we can get better. I just don't see how you ever improve if you go with such a better the devil attitude and never make tough, potentially unpopular, decisions. If a few on here had their way we'd be lining up on the opening day next season with Smith, Cadden, Miller, Rocky, Iredale, Cadden, Triantis, Newell, Campbell, Boyle and Gayle as our starting 11.

[SickBoy32]

I feel like this thread has been the same people either supporting or criticising the idea of a contract extension for him, and has become a bit repetitive.

I just wanted to summarise what has happened since he came back into the team. I've had a wee scroll through this thread and the match reports. Its been only 10 games since he came in. Lots of ups and downs, I think we'd all agree. I'll try to keep it as objective as possible.

9/11 St Mirren- L 2-1, came on at H/T replacing a struggling O'Hora, kept a clean sheet thereafter
23/11 Dundee L 4-1, part of a shocking defence after Obitas early dismissal and Bursik disaster but most of the criticism directed at other players. Still part of that defence of course!
26/11 Aberdeen 3-3, Goal, block, MOTM performance according to some on here.
30/11 Motherwell W3-0, Outstanding according to some on here.
7/12 Celtic L3-0, no particular negative comments, apart from obviously part of a defence that concedes 3 never good obvs.
14/12 Ross County W3-1, "Very good according to some on here.
21/12 Aberdeen W3-1, "very good game"
26/12 Hearts W2-1, Own goal, lot of debate if the deflection mitigated the criticism of him, two good blocks, further mistake leading to Shankland chance.
29/12 Killie W1-0, Good block "solid, new contract please"
2/1 St Johnstone D1-1 no comments either way i could see
5/1 Rangers D3-3, Goal, assist, 2 errors, 1 lead to goal. Got panned and lots of love for the goal as well.

So in those 10 and a half games, in FIVE and a half of them the consensus is he's done well, sometimes very well. Credit to easty and some others for recognising that on this thread at the time. In THREE of those games he's had no particular flowers or pitchforks aimed at him, an away point and two defeats. And in TWO of those games, Hearts and Rangers, which we got 4 points from, he's clearly made some bad mistakes, has been panned by some, and some folk have made some mitigation for those mistakes.

Decent balanced post, however does overlook the fact we changed to a 352 formation following the result up at Dens park. This IMO has been the biggest factor in our recent uptick in form, not the inclusion of Bushiri over say an Ekpiteta.

[hibsbollah]

There’s been numerous posts alluding to it. CapitalGreen has just pointed one out. There’s been plenty others with people talking about how you just have to look at the run we’re on, we were relegation candidates until he came into the team etc.

Nobody has outright said it, but it’s absolutely been alluded to.

Not really. Ive just clarified why and Ribs has confirmed it. Everybody knows its a team game and it’d be mad to say one player is ever solely responsible for everything. Thats actually the problem with this place, whether it’s analyzing the manager, Joe, Rocky, the keeper, Youan, Campbell, whoever.

Its far more accurate to say the ‘allusion’ on here is that Rocky is ALWAYS making the same mistakes, which i definitely HAVE read on here. My summary of the last ten and a half games since hes been back was supposed to be objectively looking at how hes been rated, game by game, so we can have an informed think about it.

[SickBoy32]

Exactly. A lot of the talk with Rocky is about him just needing to cut out the mistakes. But three years in, he doesn’t look any closer to cutting out the mistakes.

We’re going to have limited space in that area of the pitch to make changes going in to next year. If we renew Rocky we’ll not be giving ourselves anywhere to go and will be looking at going in to next season with the same options. We can’t be doing that. Whatever the shape, whatever the personnel, we have been and still are poor defensively. Same applies to Miller for me.

Nail on head. Neither Bushiri or Miller should be getting extended. Caveat that unless they show us for the remainder of the season that they truly are improving and cutting out the very basic mistakes.

[hibsbollah]

Decent balanced post, however does overlook the fact we changed to a 352 formation following the result up at Dens park. This IMO has been the biggest factor in our recent uptick in form, not the inclusion of Bushiri over say an Ekpiteta.

I agree with that. I’d also say the post- Dundee clear the air talk, that Iredale alluded to and which Newell was apparently leading, might have had something to do with the new spirit we’re seeing evidence of.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Not really. Ive just clarified why and Ribs has confirmed it. Everybody knows its a team game and it’d be mad to say one player is ever solely responsible for everything. Thats actually the problem with this place, whether it’s analyzing the manager, Joe, Rocky, the keeper, Youan, Campbell, whoever.

Its far more accurate to say the ‘allusion’ on here is that Rocky is ALWAYS making the same mistakes, which i definitely HAVE read on here. My summary of the last ten and a half games since hes been back was supposed to be objectively looking at how hes been rated, game by game, so we can have an informed think about it.

