Rock on Rocky

[Donegal Hibby]

My MotM tonight , thought he was absolutely outstanding tonight and a goal to top it all off

Whatever folk think of the guy he gives his all and seems to have great character …

Absolutely delighted for the big man :applause:

[Bostonhibby]

Agree with that, clearly gave a damn, some great blocking tackles and that goal[emoji16]

Well done big man.

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[Vault Boy]

Took one square in the nuts and scored a last-minute equaliser. Highs and lows for the fella.

[HarpOnHibee]

Really put his baws on the line for the team tonight, both figuratively and literally.

[hibee_girl]

He was excellent tonight. Really threw himself into everything.

[Centre Hawf]

Well done Rocky, despite your moment for Dundee's 4th I think you've looked good these last two games overall.

Hope you enjoyed that moment and kick on because we'll need you.

[Exuberance1875]

No one deserves it more

[Tambo]

Rocky seems like he cares.

[McGruber]

Love the big man. All heart and not just because of the goal but he'd no worse than the new signings playing infront of him.

[Up-the-slope]

Took one square in the nuts and scored a last-minute equaliser. Highs and lows for the fella.

If that what works can we not work that into the pre-match warm up routine :dunno:

[worcesterhibby]

Love the big guy

[GreenNWhiteArmy]

Huge respect to the big man. He's faced a fair bit of adversity himself since joining us.

You could see how much he cares. Good egg

[Viva_Palmeiras]

The boy is a dude


https://youtu.be/sCwj7BX63yI?si=9PK4Cd8hj4PjVhDG

[EdinMike]

Between him and Nicky tonight 👌 top guys !

[NorthNorfolkHFC]

Nicky C, Rocky, Youann and Iredale fought this evening.

They never hid the whole game.


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[CL0762]

Big man was absolutely outstanding tonight & im made up for him that he got the equaliser.

[GreenCastle]

Love the big guy - far from perfect but his passion and commitment is a breath of fresh air. Back in team and one of favourite players.

Buzzing he helped set up and score equaliser too.

He should be a happy man tonight - long may it continue.

[gbhibby]

Better defender than the two we bought in the summer.

[Albahibs]

My MotM tonight , thought he was absolutely outstanding tonight and a goal to top it all off

Whatever folk think of the guy he gives his all and seems to have great character …

Absolutely delighted for the big man :applause:

:top marks

Outstanding is the word for the big man. Has a heart of a lion. To get up the pitch and score a leveller was simply Rocky all over. A gladiator tonight.

[SaulGoodman]

Should be captain?..

[BILLYHIBS]

Told you all

Wouldn’t sell him for 10m :greengrin

Made up for the Big Man his first goal for Hibernian FC

[JJP]

Well done Rocky! Really battled for that point tonight.

[hibsbollah]

Rock star.

[essexhibee]

Just seen the highlights his hold up play initially was really impressive!

[wookie70]

Nicky C, Rocky, Youann and Iredale fought this evening.

They never hid the whole game.


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Good shout with Iredale. I wonder if we played Obita where Cadeen was and then play Cadden as a number ten if that would work. Rocky was good tonight and was a very popular scorer. I'd add Miller to your list. He was up and down the wing and not too much came down our right, also won the free kick for Cadden's goal

[Ribs1875]

I've always thought there is a player in there. He has the attributes and physical ability to be a solid defender. He is erratic at times, especially when the ball is put over the top or in the air. I think what he needs is good players around him. He's proven in the past before he got injured that he can be useful. Glad he put in a good performance tonight.

[overdrive]

I think playing as a sweeper in a three suits him. His biggest weakness, other than the odd brain fart, is in the air. He has more chance of someone covering for him in that position;

I thought he was great tonight.

[Pretty Boy]

No one deserved a goal more.

He leads from the front. I'd honestly make him captain. He stepped in to the Youan situation a few weeks back and stopped it turning really nasty. He fronted up in the press conference this week. He always speaks well and he gave his all tonight.

He wasn't perfect, far from it. He puts it all on the line though and takes responsibility and that's all you can really ask for.

A genuinely great big guy. I'd love him to kick on here but if he doesn't he is one who would go with me wishing nothing but the best for him.

[JohnM1875]

Played well but a defender is never getting MOTM if you lose three goals. The big man put in some shift though.

Difficult one now, cause I think Ekpiteta is definitely better than O'Hora but can't see Gray dropping him.

[Jones28]

A colossus tonight.

I don’t think I’ve ever been happier for a Hibs player to score.

[wookie70]

Played well but a defender is never getting MOTM if you lose three goals. The big man put in some shift though.

Difficult one now, cause I think Ekpiteta is definitely better than O'Hora but can't see Gray dropping him.

I'd drop O'Hora for Ekpiteta. In games I see O'Hora just doesn't seem to do as much defending as I would expect. That suggests to me he isn't in the areas he needs to be. I could see that if he was sweeping but he is normally in a two and big Marv seems to do twice the defending. Rocky deserves to keep his place and I would have Marv back beside him when he is fit with Iredale on the left. O'Hora hasn't impressed me at all

[JohnM1875]

I'd drop O'Hora for Ekpiteta. In games I see O'Hora just doesn't seem to do as much defending as I would expect. That suggests to me he isn't in the areas he needs to be. I could see that if he was sweeping but he is normally in a two and big Marv seems to do twice the defending. Rocky deserves to keep his place and I would have Marv back beside him when he is fit with Iredale on the left. O'Hora hasn't impressed me at all

Agree and I'd do the same. Just don't think Gray will.

[Unseen work]

I'd drop O'Hora for Ekpiteta. In games I see O'Hora just doesn't seem to do as much defending as I would expect. That suggests to me he isn't in the areas he needs to be. I could see that if he was sweeping but he is normally in a two and big Marv seems to do twice the defending. Rocky deserves to keep his place and I would have Marv back beside him when he is fit with Iredale on the left. O'Hora hasn't impressed me at all

I’d agree with this re O’Hora.

Ekpiteta seems to do a ton of defending whether it’s interceptions, tackles or heading.

I never notice O’Hora doing much, a stat going about from Hibs TV is that prior to tonight he had made 5 tackles in 13 games. That is shambolic.

Rocky seems a lot more involved defensively in games by winning duals, although has more of a mistake in him

[Carheenlea]

https://i.postimg.cc/6pF8Tm1v/IMG-0463.jpg (https://postimg.cc/jDQxFZTx)

[Cooshed Kid]

I couldn’t be happier for Rocky. It has always seemed to me that no one in the team cares more than he. What a time to get your first goal for the club and all due to his own persistence.

[tonyrougier123]

Such a likeable character with the correct attitude. And has stepped into team without zero rustiness. Really good to see. We will need that type of character to survive this season.

[lyonhibs]

Not good enough overall to be the long term solution at the heart of any defence with aspirations of finishing in the top 4, but had a great game last night.

Chuffed he got off the mark for us, he's come close on a few occasions before.

[Since452]

I love Rocky. Always have. Guy has the heart of a Lion. Give him the armband.

[H18 SFR]

I’d agree with this re O’Hora.

Ekpiteta seems to do a ton of defending whether it’s interceptions, tackles or heading.

I never notice O’Hora doing much, a stat going about from Hibs TV is that prior to tonight he had made 5 tackles in 13 games. That is shambolic.

Rocky seems a lot more involved defensively in games by winning duals, although has more of a mistake in him

I saw that stat as well. Reminded me of the full back we had under Hecky, Tom James was it? Either way, shocking stat for a player at the heart of a defence.

[blackpoolhibs]

https://i.postimg.cc/6pF8Tm1v/IMG-0463.jpg (https://postimg.cc/jDQxFZTx)

What a brilliant photograph. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::top marks:top marks:top marks

[Gatecrasher]

My MotM tonight , thought he was absolutely outstanding tonight and a goal to top it all off

Whatever folk think of the guy he gives his all and seems to have great character …

Absolutely delighted for the big man :applause:

I said similar in the match day thread, he gets a raw deal from folk but gives his all in every game. He's the type of character we need right now.

[Allant1981]

Had a good game, some of his clearances left a lot to be desired but actual defending was fine, him and Ekpiteta would be hard to get past, not great footballers but good defenders

[JimBHibees]

My MotM tonight , thought he was absolutely outstanding tonight and a goal to top it all off

Whatever folk think of the guy he gives his all and seems to have great character …

Absolutely delighted for the big man :applause:

Couldn't agree more loved it when he scored then gave his strip to young fan in ff lower after. Plays with his heart on his sleeve and wish more showed the same passion. :not worth

[JimBHibees]

https://i.postimg.cc/6pF8Tm1v/IMG-0463.jpg (https://postimg.cc/jDQxFZTx)

Fantastic photo. Look at his face :thumbsup:

[Tarrahib]

Should be captain?..
Said it before, he’s not our best player but he definitely leaves better players in the shade with his commitment to the team.A good leader.

[CentreLine]

Echo the comments of the OP. Absolute stuck on MOM

He and Nicky Cadden just seemed to get Hibs. Both outstanding. Very glad to see Iredale in at the back. He’s short of pace but the quality is obvious.

[The Modfather]

He’s put himself in contention for top scorer this season with his goal last night.

[Pedantic_Hibee]

I saw that stat as well. Reminded me of the full back we had under Hecky, Tom James was it? Either way, shocking stat for a player at the heart of a defence.

I wouldn’t read too much into it, if you look at the odds on Bet365 for a centre back in any team to have over 0.5 tackles they are quite high. Their definition is different to what we would class as a tackle.

[superfurryhibby]

Said to my laddie during the match that nothing would have pleased me more than Rocky scoring. Well done to the big fellae, I was delighted for him

[Hibernian Verse]

https://i.postimg.cc/6pF8Tm1v/IMG-0463.jpg (https://postimg.cc/jDQxFZTx)

Hang it in the Louvre

[Tyler Durden]

I wouldn’t read too much into it, if you look at the odds on Bet365 for a centre back in any team to have over 0.5 tackles they are quite high. Their definition is different to what we would class as a tackle.

Correct. A tackle is basically dispossessing an opponent - not something you'd expect a CB in a back 4 to do much of.

Full backs and centre midfield will do most of the tackling typically. CBs will be making blocks and interceptions and winning headers.

I think WOH made some good blocks last night. Playing in a 3 suits him much better IMO - we'd have another few wins on the board if we'd played 3-5-2 for last few months.

[Donegal Hibby]

https://i.postimg.cc/6pF8Tm1v/IMG-0463.jpg (https://postimg.cc/jDQxFZTx)

Brilliant photo :thumbsup::top marks

[Baader]

Led by example. Hats off to him

[hibsbollah]

No one deserved a goal more.

