Gayle ready to retire

[He's here!]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cwy3k3qg0eko

A shame as you can see that he's from a class above the sort of player we'd normally be able to sign. A fully fit Gayle would be a terrific asset, but he looked exhausted last weekend. Fingers crossed he can continue to make an impact, even if it's from the bench, for the rest of the season.

[Itsnoteasy]

That's not just came upon him. He must have knew that before he signed for us. One last payday from the Hibs.

[Tambo]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cwy3k3qg0eko

A shame as you can see that he's from a class above the sort of player we'd normally be able to sign. A fully fit Gayle would be a terrific asset, but he looked exhausted last weekend. Fingers crossed he can continue to make an impact, even if it's from the bench, for the rest of the season.

He's made a little impact with a few goals and assists, hoping he can stay fit and contribute something even off the bench like the you say

[wookie70]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cwy3k3qg0eko

A shame as you can see that he's from a class above the sort of player we'd normally be able to sign. A fully fit Gayle would be a terrific asset, but he looked exhausted last weekend. Fingers crossed he can continue to make an impact, even if it's from the bench, for the rest of the season.

I'm never really in favour of these types of signings. No doubt he still has a bit of class left and he has made an impact here and there but I wonder how much he is earning week to week and what the value is compared to a younger player with potential sell on. Having Gayle and Myko who were almost certainly going to be injured combined with Bowie seemed foolish, particularly when we are so sparse with real through the middle strikers.

Given what he has said I wonder if he would cancel his contract and then we can get someone in the window fit enough to play 90 if required

[HarpOnHibee]

He's getting on a bit at 35 for a striker. But even although age can certainly impact fitness levels, he has plenty of ability left in him and that won't leave him anytime soon. He may wish to retire for personal reasons and that's entirely his decision to make. He still has the ability to make an impact at this level though, even if 90 minutes is asking a bit much. Hopefully he can continue on for another season or two, but all the best to him whatever he chooses to do.

[S4uzee]

I like him but not a great interview that in terms of timing

[He's here!]

I'm never really in favour of these types of signings. No doubt he still has a bit of class left and he has made an impact here and there but I wonder how much he is earning week to week and what the value is compared to a younger player with potential sell on. Having Gayle and Myko who were almost certainly going to be injured combined with Bowie seemed foolish, particularly when we are so sparse with real through the middle strikers.

Given what he has said I wonder if he would cancel his contract and then we can get someone in the window fit enough to play 90 if required

If Bowie is back sooner than expected and we can get another striker in then a January departure for Gayle might be on the cards.

Personally I think he was worth a punt given how much experience he brings. That goal last week was a clever one. We've signed one or two players down the years who have seemed past their best but have made a significant impact. Mixu was one I remember being sceptical about, as was Grant Holt.

[B.H.F.C]

Said last week that he looked like he could hardly move at points. Get the ball in to him near enough the goals and he’s clever enough to make a difference but we’re no good enough to carry anyone on that basis at the moment I don’t think.

Need to make sure he’s fit and available for the derby above anything else in the next week.

[Unseen work]

I think when we all signed him we probably expected a year or so and then for him to retire.

Watching his interview I’m not sure he thought that, it looks very raw for him and that he’s gutted at the thought of retiring.

Speaking about how he needs to think of playing with kids in the garden etc. I think this season has probably been a shock to him about injuries, recovery time etc

What I will say is I still think he is a good option for the rest of the reason. Give him a chance and there’s a good chance it will hit the back of the net. Good attitude and works hard too.

Interesting he wants to remain in football. We’ll probably give him a job as head of finance for the club or something 🤣

[The Modfather]

Meh. He’s fine, no more no less.

[B.H.F.C]

Meh. He’s fine, no more no less.

His contribution to minutes on the pitch is actually very good.

It’s the getting him on the pitch that has been an issue so this isn’t really any surprise.

[The Modfather]

His contribution to minutes on the pitch is actually very good.

It’s the getting him on the pitch that has been an issue so this isn’t really any surprise.

More generally, I’m not a big fan of contributions per minute etc. We’ve seen it used for Campbell’s 2 goals this season and Gayle is on 2 goals and 2 assists at the halfway point of the season. I know he wasn’t signed as a starter and signed after the window but his return is fairly poor IMO. Alongside all the other attackers (Myko, Youan, Hoilett, Boyle etc) there’s not any of them that can defend their goals and assists at the half way point IMO.

[B.H.F.C]

More generally, I’m not a big fan of contributions per minute etc. We’ve seen it used for Campbell’s 2 goals this season and Gayle is on 2 goals and 2 assists at the halfway point of the season. I know he wasn’t signed as a starter and signed after the window but his return is fairly poor IMO. Alongside all the other attackers (Myko, Youan, Hoilett, Boyle etc) there’s not any of them that can defend their goals and assists at the half way point IMO.