It’s not just Ribs post. It’s a multitude of posts/posters. There is infinitely less posts praising the other players as heavily despite the fact the others aren’t on a run of costing us goals in 40% of the games. Likewise there’s very little reference to our change in shape in comparison to the posts about how Rocky has changed our fortunes.

Was it objective? You regularly referenced the positives when you pointed out he was “excellent according to some on here” etc. What was he according to the others? You also completely ignored two huge mistakes in 2 of the 10 games that lead to goals.

I’d suggest it wasn’t all that objective, it was simply your view on things backed up with a cherry picked bunch of views that backed what you thought up.

[hibsbollah]

It’s not just Ribs post. It’s a multitude of posts/posters. There is infinitely less posts praising the other players as heavily despite the fact the others aren’t on a run of costing us goals in 40% of the games.

Was it objective? You regularly referenced the positives when you pointed out he was “excellent according to some on here” etc. What was he according to the others? You also completely ignored two huge mistakes that lead to goals.

I’d suggest it wasn’t all that objective, it was simply your view on things backed up with a cherry picked bunch of views that backed what you thought up.

Really? I think youre being a bit suspicious of my motives. If anything i tried to tone it down a bit, the love for Rocky on some of the threads was actually a bit sickly :greengrin

Anyway, ive already said this thread is just the same posters saying the same things, so i’ll bow out.

[Mcbizz1998]

This debate is baffling. The guy is absolutely rotten ffs 😂

[Jones28]

Every player can lay claim to being a huge part of this run.

Has Rocky been a bigger part than player of the month for the whole league, Nicky Cadden? Has he played a bigger part than Jack Iredale who has come into the team at the same time as him and has just quietly went about his business making nowhere near as many costly mistakes? Has he played a bigger part than the change in formation which everyone was calling for before we started this run? Bigger part than Youan who’s come into form? Boyle who’s been playing excellently? Gayle who’s grabbed some important goals? Smith who’s been a massive upgrade on Bursik?

None of these guys are getting the sort of plaudits Rocky is getting where some seem determined to allude to the idea that he’s almost done this single handedly.

They've all had threads started or dug out for them praising them, no?

Everyone deserves praise for what we've seen over the last 8 weeks or so.

[Viva_Palmeiras]

This debate is baffling. The guy is absolutely rotten ffs 😂

I didn’t realise there was one post to trump them all. Must have been what the world was waiting for before we close the thread?

[Paulie Walnuts]

They've all had threads started or dug out for them praising them, no?

Everyone deserves praise for what we've seen over the last 8 weeks or so.

They’ve had praise, however they’ve had a hell of a lot less of it (especially considering they’ve all had nowhere near as many howlers as Rocky has) and it pretty much never has people referring to the upturn in form and their inclusion in the team in the same way that Rocky has mentioned for him so frequently. For example, I’ve never seen anyone claim that you just need to look at our upturn in form to see how good Iredale has been. I’ve seen lots of posts of that kind for Rocky though, hence why I’d suggest his part in this run is being massively overplayed.

[Since452]

This debate is baffling. The guy is absolutely rotten ffs 😂

Thank goodness we had that rotten player to rescue points against the Sheep and Rangers.

[Jones28]

They’ve had praise, however they’ve had a hell of a lot less of it (especially considering they’ve all had nowhere near as many howlers as Rocky has) and it pretty much never has people referring to the upturn in form and their inclusion in the team in the same way that Rocky has mentioned for him so frequently. For example, I’ve never seen anyone claim that you just need to look at our upturn in form to see how good Iredale has been. I’ve seen lots of posts of that kind for Rocky though, hence why I’d suggest his part in this run is being massively overplayed.

Probably because they've been a lot more steady than Rocky and are still contracted for next season, hence there's less conversation on them.

This is a thread dedicated to one player, so why shouldn't the conversation be heavily weighted to that player?

Anyway, I've probably said enough on Rocky. No need for me to keep spouting on about it.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Probably because they've been a lot more steady than Rocky and are still contracted for next season, hence there's less conversation on them.

This is a thread dedicated to one player, so why shouldn't the conversation be heavily weighted to that player?

Anyway, I've probably said enough on Rocky. No need for me to keep spouting on about it.

That’s fair. I do still think even on the respective threads for each player though, that there is regularly over the top suggestions as to the impact he’s had. You don’t make goal-costing mistakes in 40% of your matches, along with other mistakes that have went unpunished and see the defensive record get worse if you’ve been as good as Rocky has been claimed to be by some imo. That’s where it becomes completely overplayed imo.

[erin go bragh]

Thank goodness we had that rotten player to rescue points against the Sheep and Rangers.

Exactly. It was Rocky's injury time leveller that kick started our season.

[Mcbizz1998]

I didn’t realise there was one post to trump them all. Must have been what the world was waiting for before we close the thread?

