Rocky: should he stay or should he go?

[andrew_dundee]

He's an asset and a liability and everything in between.

But should he be here next season?

[HendoDelivered]

Over the time he’s been here, he’s been more poor than good IMO. Love the guy, but he can go for me.

[Northernhibee]

It’s go for me with fond memories. A good lad, but he never makes a small error.

[we are hibs]

Go. Short term he will need to do but beyond May he shouldn't be here

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[andrew_dundee]

I managed to add a poll, so please vote.

[Allant1981]

If we want to progress as a team then he needs to go and we need better, truly awful for their goal today and almost cost us at the end with the same type of mistake, it's mistake after mistake with him

[sleeping giant]

Come on and let me know

[Since452]

Stay. Make him captain

[Fergos]

Stay as part of 5 decent CHs squad wise we need when playing with a 3 at back. He’s better when he has to fight for his place.

GGTTH 🇳🇬

[erin go bragh]

Stay but as a striker 😂

[andrew_dundee]

For what it's worth I don't think he's good enough for a team challenging for third or hoping to win cups, and today showed the best and worst of his game.

That said, there are other positions I would prioritise and people I would drop first.

In fairness he's back in the team because of injuries as much as anything else. I really like him and want him to succeed, but wouldn't be against replacing him if we were getting someone more consistent.

In the end I voted Yes as I think he adds something and is a good squad player, but I don't think he will ever be a reliable and solid first team choice.

[IanM]

He’d have to have an error free second half to the season ..

[worcesterhibby]

As usual the negative posters are the loudest.

Heart of a lion, athletic, pace and a leader on the pitch. Any defender that we can sign will make mistakes, very few with have Rocky's other qualities. I love him. KEEP !

How many times have we said in the past.... "we need leaders on the pitch" well we have one, so can we please get behind him !!

[Unseen work]

There’s something that weirdly makes me want to keep him

He’s full of character, seems to love the club and he genuinely does do a lot very good. He can dominate the opposition and his athleticism is such a good attribute and often bails us out.

Our form has picked up since he’s came in despite his mistakes. His passion, is that part of it?

Flip side you could again say that’s a mistake today, conceded one against Saints, own goal v hearts and then his mistake against Dundee

Would he be better on the right of a back 3?

I look at the centre halves we’ve signed this season. Ekpiteta to me had a sticky start but has always looked a really good defender, however him getting injured coincided with our good form. Albeit I think that’s a coincidence as it’s more the shape and introduction of Cadden/Iredale. Then there’s O’Hora who for me just never seems to be in the thick of it, I never seems him winning tackles, headers or reading the play that great.

If we can replace Rocky with genuine quality, say a Jason Kerr. Then 100%. If it’s a risk then I’m not sure.

I suppose the argument would be Ekpiteta, O’Hora and Iredale are on longer contracts, so whoever is replacing Rocky would need to be better than all of them.

[DH1875]

100% keep. Would depend on the formation and the players around him if he made the starting 11 or not but would definitely keep him in the squad.

[Pretty Boy]

Go.

We will go into next season with O'Hora, Ekpiteta and Iredale under contract in the middle and Obita can cover there as well in a real emergency.

That leaves one place in the squad up for grabs and we should be looking to improve on the incumbents. Extending Rocky's contract restricts our ability to do that as we aren't going to carry 6 central defenders.

Guy does a lot right, he's got a great attitude but he's cost us 3 goals in 4 games and was very fortunate not to cost us a point today with a carbon copy of the same error that already cost us a goal.

He's 25, he has played almost 150 career games, the bulk of them at our level. He's not some youngster or project. He's a bona fide first team player and he just hasn't learnt/isn't learning quickly enough.

A guy who can go with best wishes and his head held high but we need better if we are serious about competing for 3rd every season.

[Since452]

As usual the negative posters are the loudest.

Heart of a lion, athletic, pace and a leader on the pitch. Any defender that we can sign will make mistakes, very few with have Rocky's other qualities. I love him. KEEP !

How many times have we said in the past.... "we need leaders on the pitch" well we have one, so can we please get behind him !!

Absolutely. He's a character too. We need them.

[BroxburnHibee]

The frustrating thing for me is most of his errors could and should be coached out off his game.

I love his passion and still think he could play a part

[Albert Kidd 86’]

Defo stay, future captain.

[hibbydog]

A marmite player if ever there was one.

Equally dangerous in both penalty boxes.

F***ks you at both ends.

[7Hero]

As usual the negative posters are the loudest.


the poll would suggest otherwise...

[500miles]

It's all up to him really. These are brain farts, because he's otherwise very gifted as a player.

If David Gray thinks he can coach that mental toughness and focus into him, then I'd be happy for him to stay. Otherwise, we can't depend on him.

[hibsbollah]

Stay.

But its kind of a loaded question. If BK actually change our horizons by pumping cash in, all current players, including Rocky, may be replaced by superior players. So far, we’ve yet to see evidence of that materialising. In the current budget regime, hes well worth his place in the team.

[hibsbollah]

the poll would suggest otherwise...

I suggest just like in actual elections, its the haters who bother to turn out and vote. I havent bothered :greengrin

He got his name sung loud and strong today, which is what actually matters more.

[Onion]

So many great qualities you'd want in a Hibs player, which many have lacked - determination, drive, commitment. But he's too error prone and has tendency to panic at key moments. Has to go.

[lyonhibs]

Go. We've had worse and we've certainly had less committed but he's not good enough long term

[BoomtownHibees]

Go

[Since90+2]

Probably go, although I do get the feeling he is a good guy to have around the club and on the pitch (at times when not making mistakes).

[Donegal Hibby]

No doubt in my mind about Rocky … Gets what it means to play for Hibs , Great character to have at our club and has a excellent attitude and would make a good Captain … New contract please Hibs 🙏

[Jones28]

We will have a massive job replacing him with the positives he brings to the game. His physical attributes are head and shoulders above anyone in the team.

He can develop as a player to cut out the errors like the ones he made today, at 24 I’d like to think he’s got lots of room to improve.

KEEP.

[JimBHibees]

Unnecessary poll imo

[The Modfather]

We will have a massive job replacing him with the positives he brings to the game. His physical attributes are head and shoulders above anyone in the team.

He can develop as a player to cut out the errors like the ones he made today, at 24 I’d like to think he’s got lots of room to improve.

KEEP.

Genuine question, how likely is he to develop going forward given he’s still the same player that arrived 2 1/2 years ago. Same with Miller. I suspect both are now probably the players they always will be.

[Bostonhibby]

As usual the negative posters are the loudest.

Heart of a lion, athletic, pace and a leader on the pitch. Any defender that we can sign will make mistakes, very few with have Rocky's other qualities. I love him. KEEP !

How many times have we said in the past.... "we need leaders on the pitch" well we have one, so can we please get behind him !!For these reasons, keep.

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[Jones28]

See all these folks saying “go”, I wonder what happens when we sign league 1 centre back no. 204732 and he gets rinsed a few times, or is sloppy in their play or doesn’t win a header.

Rocky had a couple of gaffs today, 1 led to a goal. How many CB’s would give us what he did today after an error like that? How many nondescript defenders whose names we’ve all forgotten are going to contribute what he did today?