He leads from the front. I'd honestly make him captain. He stepped in to the Youan situation a few weeks back and stopped it turning really nasty. He fronted up in the press conference this week. He always speaks well and he gave his all tonight.

He wasn't perfect, far from it. He puts it all on the line though and takes responsibility and that's all you can really ask for.

A genuinely great big guy. I'd love him to kick on here but if he doesn't he is one who would go with me wishing nothing but the best for him.

I initially thought you were going a bit overboard with the captaincy chat but ive just caught his interview prior to the Aberdeen game on youtube and it was fantastic. Speaking in his second (?) language so well about personal responsibility, avoiding cliches, reflecting on the privilege of getting paid to play football, just fronting up in the wake of that dundee debacle, the man is a leader, someone you’d want next to you in a battle.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mh_vbcxhZIM&pp=ygUNcm9ja3kgYnVzaGlyaQ%3D%3D

[JimBHibees]

I initially thought you were going a bit overboard with the captaincy chat but ive just caught his interview prior to the Aberdeen game on youtube and it was fantastic. Speaking in his second (?) language so well about personal responsibility, avoiding cliches, reflecting on the privilege of getting paid to play football, just fronting up in the wake of that dundee debacle, the man is a leader, someone you’d want next to you in a battle.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mh_vbcxhZIM&pp=ygUNcm9ja3kgYnVzaGlyaQ%3D%3D

Yes that interview was very impressive intelligent and answering some tricky questions well

[hibsbollah]

Yes that interview was very impressive intelligent and answering some tricky questions well

Mclaughlin is clearly going for the jugular in his normal snide jambo way but Rocky deals with it really well.

[JimBHibees]

Mclaughlin is clearly going for the jugular in his normal snide jambo way but Rocky deals with it really well.

Yes typical rotund Brian. Wonder how his Hearts ones go and the comparison between the two

[GreenCastle]

Rocky is exactly what the fans and club need right now - let’s support him and hopefully his attitude can drive others on. The guy ain’t perfect but give me him over some other wage thieves.

[Paul1642]

It’s funny how fans opinion on Rocky seems to have taken a 180 turn during a period of him being mostly absent.

I’ve always liked him a lot despite his odd moment of madness and I genuinely think it was his fighting spirit that got us something from the Aberdeen game (obviously he got his goal but the fact he was in the box to score it says it all).

He was being made the scapegoat by some for last season failings very unfairly and I think it’s taken a period of not playing for fans to see that he wasn’t the issue. We’re going to need a lot of fight to get us through the next few weeks and I think Rocky is going to have a big part to play. Delighted to see him back in the starting 11.

[eastmainsmsh]

Think he is as good as Ekpiteta and O Hora if not better and had a raw deal this season

[BILLYHIBS]

Happy Birthday Rocky

25 today

[EVENTUALLY]

OUTSTANDING today.

[Unseen work]

Brilliant today, dominated his opponents and really good use of the ball under pressure

[ErinGoBraghHFC]

On yersel big fella what an absolute colossus of a man, we all dream of a team of Rocky Bushiri’s


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[hibsbollah]

Delighted for the big man.

[Since452]

Rocky's a good player. Delighted he's back in the team.

[Donegal Hibby]

Contract pleaasse :I'm waiti:

[Centre Hawf]

I love the big man eh. I'm sure the moment will come where we crash back down to earth but he's been brilliant these last two games, I actually thought he was decent at Dundee until the fourth goal as well.

[JohnM1875]

Was different class today. Improved in the air as well.

Something that really pisses me off is the opposition when near him. They have a habit of hitting the deck holding their head acting as if Rocky has thumped them. Its cheating and they're trying to get in the refs head.

Strolled it today. Absolutely strolled it.

[The Tubs]

Contract pleaasse :I'm waiti:

I'm starting to think that too. It could be like Doumbe in that he finally starts to be really consistent and the bolts. Let's see.

[ChuckNor]

Genuinely outstanding today. All round excellent performance. The result is basically all down to the defence today. To a man well drilled. Iredale looks a really solid defender. Obita and Marv may struggle to get back in.

[B.H.F.C]

Genuinely outstanding today. All round excellent performance. The result is basically all down to the defence today. To a man well drilled. Iredale looks a really solid defender. Obita and Marv may struggle to get back in.

To be fair, the three attacking players that scored made a decent contribution to the result!

Most solid we’ve looked defensively this season though.

[Ribs1875]

He has been like a new signing since coming back in. Long may it continue! It's nice to see him coming back in and replicating the same form which lead to LJ saying 'He was one I was probably happy to move on. Now I wouldn't let him go for £10 million.'

[Ribs1875]

Unsung hero since coming back in.

[JimBHibees]

Thought he should have won the header in their first attack didn't really compete for it

[Northernhibee]

Notable improvement as of late. Great to see.

[Since452]

First name on the team sheet at the moment

[BILLYHIBS]

Thought he should have won the header in their first attack didn't really compete for it

Maybe but still had a corner to defend and the defending was shambolic in fact the whole first half was shambolic was waiting on the halftime boos 😀

Rocky is fine

[Gmack7]

Thought he should have won the header in their first attack didn't really compete for it

He's clearly showing signs of improvement and definitely deserves his place but his heading ability is still poor for a CH

[JimBHibees]

Maybe but still had a corner to defend and the defending was shambolic in fact the whole first half was shambolic was waiting on the halftime boos 😀

Rocky is fine

Agree I like him and glad he is in however didn't really try to win the header.

[JimBHibees]

He's clearly showing signs of improvement and definitely deserves his place but his heading ability is still poor for a CH

It is

[BILLYHIBS]

Thought his headed clearances had improved but still nowhere near as good as Ekpiteta who is very good

Thought Rocky put in a couple of good blocks on Saturday but yes needs to put in more spring in his legs and neck muscles at headed clearances

Rocky won 3:4 aerial duels 2:2 ground duels

[Ribs1875]

Question is, the big guy is out of contract at the end of the season. Is he worth keeping on?

[WhileTheChief..]

Nothing against him, but I wouldn’t re-new his contract.

Same applies to the rest of the squad.

[B.H.F.C]

Question is, the big guy is out of contract at the end of the season. Is he worth keeping on?

Not for me. Gives his all but he’s not a good player.

I don’t think I’d renew anyone who is out of contract so doesn’t just apply to him.

[BILLYHIBS]

Question is, the big guy is out of contract at the end of the season. Is he worth keeping on?

Good question

Will be interesting to see if anyone comes in for him ?

I wouldn’t be in a hurry to resign him or any of them that are out of contract for that matter

In the BK’s we trust

[wookie70]

Question is, the big guy is out of contract at the end of the season. Is he worth keeping on?

He is still pretty young for a centre half. I can see quite a lot of qualities like pace, calm head, strong, brave, committed but he has some issues too. All about value to me. He has been a useful squad player this season and we have seen how hard it is to get central defenders(or any other positions for that matter). IF we look at the market and are taking a punt on someone that may end up worse for twice the money then I would rather see what it would take to make Rocky stay. Too many players in our squad who contribute nothing but Rocky is not one of those and arguably his only goal could have turned our season

[B.H.F.C]

He is still pretty young for a centre half. I can see quite a lot of qualities like pace, calm head, strong, brave, committed but he has some issues too. All about value to me. He has been a useful squad player this season and we have seen how hard it is to get central defenders(or any other positions for that matter). IF we look at the market and are taking a punt on someone that may end up worse for twice the money then I would rather see what it would take to make Rocky stay. Too many players in our squad who contribute nothing but Rocky is not one of those and arguably his only goal could have turned our season

With Ekpiteta, O’Hora and Iredale contracted beyond the end of the season, the only way we can arguably free up space for a centre half is but releasing Rocky.

We’re really weak in that area of the park for me, saw enough from Ekpiteta to think he can do a decent job for us (after a poor start obviously) but even then I’m not totally convinced. The other 3 range from poor to average (at a push) for me.

[Donegal Hibby]

Question is, the big guy is out of contract at the end of the season. Is he worth keeping on?

I think he has improved since he joined us and even at 25 I think he can improve further still . He’s got a mistake in him at times though I like his attitude and character. Personally I’d be all for keeping him if it can be done .

[The Modfather]

Not for me. Gives his all but he’s not a good player.

I don’t think I’d renew anyone who is out of contract so doesn’t just apply to him.

That’s where I am. Time to get ruthless and learn from the mistakes we made as recently as the summer and Newell’s extension.

There’s literally not a single player I would worry about if we lost or anyone to build the team around. There’s a sliding scale of who I would move on before others, but I would be open to offers for every single player if there’s any interest and move on all out of contract players in the summer, including Gayle & Hoillet.

Garvan Stewart has his work cut out addressing years of mismanagement.

[Gmack7]

With Ekpiteta, O’Hora and Iredale contracted beyond the end of the season, the only way we can arguably free up space for a centre half is but releasing Rocky.

We’re really weak in that area of the park for me, saw enough from Ekpiteta to think he can do a decent job for us (after a poor start obviously) but even then I’m not totally convinced. The other 3 range from poor to average (at a push) for me.

Any news on Ohoras injury?

[GreenPJ]

With Ekpiteta, O’Hora and Iredale contracted beyond the end of the season, the only way we can arguably free up space for a centre half is but releasing Rocky.

We’re really weak in that area of the park for me, saw enough from Ekpiteta to think he can do a decent job for us (after a poor start obviously) but even then I’m not totally convinced. The other 3 range from poor to average (at a push) for me.

Or you sell one of O'Hora or Iredale

[B.H.F.C]

Or you sell one of O'Hora or Iredale

No always as straightforward as that, as we know only too well with the number of contracted players we’ve had contributing very little over the last few years.

[Nicho87]

Has got better, but that’s exactly what Hibs need to do. Recruit better.

Good servant but can see both parties wanting to go different ways.

Chris Cadden may fall into this category too

[Donegal Hibby]

I can see why we need to move on players like Kenneh ,Mckirdy JDH , Tavares etc though moving on players like Rocky and a few others that are contributing I’m not so sure is a good move for the club unless they want to go of course .

[Unseen work]

Our strongest back 3 imo would be

Rocky Ekpiteta Iredale

O’Hora just never really seems to do much. He never seems to be winning loads of tackles, winning loads of headers, interceptions etc etc

I thought we’d see his quality on the ball and playing out alot more but no

Rocky, Marv and Iredale seem to engage with the forwards alot more and win the ball back one way or the other

[B.H.F.C]

I can see why we need to move on players like Kenneh ,Mckirdy JDH , Tavares etc though moving on players like Rocky and a few others that are contributing I’m not so sure is a good move for the club unless they want to go of course .