Eeeh. Not what I said was it. Just that I’m baffled as to why anyone would think he’s a good defender at this level.

No suggestion from me to close thread. Crack on 👍

[Mango Man]

Fair enough that Rocky has his clangers, but I think the Pros outweigh the cons, he brings passion, character and fight, I thought our defence was terrible with O'Hora and Ekpiteta earlier in the season. I'm interested to see Rocky, Ekpiteta and Iredale together though.

[Frazerbob]

HIBS STAR REJECTS PRE CONTRACT OFFER 🚨🚨

Hibernian star Rocky Bushiri has REJECTED a pre-contract offer from league rivals Aberdeen.

He is fully focused on David Grays project and is willing to stay.

https://x.com/mccleanduncan1/status/1877341134923391047?s=46&t=i7Z0ApEypHL71CepyIjhAg

[RIP]

His assist and header won us a point against the team second in the league. His goal at Easter Road a few weeks earlier won us a point against the team who were third at that point.
How many points has he lost us this season?
We have been a more successful team with him in it.
Gray wants players who will run through brick walls. Who leave it all on the pitch.
SDG sees leadership qualities in Bushiri.
The players love him. Block 7 and our away fans love him.
Fans on Sunday were singing his name.
He's going to be here as long as our Head Coach wants him. In Gray I trust.

[matty_f]

:agree:

The idea that the improvement in our form is mostly down to Rocky (yet our defensive record has got worse) since he came into the team is miles off it. Of course he can lay claim to being one part of that, but as you say, our improvement has also coincided with smith coming into the team, Boyle being excellent, Youan hitting form, Iredale also coming into the team at the same time as Rocky and doing well and Nicky Cadden coming into the team and being the best player in the league over the period we’ve kicked in. We’ve also completely changed shape.

If Rocky stays then there’s not a lot of spaces remaining in the squad for improving what has been a really poor defensive record over the last two seasons, a record that Rocky has been more of a part of than any of the other 3 contracted centre half’s. That’s a massive concern.

I agree andI don't think you can really look at results when a player is in our out of the team in isolation and learn anything, you're right that all those other factors impact things but are completely invisible if you just look at results when player x is in the team versus when player x isn't.

By the same token, it's too basic to link the worsening defensive record to a single player as well, particularly when you can see several other changes that potentially leave the team more susceptible to conceding.

[matty_f]

His assist and header won us a point against the team second in the league. His goal at Easter Road a few weeks earlier won us a point against the team who were third at that point.
How many points has he lost us this season?
We have been a more successful team with him in it.
Gray wants players who will run through brick walls. Who leave it all on the pitch.
SDG sees leadership qualities in Bushiri.
The players love him. Block 7 and our away fans love him.
Fans on Sunday were singing his name.
He's going to be here as long as our Head Coach wants him. In Gray I trust.

It's been fine margins though, the slip in the derby and the mistake at the end of the Rangers game could and arguably should have resulted in goals against. I'm delighted they never and wouldn't want to downplay Rocky's contribution in those games where he's been largely very good - but if you ignore the near misses you set yourself up for a fall later because they'll get punished at some point - as we've seen in other games with other players already this season, and with Rocky himself.

The conversation around Rocky could have been very different had Shankland and Igamane taken their late chances on those games. They didn't and it's not, and that's a good thing - but it was luck as much as anything that's kept him in the good books.

I'm a big fan of Rocky, by the way, I just think it's not a strong argument to just look at how many points he's cost us, when we should really ask how many he could have cost us.

[Cooshed Kid]

It's been fine margins though, the slip in the derby and the mistake at the end of the Rangers game could and arguably should have resulted in goals against. I'm delighted they never and wouldn't want to downplay Rocky's contribution in those games where he's been largely very good - but if you ignore the near misses you set yourself up for a fall later because they'll get punished at some point - as we've seen Inn other games with other players already this season, and with Rocky himself.

The conversation around Rocky could have been very different had Shankland and Igamane taken their late chances on those games. They didn't and it's not, and that's a good thing - but it was luck as much as anything that's kept him in the good books.

I'm a big fan of Rocky, by the way, I just think it's not a strong argument to just look at how many points he's cost us, when we should really ask how many he could have cost us.

Yes, fine margins and just now SDG thinks there's sufficient balance on Rocky's side to keep him in the team. Only SDG knows precisely which of Rocky's positive qualities he values the most. We all know what's on the debit side of the balance.

Paulie is absolutely right that the likes of Nicky Cadden, Smith and Iredale have all contributed massively to our change in fortunes. It hasn't been and could never be a one man show. I'll happily sing their praises. This is a Hibs' team showing far more passion - constructively - than I thought them capable of. Rocky plays a big part in that but he's not the only one.