I genuinely believe with Rocky that we will miss him if he goes in the summer.

[Malthibby]

It's all up to him really. These are brain farts, because he's otherwise very gifted as a player.

If David Gray thinks he can coach that mental toughness and focus into him, then I'd be happy for him to stay. Otherwise, we can't depend on him.


What he said. When we were singing, 'Rocky, Rocky Bushiri' his grin nearly took the top of his head off; he seems to have genuine affection for
the club and on a good day he is athletic and dominating.
On a bad day we ship goals we just should not be losing, I don't know if it's an issue with spatial awareness but if it can be coached out of him he would
be an excellent player - but can it?
I voted to keep him btw.....

[B.H.F.C]

Go, no question for me.

Apart from anything else it is likely the only way we can free up space (along with letting Miller go) to try and improve the defence. If we don’t try to improve it, we’ll see more of the same and that is the area of the team that is weakest for me.

[Donegal Hibby]

As usual the negative posters are the loudest.

Heart of a lion, athletic, pace and a leader on the pitch. Any defender that we can sign will make mistakes, very few with have Rocky's other qualities. I love him. KEEP !

How many times have we said in the past.... "we need leaders on the pitch" well we have one, so can we please get behind him !!

100% :agree:

[supermcginn]

100 percent go

[jeffers]

Go. Continues to make the same mistakes he’s been making since we first signed him.

[1875Sean]

Has to go, he is a good guy but if we are going to improve we need to move him on and look for better, some basic defensive errors which he makes time after time such as letting the ball bounce when he could attach and deal with it first time

[Allant1981]

As usual the negative posters are the loudest.

Heart of a lion, athletic, pace and a leader on the pitch. Any defender that we can sign will make mistakes, very few with have Rocky's other qualities. I love him. KEEP !

How many times have we said in the past.... "we need leaders on the pitch" well we have one, so can we please get behind him !!

Heart of a lion but not a very good centre half, hopefully we replace with better soon

[Ribs1875]

Stay for me, but move him into defensive mid.

[BoomtownHibees]

Stay for me, but move him into defensive mid.

Why?

[Pretty Boy]

See all these folks saying “go”, I wonder what happens when we sign league 1 centre back no. 204732 and he gets rinsed a few times, or is sloppy in their play or doesn’t win a header.

Rocky had a couple of gaffs today, 1 led to a goal. How many CB’s would give us what he did today after an error like that? How many nondescript defenders whose names we’ve all forgotten are going to contribute what he did today?

I genuinely believe with Rocky that we will miss him if he goes in the summer.

What if we got another League One CB like Iredale who has slotted in seamlessly since getting a chance? Or Ekpiteta who came on to a game prior to getting injured.

It seems a bit daft to assume we will sign a bad one when the last 2 have been decent. Maybe we should just stick with this entire squad next season in case their replacements aren't very good. Living in fear that we might sign worse is a sure fire way to never improve.

[TrinityHibby]

Good attitude, terrible footballer who consistently makes horrendous mistakes …..nowhere near good enough to be a starting centre back with a Team with regular top 4 ambitions …..bye, bye

[bod]

When’s his contract up ?

[Brightside]

IF we could get rid of his brain farts he would be a top class CB. I’m just not sure we will ever cure him of that tho. Costs us goals but also saves some.

[hibee_girl]

When’s his contract up ?

At the end of this season

[Libby Hibby]

100% stay.

He gets us.

[Ribs1875]

I would like to see what he could do in the midfield, as his attributes are suited to that of a defensive mid. Would be a world of good for us to have a bit more versatility in the squad also. I am sure when he was at Norwich he was played in the youth teams in such positions, although don't quote me on that as I'd hate to offend all the haters on here.

[wookie70]

I love the big man but I want my centre halves to make very few errors that result in goals. That isn't Rocky unfortunately so I think I'd look for a more consistent replacement

[NC1875]

I like Rocky, but if we’re serious about being consistent best of the rest then we need better.

When opposing teams fans are happy he’s playing it kind of tells its own story.

[Keepthefaith]

I would like to see what he could do in the midfield, as his attributes are suited to that of a defensive mid. Would be a world of good for us to have a bit more versatility in the squad also. I am sure when he was at Norwich he was played in the youth teams in such positions, although don't quote me on that as I'd hate to offend all the haters on here.
\

there's no chance Rocky is comfortable enough with the ball at his feet to be a def mid - compare him with triantis who's made the step up there and he's nowhere near it.

like many others I do think he's got huge qualities but he really could have lost us the game today. always struggles with judging balls over the top, rarely attacks them aggressively. do love the guy but if we can get bette we should, but that goes for the whole defence tbh.

[The Modfather]

What if we got another League One CB like Iredale who has slotted in seamlessly since getting a chance? Or Ekpiteta who came on to a game prior to getting injured.

It seems a bit daft to assume we will sign a bad one when the last 2 have been decent. Maybe we should just stick with this entire squad next season in case their replacements aren't very good. Living in fear that we might sign worse is a sure fire way to never improve.

Your comparison to Iredale is a good one. He has been quietly consistent. More defenders like Iredale where will see us consistently do better than we have. Players like Rocky & Miller are why we bounce between 8th - 5th - 8th - this season. They regularly fluctuate between sublime and liability in games, as evidenced by today.

[Brightside]

I would like to see what he could do in the midfield, as his attributes are suited to that of a defensive mid. Would be a world of good for us to have a bit more versatility in the squad also. I am sure when he was at Norwich he was played in the youth teams in such positions, although don't quote me on that as I'd hate to offend all the haters on here.

This is mental. He has nothing to suggest he’d be good in midfield.

[blackpoolhibs]

Heart of a lion but not a very good centre half, hopefully we replace with better soon

I wish he'd chase Kwon then, imagine how faster he would be.....................

[green day]

Suggestions of Rocky in midfield are hilarious. He can barely trap a ball, his passing is fairly poor, and would give away a ton of fouls.

I kinda love the guy, but he always has (at least) one mistake in him.

People say "hes young" but he hasnt cut out the ludicrous errors, and almost sold the match again today.

Good that he sclaffed one v Aberdeen, and got the equaliser today.............but frankly I would rather have a defender that can defend.

Sadly, not good enough.

[Ribs1875]

\

there's no chance Rocky is comfortable enough with the ball at his feet to be a def mid - compare him with triantis who's made the step up there and he's nowhere near it.

like many others I do think he's got huge qualities but he really could have lost us the game today. always struggles with judging balls over the top, rarely attacks them aggressively. do love the guy but if we can get bette we should, but that goes for the whole defence tbh.

Tbh let's get behind the lad. It's not easy being a footballer in this day and age when you see what VAR has done to the game. Everything is over analysed. It's difficult to be a defender in this day and age. Football has become a non contact sport. The penalty given against us at St Johnstone would never have been giving 7 year ago.

The stats speak for the self, he has played the last 11 games and we have been defeated twice. Today was a good result and the 2 players on the score sheet for us today are 2 who I would have no issue if their contracts are extended.

[e2los]

Got to keep him, would be boring without the drama.

[Mcbizz1998]

Got to go, as soon as possible.