It’s the 285 minutes that are the problem though, not the 2 goals and 2 assists he’s got in that limited time. It’s not a surprise his time has been so limited, you could have made a fairly decent guess that would be the case when he signed.

[PHeffernan]

I'm never really in favour of these types of signings. No doubt he still has a bit of class left and he has made an impact here and there but I wonder how much he is earning week to week and what the value is compared to a younger player with potential sell on. Having Gayle and Myko who were almost certainly going to be injured combined with Bowie seemed foolish, particularly when we are so sparse with real through the middle strikers.

Given what he has said I wonder if he would cancel his contract and then we can get someone in the window fit enough to play 90 if required

Gayle is only here because Bowie was injured outside the transfer window. He was I presume the best out of contract we could get our hands on. It would be good if he left at the end of January if Bowie is going to be fit but I expect him stick around to keep collecting those pay checks until the end of the season.

[WestCoastHibby]

He looked cream crackered after his goal last week.
Played at a much higher level but old Father Time comes to us all.
Wish him luck in his future coaching career; will he be sharing an office with our former keeper??

[Itsnoteasy]

I'm never really in favour of these types of signings. No doubt he still has a bit of class left and he has made an impact here and there but I wonder how much he is earning week to week and what the value is compared to a younger player with potential sell on. Having Gayle and Myko who were almost certainly going to be injured combined with Bowie seemed foolish, particularly when we are so sparse with real through the middle strikers.

Given what he has said I wonder if he would cancel his contract and then we can get someone in the window fit enough to play 90 if required

Don't they give players a fitness test & medical before signing them ?

[7Hero]

Just more evidence of the useless recruitment.

[He's here!]

Gayle is only here because Bowie was injured outside the transfer window. He was I presume the best out of contract we could get our hands on. It would be good if he left at the end of January if Bowie is going to be fit but I expect him stick around to keep collecting those pay checks until the end of the season.

I've seen no reason to question his commitment. If anything, I've been more impressed by him during his limited time on the pitch than any of our other front men since Bowie's injury. He strikes me as a hard-working pro who wants to give us his best but is frustrated that he's limited in his ability to do that.

[JimBHibees]

Would be a shame however he is clearly quality. Hope he can still contribute as he is the sort of guy who could be the difference in games such as the derby

[Centre Hawf]

Just more evidence of the useless recruitment.

I’ll cut the club some slack on this one. We were clearly in talks for him to join us before Bowie’s injury and decided against it before having to U-Turn quickly and get a body in.

Gayle has quality, there can be zero doubt about that. Keeping him in a condition to show it has been a challenge but probably one we’d have to accept if we wanted a player with his talent.

I’d almost rather have him contributing in the limited amount of games he’ll play this season than have a fit and honking forward, which I imagine was likely the type of choice we had considering it was a week or two after the window closed.

It’s a shame to hear his time is coming to an end but let’s hope we can squeeze that last ounce of football out of him to stay up or maybe even pull off a top 6 finish if by some miracle we can put a run together.

[Fergos]

I've seen no reason to question his commitment. If anything, I've been more impressed by him during his limited time on the pitch than any of our other front men since Bowie's injury. He strikes me as a hard-working pro who wants to give us his best but is frustrated that he's limited in his ability to do that.

Totally agree. Good attitude from him and some valuable contributions so far.

[HoboHarry]

I’ll cut the club some slack on this one. We were clearly in talks for him to join us before Bowie’s injury and decided against it before having to U-Turn quickly and get a body in.

Gayle has quality, there can be zero doubt about that. Keeping him in a condition to show it has been a challenge but probably one we’d have to accept if we wanted a player with his talent.

I’d almost rather have him contributing in the limited amount of games he’ll play this season than have a fit and honking forward, which I imagine was likely the type of choice we had considering it was a week or two after the window closed.

It’s a shame to hear his time is coming to an end but let’s hope we can squeeze that last ounce of football out of him to stay up or maybe even pull off a top 6 finish if by some miracle we can put a run together.
Good response to what was a pretty brainless post.

[7Hero]

Good response to what was a pretty brainless post.

So it made sense to recruit a player who was at such an age that his body is Literally falling apart. It was clearly just what we needed considering the lack of depth in that position.. Why take the risk in the first place - he's 35...

[Tyler Durden]

So it made sense to recruit a player who was at such an age that his body is Literally falling apart. It was clearly just what we needed considering the lack of depth in that position.. Why take the risk in the first place - he's 35...