We’re incredibly poor at centre half and Rocky coming back in to the team hasn’t exactly helped us in that respect. If we have the same centre halves next season, we’ll see the same things happening.

[B.H.F.C]

Our strongest back 3 imo would be

Rocky Ekpiteta Iredale

O’Hora just never really seems to do much. He never seems to be winning loads of tackles, winning loads of headers, interceptions etc etc

I thought we’d see his quality on the ball and playing out alot more but no

Rocky, Marv and Iredale seem to engage with the forwards alot more and win the ball back one way or the other

O’Hora is average at best. Agree thought he’d look better on the right of a back three but it’s been much of a muchness for me. Iredale is another who I think is pretty average but at least offers a bit of balance being left footed.

[Ribs1875]

I think he has improved since he joined us and even at 25 I think he can improve further still . He’s got a mistake in him at times though I like his attitude and character. Personally I’d be all for keeping him if it can be done .

I am the same opinion as you dude. If played in a formation of 3 at the back I think he can only get better. He has good qualities and some bad qualities (some he is showing improvement on). I am sure a lot would not have wanted Boyle kept on after his initial loan from Dundee, but he got better by the game. Lately Rocky has shown a lot of maturity and leadership. The way he defused the situation between Youan and the supporters a month back was a demonstration of that.

I've always been a fan of his potential and thought there could be a good steady player there. He was unlucky with that injury and being part of a poor hibs era. He'd be miles a head if he had better quality around him for sure. He is one of the few players that if he continues this run of games and consistency then justifies a new deal.

[Donegal Hibby]

We’re incredibly poor at centre half and Rocky coming back in to the team hasn’t exactly helped us in that respect. If we have the same centre halves next season, we’ll see the same things happening.

Rocky since coming back in has IMO been our best CH . We are also talking about a player that’s probably worth possibly 200 or 300 K that we have invested a lot of time in and if we do decide to let him go even if we spend that sort of money for a CH in England there’s no guarantees we will get anyone better anyhow ..

I do wonder where all this money is coming from to replace players if we absolutely gut the squad , Boyle another example even though I understand he’s one of our highest earners and that would free up a decent amount in wages we could pay another player but what’s it going to to cost if we have to pay a transfer fee to a club for a player of similar quality? …

I’m all for moving on players that aren’t contributing and are only taking up a wage though I do think there’s a few like Rocky that might be worth keeping as they have showed they will contribute to the team , depends on what they want too of course….

I think one of our main problems defensively anyhow has been our inability to defend out wide in cutting out crosses into the box which has probably put the CH’s under added pressure in fairness.

[1875Sean]

Need to move on, Rocky isn’t ever going to improve enough to make us any better

[California-Hibs]

He's made us slightly better at the back of late but we can't get carried away, he absolutely should not be getting a new deal whatsoever and we should be aiming to bring in much much better to progress as a club!

[PHeffernan]

Rocky since coming back in has IMO been our best CH . We are also talking about a player that’s probably worth possibly 200 or 300 K that we have invested a lot of time in and if we do decide to let him go even if we spend that sort of money for a CH in England there’s no guarantees we will get anyone better anyhow ..

DH, Hibs supporters like Rocky but I think he will want to move on and try his luck elsewhere.
A fresh start as a 25 year old man with no supporter preconceptions and no history.
I could see him at a lower level English Championship club or ... Barnsley. It will be interesting to see how he does.

I do wonder where all this money is coming from to replace players if we absolutely gut the squad ,

DH, The money for the last major part of the rebuild this summer is coming from the circa 50k per week we will save on the wages of those moving on and the sale of Youan in January or the summer

Boyle another example even though I understand he’s one of our highest earners and that would free up a decent amount in wages we could pay another player but what’s it going to to cost if we have to pay a transfer fee to a club for a player of similar quality? …

DH, I said at the time that Boyler should have been left making sandcastles in Saudi. I expect he will have cost us over a million quid in wages over 3 years when he leaves in the summer and he has offered very little since the day Kenneh fell on top of him.
However, it would be remiss not to emphasise that over his whole Hibs career Martin has been anything other than good value for Hibs. No transfer fee when he came in, a transfer fee when he left and his wages will have been less than he was worth before he left so it all balances out.

I’m all for moving on players that aren’t contributing and are only taking up a wage though I do think there’s a few like Rocky that might be worth keeping as they have showed they will contribute to the team , depends on what they want too of course….

I think one of our main problems defensively anyhow has been our inability to defend out wide in cutting out crosses into the box which has probably put the CH’s under added pressure in fairness.

See above

[WhileTheChief..]

None of the back four are good enough to feel like their place is guaranteed.

If we want to improve as a team, we need to replace these players with better.

Sounds obvious, but we spectacularly failed to properly replace Hanlon and Stevenson.

As mentioned above, we need to get ruthless and replace most of the squad.

None of the signings over the last 5 years merit contract extensions based on our league finishes.

[PHeffernan]

None of the back four are good enough to feel like their place is guaranteed.

If we want to improve as a team, we need to replace these players with better.

Sounds obvious, but we spectacularly failed to properly replace Hanlon and Stevenson.

As mentioned above, we need to get ruthless and replace most of the squad.

None of the signings over the last 5 years merit contract extensions based on our league finishes.

Harsh and a little unrealistic.

Re the centre halves:
Ekpiteta will do for me and IMO will become a mainstay of our defence. Top class out and out defender if very limited on the ball so needs to be played to his strengths. Would have been a great partner for Hanlon.

O'Hora is looking very average at our level and has been feeling the pressure after lording it in the friendlies and League Cup ties. Hopefully he steadies.
Iredale is coming out of the honeymoon period and I think he will start to be judged more harshly the more supporters see of him.
Rocky will IMO move on in the summer for a new adventure and a clean slate whether we offer him a new contract or not.

All the above means we will have to bring in a good centre half in the summer. If possible one who is left sided and can play a bit to compliment the big guy. A 4 years younger Hanlon would be a perfect fit.

As for the full backs, at right back 3 into 2 doesn't go so I can see Miller getting offered a new contract and, if he signs it, Chris Cadden being moved on and being replaced by Megwa. On the left side I could see Obita being joined by a 20 year old Oscar MacIntyre in the summer.

[Allant1981]

None of the back four are good enough to feel like their place is guaranteed.

If we want to improve as a team, we need to replace these players with better.

Sounds obvious, but we spectacularly failed to properly replace Hanlon and Stevenson.

As mentioned above, we need to get ruthless and replace most of the squad.

None of the signings over the last 5 years merit contract extensions based on our league finishes.

Obita has been more than adequate in replacing Stevenson in my opinion

[Donegal Hibby]

See above

I wouldn’t go as far to say Hibs fans like Rocky as I think there is pretty mixed opinions on him in fairness as some don’t think he’s good enough , others don’t mind either way if he goes or not to ones like myself that think he’s improved a lot , could still improve more and is worth keeping as he seems to have a great character and attitude while showing he’s a decent player also , your right in he might want a fresh challenge especially after the start he had in wondering why the fans didn’t like him though if he was willing to stay at us and his contract was reasonable I think it’s a no brainer really….

I haven’t a clue what we will save wages wise be it 30k , 50k or more as it depends how many we will move on I suppose which brings us back to the more we move on the more we have to replace and it’s not just wages we are talking about, it’s signing on fees which might be significant if they are players of good quality we are competing with other clubs for , if they are under contract the better the quality of player the higher the transfer fee in all … costly business in having a total clear out which is why I wouldn’t be against keeping some ( not all ) like Rocky , Boyle etc ….


Boyle might want to go to Australia and if he does we certainly have a good wage we can pay another quality winger though again if he’s coming out of contract there might need to be a sizeable signing on fee or if he’s under contract to get a winger of Boyle quality I shutter to think how much he’d cost us in a transfer fee …


As to Boyle doing little since he came back from Saudi it didn’t actually take him long in grabbing a equaliser against hertz , he’s not been great recently though he has had a couple operations on his hand one of which Gray said they took a piece of bone from his hip so maybe that’s effected him a bit …


I do think we need a clear out of the players who are not playing or are unlikely too though ones like Boyle and Rocky if they are willing to stay I’d be quite happy to see them do so …


I’m still not convinced we have the money to do a complete clear out of the squad and add the quality needed to improve us TBH .

[worcesterhibby]

Obita has been more than adequate in replacing Stevenson in my opinion

better crosser, worse defender.. swings and roundabouts.. Lewy has two winners medals, so he wins :greengrin

[worcesterhibby]

We can’t just keep shipping players in and out as quick as managers. I really hope we don’t get rid of a rocky

[B.H.F.C]

We can’t just keep shipping players in and out as quick as managers. I really hope we don’t get rid of a rocky

It wouldn’t really be that quick. He’s been here three years, three and a half by the time his contract is up. And along with quite a few others, he’s not been very good for much of that time.

[PHeffernan]

I wouldn’t go as far to say Hibs fans like Rocky as I think there is pretty mixed opinions on him in fairness as some don’t think he’s good enough , others don’t mind either way if he goes or not to ones like myself that think he’s improved a lot , could still improve more and is worth keeping as he seems to have a great character and attitude while showing he’s a decent player also , your right in he might want a fresh challenge especially after the start he had in wondering why the fans didn’t like him though if he was willing to stay at us and his contract was reasonable I think it’s a no brainer really….

I haven’t a clue what we will save wages wise be it 30k , 50k or more as it depends how many we will move on I suppose which brings us back to the more we move on the more we have to replace and it’s not just wages we are talking about, it’s signing on fees which might be significant if they are players of good quality we are competing with other clubs for , if they are under contract the better the quality of player the higher the transfer fee in all … costly business in having a total clear out which is why I wouldn’t be against keeping some ( not all ) like Rocky , Boyle etc ….


Boyle might want to go to Australia and if he does we certainly have a good wage we can pay another quality winger though again if he’s coming out of contract there might need to be a sizeable signing on fee or if he’s under contract to get a winger of Boyle quality I shutter to think how much he’d cost us in a transfer fee …


As to Boyle doing little since he came back from Saudi it didn’t actually take him long in grabbing a equaliser against hertz , he’s not been great recently though he has had a couple operations on his hand one of which Gray said they took a piece of bone from his hip so maybe that’s effected him a bit …


I do think we need a clear out of the players who are not playing or are unlikely too though ones like Boyle and Rocky if they are willing to stay I’d be quite happy to see them do so …


I’m still not convinced we have the money to do a complete clear out of the squad and add the quality needed to improve us TBH .