[JohnM1875]

🎶 Ohh, Rocky Bushiri 🎵

Love the big man, but we absolutely need better defensively. Some goal though! Two massive goals in the past month or so.

[Sheffhibee]

At the end of this season

I believe Hibs have an option for another year, so a no brainer for me. Love the big guys spirit

[Hibrandenburg]

Unnecessary poll imo

Yep, there's finally a positive buzz around ER again and yet some posters are determined to try and stoke up resentment against our players.

Just chill, have a few beers and enjoy a good run of results.

[Pretty Boy]

Suggestions of Rocky in midfield are hilarious. He can barely trap a ball, his passing is fairly poor, and would give away a ton of fouls.

I kinda love the guy, but he always has (at least) one mistake in him.

People say "hes young" but he hasnt cut out the ludicrous errors, and almost sold the match again today.

Good that he sclaffed one v Aberdeen, and got the equaliser today.............but frankly I would rather have a defender that can defend.

Sadly, not good enough.

He's not even young or inexperienced.

He's 25 and has played almost 60 games in the Belgian first division, played 7 games in League One in England and has played 15, 20 and 34 games for Hibs in the 3 seasons prior to this one.

Someone like Megwa is young and inexperienced with plenty scope to improve still. Rocky is about as good as he is ever going to be.

[Gatecrasher]

He has been the soul of the team since our draw with Aberdeen, he's prone to mistakes and that was evident today but he's largely cut them out recently and has earned another deal in my opinion.

[Victor]

Of course he should stay. He perfectly encapsulates Hibs at the moment, not brilliant but has the heart of a lion. He does a lot more good things than bad.

[BILLYHIBS]

Keep

Oh Rocky Bushiri ! Oh Rocky Bushiri !

[green day]

He's not even young or inexperienced.

He's 25 and has played almost 60 games in the Belgian first division, played 7 games in League One in England and has played 15, 20 and 34 games for Hibs in the 3 seasons prior to this one.

Someone like Megwa is young and inexperienced with plenty scope to improve still. Rocky is about as good as he is ever going to be.

Oh, I dont disagree on the age thing - but I have heard people say that when he makes (yet another) error.

He wears his heart on his sleeve, but I would prefer a guy like Iredale who just quietly goes about his job and does it very well (so far).

[Paulie Walnuts]

Go.

[NC1875]

He has been the soul of the team since our draw with Aberdeen, he's prone to mistakes and that was evident today but he's largely cut them out recently and has earned another deal in my opinion.

We’ve all slated recruitment for years.

We’re now nearing a time when we can get rid of some of the ridiculous recruitment and people are wanting to hand out new deals to guys on the back of a decent 6 game run.

Just completely erasing everything that’s gone before ?

Rocky is nowhere near good enough if we want to be consistently better than we have been.

[SHODAN]

What a bizarre thread.

[Itsnoteasy]

What a bizarre thread.

What's bizarre about it

[Pretty Boy]

We’ve all slated recruitment for years.

We’re now nearing a time when we can get rid of some of the ridiculous recruitment and people are wanting to hand out new deals to guys on the back of a decent 6 game run.

Just completely erasing everything that’s gone before ?

Rocky is nowhere near good enough if we want to be consistently better than we have been.

I've made this point before, including on this thread.

Do we want to potentially improve or do we want to be paralysed by fear that we might sign worse so just stick with what we know. That seems a sure fire way not to get better.

As it stands we have O'Hora, Obita, Ekpiteta and Iredale contracted for next season and Megwa to come back with significant time left on his deal as well. That leaves us with scope for another 3. The easy option would be just to extend Miller, Rocky and Cadden but then how do we improve? Cross our fingers and hope these guys find a level they haven't yet shown or haven't reached for some time? Or do we trust our new recruitment lead and his team to find us better?

Sure we could get it wrong if we twist and end up with worse but if we stick we'll be sitting 6th, 7th or 8th this time next year and moaning that we have X, Y or Z for another 2 or 3 years. We aren't likely to move on the guys under contract so if we want to improve that means saying goodbye to at least 2 of the 3 who are out of contract.

[The Modfather]

Remember all the posts last season about Hanlon being our best defender and we needed to keep him. No one mentions him now and we replaced him (the current version) with better in Iredale. Other than their cult statuses the same will be true next season of Rocky & Miller if we don’t renew their contracts IMO.

[1875M]

Keep but I would like to think he wouldn’t be starting after the summer. I actually rate him, strong, big, athletic, and loves the Hibs but he’s got a mistake in him and struggles with high balls. There’s a reason he’s playing in the SPFL. People need to remember we’re not Real Madrid and players at this level won’t be spectacular except the odd few who go onto bigger things.

[kentao]

Has all the attributes to be a very good player but let's himself down with his decision making. Nearly caught out twice today with letting the ball bounce instead of just clearing his lines / passing back to the keeper.

Really like his passion and commitment but needs to cut out the mistakes.

[worcesterhibby]

the poll would suggest otherwise...

actually that was my point… the majority of posts are saying go… but the majority of those who have voted say stay… so the negative posters are the loudest, but a minority.

[worcesterhibby]

I've made this point before, including on this thread.

Do we want to potentially improve or do we want to be paralysed by fear that we might sign worse so just stick with what we know. That seems a sure fire way not to get better.

As it stands we have O'Hora, Obita, Ekpiteta and Iredale contracted for next season and Megwa to come back with significant time left on his deal as well. That leaves us with scope for another 3. The easy option would be just to extend Miller, Rocky and Cadden but then how do we improve? Cross our fingers and hope these guys find a level they haven't yet shown or haven't reached for some time? Or do we trust our new recruitment lead and his team to find us better?

Sure we could get it wrong if we twist and end up with worse but if we stick we'll be sitting 6th, 7th or 8th this time next year and moaning that we have X, Y or Z for another 2 or 3 years. We aren't likely to move on the guys under contract so if we want to improve that means saying goodbye to at least 2 of the 3 who are out of contract.

you make an excellent argument, I just love Rocky’s passion too much to agree with you.

[BILLYHIBS]

Would the haters please vote for Rocky to go coz 75% say he is staying :greengrin

Edit: make that 77.4 %

[Pretty Boy]

you make an excellent argument, I just love Rocky’s passion too much to agree with you.

I like Rocky too, I really do but football is brutal at times and I think we are at a point at which we need to be brutal.

Plenty players have left Hibs who I have been delighted to see the back off and really don't care what happens to thm. Rocky is one I would say thank for everything and I hope he makes a good career for himself. He's never ever hid and has given us his all. I'm just not convinced his talent matches his attitude.

[He's here!]

What's bizarre about it

Guy's been integral to our recent recovery, scoring some vital goals and has shown the heart that's been sorely lacking in our team for far too long. Along with other supposedly 'meh' players Campbell, Nicky Cadden and Gayle he's been terrific for us. Yet we're polling on whether to get rid of him. That's what's bizarre.

[Pretty Boy]

Guy's been integral to our recent recovery, scoring some vital goals and has shown the heart that's been sorely lacking in our team for far too long. Along with other supposedly 'meh' players Campbell, Nicky Cadden and Gayle he's been terrific for us. Yet we're polling on whether to get rid of him. That's what's bizarre.