Because it was after the window was closed. Do you think there was a long list of free agents who could come in and contribute?

[Iain G]

So it made sense to recruit a player who was at such an age that his body is Literally falling apart. It was clearly just what we needed considering the lack of depth in that position.. Why take the risk in the first place - he's 35...


Do you think it's actually, literally, falling apart? And we have had plenty players this age that have contributed well.

[Allant1981]

You can see the way he was moving last week that he is struggling, I actually thought he was injured after he scored. Hopefully they have a couple of good strikers lined up in January and we aren't depending on him to much

[Centre Hawf]

So it made sense to recruit a player who was at such an age that his body is Literally falling apart. It was clearly just what we needed considering the lack of depth in that position.. Why take the risk in the first place - he's 35...

There’s probably long list of younger fitter forwards who could have been signed. But the odds are if any of them were able to contribute at this level they’d likely have been signed already, or wanted longer term deals which we obviously didn’t fancy doing.

Dwight Gayle is a short term solution to a problem we didn’t have until the window closed. There’s always potential risk or downsides to signing guys left on the shelf come September. I’m happy we chose one with actual ability over one thats main attribute is he scored higher on the bleep test.

[Bridge hibs]

So it made sense to recruit a player who was at such an age that his body is Literally falling apart. It was clearly just what we needed considering the lack of depth in that position.. Why take the risk in the first place - he's 35...Your correct, it would be horrific if he was to take a throw and his arms fell off or headed the ball and his head fell off and rolled into the net instead of the ball.

Gayle obviously knows his own body and maybe felt he could manage at this level, if its not to be then he has been honest in calling it out. He was an urgent signing outside of the window and is a vastly experienced player and for hibs point of view, a low risk signing.

[Fergos]

Your correct, it would be horrific if he was to take a throw and his arms fell off or headed the ball and his head fell off and rolled into the net instead of the ball.

Gayle obviously knows his own body and maybe felt he could manage at this level, if its not to be then he has been honest in calling it out. He was an urgent signing outside of the window and is a vastly experienced player and for hibs point of view, a low risk signing.

Brilliant! Literally scored with his actual head 😆

[GreenPJ]

Gayle is only here because Bowie was injured outside the transfer window. He was I presume the best out of contract we could get our hands on. It would be good if he left at the end of January if Bowie is going to be fit but I expect him stick around to keep collecting those pay checks until the end of the season.

I hate this nonsense. Hibs gave him the contract until Summer 2025. It is what he is entitled to so enough of the nonsense of keeping collecting his pay checks.

[Iain G]

Your correct, it would be horrific if he was to take a throw and his arms fell off or headed the ball and his head fell off and rolled into the net instead of the ball.

Gayle obviously knows his own body and maybe felt he could manage at this level, if its not to be then he has been honest in calling it out. He was an urgent signing outside of the window and is a vastly experienced player and for hibs point of view, a low risk signing.

Even Scottish VAR can tell if it's a genuine handball against Gayle when his fingers all fall off...

[Hibs90]

Recall Vente and let him go

[Bridge hibs]

Recall Vente and let him go

Whats the point in recalling Vente and then letting him go ? Just let him stay where he is

[JimBHibees]

Whats the point in recalling Vente and then letting him go ? Just let him stay where he is

Assume he means let Gayle go which makes no sense. Scored last week also earned a pen. Gayle is a decent striker option for us

[GreenCastle]

I think he’s actually done ok considering how the team have done.

His goal at Utd away was important and his goal last week was a great header which helped turn the game around.

It’s obvious he’s not 100% and coming towards end of his career so not quite sure what folk were expecting.

I would like to think in future though we are smarter with recruitment and not scrambling around after the window to find replacements.

I’ve seen more in Gayle than some useless players we have signed over the last few years - so hopefully he will be enjoying his final games before possible retirement and helping Hibs progress.

[snedzuk]

Recall Vente and let him go

Change a guy who says he will struggle physically for one who can run for only 60 minutes, thus struggling physically.

[B.H.F.C]

No coincidence he was wheeled out to say what he did yesterday then is on the bench today. Must be being kept for the derby.

[Centre Hawf]

I think he’s actually done ok considering how the team have done.

His goal at Utd away was important and his goal last week was a great header which helped turn the game around.

It’s obvious he’s not 100% and coming towards end of his career so not quite sure what folk were expecting.

I would like to think in future though we are smarter with recruitment and not scrambling around after the window to find replacements.

I’ve seen more in Gayle than some useless players we have signed over the last few years - so hopefully he will be enjoying his final games before possible retirement and helping Hibs progress.