His mistakes need to be eradicated or significantly reduced. Perhaps moving to the right of the 3 when Ekpiteta returns would give him more clarity about his role and whom he should be marking. Perhaps he should be moved forward to defensive midfield? Anyway, we'll see what SDG and the club thinks as to renewal. Interesting times ahead.

[BILLYHIBS]

Gonna be a tough decision for SDG who to retain who to let go we definitely need better quality and strength in depth happy to leave it to him

[Hibrandenburg]

Does the same apply to the goalie then? Bursik dropped out and we’ve been a lot better. Nae need to sign a new goalie or replace Rocky now?

Signing a new defender and keeping Rocky aren't mutually exclusive, we're discussing if we should keep or bin him.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Signing a new defender and keeping Rocky aren't mutually exclusive, we're discussing if we should keep or bin him.

We don’t really run with more than 4 senior centre halfs, so it kind of is. If Rocky signs then history would tell us we’re unlikely to sign another senior centre half, unless we move on one of the guys who has a contract already for next year.

Last season we had Rocky, Fish, Hanlon and Harbottle. The season prior we had Porteous (left in January, replaced by Egan Riley), Fish, Rocky and Hanlon. Season before that we had Porteous, Hanlon, McGregor and Wood (left in January, replaced by Rocky). Season before that we ran with just Porteous, Hanlon and McGregor.

If Rocky does sign then that gives us our 4 contracted senior centre half’s for next season. History would suggest it’s unlikely there’ll be a 5th. Considering our defensive record that would be a terrible decision.

[Hibrandenburg]

We don’t really run with more than 4 senior centre halfs, so it kind of is. If Rocky signs then history would tell us we’re unlikely to sign another senior centre half, unless we move on one of the guys who has a contract already for next year.

Last season we had Rocky, Fish, Hanlon and Harbottle. The season prior we had Porteous (left in January, replaced by Egan Riley), Fish, Rocky and Hanlon. Season before that we had Porteous, Hanlon, McGregor and Wood (left in January, replaced by Rocky). Season before that we ran with just Porteous, Hanlon and McGregor.

If Rocky does sign then that gives us our 4 contracted senior centre half’s for next season. History would suggest it’s unlikely there’ll be a 5th. Considering our defensive record that would be a terrible decision.

Defence is only one part of football, I'll concentrate on results and they've been good recently and long may that continue.

I'm not looking to change your mind so I'll leave it there.

[Ribs1875]

Results have been positive lately, Rocky, Iredale, Cadden and Smith have contributed well since coming in. Long may it continue.

[Stokesy's on fire]

HIBS STAR REJECTS PRE CONTRACT OFFER 🚨🚨

Hibernian star Rocky Bushiri has REJECTED a pre-contract offer from league rivals Aberdeen.

He is fully focused on David Grays project and is willing to stay.

https://x.com/mccleanduncan1/status/1877341134923391047?s=46&t=i7Z0ApEypHL71CepyIjhAg

Good on him i wonder if we will offer him a new deal soon.

[Speedy]

We don’t really run with more than 4 senior centre halfs, so it kind of is. If Rocky signs then history would tell us we’re unlikely to sign another senior centre half, unless we move on one of the guys who has a contract already for next year.

Last season we had Rocky, Fish, Hanlon and Harbottle. The season prior we had Porteous (left in January, replaced by Egan Riley), Fish, Rocky and Hanlon. Season before that we had Porteous, Hanlon, McGregor and Wood (left in January, replaced by Rocky). Season before that we ran with just Porteous, Hanlon and McGregor.

If Rocky does sign then that gives us our 4 contracted senior centre half’s for next season. History would suggest it’s unlikely there’ll be a 5th. Considering our defensive record that would be a terrible decision.

Perhaps not what you'd describe as a senior centre back but we do tend to have a 5th option. Last season Triantis featured as centre back. Season before we had Devlin for the 2nd half. And year before we had McGinn playing as right centre back in a 3.

If a back 3/5 is the default formation then there's more likelihood of 5th senior centre half coming in.

[Albert Kidd 86’]

Eeeh. Not what I said was it. Just that I’m baffled as to why anyone would think he’s a good defender at this level.

No suggestion from me to close thread. Crack on ��

so, are you saying that 75% of the support voting on Rocky to stay in the forum pole are wrong?

[Ship of Hope]

I will be delighted if Rocky signs a new contract. He is improving all the time and as others have said gives 100%. Defending high balls is definitely not his superpower but he has other positive attributes.

I think it is also harsh to always single out a player that makes a mistake for the sole blame for a goal being scored. In the hun game there was a lot of football to be played after Rockys poor clearance, indeed both Iredale and triantis both had opportunities to get close to the goalscorer but left him free in the box. That does not fit the narrative though as both these players are being praised at the moment.

The same could be said about NMW error which imo opinion was also compounded by further poor play afterwards. It is a team game and the important thing is the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It is SDG job to complete the jigsaw and the players he picks will always get my full support.