He's out of contract and nothing has been forthcoming from the club about extending that. It's a perfectly reasonable discussion to have. Same as it would be if it was about Miller or Cadden.

No one is talking about 'getting rid' which suggests actively trying to offload him. The discussion is whether he has done enough over a 3 year contract to merit a new contract for a similar timescale.

[hibsbollah]

He's out of contract and nothing has been forthcoming from the club about extending that. It's a perfectly reasonable discussion to have. Same as it would be if it was about Miller or Cadden.

No one is talking about 'getting rid' which suggests actively trying to offload him. The discussion is whether he has done enough over a 3 year contract to merit a new contract for a similar timescale.

I’m not trying to pick at your argument, because it does have merit, but werent you calling for him to be captain the other week? If a player has those attributes surely he has the same attributes that would deserve a contract?

[He's here!]

He's out of contract and nothing has been forthcoming from the club about extending that. It's a perfectly reasonable discussion to have. Same as it would be if it was about Miller or Cadden.

No one is talking about 'getting rid' which suggests actively trying to offload him. The discussion is whether he has done enough over a 3 year contract to merit a new contract for a similar timescale.

Just seems odd to me that there's a poll on this shortly after he's won a great point for us.

We're only at the start of January. Plenty more time for him to continue to prove his worth before making calls on his future.

As someone else has pointed out, unless the BKs actually stop in with some serious money for higher calibre signings I think we'd be foolish to show him the door.

[blackpoolhibs]

Is there ever been a player who makes so many mistakes for Hibs been liked so much?

[Pretty Boy]

I’m not trying to pick at your argument, because it does have merit, but werent you calling for him to be captain the other week? If a player has those attributes surely he has the same attributes that would deserve a contract?

In our current squad I think he is one of the natural leaders. I'd have him as captain ahead of Boyle or even Newell.

Do I think being a good character and a bit of a leader is enough to merit another 3 or 4 years at Hibs when we already have at least 2 comparable or better CBs already tied down on medium to long term deals? Not if we are serious about improving. If we resign Rocky that means our CB options next year would be exactly the same as they are this season which is stagnation. We have to be aiming to improve.

As someone said on another thread if he didn't actually have to defend he'd probably be my favourite player.

[Since90+2]

Just seems odd to me that there's a poll on this shortly after he's won a great point for us.

We're only at the start of January. Plenty more time for him to continue to prove his worth before making calls on his future.

As someone else has pointed out, unless the BKs actually stop in with some serious money for higher calibre signings I think we'd be foolish to show him the door.

Posters on here aren't making any calls on his future, that's for people at the club.

It's a perfectly valid thread to get fans opinions on whether or not they'd like to see him stay.

[He's here!]

Is there a player who makes so many mistakes for Hibs been liked so much?

It's his response to mistakes which earns him respect. He doesn't let his head go down and avoid the ball. Gets stuck right back in.

Boozy could be a wee bit like that. I remember the 2007 League Cup semi v St Johnstone when he couldn't find a man for 90% of the game yet was always looking for the ball and came good in the end.

[LaMotta]

Have people forgotten about Ekpiteta and O'Hora's horrendous errors that cost us goals earlier in the season?

[easty]

100% go.

I want my defenders to be able to defend the most basic of situations.

Having a good attitude doesn’t come close to making up for his deficiencies.

[blackpoolhibs]

It's his response to mistakes which earns him respect. He doesn't let his head go down and avoid the ball. Gets stuck right back in.

Boozy could be a wee bit like that. I remember the 2007 League Cup semi v St Johnstone when he couldn't find a man for 90% of the game yet was always looking for the ball and came good in the end.

His attitude is spot on.:agree:

[easty]

Have people forgotten about Ekpiteta and O'Hora's horrendous errors that cost us goals earlier in the season?

I’m no sure what they have to do with renewing Rockys contract?

[jeffers]

Have people forgotten about Ekpiteta and O'Hora's horrendous errors that cost us goals earlier in the season?

Absolutely not, but you could potentially give them the benefit of the doubt as they were still settling in (I’m not a fan of either tbh) whereas with Rocky he’s been doing the same since he joined us.

[Greenbeard]

IF we could get rid of his brain farts he would be a top class CB. I’m just not sure we will ever cure him of that tho. Costs us goals but also saves some.
.......and we couldn't afford him.

[TrinityHibby]

We’ve all slated recruitment for years.

We’re now nearing a time when we can get rid of some of the ridiculous recruitment and people are wanting to hand out new deals to guys on the back of a decent 6 game run.

Just completely erasing everything that’s gone before ?

Rocky is nowhere near good enough if we want to be consistently better than we have been.

Exactly how I see things too…..I genuinely hope he can forge a good career elsewhere

[Mcbizz1998]

He has been the soul of the team since our draw with Aberdeen, he's prone to mistakes and that was evident today but he's largely cut them out recently and has earned another deal in my opinion.

In what world has he largely cut them out recently? The derby, the penalty at St J and multiple today. He’s cost us a goal a game.

[LaMotta]

I’m no sure what they have to do with renewing Rockys contract?

Because people are claiming we already have better centre halves (Ekpiteta and O' Hora) in the squad as a reason why Rocky should go. Rocky has been better than both IMO and the team has definitely played better with him in it.

[Greenbeard]

Keep but I would like to think he wouldn’t be starting after the summer. I actually rate him, strong, big, athletic, and loves the Hibs but he’s got a mistake in him and struggles with high balls. There’s a reason he’s playing in the SPFL. People need to remember we’re not Real Madrid and players at this level won’t be spectacular except the odd few who go onto bigger things.
So much so that what came to mind today was these videos you see of Antacrtic penguins looking up at a low-flying aircraft passing overhead and falling over backwards. But I voted stay!

[Jones28]

Genuine question, how likely is he to develop going forward given he’s still the same player that arrived 2 1/2 years ago. Same with Miller. I suspect both are now probably the players they always will be.

It’s commonly assumed that a player at the age of 24/25 still has their best years ahead of them. It’s not unimaginable to say he will develop to a point of dealing better with the two scenarios from today’s game.

[LaMotta]

Absolutely not, but you could potentially give them the benefit of the doubt as they were still settling in (I’m not a fan of either tbh) whereas with Rocky he’s been doing the same since he joined us.

Fair, but Rocky has also some really strong qualities. Ekpiteta is 29 so he has hit his peak already. O'Hora is 25 like Rocky so has room for improvement. For me, Rocky's overall attributes are better than both based on what we've seen.

[easty]

Because people are claiming we already have better centre halves (Ekpiteta and O' Hora) in the squad as a reason why Rocky should go. Rocky has been better than both IMO and the team has definitely played better with him in it.

Rockys had a good run recently, it’s only a few games though and he’s still managed to chuck in fairly regular brain farts. Over the whole time at Hibs he’s been poor. He’s not been in and out the team because of how good he’s been.

I agree that the others haven’t been great either, but I’m judging Rocky on how good he is.

[blackpoolhibs]

Because people are claiming we already have better centre halves (Ekpiteta and O' Hora) in the squad as a reason why Rocky should go. Rocky has been better than both IMO and the team has definitely played better with him in it.