If someone gets injured when the window closes then there's not much you can do but scramble around for replacements sadly.

[A Hi-Bee]

Is Fletcher still turning out for Wrexham, great player well past 30 odd.

[Bridge hibs]

Is Fletcher still turning out for Wrexham, great player well past 30 odd.

Scored for them early midweek

[cameronw-hfc]

Don't mind the Gayle situation. Weve been unlucky with Bowie so he's been more front and centre recently but I always like us having an older experienced striker option, even as third choice. Holt, Le Fondre, even someone like Brian Graham(wasn't older, just experienced) all done their bit for us and were at least useful as plan B

[Centre Hawf]

Don't mind the Gayle situation. Weve been unlucky with Bowie so he's been more front and centre recently but I always like us having an older experienced striker option, even as third choice. Holt, Le Fondre, even someone like Brian Graham(wasn't older, just experienced) all done their bit for us and were at least useful as plan B

It's always nice to have an option off the bench or to rotate with that has a bit of quality that doesn't need to get up to speed. One of Hearts main problems this year is all their eggs were in the Shankland basket. They have no one but Vargas and a 17 year old laddie to swap him with and while Wilson has bagged a couple of goals it's not a great situation for them to be in.

[GreenCastle]

Well done Gayle - will be always remembered for that winner today.

[OstKurve Hibs]

Well done Gayle - will be always remembered for that winner today.

Said to my nephew last week after he announced his end of season retirement plan, "be class if he could get a derby winner next week in his last season as a pro".
What a finish to ! Well done the big man !
Never have to buy a drink again when he's up this wiy !

[Since452]

Well done Gayle - will be always remembered for that winner today.

Yup. Written himself into Hibs folklore

[andrew_dundee]

Gayle has shown the level and impact he's capable of. A good signing. I can't see him playing for 90 mins but as a super sub he's great. If he can keep it up then no issue with trying to convince him to extend by 6-12 months.

[lyonhibs]

Just more evidence of the useless recruitment.

This was an idiotic shout at the time and just gets worse with age 😂

[Carheenlea]

If this is to be his final season he’s already made a big impact and valuable contribution to the club.

Hoping there will be much more to come in the second half of campaign, and while he may have limitations in his game time, for those minutes he’s on the park he certainly looks like he’s enjoying it, particularly after the winner today.

[GreenCastle]

Gayle has played 289 minutes since he arrived in 10 games.

That’s basically just over 3 full games worth of minutes..

He has 3 goals and 2 assists in this short space of time.

Pretty impressive especially as the goals were Dundee Utd away equaliser (important at the time) - Ross County goal before half time and Derby winner.

His assists were Motherwell away and that header for the Rocky equaliser in the last minute to make it 3-3.

[CyberSauzee]

Gayle has played 289 minutes since he arrived in 10 games.

That’s basically just over 3 full games worth of minutes..

He has 3 goals and 2 assists in this short space of time.

Pretty impressive especially as the goals were Dundee Utd away equaliser (important at the time) - Ross County goal before half time and Derby winner.

His assists were Motherwell away and that header for the Rocky equaliser in the last minute to make it 3-3.

They are amazing stats, we were chatting after the game about him; and thought if he can carry on with his coaching badges and still be registered with us, if you know you have him for the last 15 minutes, what a sub to have!

But if it's time up for him, perhaps he can sign off with a cup final winning goal for us.

[Gloucester Hibs]

Loved him at the Toon and he scored against a lot of the big teams. Glad we’ve used him sparingly as you can still see flashes of his EPL class. Well played Dwight 👏🏻

[Hibs90]

Recall Vente and let him go

Sorry Dwight.

[SHODAN]

Made up for his ER derby misses with that one.

[hibsbollah]

Lots of managers these days dont talk about first choice and subs, but starters and finishers. Im hoping we can use Gayle like that and maybe keep his career extended as a regular sub to change games, or to make way for others sometimes.

[Northernhibee]

Lots of managers these days dont talk about first choice and subs, but starters and finishers. Im hoping we can use Gayle like that and maybe keep his career extended as a regular sub to change games, or to make way for others sometimes.

Yep, got all the hallmarks of a super sub, especially when we work on bringing Bowie back in gradually.

[bingo70]

Just more evidence of the useless recruitment.

Well done recruitment department, smart signing. 😜

[GreenCastle]

Made up for his ER derby misses with that one.

Was that not Triantis ? Which would have made the game 2-0 ?

[truehibernian]

That’s one of the best worked derby goals in years. Keeps possession with lovely back heel, gets himself off the hoardings and immediate thought is to get into the box anticipating the cross, and a deft finish that was a level above. Cadden’s cross was perfection too.