To call players rotten or say they are single handedly responsible for 40% of goals against when in the team is nonsense imo.

[Paul1642]

Credit will rightly go to Boyle and Triantis today but Rocky was solid again today and made a few important interceptions at 0-0.

[Albert Kidd 86’]

Rocky ran the defence today, future captain.

[Dashing Bob S]

I wish people would simply look at the results and performances before and after his reinstatement in the team. There’s no case to answer.

[Donegal Hibby]

Absolutely bossed that today . Good player . Come on Hibs … new contract please :greengrin

[Fergos]

Absolutely bossed that today . Good player . Come on Hibs … new contract please :greengrin

Agreed. Faultless today, he was excellent 🇳🇬

[Heisenberg]

Good performance today

[hibee_girl]

Credit will rightly go to Boyle and Triantis today but Rocky was solid again today and made a few important interceptions at 0-0.

Said the same at the game, Triantis rightly got MOTM but Rocky was solid today.

[blackpoolhibs]

Rocky was very good, cleared when needed and kept it moving when in possesion. :top marks

[Trinity Hibee]

Rocky was superb. As was iredale and o’hora

[NorthNorfolkHFC]

Start to finish - domination.

Icing on cake would have been if he’d ran the length and been played in by Boyle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[ekhibee]

I thought Rocky was excellent today. He has his moments during a lot of games, but today I thought he played really well, no nonsense.

[Since452]

Colossus. Not for the first time.

[Pedantic_Hibee]

Imperious.

[Mcbizz1998]

He did really well today. I’ve been very vocal about him not being good enough but no complaints from me.

Play like that every week and he can stay as long as he likes

[Donegal Hibby]

He did really well today. I’ve been very vocal about him not being good enough but no complaints from me.

Play like that every week and he can stay as long as he likes

No player we have maintains a level of consistency like that every week but what you hope for is that the good games outweigh the bad and since coming back in to the team I think he has shown they do even though he will make an odd mistake here and there :greengrin

[Since452]

Aberdeen were going 28 points above Hibs before his equaliser against them. Mental.

[Hibrandenburg]

I wish people would simply look at the results and performances before and after his reinstatement in the team. There’s no case to answer.

There is if your a moaning faced ******* and only follow Hibs so you can bump your gums.

[ChicoM1875]

I like how there were a couple of times when he was the last man and he didn't let the high ball over the top bounce today. Learned from the The Rangers game.

[Mcbizz1998]

No player we have maintains a level of consistency like that every week but what you hope for is that the good games outweigh the bad and since coming back in to the team I think he has shown they do even though he will make an odd mistake here and there :greengrin

Of course but his mistakes costing us goals is never acceptable. Especially when it’s happening week after week. He needs to cut out these mistakes as when he does, he has games like today. The frustrating thing about him is most of his mistakes are easily fixed and should be able to be coached out of him.

Maybe Gray can do that and we can get performances like today more often. I like the guy, loved his run to try to get on end of Boyles pass, and I would love to be proven wrong about him.

More of today please big man!

[WhileTheChief..]

He did really well today. I’ve been very vocal about him not being good enough but no complaints from me.

Play like that every week and he can stay as long as he likes

Yup. Nobody is suggesting he needs to be flawless.

I don't buy into the chat that the only players we can sign will be prone to making costly mistakes regularly. We've had plenty of players where that's not the case.

If he can maintain the consistency shown by the likes of Gray, McGregor, Hanlon, or Stevenson, for example, that'll do for me.

[hibsbollah]

I feel like this thread has been the same people either supporting or criticising the idea of a contract extension for him, and has become a bit repetitive.

I just wanted to summarise what has happened since he came back into the team. I've had a wee scroll through this thread and the match reports. Its been only 10 games since he came in. Lots of ups and downs, I think we'd all agree. I'll try to keep it as objective as possible.

9/11 St Mirren- L 2-1, came on at H/T replacing a struggling O'Hora, kept a clean sheet thereafter
23/11 Dundee L 4-1, part of a shocking defence after Obitas early dismissal and Bursik disaster but most of the criticism directed at other players. Still part of that defence of course!
26/11 Aberdeen 3-3, Goal, block, MOTM performance according to some on here.
30/11 Motherwell W3-0, Outstanding according to some on here.
7/12 Celtic L3-0, no particular negative comments, apart from obviously part of a defence that concedes 3 never good obvs.
14/12 Ross County W3-1, "Very good according to some on here.
21/12 Aberdeen W3-1, "very good game"
26/12 Hearts W2-1, Own goal, lot of debate if the deflection mitigated the criticism of him, two good blocks, further mistake leading to Shankland chance.
29/12 Killie W1-0, Good block "solid, new contract please"
2/1 St Johnstone D1-1 no comments either way i could see
5/1 Rangers D3-3, Goal, assist, 2 errors, 1 lead to goal. Got panned and lots of love for the goal as well.