I dont think we should renew Rockys contract, but he's much better than O'Hora. What i would say about Rocky is where do folk see him playing after Hibs, as for me he'd be absolutely slaughtered in England, he's not anywhere near good enough for the Championship, they would playhim like a 2 bob fiddle in that league.

We need better defenders than we currently have, defenders who can just defend properly and stop giving away goals as sloppy as we do.

[Jones28]

What if we got another League One CB like Iredale who has slotted in seamlessly since getting a chance? Or Ekpiteta who came on to a game prior to getting injured.

It seems a bit daft to assume we will sign a bad one when the last 2 have been decent. Maybe we should just stick with this entire squad next season in case their replacements aren't very good. Living in fear that we might sign worse is a sure fire way to never improve.

Marv was fine for a few games, and Iredale came in at the same time as Rocky and has looked excellent - he’s more experienced and is being asked to do a slightly different job I would argue.

I believe we have an excellent player in Rocky, who clearly has a gaff in him and can play the game in an…interesting…manner, but my gut feeling on it is that he has led this revival this season. Hes been a key figure and on the whole has done really well and if he keeps up his level he’d be worthy of a new contract.

FWIW I don’t think he will stay.

[LaMotta]

Rockys had a good run recently, it’s only a few games though and he’s still managed to chuck in fairly regular brain farts. Over the whole time at Hibs he’s been poor. He’s not been in and out the team because of how good he’s been.

I agree that the others haven’t been great either, but I’m judging Rocky on how good he is.

I should have responded to the posts that cited Marv and O hora TBF.

He's really not helping himself with the brainfarts I agree, if he had given some indication he would cut them out then I'd say a contract is a no brainer. He hasn't of course. If he could play like he did up at Aberdeen every week then wed have a very good player on our hands. It's a big few months for him. Could go either way IMO.

[NAE NOOKIE]

I voted keep. But like so many on here it's because of his attitude.

The truth is he makes too many errors in too many games .... especially the biggest crime any CH can commit .... IE letting the ball bounce, he nearly cost us a goal twice today doing that and it gave me flashbacks to the time he let that big Hearts huddie bully him off the ball to score in the derby last season.

But all that being said you just can't help liking the guy .... especially when he bullets a header in to get you a draw against the Sticky Buns :greengrin

[Donegal Hibby]

In what world has he largely cut them out recently? The derby, the penalty at St J and multiple today. He’s cost us a goal a game.

Since he’s came into the team our points tally has been very good , also it was his goal that started our revival .. has a mistake in him though so do all our defenders, good player to to have as his attitude and character is spot on .. also think he’s got leadership qualities which some were saying we lacked in the squad.

[blackpoolhibs]

I should have responded to the posts that cited Marv and O hora TBF.

He's really not helping himself with the brainfarts I agree, if he had given some indication he would cut them out then I'd say a contract is a no brainer. He hasn't of course. If he could play like he did up at Aberdeen every week then wed have a very good player on our hands. It's a big few months for him. Could go either way IMO.

That's his problem though isnt it, he cant for whatever reasons he just cant stop the daft mistakes.

[LaMotta]

That's his problem though isnt it, he cant for whatever reasons he just cant stop the daft mistakes.

Absolutely agree. CH's do get more consistent as they hit their late 20s, that would be my only hope for him.

[The Modfather]

It’s commonly assumed that a player at the age of 24/25 still has their best years ahead of them. It’s not unimaginable to say he will develop to a point of dealing better with the two scenarios from today’s game.

I’m not sure Rocky has much more development in him. I think the player he is now is probably close to what he always will be. He hasn’t developed any in his 3 years at us. So I would still ask what is it, specific to Rocky, that gives hope he can develop going forward that he hasn’t done in the previous 3 years?

Rocky has a chaos factor to him, an asset at times a liability at others. I don’t think the chaos factor is what you want from a defender. We just need defenders who can consistently do the basics well, like Iredale.

[Cabbage-Patch]

Lot of folks hearts ruling thier heads here. Rocky is a stand up guy and loves the club but he's cost us way too many goals. If he is to stay I would like to perhaps see him play further forward. Maybe as a DM but as a CB he's not good enough. My heart was in my mouth when he let the ball bounce 6 times at the end near the box and only the post saved him.

[jeffers]

Marv was fine for a few games, and Iredale came in at the same time as Rocky and has looked excellent - he’s more experienced and is being asked to do a slightly different job I would argue.

I believe we have an excellent player in Rocky, who clearly has a gaff in him and can play the game in an…interesting…manner, but my gut feeling on it is that he has led this revival this season. Hes been a key figure and on the whole has done really well and if he keeps up his level he’d be worthy of a new contract.

FWIW I don’t think he will stay.

I was told he had been offered a new deal when Monty was here, he didn’t want to sign it.

[Since452]

No more of a bombscare than Ryan Porteous was for us and he was defended to the hilt on here.

[easty]

I dont think we should renew Rockys contract, but he's much better than O'Hora. What i would say about Rocky is where do folk see him playing after Hibs, as for me he'd be absolutely slaughtered in England, he's not anywhere near good enough for the Championship, they would playhim like a 2 bob fiddle in that league.

We need better defenders than we currently have, defenders who can just defend properly and stop giving away goals as sloppy as we do.

He’s no chance of playing at Championship level as things stand. Porteous hasn’t exactly looked great down there, and he’s a far better player.

[JohnM1875]

I’m not sure Rocky has much more development in him. I think the player he is now is probably close to what he always will be. He hasn’t developed any in his 3 years at us. So I would still ask what is it, specific to Rocky, that gives hope he can develop going forward that he hasn’t done in the previous 3 years?

Rocky has a chaos factor to him, an asset at times a liability at others. I don’t think the chaos factor is what you want from a defender. We just need defenders who can consistently do the basics well, like Iredale.

That's harsh that. He's clearly a better player now than he was when he first joined. I do agree I can't see him getting much better now though.

[easty]

No more of a bombscare than Ryan Porteous was for us and he was defended to the hilt on here.

Rocky is to Porteous what McKirdy is to Nisbet.

[Mutu]

Keep him. Make him captain. Erect a statue in his honour.

We should be extending his contract and looking to offload some of the guff we signed in the summer. Rocky gets Hibs - you need these folk in and around the dressing room.

[blackpoolhibs]

Absolutely agree. CH's do get more consistent as they hit their late 20s, that would be my only hope for him.

How daft is it that i dont rate him, but he's one of my favourite players?:faf:

[LaMotta]

No more of a bombscare than Ryan Porteous was for us and he was defended to the hilt on here.

Agreed. Porteous got away with mistakes on here on a regular basis.

[Mutu]

Rocky is to Porteous what McKirdy is to Nisbet.

Bit of an unfair comparison. Rocky has contributed a lot to Hibs over the years.

[B.H.F.C]

Fair, but Rocky has also some really strong qualities. Ekpiteta is 29 so he has hit his peak already. O'Hora is 25 like Rocky so has room for improvement. For me, Rocky's overall attributes are better than both based on what we've seen.