I meant Hibs supporters like Rocky the person and desperately wanted him to succeed. Rocky the player splits opinion. I think he is a far better player than the guy that arrived 3 years ago and he is now a man rather than the boy that arrived. However, there is no sentiment in football and the facts are that players must leave for new ones to come in. Finances dictate that.
Before Ekpiteta was injured Rocky was on the bench and that tells me Hibs are unlikely to offer him another contract and will try to get someone in that they think is better. The other sign that the club isn't much bothered about the our out of contract players leaving, including Rocky, is that we have heard nothing about extensions being offered and those players can speak to other clubs in 2 weeks time.
FWIW I prefer Rocky to Iredale but he has a contract for another season after this so would be difficult to crowbar out so all things considered I reckon Rocky is gone.

Re Boyler I said he has done little since Nohan Kenneh fell on him in the St Mirren game 2 years ago and wrecked his knee which was after the goal against Hearts you speak of. For me Hibs will be absolutely gagging to get rid of Martin in the summer. Not because they don't like him but because he is killing Hibs for circa 7k a week and can't even make the starting team in a crisis. For that reason he is toast. No way will he leave in January as he rightly looks to bleed his lucrative contract dry because next season he will be playing in Australia for a fraction of his current salary.

Of the players out of contract in the summer I only see Lewis Miller and young Reuben McAllister (I fear we will lose him) getting offered new contracts.
Come the 31st May the 4 loanees, the 2 old guys on 1 year contracts, the first teamers whose contracts are up, the youngsters whose contracts are up. will all be gone and the kicker is David Grey is likely be moved on a little while later and Youan will be sold if he isn't sold in January. All that adds up to savings of circa 60k a week which is 3 million quid a year plus whatever we get for Youan. That plus season ticket money will finance new player recruitment and their wages and see us finally back on track financially.
I think we must and will sign quality instead of quantity in the summer. 4 new starter upgrades, 3 decent new loans and the likes of our youngsters Megwa and MacIntyre joining the 1st team squad, would probably see us reset and ready to finally be challenging for 3rd again with Hearts.
Why Hearts? Because Aberdeen will be playing European Conference stage football next season so will almost certainly struggle in the league, as they did last time and Hearts currently are.

[BILLYHIBS]

Still think Rocky is the best centre half at the club but only in my humble opinion

Agree with the above he is gone in May as is Youan if not before

Clear the decks for the summer influx

Onwards and upwards

[GreenPJ]

I meant Hibs supporters like Rocky the person and desperately wanted him to succeed. Rocky the player splits opinion. I think he is a far better player than the guy that arrived 3 years ago and he is now a man rather than the boy that arrived. However, there is no sentiment in football and the facts are that players must leave for new ones to come in. Finances dictate that.
Before Ekpiteta was injured Rocky was on the bench and that tells me Hibs are unlikely to offer him another contract and will try to get someone in that they think is better. The other sign that the club isn't much bothered about the our out of contract players leaving, including Rocky, is that we have heard nothing about extensions being offered and those players can speak to other clubs in 2 weeks time.
FWIW I prefer Rocky to Iredale but he has a contract for another season after this so would be difficult to crowbar out so all things considered I reckon Rocky is gone.

Re Boyler I said he has done little since Nohan Kenneh fell on him in the St Mirren game 2 years ago and wrecked his knee which was after the goal against Hearts you speak of. For me Hibs will be absolutely gagging to get rid of Martin in the summer. Not because they don't like him but because he is killing Hibs for circa 7k a week and can't even make the starting team in a crisis. For that reason he is toast. No way will he leave in January as he rightly looks to bleed his lucrative contract dry because next season he will be playing in Australia for a fraction of his current salary.

Of the players out of contract in the summer I only see Lewis Miller and young Reuben McAllister (I fear we will lose him) getting offered new contracts.
Come the 31st May the 4 loanees, the 2 old guys on 1 year contracts, the first teamers whose contracts are up, the youngsters whose contracts are up. will all be gone and the kicker is David Grey is likely be moved on a little while later and Youan will be sold if he isn't sold in January. All that adds up to savings of circa 60k a week which is 3 million quid a year plus whatever we get for Youan. That plus season ticket money will finance new player recruitment and their wages and see us finally back on track financially.
I think we must and will sign quality instead of quantity in the summer. 4 new starter upgrades, 3 decent new loans and the likes of our youngsters Megwa and MacIntyre joining the 1st team squad, would probably see us reset and ready to finally be challenging for 3rd again with Hearts.
Why Hearts? Because Aberdeen will be playing European Conference stage football next season so will almost certainly struggle in the league, as they did last time and Hearts currently are.

So a lot of good logical comments there but what is not clear to me is, are we/have we just done a Man Utd and paid extremely high wages for the caliber of player we have brought in and if we are looking to improve the quality (even if not the quantity) can you get it for less than what we are paying just now? Not bothered about transfer fees per se just looking at wages/compensation. What is the compensation model at Hibs currently - high base + low/med bonus?

[Brightside]

Our strongest back 3 imo would be

Rocky Ekpiteta Iredale

O’Hora just never really seems to do much. He never seems to be winning loads of tackles, winning loads of headers, interceptions etc etc

I thought we’d see his quality on the ball and playing out alot more but no

Rocky, Marv and Iredale seem to engage with the forwards alot more and win the ball back one way or the other

Ohora cleared pretty much everything in the game v County.

[Ribs1875]

I meant Hibs supporters like Rocky the person and desperately wanted him to succeed. Rocky the player splits opinion. I think he is a far better player than the guy that arrived 3 years ago and he is now a man rather than the boy that arrived. However, there is no sentiment in football and the facts are that players must leave for new ones to come in. Finances dictate that.
Before Ekpiteta was injured Rocky was on the bench and that tells me Hibs are unlikely to offer him another contract and will try to get someone in that they think is better. The other sign that the club isn't much bothered about the our out of contract players leaving, including Rocky, is that we have heard nothing about extensions being offered and those players can speak to other clubs in 2 weeks time.
FWIW I prefer Rocky to Iredale but he has a contract for another season after this so would be difficult to crowbar out so all things considered I reckon Rocky is gone.

Re Boyler I said he has done little since Nohan Kenneh fell on him in the St Mirren game 2 years ago and wrecked his knee which was after the goal against Hearts you speak of. For me Hibs will be absolutely gagging to get rid of Martin in the summer. Not because they don't like him but because he is killing Hibs for circa 7k a week and can't even make the starting team in a crisis. For that reason he is toast. No way will he leave in January as he rightly looks to bleed his lucrative contract dry because next season he will be playing in Australia for a fraction of his current salary.

Of the players out of contract in the summer I only see Lewis Miller and young Reuben McAllister (I fear we will lose him) getting offered new contracts.
Come the 31st May the 4 loanees, the 2 old guys on 1 year contracts, the first teamers whose contracts are up, the youngsters whose contracts are up. will all be gone and the kicker is David Grey is likely be moved on a little while later and Youan will be sold if he isn't sold in January. All that adds up to savings of circa 60k a week which is 3 million quid a year plus whatever we get for Youan. That plus season ticket money will finance new player recruitment and their wages and see us finally back on track financially.
I think we must and will sign quality instead of quantity in the summer. 4 new starter upgrades, 3 decent new loans and the likes of our youngsters Megwa and MacIntyre joining the 1st team squad, would probably see us reset and ready to finally be challenging for 3rd again with Hearts.
Why Hearts? Because Aberdeen will be playing European Conference stage football next season so will almost certainly struggle in the league, as they did last time and Hearts currently are.

Rocky is the type of player we need to keep tbh. Indeed he wasn't in the plans, he kept his head done went about his business in a professional manner. Injuries meant he got a chance and he has been pretty steady for us. The main thing for me is his maturity and leadership quality is what we are better off having than not having.

I think he could still improve and potentially earn us a transfer fee of we got our act together by getting the right players and system to suit his style of play.

[PHeffernan]

Rocky is the type of player we need to keep tbh. Indeed he wasn't in the plans, he kept his head done went about his business in a professional manner. Injuries meant he got a chance and he has been pretty steady for us. The main thing for me is his maturity and leadership quality is what we are better off having than not having.

I think he could still improve and potentially earn us a transfer fee of we got our act together by getting the right players and system to suit his style of play.

Thing is to get a chance at a good transfer fee for Rocky Hibs would have to offer him at least a 2 year deal and probably 3, secondly the player would have to want to sign it.
All things considered it makes little sense for the player unless he can't get a good gig elsewhere. There is also the not so small issue of money, no idea what wage he is currently on but coming into his peak years he will want a big lift on a contract he signed as a very young man with little track record.
Additionally, Ekpiteta will be the rock the Hibs defence is built around for the next couple of seasons and Hibs need to get the right players around him to make up for his deficiencies on the ball and Rocky isn't that guy.

[Ribs1875]

Thing is to get a chance at a good transfer fee for Rocky Hibs would have to offer him at least a 2 year deal and probably 3, secondly the player would have to want to sign it.
All things considered it makes little sense for the player unless he can't get a good gig elsewhere. No idea what wage he is currently on but coming into his peak years he will want a big lift on a contract he signed as a very young man with little track record.
Additionally, Ekpiteta will be the rock the defence is built round for the next couple of season and Hibs need to get the right players around him to make up for his deficiencies on the ball and Rocky isn't that guy.

I understand where you are coming from, we probably would have said the same when Boyle first came in. It's one of those ones if he leaves then best of luck to him, equally if he is offered an extension then we will wait and see.

[PHeffernan]

I understand where you are coming from, we probably would have said the same when Boyle first came in. It's one of those ones if he leaves then best of luck to him, equally if he is offered an extension then we will wait and see.

I'll be sorry to see Rocky go and will watch his career unfold with great interest.
It really could go either way. His strength is his strength and his mistakes his weakness.
From memory 2 high profile errors last season and one this season which at 3-1 and a man down didn't matter. He could easily cut out these kind of errors moving forward and just be the the kind of player that threw Dessers about like an empty suit at Easter Road.

[Donegal Hibby]

I thought Rocky was excellent today and one I hope we try and keep.

[Allant1981]

I thought Rocky was excellent today and one I hope we try and keep.

Apart from their goal he was solid

[wookie70]

Possibly could have engaged their scorer a bit earlier today but apart from that was fast, strong and safe. Very good game

[EdinMike]

He’s gonna Rock Tynie on Boxing Day !!! 🤛

[Ribs1875]

Chuffed for the big guy, another solid performance and although not the finished article he has been a revelation since he got back in the side. Long may it continue, and I hope he hangs Shankland out to dry in boxing day!