So in those 10 and a half games, in FIVE and a half of them the consensus is he's done well, sometimes very well. Credit to easty and some others for recognising that on this thread at the time. In THREE of those games he's had no particular flowers or pitchforks aimed at him, an away point and two defeats. And in TWO of those games, Hearts and Rangers, which we got 4 points from, he's clearly made some bad mistakes, has been panned by some, and some folk have made some mitigation for those mistakes.

So now iin the 11 and a half games since he came back into the team, in SIX and a HALF of them the overwhelming consensus is he's done well, sometimes very well. The highlights and the match threads tend to back this up.

Looking back at some highlights, i still think the St Johnstone penalty award was very harsh, and when he lost the ball for the final goal late in the 4-1 Dundee ****show the opponents still had a fair bit to do, but I accept a statistician would have them as an error so fair dos. So thats around a third of games he’s had an ‘error’ in. It’d be interesting to look at other players for different teams (O Donnell today comes to mind) and see how they did over the same period, both in terms of positive and negative impact.

[davemcbain]

I hope the highlights tonight show about 5 minutes into the game, Motherwell player broke down their left. Rocky was in the middle and looked a huge second best to reach the ball/player - at least 15 yards further out than the attacking player. He outsprinted the guy, and put out for a throw. Just a single incident, but shows what he can and does bring to the team.

I accept he might have the occassional clanger, but also accept there are some on here who will never rate him for whatever reason, no matter how good he plays. For me, the difference in the last 10 games is Rocky coming back into the team - he inspires those around him and I suspect Marv will struggle to displace him for the jersey. Chuck your pelters folks but I rate the guy.

[B.H.F.C]

I really, really wish Boyle hadn’t got taken out so we could have seen what would happen if Rocky was going through one on one.

[Bobby's Cinema]

I really, really wish Boyle hadn’t got taken out so we could have seen what would happen if Rocky was going through one on one.
Gutted we never got to see that!! He seemed to be bursting through a line of about 6 Motherwell bodies. Kind of sums of the confidence and belief right now, hope he is feeling the love the roof would have blown off the place if he'd got on the end of that.

[Donegal Hibby]

Of course but his mistakes costing us goals is never acceptable. Especially when it’s happening week after week. He needs to cut out these mistakes as when he does, he has games like today. The frustrating thing about him is most of his mistakes are easily fixed and should be able to be coached out of him.

Maybe Gray can do that and we can get performances like today more often. I like the guy, loved his run to try to get on end of Boyles pass, and I would love to be proven wrong about him.

More of today please big man!

It hasn’t been happening every week though but if it has I’d still rather play him considering since he came back into the team our record is quite impressive. Also started it too…..👍

………..……Hibs 3 v 3 Aberdeen.
…..Motherwell 0 v 3 Hibs .
……….….Celtic 3 v 0 Hibs .
………….…Hibs 3 v 1 Ross County.
…...Aberdeen 1 v 3 Hibs .
……….….Hertz 1 v 2 Hibs .
………….…Hibs 1 v 0 Killie .
St Johnstone 1 v 1 Hibs .
…………….Hibs 3 v 3 sevco .
…………….Hibs 3 v 1 Motherwell .

[Hibs Go Bragh]

I really, really wish Boyle hadn’t got taken out so we could have seen what would happen if Rocky was going through one on one.

His run was absolutely epic! Think he overtook every player on the pitch 😂
It deserved a shot at goal and the place would have went mental if it went in.

[Carheenlea]

His run was absolutely epic! Think he overtook every player on the pitch 😂
It deserved a shot at goal and the place would have went mental if it went in.

To do that in the last minute of a game just goes to demonstrate his impressive fitness and athleticism.

Another excellent showing from Rocky today and his stats from today must make for some good reading.

[Booked4Being-Ugly]

I’m not gonna lie, I love the big guy. He’s got the passion and desire that I want to see in a Hibs shirt. Something we don’t see too often and it’s infectious.

[Ribs1875]

And then he said to me "**** H-M-F-C!"

[EdinMike]

I’m not gonna lie, I love the big guy. He’s got the passion and desire that I want to see in a Hibs shirt. Something we don’t see too often and it’s infectious.

That’s what gets me with him, the old cliche of “He gets it”

But I truly think he does. I’ll be gutted if he goes.

[greenlex]

Just noticed at the third goal celebrations yesterday he ran the length of the park picked up one of the spare balls off it’s howf and threw it to some fans. It’s a good job Petries not still here or it would be coming out his wages.

[Mcbizz1998]

And then he said to me "**** H-M-F-C!"

What the words to this song? I can only ever make out the **** HMFC bit.