I’m no Rocky’s biggest fan, which is probably quite a kind way of putting it. But I’d probably have him ahead of O’Hora who I think has been really poor. With the contract situations I don’t see any option but to let Rocky go though. If we don’t, we’re going to go in to next season with exactly the same options at centre half. We can’t do that, absolutely no way.

Whatever the shape, whatever combination of players we’ve just been so poor defensively all season. We need to take whatever opportunities we have to make changes in that area.

[LaMotta]

How daft is it that i dont rate him, but he's one of my favourite players?:faf:

It is mad, rarely wanted a player to succeed so much. So much goodwill from the fans - being behind the goal at Tynie and chanting his name and seeing how happy he was was a truly great moment as a Hibs fan.

[DinkyTwo]

I'd be waiting a month or two before offering an extension, but on current form, I wouldn't be against Rocky staying around for another couple years.

Even with the mistakes, his positive contributions are outweighing the negative right now.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[we are hibs]

No more of a bombscare than Ryan Porteous was for us and he was defended to the hilt on here.Not sure about that. Plenty folk were glad to see the back of Porteous in the end. Claiming he wasn't learning from his mistakes, similar to Rocky not learning from his mistakes and still making clangers.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

[RIP]

It's irrelevant what fans on a forum think. It won't influence Gray, Mackay, Stewart or the Board.

For weeks now, home and away, fans have been singing his name. Players with the heart of Rocky are like Gold dust.

He is adored by his fellow players.

What nobody seems to realise is that he is the last man in defence when the other nine are busy attacking. Nobody else in the past few seasons has been able to hold down that role without conceding on occasion.

Gray picks him every week. I'm happy to trust in our manager to know what value Rocky brings to Hibernian FC. Have none of you noticed that every time we score, Bushiri is called over by Gray to receive instructions?

[I'm Spartacus]

He shows glimpses, but he also shows howlers.

An experience and we move him on and improve.

[Paul1642]

I just don’t think that it’s a a coincidence that our form since Rocky returned to the starting 11 has been one of the better runs I’ve ever seen Hibs go on. It might not be his ability that has played the main role in that but I honestly believe his attitude took effect on the whole team.

[easty]

Agreed. Porteous got away with mistakes on here on a regular basis.

Yet now plays at a higher level, is a regular scotland international, and if he was to come back to Scotland it’d be to Rangers or Celtc.

Rockys nowhere near Porteous level.

[BILLYHIBS]

Rocky is to Porteous what McKirdy is to Nisbet.

Can think of a few games where Rocky was as good if not better than Porto who was becoming a liability

Posted a list at the time cannae be arsed digging it oot

[Keepthefaith]

Tbh let's get behind the lad. It's not easy being a footballer in this day and age when you see what VAR has done to the game. Everything is over analysed. It's difficult to be a defender in this day and age. Football has become a non contact sport. The penalty given against us at St Johnstone would never have been giving 7 year ago.

The stats speak for the self, he has played the last 11 games and we have been defeated twice. Today was a good result and the 2 players on the score sheet for us today are 2 who I would have no issue if their contracts are extended.

bit of an odd response to my post - I said clearly I love the guy so way wasn't getting at him? as for saying things are over analysed, this thread is about giving a considered judgement as to whether to give him another contract, so there's a need analyse! I stick by my view that whilst he has a lot of good qualities, he's too often found wanting with a ball over the top / out muscled for a guy of his strength. generally he's contributed well to this run, as have others and I agree that his attitude has been infectious as part of that.

however if we aspire to be top 4 I think we need defenders who make fewer obvious errors, but that also applies to miller and Chris cadden too!

[hibsbollah]

Not sure about that. Plenty folk were glad to see the back of Porteous in the end. Claiming he wasn't learning from his mistakes, similar to Rocky not learning from his mistakes and still making clangers.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

I think the comparison with Porteous is a good one. Porto is the superior defender. But he also downed tools a number of times, dived unnecessarily and repeatedly and got himself into ridiculous beefs that cost us. I remember an away defeat in Paisley where i swear he’d stopped even trying.

[easty]

Can think of a few games where Rocky was as good if not better than Porto who was becoming a liability

I suppose Watford should just sign Rocky then, he’s free at the end of the season.

[PHeffernan]

Rocky and Miller need to train with this guy who has a training drill for getting the ball out of danger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29e8loYd37A

[LaMotta]

Yet now plays at a higher level, is a regular scotland international, and if he was to come back to Scotland it’d be to Rangers or Celtc.

Rockys nowhere near Porteous level.

Yet the Watford fans are not impressed with him, and he cost Scotland massively at the Euros with a ridiculous tackle and hasn't featured since.

Obviously very good on his day, but I'm not sure he ends up back at either Celtic or Rangers due to his regular brainfarts.

[BILLYHIBS]

I suppose Watford should just sign Rocky then, he’s free at the end of the season.

Aye watched him the other week noticed he still does that ‘old trick’ where he flops on the ball grabs it in tight situations hoping for a free kick that never comes - never learns :greengrin

Rocky got wise to him blaming everyone but himself

[Since90+2]

Porteous is levels above Rocky. No even close.

[Jones28]

I’m not sure Rocky has much more development in him. I think the player he is now is probably close to what he always will be. He hasn’t developed any in his 3 years at us. So I would still ask what is it, specific to Rocky, that gives hope he can develop going forward that he hasn’t done in the previous 3 years?

Rocky has a chaos factor to him, an asset at times a liability at others. I don’t think the chaos factor is what you want from a defender. We just need defenders who can consistently do the basics well, like Iredale.

Maturity and his reading of the game is where I’d like to see him improve, I think in terms of doing things like reading the game quickly and blocking shots and tackles he’s very good in a reactionary way.

I’m so desperate for him to cut out these errors and tbf I think in terms of numbers he is, today was an anomaly this season and he got away with one big style. But that’s football.

I was very impressed last week when he basically was the sole defender mopping up against St Johnstone in the second half where I don’t think any of the defenders we have on the books would have been able to match the pace of their attackers on the odd occasion they got out their own box. Ok he gave away the pen - I thought it was very harsh.

[Hiber-nation]

Cannot believe how the poll is standing. We can't possibly keep him, it would be utter madness.

[hibsbollah]

Aye watched him the other week noticed he still does that ‘old trick’ where he flops on the ball grabs it in tight situations hoping for a free kick that never comes - never learns :greengrin

Rocky got wise to him blaming everyone but himself

Such a weird ‘tactic’. Refs saw it everytime.

[BILLYHIBS]

Such a weird ‘tactic’. Refs saw it everytime.
:greengrin

[fat freddy]

Keep. He can be trained to punt it into row z when necessary. You can't train his enthusiasm and passion into a player, you either have it or you don't. I'll take his positives knowing they outweigh his negatives

[easty]

Keep. He can be trained to punt it into row z when necessary. You can't train his enthusiasm and passion into a player, you either have it or you don't. I'll take his positives knowing they outweigh his negatives

If he can be…then why hasn’t he been? This isn’t a new problem.

[sambajustice]

Bit of a crappy thread to have on a day like this but... he's crap and hibs shouldn't be looking to keep him.