[BILLYHIBS]

Possibly could have engaged their scorer a bit earlier today but apart from that was fast, strong and safe. Very good game

Naw was unlucky with his challenge ( might have been quicker ) as everyone down our right left him totally exposed with C Cadden Triantis and O’Hora ( jogging back ) were nowhere to be seen posted missing Apart from that I thought Rocky did fine a lot of covering and his pace more than matched their speedy forwards and showed a lot of leadership qualities Commentator on Sportsound was raving about him Bring on the Jam Tarts :greengrin

[fiolex1]

The big man keeping it simple and doing well

[Paulie Walnuts]

Thought he should have got across to challenge their scorer earlier but other than that he was excellent :agree:

[Centre Hawf]

Excellent stuff big man, now go get some retribution against they *******s Thursday.

[hibsbollah]

Just watched their goal, its hardly Rockys fault.

[Unseen work]

We’ve improved since he came in

Done well again, his pace is a huge asset

Miles better than O’Hora for me

[JohnM1875]

Just watched their goal, its hardly Rockys fault.

It's very very clearly O'Horas fault. But, in his defence I think he wasn't 100% and still tried his best when on the pitch.

[hibsbollah]

It's very very clearly O'Horas fault. But, in his defence I think he wasn't 100% and still tried his best when on the pitch.

More evidence not to trust the match thread!

[Jdawg]

It's very very clearly O'Horas fault. But, in his defence I think he wasn't 100% and still tried his best when on the pitch. agree. He rushes out when he was never getting it. Either do that and clean him out or step back. Left acres of space in behind.

He is our worst CB by some distance.

[Shrekko]

An absolute classic Scottish centre-half’s performance from Rocky today. Aggressive, commanding and no messing about.

My MOTM.

[Hibernian Verse]

It’s taken me almost 4 weeks to understand the “Rock on Rocky” from an Irish poster

[Squealing pig]

Guys been playing immense , credit where it’s due

[Ribs1875]

He could be our long term replacement to Paul Hanlon.

[HibeeMackenzie]

The big man has come into the team and for me been the main catalyst in turning our season around, even without the momentum we’ve carried on from his goal
Being the middle of the three suits his game to a tee and let’s him focus on defending the ball instead of trying to defend a man
If he keeps on as he has done in the last month or so I’d be delighted for the big man to extend his deal, whether it’s intentional or not 😂

[chippy]

Our strongest back 3 imo would be

Rocky Ekpiteta Iredale

O’Hora just never really seems to do much. He never seems to be winning loads of tackles, winning loads of headers, interceptions etc etc

I thought we’d see his quality on the ball and playing out alot more but no

Rocky, Marv and Iredale seem to engage with the forwards alot more and win the ball back one way or the other
These three also offer pace which O’Hora doesn’t have

[Gmack7]

What's peoples thought on Rocky today? Mine are that he had an uncomfortable afternoon and looked very uncomfortable with anything in the air.
I just don't see him as a long term option if we want to progress.
I'd be looking to replace him next year and let him leave

[H18 SFR]

What's peoples thought on Rocky today? Mine are that he had an uncomfortable afternoon and looked very uncomfortable with anything in the air.
I just don't see him as a long term option if we want to progress.
I'd be looking to replace him next year and let him leave

It’s who he is replaced with. Look at the state of Ekpiteta earlier in the season and O’Hora generally. If that’s the standard of our recruitment then I’d be offering Rocky an extension in all honesty. Iredale is the exception when it comes to defensive recruitment of late.

[JohnM1875]

What's peoples thought on Rocky today? Mine are that he had an uncomfortable afternoon and looked very uncomfortable with anything in the air.
I just don't see him as a long term option if we want to progress.
I'd be looking to replace him next year and let him leave

Thought he dealt with pretty much everything very well. Folk (not saying you, by the way) just seem to panic when he's on or near the ball.

He's been really good since coming into a back three and I'd be offering him a new deal.

[500miles]

What's peoples thought on Rocky today? Mine are that he had an uncomfortable afternoon and looked very uncomfortable with anything in the air.
I just don't see him as a long term option if we want to progress.
I'd be looking to replace him next year and let him leave

Absolute heroin.

[B.H.F.C]

It’s who he is replaced with. Look at the state of Ekpiteta earlier in the season and O’Hora generally. If that’s the standard of our recruitment then I’d be offering Rocky an extension in all honesty. Iredale is the exception when it comes to defensive recruitment of late.

I think Ekpiteta is a better player than Rocky. I’d have him in the middle of that back three over him. I thought he struggled against Vassell much of the time and was glad they took him off. In fairness, I think he’s a decent centre forward in this league.

[Jones28]

He done **** all to worry me today?

[Tricla]

What's peoples thought on Rocky today? Mine are that he had an uncomfortable afternoon and looked very uncomfortable with anything in the air.
I just don't see him as a long term option if we want to progress.
I'd be looking to replace him next year and let him leave

I thought he was good today and we've been much improved since he came back into the side. He, like everyone else, struggled with the conditions at times but we never looked in bother. He won headers at corners and distributed well from the back. I struggle to see how you could have the view you have.

[andrew_dundee]

He's a decent SPL defender who played a decent SPL game. Nothing special but be did what he needed to relatively well and we kept a clean sheet. Also his third game in a matter of days.

[TheHibernator]

There was a moment during the game tonight where rocky had the ball on the edge of our box when we were 1-0 up in the last 15 or so minutes, under absolutely no pressure just standing with it waiting for an option to open up, and you could hear the fans restlessly growing louder and it really irritated me. I could understand if he was under a press or even if we were losing the game and needed a bit of urgency but we were winning and comfortable in the game.


There’s a lot of folk around me who aren’t happy if we don’t constantly try to play a forward ball even when there isn’t a pass on, the fans add such unnecessary pressure at times when we play at home.

[Donegal Hibby]

What's peoples thought on Rocky today? Mine are that he had an uncomfortable afternoon and looked very uncomfortable with anything in the air.
I just don't see him as a long term option if we want to progress.
I'd be looking to replace him next year and let him leave

A Warrior

[Bostonhibby]

He's turned it right round as far as I'm concerned, credit to him as a person and a player. I'd be extending his contract and sticking with him as part of a three.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[easty]

Credit where it’s due, this is his best run of form in his time at Hibs. Long may it continue!

[He's here!]

He's turned it right round as far as I'm concerned, credit to him as a person and a player. I'd be extending his contract and sticking with him as part of a three.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

I'd agree with that and would even suggest he's close to achieving cult hero status. Error-prone initially, compounded by the fact we apparently made an administrative blunder in giving him a lengthy contract, but he's a player who now looks like he's playing with a smile on his face and giving his all from start to finish. Been really impressed by him.

[Scottie]

Hero to absolute clown. At fault again today. :rolleyes:

[Tully]

Why rocky

[Hibee Mac]

I think he has pretty much summed up why I think we need better as our first choice CB.

Unless he can stamp out these silly mistakes in which case he could be a great starting CB.

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk

[InvertedFullBak]

Another player who’s proved time after time he’s not up to it but fans wanting to keep him on because he’s a good lad. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Gmack7]

Why rocky

Why is anyone surprised? He has a howler in him every game, I'd be taking him off for Ohora before he gets a red

[.Sean.]

Another player who’s proved time after time he’s not up to it but fans wanting to keep him on because he’s a good lad. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
:agree:

I don’t think we’ve ever had a player that has consistently made mistake after mistake after mistake like this clown does. Two or three games where he actually does his job and folk think he’s prime Maldini. He’s hopeless.

[BILLYHIBS]

Rocky lucky not to pick up a second yellow after picking up a caution for telling the numpty Ref he had made a mistake with Holt’s challenge

Looked soft but cannae really complain guy gladly goes down gives Saints something to hang onto second half

[Mcbizz1998]

He’s a liability. Might be a nice guy but we must get rid as soon as possible if we want to progress.

[Itsnoteasy]

Rocky lucky not to pick up a second yellow after picking up a caution for telling the numpty Ref he had made a mistake with Holt’s challenge

Looked soft but cannae really complain guy gladly goes down gives Saints something to hang onto second half

Hardly soft penalty. He was all over him like a rash &: wasn't complaining when ref pointed to the spot.

[Donegal Hibby]

Another player who’s proved time after time he’s not up to it but fans wanting to keep him on because he’s a good lad. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Knives are out again I see … it was a soft penalty and it was Miller who was at fault in the beginning. The booking Rocky picked up was farcical by a referee that was absolutely honking.

[Allant1981]

Knives are out again I see … it was a soft penalty and it was Miller who was at fault in the beginning. The booking Rocky picked up was farcical by a referee that was absolutely honking.

it was a stupid mistake yet again

[we are hibs]

It wasnt a "soft" penalty. It was a penalty. He had no intention of playing the ball, he wasn't even looking at it. Just like it wasn't unlucky when he kicked the ball into his own goal against Hearts. It's a lack of concentration right before half time on both occassions. The mental gymnastics that folk use to defend rocky on here is laughable.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

[InvertedFullBak]

Knives are out again I see … it was a soft penalty and it was Miller who was at fault in the beginning. The booking Rocky picked up was farcical by a referee that was absolutely honking.

Soft penalty ?? You’ve gotta be kidding. He wrestled him to the ground.

It’s another mistake in a long list of mistakes we’ve seen from him in his time here.

[blackpoolhibs]

Knives are out again I see … it was a soft penalty and it was Miller who was at fault in the beginning. The booking Rocky picked up was farcical by a referee that was absolutely honking.
Knifes are out again because of ANOTHER brain fart when he didnt even need to make any challenge, he's cost us another goal from nothing.

How many knifes have been out for him?

[Unseen work]

Played well today

Stupid mistake cost the penalty and the goal

Unfortunately I’m not sure you’ll ever iron the mistakes like that out of his game

[jeffers]

It wasnt a "soft" penalty. It was a penalty. He had no intention of playing the ball, he wasn't even looking at it. Just like it wasn't unlucky when he kicked the ball into his own goal against Hearts. It's a lack of concentration right before half time on both occassions. The mental gymnastics that folk use to defend rocky on here is laughable.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

Amazed anyone doesn’t think that was a penalty. He had a good game today but left himself down with a stupid challenge. It’s exactly why he gets stick, we’ve seen this from him all too often.

[HH81]

Every time he gets a yellow card, people go into meltdown saying he will be sent off but never is.