[hibsbollah]

If you look through the games he’s played since he came back into the team, not only is he winning games with goals at the other end, and being outstanding in the majority of games, he also makes less errors too- so the standard take that hes mostly good but ‘always still has a mistake in him’ is just nonsense. ALL players are capable of mistakes sometimes, its not in doubt now that Bushiri makes less mistakes than most centre backs in our league, and has for quite a long time now.

[blackpoolhibs]

If you look through the games he’s played since he came back into the team, not only is he winning games with goals at the other end, and being outstanding in the majority of games, he also makes less errors too- so the standard take that hes mostly good but ‘always still has a mistake in him’ is just nonsense. ALL players are capable of mistakes sometimes, its not in doubt now that Bushiri makes less mistakes than most centre backs in our league, and has for quite a long time now.

I disagree, he did have a mistake in him, but clearly he's learnt or been told to take no chances now and just clear the ball when in a bit of trouble.

Since that, he's been superb and guess what, the criticism has stopped?

[neil7908]

If you look through the games he’s played since he came back into the team, not only is he winning games with goals at the other end, and being outstanding in the majority of games, he also makes less errors too- so the standard take that hes mostly good but ‘always still has a mistake in him’ is just nonsense. ALL players are capable of mistakes sometimes, its not in doubt now that Bushiri makes less mistakes than most centre backs in our league, and has for quite a long time now.

The change to 3 at the back has been a bug help to him as well. It's benefited the whole team but I think he looks a bit more assured with that extra man next to him. It also means if he does make an error we've got more cover.

[hibsbollah]

The change to 3 at the back has been a bug help to him as well. It's benefited the whole team but I think he looks a bit more assured with that extra man next to him. It also means if he does make an error we've got more cover.

Iredale, very underrated on the other side of him a big factor too. And the keeper.

[zitelli62]

If rocky didn't make a mistake he would not be at hibs and let's be truthful what centre half dosnt make a mistake but if rocky does its highlighted by the press and they turn against him and hibs which makes it all the sweeter when he score's rock on rocky.

[Stevie Reid]

If you look through the games he’s played since he came back into the team, not only is he winning games with goals at the other end, and being outstanding in the majority of games, he also makes less errors too- so the standard take that hes mostly good but ‘always still has a mistake in him’ is just nonsense. ALL players are capable of mistakes sometimes, its not in doubt now that Bushiri makes less mistakes than most centre backs in our league, and has for quite a long time now.

The Rangers game was about four weeks ago, and the Hearts game about ten days before that. He made several major errors across those two games.

There’s a lot I like about Rocky and he does seem to be improving - but he had a reputation for a reason.

[hibsbollah]

The Rangers game was about four weeks ago, and the Hearts game about ten days before that. He made several major errors across those two games.

There’s a lot I like about Rocky and he does seem to be improving - but he had a reputation for a reason.

I think we all know when the errors happened by now. Theyve been covered in great detail. The question is, analyse if goal-causing’errors’ happen more with him than other clubs’ defenders. Ive watched Halkett, internationalist and adored can-do-no-wrong, make more than Rocky this season. And plenty others.

We just can’t continue with this stupid analysis that when a player makes a mistake ‘he has that mistake in him’.

[Stevie Reid]

I think we all know when the errors happened by now. Theyve been covered in great detail. The question is, analyse if goal-causing’errors’ happen more with him than other clubs’ defenders. Ive watched Halkett, internationalist and adored can-do-no-wrong, make more than Rocky this season. And plenty others.

We just can’t continue with this stupid analysis that when a player makes a mistake ‘he has that mistake in him’.

Not really sure where to start with this tbh. He made the same mistake of letting the ball bounce twice in the Rangers game. One led to a goal, the other one should have. The Hearts game he panicked and slashed an innocuous ball into the net.

None of those were untypical, hence why there has been much debate about whether we should keep him - and indeed why many after the Rangers game (myself included) had decided enough was enough.

The most important question is whether this very recent run of good form and looking assured will become his standard level of performance - and it’s still a very big question at this point in time, even though he’s made almost 100 appearances for us.

And as for describing Halkett as an adored can-do-no-wrong…

[hibsbollah]

Not really sure where to start with this tbh. He made the same mistake of letting the ball bounce twice in the Rangers game. One led to a goal, the other one should have. The Hearts game he panicked and slashed an innocuous ball into the net.

None of those were untypical, hence why there has been much debate about whether we should keep him - and indeed why many after the Rangers game (myself included) had decided enough was enough.

The most important question is whether this very recent run of good form and looking assured will become his standard level of performance - and it’s still a very big question at this point in time, even though he’s made almost 100 appearances for us.