Getting caught under the ball like he did today is just awful. It's a nod back to the keeper or an out the park job

[JohnM1875]

The mistake that nearly led to them getting a fourth goal is honestly embarrassingly bad. What makes it even worse is he then kinda pushes their striker forward and through on goal, just mental!

Then, in Rocky fashion he actually does quite well to make a bit of ground up and probably put him off just enough.

[Stevie Reid]

Go. Really like him and seems a great character, but the rough edges are not going to be smoothed out enough for this level.

He’s not even learning from mistakes he makes within games, never mind over the course of his career. Letting those simple balls over the top bounce is schoolboy stuff, and could (probably should) have cost us the game.

Losing today after coming back so well could have been season defining. He’s experienced enough to know better, but that doesn’t show on the park. Basic situations are still a massive problem far too often.

If he keeps playing for us, the likelihood of the same mistakes costing us is far greater than him becoming a truly solid SPL centre half.

Could see him being a stand out for a decent Scottish Championship team.

[andrew_dundee]

The results have been far more one-sided than I expected when I put the poll up.

On why I put it up, there's been a bit of debate about him and I think today captured everything that's great and everything that's a nightmare about Rocky. He rescued a point and played his heart out but he also gifted a goal and nearly lost us the match in the last minute, but had I been there I would have been singing his name.

Had Rangers scored in the last minute I think the poll may have been a bit different, but we can all agree he's never boring.

[Tambo]

I like Rocky, he will give it his all but is prone to a so called Rocky moment, has played enough games now to try cut some of them out.

I would like better in which is a key area for this league in my opinion.

[supermcginn]

Porteous is levels above Rocky. No even close.

Agreed, Rocky couldn't lace his boots.

[PHeffernan]

Porteous is levels above Rocky. No even close.

Porteous is an English Championship level centre half but no better than that
Bushiri is probably an English 1st Division level centre half

Hibs can't afford to recruit from the Championship and often recruit from the 1st Division so there is a argument that Rocky is Hibs level.

Probably fair to say that no current Hibs player with the exception of Youan is English Championship level.

Like everyone else I love Rocky, the guy and Hibee but weighing it all up I don't think Hibs and Rocky will be together next season.
Both have good reasons to move on.

[silverhibee]

It's irrelevant what fans on a forum think. It won't influence Gray, Mackay, Stewart or the Board.

For weeks now, home and away, fans have been singing his name. Players with the heart of Rocky are like Gold dust.

He is adored by his fellow players.

What nobody seems to realise is that he is the last man in defence when the other nine are busy attacking. Nobody else in the past few seasons has been able to hold down that role without conceding on occasion.

Gray picks him every week. I'm happy to trust in our manager to know what value Rocky brings to Hibernian FC. Have none of you noticed that every time we score, Bushiri is called over by Gray to receive instructions?

While fans scrutinise every detail for days about a game it’s not the same for footballing people, Gray would have been delighted with the result in the changing room, a chat would be had and I’m sure Gray points out Rocky’s mistake but praises him for not giving up, good crossing Nicky but remember to track back at time and help out, delighted for you lads but just think how better we get if we cut out the silly mistakes but that will come would be some words Gray may have said after the game to players, we are on a good run and Gray needs the players to be together and keep the confidence going for the next game, that is all that counts now for the players and coaching staff the next game, todays game is forgotten about, a good point against the Huns and we move on, us the fans don’t and go on for days about things.

[PHeffernan]

I believe Hibs have an option for another year, so a no brainer for me. Love the big guys spirit

That's the first time i've heard or read that anywhere

[Ribs1875]

He's an asset and a liability and everything in between.

But should he be here next season?

Let just give the guy our support and backing. The fact he laid it onto Boyle and scored a goal should give him even more confidence. This making threads to drag him further through the mud doesn't make sense.

[The Hibee Harp]

Thought the longbangers boys called it right earlier - Rocky’s positive contributions were made at the top end of the field today and that his bread and butter - his defending - was awful.

[MacGruber]

Triantis has a glowing thread, he was superb on the ball however it's probably his man that's ran off him for all 3 goals.
Personally would keep Rocky though would have big Marv back in when fit.

[Franck Stanton]

Stay.Definitely STAY. Stupid thread.

[Cooshed Kid]

None of our players frustrate me more but when it comes to Rocky my heart rules my head because he shows so much passion for us and can be genuinely skilful outside our own box. I love what the big guy brings in terms of drive and enthusiasm. He makes mistakes - repeated mistakes, sadly - but they never get the better of him. Maybe defence is not his forte. I'd experiment playing him in midfield as others have suggested. Maybe that's where he truly would show his best for us. I remember when Gordon Rae was moved from centre forward to centre back. That turned out well. Maybe we just haven't found the right position for Rocky yet.

[Stuart93]

Go for me.

I am beginning to like the big guy but he’s still making too many straightforward mistakes.

To the let the ball bounce is criminal and cost us a goal. Very nearly cost us again at the end.

Yes these mistakes can be coached out of a player but we’re not in a position we can wait on that happening unfortunately

[WhileTheChief..]

Be interesting to see folks' reactions if Gray decides to replace him!!

Will they be calling Gray an idiot and accusing him of having an agenda or narrative?

Will they come on here and claim it's to do with his race?

Or will they accept it's simply because Gray thinks he can find someone better that can improve the team?

[hibsbollah]

Be interesting to see folks' reactions if Gray decides to replace him!!

Will they be calling Gray an idiot and accusing him of having an agenda or narrative?

Will they come on here and claim it's to do with his race?

Or will they accept it's simply because Gray thinks he can find someone better that can improve the team?

Obviously, the answers to those questions will be No, No, Yes.

[Northernhibee]

This would be a very different thread if his repeated error near the end of the game caused the game to finish 4-3 when the Rangers striker got a one on one with the goalie but hit the post.

Guarantee someone comes along to say “but he didn’t score” but that was down to poor finishing outwith our control.

[Jones28]

This would be a very different thread if his repeated error near the end of the game caused the game to finish 4-3 when the Rangers striker got a one on one with the goalie but hit the post.

Guarantee someone comes along to say “but he didn’t score” but that was down to poor finishing outwith our control.

Is this not a bit Auntie + Baws = Uncle?

[Paulie Walnuts]

Whilst his goal and assist were very welcome, ultimately it’s not what he’s in the team for. He’s in the team to defend and on that front, he makes far too many costly mistakes. In the last 10 games he’s directly cost us three goals, and that’s while he’s apparently playing well and before you consider any mistakes that thankfully haven’t lead to goals, like his one late on yesterday.

If we want to improve then he has to be moved on. Arguably that’s as much down to circumstance as ability, which for him is unfortunate, as we’ve got 3 contracted centre half’s next season and we really need to improve defensively. But that’s just the way it goes. He’s certainly not good enough for us to give a new contract and pay off one of the others on top of that to allow us to get someone new in the door for example.

[Northernhibee]

Is this not a bit Auntie + Baws = Uncle?

No, because the fact it didn’t finish 4-3 wasn’t down to us. It was down to circumstances outwith our control.

It was an unforgivable Sunday league level mistake he’d replicated from earlier in the game.

I love the guy but he’s miles off what we need as a defender.