[Heisenberg]

Knifes are out again because of ANOTHER brain fart when he didnt even need to make any challenge, he's cost us another goal from nothing.

How many knifes have been out for him?

Aye it’s hard to argue that he doesn’t deserve criticism after today. He’s had praise when he’s done well and he should get criticised when he costs us goals.

[Musselbound]

He's very committed but does seem to make quite a lot of basic mistakes that are costing us goals.

Rocky probably comes into the review at the end of the season camp. I wouldn't be rushing to offer him a new contract just now.

[Gmack7]

He's very committed but does seem to make quite a lot of basic mistakes that are costing us goals.

Rocky probably comes into the review at the end of the season camp. I wouldn't be rushing to offer him a new contract just now.

It should be a very short review, simply not good enough

[BoomtownHibees]

He's very committed but does seem to make quite a lot of basic mistakes that are costing us goals.

Rocky probably comes into the review at the end of the season camp. I wouldn't be rushing to offer him a new contract just now.

No review required. He’s not good enough

[BroxburnHibee]

He has a mistake in him no doubt and I think that's 3 goals he's directly caused.

Personally think he was unlucky in the Derby as it was deflected off Newell. That penalty only happened today because Miller made a mess of possession.

You can't argue our defence has looked more solid with him in it though.

Our squad needs major surgery I just don't think replacing Rocky is a priority. We have much more pressing concerns.

[hibee316]

He has a mistake in him no doubt and I think that's 3 goals he's directly caused.

Personally think he was unlucky in the Derby as it was deflected off Newell. That penalty only happened today because Miller made a mess of possession.

You can't argue our defence has looked more solid with him in it though.

Our squad needs major surgery I just don't think replacing Rocky is a priority. We have much more pressing concerns.

It definitely has looked more solid.

And he was definitely at fault for both the goals you mentioned as well. CB are there partly to clear up messes that happen further up the pitch, like the two you mentioned.

[Tully]

Knives are out again I see … it was a soft penalty and it was Miller who was at fault in the beginning. The booking Rocky picked up was farcical by a referee that was absolutely honking.

Rocky booking correct as captain can only approach referee

[berwickhibee]

He has no composure and is way too rash.

Big strong lump who gives his all but very limited.

Does well in games,then a horrendous mistake,will only take us so far

[Tambo]

Knives are out again I see … it was a soft penalty and it was Miller who was at fault in the beginning. The booking Rocky picked up was farcical by a referee that was absolutely honking.

I agree regarding Miller pissing about on the ball but that was a clear pen, Rocky not even looking where the ball is, apart from that I thought he done well but unfortunately he was part of the reason they got the pen.

[Jones28]

He has no composure and is way too rash.

Big strong lump who gives his all but very limited.

Does well in games,then a horrendous mistake,will only take us so far

No composure? That’s utter nonsense. Plenty of moments he showed composure today, especially considering he’d been booked.

[Donegal Hibby]

Soft penalty ?? You’ve gotta be kidding. He wrestled him to the ground.

It’s another mistake in a long list of mistakes we’ve seen from him in his time here.

Wrestled … you seriously believe that 😂

Since the Aberdeen game he’s been really good .

[HH81]

We seem to lose less games when he plays.

[Donegal Hibby]

Rocky booking correct as captain can only approach referee

The booking wasn’t correct in if the referee had done his job right in the beginning it wouldn’t have lead to the booking which I don’t blame him for approaching the referee as it was a leg break of a tackle in the first place.

[blackpoolhibs]

The booking wasn’t correct in if the referee had done his job right in the beginning it wouldn’t have lead to the booking which I don’t blame him for approaching the referee as it was a leg break of a tackle in the first place.

The mental gymnastics you will go through to try and prove a point, a point you are 100% wrong in is pure brilliant.:top marks

[andrew_dundee]

I've not seen the penalty today, but we also have to be realistic. Any defender who signs for Hibs is one who will make mistakes. A defender who didn't make mistakes would be signing for a bigger and better club than us.

Does he make too many mistakes for this level? Quite possibly yes. If we sold him would we be replacing him with someone who wouldn't also make blunders? If history is anything to go by then it seems unlikely.

[blackpoolhibs]

I've not seen the penalty today, but we also have to be realistic. Any defender who signs for Hibs is one who will make mistakes. A defender who didn't make mistakes would be signing for a bigger and better club than us.

Does he make too many mistakes for this level? Quite possibly yes. If we sold him would we be replacing him with someone who wouldn't also make blunders? If history is anything to go by then it seems unlikely.

Who would pay a fee for Rocky?

I could be wrong, but i dont see teams wanting to pay money for him at the standard he plays at.

There might be some sides like us who think they could sign him and polish a turd, but i dont see teams paying much if anything for him.

[hibsbollah]

No composure? That’s utter nonsense. Plenty of moments he showed composure today, especially considering he’d been booked.

:agree: Some utter pish talked by the usual suspects. The boy has been excellent for weeks now, one mistake and he’s up for the usual abuse. Some idiots still think the OG against Hearts was his fault when it was clearly a deflection that was impossible to read. Today, It was a penalty. He could have done better. Get the **** over it. We’re a better team with him in it.

[andrew_dundee]

Who would pay a fee for Rocky?

I could be wrong, but i dont see teams wanting to pay money for him at the standard he plays at.

There might be some sides like us who think they could sign him and polish a turd, but i dont see teams paying much if anything for him.

I can't see him bringing in the big bucks, but I think he's a decent enough option for this level.

I'd like it if we had someone better, but he's also far from the worst player we've had in our defence this season let alone some of the dross we've had over recent years.

[B.H.F.C]

The year is 2025 now and Rocky is still making silly mistakes that cost us goals. Happens too frequently and always will.

Not just him, but today was a reminder of the shortcomings of a number of players. I still wouldn’t be handing a contract out to anyone.

[blackpoolhibs]

I can't see him bringing in the big bucks, but I think he's a decent enough option for this level.

I'd like it if we had someone better, but he's also far from the worst player we've had in our defence this season let alone some of the dross we've had over recent years.
:agree:

I like Rocky, in fact him and McKirdy are the 2 players i've wanted to see succeed most for us in years.

I just wish he'd stop the mistakes that usually result in a goal, McKirdy i've given up on. :greengrin

[Donegal Hibby]

The mental gymnastics you will go through to try and prove a point, a point you are 100% wrong in is pure brilliant.:top marks

Ok so you think the referee’s original decision was correct then .. not much point discussing it with you any further then ! 😂

[JohnM1875]

Ok so you think the referee’s original decision was correct then .. not much point discussing it with you any further then ! 😂

Surely the point is Rocky doesn't need to go up and talk to the ref? We got the free kick and var look at everything. So if it was a mistake, which it was, the red would’ve happened.

[jeffers]

Surely the point is Rocky doesn't need to go up and talk to the ref? We got the free kick and var look at everything. So if it was a mistake, which is was, the red would’ve happened.

We don’t know what he actually said but running up towards a referee and there is a fair chance you end up with a booking. It’s irrelevant imo that the referee should have given Holt an immediate red.

[we are hibs]

:agree: Some utter pish talked by the usual suspects. The boy has been excellent for weeks now, one mistake and he’s up for the usual abuse. Some idiots still think the OG against Hearts was his fault when it was clearly a deflection that was impossible to read. Today, It was a penalty. He could have done better. Get the **** over it. We’re a better team with him in it.What an angry wee man

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

[blackpoolhibs]

Ok so you think the referee’s original decision was correct then .. not much point discussing it with you any further then ! 😂

No the ref didnt think it was a sending off, maybe didnt have a clear view, i dont know? The captain is the player who approaches the ref, not Rocky, clear yellow.

Should have been sent off with another booking for the penalty, dont see you criticising the ref for that?

[we are hibs]

Rocky gives away a penalty. Not his fault


Kicks the ball into his own goal. Not his fault.



Amazing how unlucky he is!

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[Northernhibee]

:agree: Some utter pish talked by the usual suspects. The boy has been excellent for weeks now, one mistake and he’s up for the usual abuse. Some idiots still think the OG against Hearts was his fault when it was clearly a deflection that was impossible to read. Today, It was a penalty. He could have done better. Get the **** over it. We’re a better team with him in it.

He’s been much better this season and has shown signs of improvement - he made an error today but so do many players.

Hope it doesn’t knock his confidence and he comes back out fighting.

[Donegal Hibby]

Surely the point is Rocky doesn't need to go up and talk to the ref? We got the free kick and var look at everything. So if it was a mistake, which is was, the red would’ve happened.

He probably just pissed off at seeing a leg breaking tackle only getting a yellow card which I can’t blame him for . Let’s be honest here in the referee was honking today and tried to be the star attraction in the game . I don’t even though how the referee thought it was a yellow in the first place.The time wasting he allowed their keeper to get away with was shocking too as his general performance was throughout the game .

[blackpoolhibs]

2841128411
Surely the point is Rocky doesn't need to go up and talk to the ref? We got the free kick and var look at everything. So if it was a mistake, which it was, the red would’ve happened.


We don’t know what he actually said but running up towards a referee and there is a fair chance you end up with a booking. It’s irrelevant imo that the referee should have given Holt an immediate red.


He probably just pissed off at seeing a leg breaking tackle only getting a yellow card which I can’t blame him for . Let’s be honest here in the referee was honking today and tried to be the star attraction in the game . I don’t even though how the referee thought it was a yellow in the first place.The time wasting he allowed their keeper to get away with was shocking too as his general performance was throughout the game .

[Since90+2]

:agree: Some utter pish talked by the usual suspects. The boy has been excellent for weeks now, one mistake and he’s up for the usual abuse. Some idiots still think the OG against Hearts was his fault when it was clearly a deflection that was impossible to read. Today, It was a penalty. He could have done better. Get the **** over it. We’re a better team with him in it.

I'm genuinely baffled as to how anyone can come to the conclusion the OG at Tynecastle wasn't his fault.

[Gmack7]

We seem to lose less games when he plays.

I think that's more the formation than just Rocky

[BoomtownHibees]

He probably just pissed off at seeing a leg breaking tackle only getting a yellow card which I can’t blame him for . Let’s be honest here in the referee was honking today and tried to be the star attraction in the game . I don’t even though how the referee thought it was a yellow in the first place.The time wasting he allowed their keeper to get away with was shocking too as his general performance was throughout the game .

He ran up to the ref before he’d shown any card at all

[Mutu]

:agree: Some utter pish talked by the usual suspects. The boy has been excellent for weeks now, one mistake and he’s up for the usual abuse. Some idiots still think the OG against Hearts was his fault when it was clearly a deflection that was impossible to read. Today, It was a penalty. He could have done better. Get the **** over it. We’re a better team with him in it.