And as for describing Halkett as an adored can-do-no-wrong…

If you ‘dont know where to start with this’, start by answering the central question i put-does Rocky actually have more of a mistake in him than other players playing in his position (or other positions, it’s all relevant). I don’t think he does. Just by repeating the mistakes we have already established everyone is familiar with, and covered already, doesnt answer that question. All players at some time ‘allow the ball to bounce’, i saw players tonight do it on multiple occasions. I saw Virgil Van Dyke do it last night. Is that atypical? It doesn’t in itself make a case that you have a mistake in you. Every football player has a mistake in them. And almost all of them will demonstrate that more than once in 90 minutes.

FFS Boyle made 5 mistakes tonight at which point i stopped counting. Maybe he should get a thread.

[wookie70]

Rocky very good again tonight and another important goal. I'm changing my mind as he gets more and more consistent and I doubt we would replace him with better so we should look to extend his deal.

[Donegal Hibby]

I think we have to try everything possible to keep him . We would need to be extremely lucky to get a similar quality player on a free and if we don’t it’s going to cost a fair bit in a transfer fee to do so . Big player for us and exactly the type of character a club needs .

[The Harp Awakes]

I think we have to try everything possible to keep him . We would need to be extremely lucky to get a similar quality player on a free and if we don’t it’s going to cost a fair bit in a transfer fee to do so . Big player for us and exactly the type of character a club needs .

He's a class player who's prone to making mistakes. In the same mould as Efe Ambrose.

He looks to be enjoying himself and I can see him signing another contract.

[7Hero]

He's more than proved he has more positive contributions than negative.. it's who plays next time to him that is the question not whether he should play..

If only Sauzee was available...

[Donegal Hibby]

He's a class player who's prone to making mistakes. In the same mould as Efe Ambrose.

He looks to be enjoying himself and I can see him signing another contract.

I had described him once as being like Efe Ambrose in the way he used to drive forward with the ball , doesn’t seem to be doing that as much under Gray and looks a much more solid defender.

He does look like he’s enjoying himself , just hope you are right about him signing another contract.

[shetlandhibee]

Rocky very good again tonight and another important goal. I'm changing my mind as he gets more and more consistent and I doubt we would replace him with better so we should look to extend his deal. yup :agree::top marks

[Cooshed Kid]

I don't care about Rocky's past. It's the present and future that matter. He is a Lionheart who puts bums on seats and then makes them jump off them. With a massive annual loss, every little thing we can do to increase turnover and profit is essential. No owner will bail us out indefinitely. Rocky is the kind of player who makes fans want to go to games and with his physical bravery he will contribute as much as anyone to the on-field success we desperately need in order to achieve financial self-sustainability.

Rocky is the first name I'd put on the team sheet and I think he will one day be our club captain. He probably should be already. No one demonstrates better the qualities needed on the pitch.

[Albert Kidd 86’]

I don't care about Rocky's past. It's the present and future that matter. He is a Lionheart who puts bums on seats and then makes them jump off them. With a massive annual loss, every little thing we can do to increase turnover and profit is essential. No owner will bail us out indefinitely. Rocky is the kind of player who makes fans want to go to games and with his physical bravery he will contribute as much as anyone to the on-field success we desperately need in order to achieve financial self-sustainability.

Rocky is the first name I'd put on the team sheet and I think he will one day be our club captain. He probably should be already. No one demonstrates better the qualities needed on the pitch.

:thumbsup:

[Ribs1875]

Grays post match interview comments about Bushiri were spot on. Sat in the peripherals, frustrated, trained well and waited for an opportunity to demonstrate what he has to offer. For me he has done more than enough to justify being offered a contract. He would improve many other teams in the league. I doubt we would find a replacement to come in and perform to the level he has of late.

The last hibs player I can recall going from zero to hero was Alen Orman.

[hibsbollah]

Fast becoming one of my top five hibs players. EVER.

[Trinity Hibee]

Fast becoming one of my top five hibs players. EVER.

Steady on

[Pretty Boy]

Another fine performance from him today.

Even when he makes a mistake he is rectifying it himself right now, the hallmark of someone who's confidence is sky high.

[hibsbollah]

Steady on

Personality. Charisma. Determination. Also humble. Team player.
So much going for him. Also in favour of the improved hairdo.

[Since452]

Steady on

Yup bit of an OTT comment that. Top 10 😉

[cubehindthegoal]

Personality. Charisma. Determination. Also humble. Team player.
So much going for him. Also in favour of the improved hairdo.

😁 right now I’m so happy after that win that I’ll put him up there too !

Tomorrow though, I’ll wake up and remember Sauzee, Latapy, Bremner, O’Rourke, Stanton, Brownlie … etc …

I know you’re kidding, but for the now, rock on Rocky. Brilliant today, massive heart 💚

[richard_pitts]

Much better in a back 3/5 rather than a 4. Every good side has a player who might not be technically the best but makes up for it with determination, spirit and guts. Rocky is that for us. Outstanding today, although pretty much everyone gets a 10 today.