Pretty much my stance.

Not sure why Rocky is taking flak when we've only managed one goal against the bottom team in the league.

[Donegal Hibby]

No the ref didnt think it was a sending off, maybe didnt have a clear view, i dont know? The captain is the player who approaches the ref, not Rocky, clear yellow.

Should have been sent off with another booking for the penalty, dont see you criticising the ref for that?

If he didn’t have a clear view of it then I don’t know why he instantly went to his pocket and brandished a yellow
card :confused .

I am criticising the referee because he was absolutely honking throughout the game and I thought the penalty was soft as well .

[Allant1981]

Pretty much my stance.

Not sure why Rocky is taking flak when we've only managed one goal against the bottom team in the league.

Because he is the reason we conceded the one goal against the team bottom of the league

[B.H.F.C]

Pretty much my stance.

Not sure why Rocky is taking flak when we've only managed one goal against the bottom team in the league.

Just a guess, but probably because it was a needless mistake that cost us a goal?

[Donegal Hibby]

:agree: Some utter pish talked by the usual suspects. The boy has been excellent for weeks now, one mistake and he’s up for the usual abuse. Some idiots still think the OG against Hearts was his fault when it was clearly a deflection that was impossible to read. Today, It was a penalty. He could have done better. Get the **** over it. We’re a better team with him in it.

:top marks

[The Spaceman]

His OG at Tynie was really unlucky in my book. His penalty today was just clumsy though. He’s incredibly frustrating, as yet again, he strolled the remainder of the match and agree with Hibsbollah that he’s been excellent for weeks now. Rocky is a key reason we have turned our season around.

[blackpoolhibs]

If he didn’t have a clear view of it then I don’t know why he instantly went to his pocket and brandished a yellow
card :confused .

I am criticising the referee because he was absolutely honking throughout the game and I thought the penalty was soft as well .

I've no idea why he gave a yellow, i'm guessing? Rocky obviously saw it better than me or the ref, but by going to him and shouting in his face it is an automatic yellow card, or am i wrong and the ref is wrong too?

You are turning into Donegal Daley, with your triple summersaults and pikes everywhere on this thread.

[Since90+2]

His OG at Tynie was really unlucky in my book. His penalty today was just clumsy though. He’s incredibly frustrating, as yet again, he strolled the remainder of the match and agree with Hibsbollah that he’s been excellent for weeks now. Rocky is a key reason we have turned our season around.

A key component of a centre halfs game is to be reactive in the box and make sure their body position is set correctly to deal with balls and knock downs ect in the box.

It's not as if the ball was blasted at him from 2 yards away, he had adequate time to get decent contact on it.

It was amateur level defending in that instance.

[B.H.F.C]

A key component of a centre halfs game is to the reactive in the box and make sure their body position is set correctly to deal with balls and knock downs ect in the box.

It's not as if the ball was blasted at him from 2 yards away, he had adequate time to get decent contact on it.

It was amateur level defending in that instance.

I can’t believe anyone is pretending otherwise on that one to be honest. It makes the conversation a bit silly IMO.

[Billy McKirdy]

I missed the mistake by Rocky as my stick was playing up but I did see the immediate lead up to it and Miller's carelessness in possession which lead to the events leading up to the penalty..
What I seen of Rocky in the rest of the game was nothing to worry about, give the lad a break, he’s playing out of his skin for us at the moment and is one of the stand outs in our recent resurgence

[Phil MaGlass]

His OG at Tynie was really unlucky in my book. His penalty today was just clumsy though. He’s incredibly frustrating, as yet again, he strolled the remainder of the match and agree with Hibsbollah that he’s been excellent for weeks now. Rocky is a key reason we have turned our season around.
His OG at Tiny wasnt unlucky, if you watxhed his footing he had time to correct it but he was all over the place, poor penalty to give away today, we could and should have walked this game today apart fae a few line saves and f,n Rocky we would have won the game in the first half. Then again if ma maw hud baws eh,,,

[Mutu]

Because he is the reason we conceded the one goal against the team bottom of the league


Just a guess, but probably because it was a needless mistake that cost us a goal?

...but by all accounts had a very good game aside from this mistake?

The general point here is people are far too quick to slaughter players for mistakes and completely ignore the positive contributions that a player is making. In this instance, the positives for Rocky are by far outweighing the negatives so folk criticising should get some perspective. We're a mid table SPFL team ffs and Rocky is a much better option than anything we have on the bench currently.

This thread is basically "football player makes a mistake". Thanks for that folks.

[nickwhibs]

Thought Rocky played well again today. Soft penalty. Should have won by a couple even with the penalty.

[Allant1981]

...but by all accounts had a very good game aside from this mistake?

The general point here is people are far too quick to slaughter players for mistakes and completely ignore the positive contributions that a player is making. In this instance, the positives for Rocky are by far outweighing the negatives so folk criticising should get some perspective. We're a mid table SPFL team ffs and Rocky is a much better option than anything we have on the bench currently.

This thread is basically "football player makes a mistake". Thanks for that folks.

He makes many mistakes, ones that usually lead to a goal, St Johnstone weren't really attacking in the 2nd which is why he strolled it, he is a bang average defender and part of the reason our defence has been poor for the last couple of seasons

[B.H.F.C]

...but by all accounts had a very good game aside from this mistake?

The general point here is people are far too quick to slaughter players for mistakes and completely ignore the positive contributions that a player is making. In this instance, the positives for Rocky are by far outweighing the negatives so folk criticising should get some perspective. We're a mid table SPFL team ffs and Rocky is a much better option than anything we have on the bench currently.

This thread is basically "football player makes a mistake". Thanks for that folks.

It’s not about one mistake. It’s about continued, costly mistakes three years down the line.

He’s the best available option at the moment so I don’t have any issue with him starting. If he does stupid things like the two mistakes he’s made in the last week that cost us goals, he’s going to get stick though. He’s also had plenty of praise lately for balance.

[hibsbollah]

...but by all accounts had a very good game aside from this mistake?

The general point here is people are far too quick to slaughter players for mistakes and completely ignore the positive contributions that a player is making. In this instance, the positives for Rocky are by far outweighing the negatives so folk criticising should get some perspective. We're a mid table SPFL team ffs and Rocky is a much better option than anything we have on the bench currently.

This thread is basically "football player makes a mistake". Thanks for that folks.

Agree.

On the previous page we had ‘clown’, liability’ ‘hopeless’. For a player who in my eyes has been outstanding for a month or so. I find it brutal and depressing. I actually think I need a break from the site in general.

[Donegal Hibby]

I've no idea why he gave a yellow, i'm guessing? Rocky obviously saw it better than me or the ref, but by going to him and shouting in his face it is an automatic yellow card, or am i wrong and the ref is wrong too?

You are turning into Donegal Daley, with your triple summersaults and pikes everywhere on this thread.

I have no idea why he instantly gave a yellow either , I don’t think anyone does TBH but it pretty much summed up his shambolic performance IMO .

Thought immediately on seeing it that it was a red card and how the linesman , ref didn’t would probably make a good advert for spec-savers . Rocky obviously did see it which is why he reacted the way he did ..

I will need to see it again as I didn’t think on seeing the incident the first time think that Rocky was in his face , he did shout right enough though..

As to your last line about Donegal Daley I’m not surprised about that as anybody disagrees with you about anything about football or Derek Mcinnes you normally come out with something like that …. :rolleyes:

[easty]

Agree.

On the previous page we had ‘clown’, liability’ ‘hopeless’. For a player who in my eyes has been outstanding for a month or so. I find it brutal and depressing. I actually think I need a break from the site in general.

I wouldn’t call him a clown or hopeless, but he’s absolutely a liability.

Rocky is the absolute definition of a liability player in my opinion, because the mistakes come out of nowhere. You cannae plan around a Rocky brain fart, but you know they’re likely.

He’s been good the last few weeks, and has (mostly) deserved the praise he’s got. As always online, some of the praise is OTT and some of the criticisms are over the top.

We need to stick with him just now, unless we have some new signing lined up, and Rocky will probably have moments where he looks comfortable as ****, but I’ve absolutely no doubt he’ll also make an arse of it sometime soon too.

He’s no a young laddie, I’m not in the slightest bit convinced it can be trained out of him, and if it was up to me there would zero chance of a new contract.

[silverhibee]

We don’t know what he actually said but running up towards a referee and there is a fair chance you end up with a booking. It’s irrelevant imo that the referee should have given Holt an immediate red.

And yet other players get away with it every week, the referees need to be consistent, Shinnie is one of the worst offenders and gets away with it, I watched the first 20 minutes of the old firm game and Hagi was in the refs face and waving his hands at him telling him the decision was wrong, no booking, our ref today was an utter clown.

[basehibby]

Rocky is a superb athlete - strong as an ox and works his socks off for the team. Against that he absolutely does have the odd error in him - however I truly do think they are overstated by his detractors who seem to go through mental gymnastics to magnify any perceived error that can be laid at his door.
Good examples are right here on these last couple of pages with some choosing to blame Rocky for a ridiculous booking from an ******** of a ref along with an unfortunate OG that should surely be blamed on the fullback that allowed the cross and/or the non-marker of Shankland - if not solely on the uncanny instinct of the afore-mentioned mekon-headed striker for putting the ball in dangerous areas.

He has a good bit more footballing ability than many Central defenders I've seen in a Hibs jersey and has, for my money, shown improvement in his all round game since arriving at Hibs. We should always be looking to improve our squad all over the park but, right now, Rocky's position is not the priority IMO. He played an instrumental part in sparking our recent revival and I reckon he's earned a break from his detractors. I reckon he will be in the starting 11 on Sunday vs the huns and absolutely SHOUD be - so lets get behind the fella and give him all the backing we can muster.

[WhileTheChief..]

Agree.

On the previous page we had ‘clown’, liability’ ‘hopeless’. For a player who in my eyes has been outstanding for a month or so. I find it brutal and depressing. I actually think I need a break from the site in general.

Try not to let anything you read here get to you.

Remember, it's only folk chewing the fat, and shouldn't be taken so seriously as to make you depressed.

It's really just some people having a different view of a game of football, or player, to yourself. It's been happening for as long as football has been around!!

As for the posts about Rocky today, have they really been that bad??

[Mcbizz1998]

Thought Rocky played well again today. Soft penalty. Should have won by a couple even with the penalty.

This seems to be what people say every week, he played well…..apart from the bit where he cost us a goal.

That’s not playing well as a central defender. Chucking a goal every other week isn’t acceptable.

[hibsbollah]

Rocky is a superb athlete - strong as an ox and works his socks off for the team. Against that he absolutely does have the odd error in him - however I truly do think they are overstated by his detractors who seem to go through mental gymnastics to magnify any perceived error that can be laid at his door.
Good examples are right here on these last couple of pages with some choosing to blame Rocky for a ridiculous booking from an ******** of a ref along with an unfortunate OG that should surely be blamed on the fullback that allowed the cross and/or the non-marker of Shankland - if not solely on the uncanny instinct of the afore-mentioned mekon-headed striker for putting the ball in dangerous areas.

He has a good bit more footballing ability than many Central defenders I've seen in a Hibs jersey and has, for my money, shown improvement in his all round game since arriving at Hibs. We should always be looking to improve our squad all over the park but, right now, Rocky's position is not the priority IMO. He played an instrumental part in sparking our recent revival and I reckon he's earned a break from his detractors. I reckon he will be in the starting 11 on Sunday vs the huns and absolutely SHOUD be - so lets get behind the fella and give him all the backing we can muster.

100% with you mate :agree:

[B.H.F.C]

Rocky is a superb athlete - strong as an ox and works his socks off for the team. Against that he absolutely does have the odd error in him - however I truly do think they are overstated by his detractors who seem to go through mental gymnastics to magnify any perceived error that can be laid at his door.
Good examples are right here on these last couple of pages with some choosing to blame Rocky for a ridiculous booking from an ******** of a ref along with an unfortunate OG that should surely be blamed on the fullback that allowed the cross and/or the non-marker of Shankland - if not solely on the uncanny instinct of the afore-mentioned mekon-headed striker for putting the ball in dangerous areas.

He has a good bit more footballing ability than many Central defenders I've seen in a Hibs jersey and has, for my money, shown improvement in his all round game since arriving at Hibs. We should always be looking to improve our squad all over the park but, right now, Rocky's position is not the priority IMO. He played an instrumental part in sparking our recent revival and I reckon he's earned a break from his detractors. I reckon he will be in the starting 11 on Sunday vs the huns and absolutely SHOUD be - so lets get behind the fella and give him all the backing we can muster.

I find it mad that anyone can talk about people going through mental gymnastics to blame Rocky for as clear an error as you’ll see at Tynecastle. The ‘detractors’ aren’t the ones going through the mental gymnastics on that one IMO.

I do agree he will start on Sunday and that he probably should. The support for him isn’t an issue though. That’s twice in a week he’s made really poor errors and had his name sang at the end of the game.

[Paulie Walnuts]

I can’t believe anyone is pretending otherwise on that one to be honest. It makes the conversation a bit silly IMO.

:agree:

The idea that he can’t be expected to have reacted to that quick enough is mental imo.

He’s made a couple of mistakes the last few games. People are kidding themselves on to suggest otherwise imo.

[Hiber-nation]

Just got round to watching the highlights. To give away that pen is ridiculous. Far worse than I thought. He just keeps costing us.

[B.H.F.C]

Just got round to watching the highlights. To give away that pen is ridiculous. Far worse than I thought. He just keeps costing us.

As much as I’d criticise him for it, things like the OG at Tynecastle can happen. But the one today, he never once looked at the ball. It was a conscious decision he made and it was a stupid one.

[Pytheas]

Pen today, OG in a derby, falls over last minute in the derby lucky not to be punished, caught in possession for a goal at Dens. All in the last month or so.

I love the big guy, terrific attitude and his goal in the Aberdeen game was so important.

But he will always cost you goals, always make mistakes. Give him a nice send off in the summer but if he is a part of our squad next season i'll be fuming.

[davym7062]

Pen today, OG in a derby, falls over last minute in the derby lucky not to be punished, caught in possession for a goal at Dens. All in the last month or so.

I love the big guy, terrific attitude and his goal in the Aberdeen game was so important.

But he will always cost you goals, always make mistakes. Give him a nice send off in the summer but if he is a part of our squad next season i'll be fuming.

yep... not good enuff

[1875Sean]

Some people are quick to forgot his mistakes after a few good games, I’m afraid he is the type of player who will always has a mistake in him, best to move on come the summer

[Stokesy's on fire]

Some people are quick to forgot his mistakes after a few good games, I’m afraid he is the type of player who will always has a mistake in him, best to move on come the summer

Every defender in the world has mistakes in them.

[1875Sean]

Every defender in the world has mistakes in them.

True but rocky has more than others at this level, not sure he is good enough technically at this level

[Hiber-nation]

As much as I’d criticise him for it, things like the OG at Tynecastle can happen. But the one today, he never once looked at the ball. It was a conscious decision he made and it was a stupid one.

Yep and if he hadn't made that poor decision we could be sitting pretty with 3 points and he'd be in line for man of the match. He was our best defender by a mile bar that one blemish but there's usually at least one major blemish.

[RIP]

His OG at Tiny wasnt unlucky, if you watxhed his footing he had time to correct it but he was all over the place, poor penalty to give away today, we could and should have walked this game today apart fae a few line saves and f,n Rocky we would have won the game in the first half. Then again if ma maw hud baws eh,,,

You do realise that Newell deflected Shankland's header onto Rocky's leg as he swung, don't you?

The hands on penalty today was soft but still ill-judged. Gray already called it out in his interview. Pity cos he had the St Johnstone attackers in his back pocket all game.

[truehibernian]

He’s much improved his general play, he hasn’t eradicated the vital mistakes - he’s way too prone to lack of concentration but if that’s coached into him very quickly he’s an asset - which I never thought I’d find myself saying last season. I’d persist with Rocky.

[J-C]

All Rocky had to do was stay strong and defend properly, instead he doesn't look at the ball and mucks about wrestling with the guy in the box, just another piss poor decision by one of our bang average players costing us more points.

[Gmack7]

He’s much improved his general play, he hasn’t eradicated the vital mistakes - he’s way too prone to lack of concentration but if that’s coached into him very quickly he’s an asset - which I never thought I’d find myself saying last season. I’d persist with Rocky.

We've been trying to coach these errors out of him for nearly 3 years, how long do we give it? not to mention his poor heading ability/technique for a CB, time to cut our losses

[B.H.F.C]

You do realise that Newell deflected Shankland's header onto Rocky's leg, don't you.

The hands on penalty today was soft but still ill-judged. Gray already called it out in his interview. Pity cos he had the St Johnstone attackers in his back pocket all game.

The ball brushed of Newell, it didn’t cause him to do what he did. At least it didn’t cost us that day and he recovered pretty well in that game.

[RIP]

We've been trying to coach these errors out of him for nearly 3 years, how long do we give it? not to mention his poor heading ability/technique for a CB, time to cut our losses

His heading has been top notch since he came back into the team. His brainfart today must have SDG tearing his hair out!

[Smartie]

True but rocky has more than others at this level, not sure he is good enough technically at this level

Historically he probably does.

Every defender will make mistakes and cost you goals from time to time but the Rocky who came into the side at the start of our decent run has made fewer than the Rocky of previous seasons.

Personally, I think he’s blossoming into a very good footballer. Not a perfect, immaculate one, a very good one - and that will always be good enough for me.

[Lago]

A lovely guy with a great attitude, however if hibs are serious about competing at the top level they need a better player, if they're happy to be a mid table club he's more than adequate.

[Paulie Walnuts]

A lovely guy with a great attitude, however if hibs are serious about competing at the top level they need a better player, if they're happy to be a mid table club he's more than adequate.

:agree:

He’s not good enough if we want to be a top 4 or so team. If we’re happy being roughly where we ha?ve been recently, then he’s fine.

[Ribs1875]

To be a defender in this current non-contact era of football, and VAR is brutal. Defenders nowadays are more hesitant to make a challenge because if they get the timing of the tackle wrong and it's a foul, which can lead to bookings, penalties and sending off. I doubt we are going to recruit any better than Rocky. I personally think they should try him as a defensive midfielder.

[B.H.F.C]

:agree:

He’s not good enough if we want to be a top 4 or so team. If we’re happy being roughly where we ha?ve been recently, then he’s fine.

Should be said that can apply to pretty much any of them that started today and are out of contract at the end of the season.

Rocky, Miller, Cadden, Hoilett, Boyle all out of contract with Kwon’s loan up. As it stands I wouldn’t be offering any of them anything. The only one I could possibly make a case for is Boyle as I think there is a bit of middle ground between being finished and being able to make a decent contribution. Other than that I think we’ve seen enough from most of them. We really need to use the opportunity we have to get a fresh start and I thought today really showed that.

[Donegal Hibby]

I've no idea why he gave a yellow, i'm guessing? Rocky obviously saw it better than me or the ref, but by going to him and shouting in his face it is an automatic yellow card, or am i wrong and the ref is wrong too?

You are turning into Donegal Daley, with your triple summersaults and pikes everywhere on this thread.

Shouting in his face is some take on it :rolleyes:….

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/13282949/st-johnstone-1-1-hibernian-scottish-premiership-highlights

[sauzee1989]

There’s guys on here that genuinely think giving 100 percent that he does is good enough. He’s nowhere near the level we need.

[Donegal Hibby]

There’s guys on here that genuinely think giving 100 percent that he does is good enough. He’s nowhere near the level we need.

Maybe he’s in a huff like Youan 🤭

[Phil MaGlass]

Pen today, OG in a derby, falls over last minute in the derby lucky not to be punished, caught in possession for a goal at Dens. All in the last month or so.

I love the big guy, terrific attitude and his goal in the Aberdeen game was so important.

But he will always cost you goals, always make mistakes. Give him a nice send off in the summer but if he is a part of our squad next season i'll be fuming.
Really, I will give him a lashing if he plays badly or make a mistake but we really dont have anyone good enough to replace him, Ill be happy if hes still with us. Who do you see as a replacement? If theres a player that we wont see next season it should be Kwon, doesnt add anything to the team that I see.

[Brightside]

Shouting in his face is some take on it :rolleyes:….

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/13282949/st-johnstone-1-1-hibernian-scottish-premiership-highlights

He told the ref to go and look at VAR. players have been told to keep their mouth shut and only have the captains remonstrate. It was obviously over the top so he was booked. He’s an average player in an average team. His recovery pace is his saving grace.

[blackpoolhibs]

Shouting in his face is some take on it :rolleyes:….

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/13282949/st-johnstone-1-1-hibernian-scottish-premiership-highlights

He runs 20 yards to the ref and says something to him, it's the captains job not his. Are you saying the ref should not have booked him Mr Daley?