[Viva_Palmeiras]

He's an asset and a liability and everything in between.

But should he be here next season?

Imagine being part of the catalyst for the teams resurgence and seeing a thread …
He’s not without flaw but who is ? Perhaps his leadership qualities are just what we needed.

[WhileTheChief..]

Obviously, the answers to those questions will be No, No, Yes.

So why direct that kinda chat towards posters on here who would replace Rocky?!

I don't get it. We've always discussed players contracts and whether they should be extended or not. What's the difference here?

What's the big deal if some fans would like to see us get a new centre half?

We should always be striving to improve, no?

[hibsbollah]

So why direct that kinda chat towards posters on here who would replace Rocky?!

I don't get it. We've always discussed players contracts and whether they should be extended or not. What's the difference here?

What's the big deal if some fans would like to see us get a new centre half?

We should always be striving to improve, no?

I don’t understand your first question. Has someone suggested race is a factor on this thread?

On the improvement point, I said exactly the same thing, if we have a BK injection of proper cash then everyone is replaceable.

[WhileTheChief..]

I don’t understand your first question. Has someone suggested race is a factor on this thread?

On the improvement point, I said exactly the same thing, if we have a BK injection of proper cash then everyone is replaceable.

Someone quoted me saying that Rocky gets abuse on here because he's black.

I don't agree with that at all and don't think anyone on this forum thinks we should replace him because of his race.

*Actually it might have been on the other Rocky thread, it's hard to keep up!

[WhileTheChief..]

No more of a bombscare than Ryan Porteous was for us and he was defended to the hilt on here.

Porteous was a decent player for us.

I'd have him back in a heartbeat in front of any of our current defenders.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Porteous was a decent player for us.

I'd have him back in a heartbeat in front of any of our current defenders.

:agree:

He was also in no way defended to the hilt on here. In fact he was routinely heavily criticised.

[Bushwoof]

He may have cost us 3 goals recently but also scored 2 and set up one, so that evens the score for me. Without Rocky's contribution yesterday I reckon we'd have lost the game, 2-1 probably. And you'd like to think he'll learn from his 2 identical howlers yesterday and deal with that sort of thing better next time.
He's not beyond criticism by ay means, but it wasn't just his defending that was lacking yesterday. What was the much lauded Iredale doing at the 2nd, for example? And should it really have been down to Triantis to mark their free-scoring CF every time?
The team needs big characters like Rocky. Some of his mistakes are borderline unforgiveable, but I'd keep him for as long as he wants to keep giving his all to the club.

[marinello59]

Imagine being part of the catalyst for the teams resurgence and seeing a thread …
He’s not without flaw but who is ? Perhaps his leadership qualities are just what we needed.

It’s a shame people couldn't enjoy what was a memorable game of football before asking for the guy who capped that performance to be booted out. Timing is everything, this seems poor to an old git like me.

[allezsauzee]

He's a whole hearted guy and a big physical presence at both ends of the pitch, however he makes mistakes all the time and ultimately if you can't build a solid defence on that. We are 3 years down the line and he's still making the same mistakes, so while I like the big guy for his attitude and guts, I would say we need to replace him with a more reliable defender.

[Northernhibee]

It’s a shame people couldn't enjoy what was a memorable game of football before asking for the guy who capped that performance to be booted out. Timing is everything, this seems poor to an old git like me.

With every respect, a discussion on who should be offered a new contract a mere 4-5 months out from the expiration of their deals isn't out of place on a message board like this.

Rocky's performance yesterday summed his time here up perfectly - some sublime, some ridiculous. It provides a perfect frame for the discussion.

[Bobo]

Rocky has had his ups and downs during his time at Hibs but that is why he is here and not currently at a higher level.


Despite any faults he has he is a wholehearted player and gives 100%.

He had a mixed bag yesterday with a few howlers at the back but a goal and an assist also.

His defending yesterday was no less culpable as Miller, Iredale and both Caddens, they all had suspect moments during the game, it happens, we could just do with it happening a little less regularly.

[He's here!]

Porteous was a decent player for us.

I'd have him back in a heartbeat in front of any of our current defenders.

He was a frustrating player. Outstanding as a youth player and clearly destined for the first team, but I felt he never quite fulfilled his potential. He had a James McPake-style rashness about him.

[BILLYHIBS]

He was a frustrating player. Outstanding as a youth player and clearly destined for the first team, but I felt he never quite fulfilled his potential. He had a James McPake-style rashness about him.

Never really improved kept making the same mistakes but best of luck to him

[Bushwoof]

Porteous was a decent player for us.

I'd have him back in a heartbeat in front of any of our current defenders.
I wouldn't.

[eastmainsmsh]

Stay but ffs Rocky just clear your lines like barry lavetys long range volleys make sure baw ends up in inchcolm island

[chippy]

I wouldn't.

Would

[Since452]

Rocky is to Porteous what McKirdy is to Nisbet.

Rocky definitely a better goal scorer than McKirdy 😉

[Vini1875]

If the plan is to win trophies, finish 3rd, and enjoy a wee run in Europe then players of Rocky's ability must leave to make room for improvements. If we intend to bump along as we have been, hoping for top six and the occasional trip to Hampden then Rocky and co are fine. I think part of the problem for us is we sign good guys like Rocky, then they kind of become mates and just like your mates, you turn a blind eye to their flaws.

[babahibs]

Definitely keep, he's played a big part in our unbeaten run.

[Bushwoof]

Would
Let's have another poll!

[Golden Bear]

He's the best cult figure we've had since Jimmy Boco.

And not a bad player as well.

Its a "keep" from me.

:thumbsup:

[Since452]

I don't think you can understate the impact Rocky has had on our form and mentality since he came back into the side. He's played a large part in the turnaround. He's prone to mistakes yes but it's a team game and I'm glad he's in it. He'd run through a brick wall for our badge and that attitude is infectious and rubs off on other players. You can see how much it means by his celebrations.

[Jones28]

Definitely keep, he's played a big part in our unbeaten run.


I don't think you can understate the impact Rocky has had on our form and mentality since he came back into the side. He's played a large part in the turnaround. He's prone to mistakes yes but it's a team game and I'm glad he's in it. He'd run through a brick wall for our badge.

Agree with all these points, actually feel like he wasn't exactly helped by his team mates for the first goal yesterday but didn't want to be accused of making excuses :rolleyes:

[where'stheslope]

Voted: Go
A good game here or there, but the majority of the time we are just waiting for his next mistake.

[Speedy]

I like Rocky too, I really do but football is brutal at times and I think we are at a point at which we need to be brutal.

Plenty players have left Hibs who I have been delighted to see the back off and really don't care what happens to thm. Rocky is one I would say thank for everything and I hope he makes a good career for himself. He's never ever hid and has given us his all. I'm just not convinced his talent matches his attitude.

This is my take on it too.

Great guy to have around the squad, and ideally I'd rather see him stay until we have someone who is definitely an improvement. But if funds don't allow that then it may be best to say goodbye and move on.

[tug.lismore]

Let's be honest, if O'Hora and Ekpiteta had performed as hoped then the discussion about Bushiri staying just wouldn't be happening.

The plan would simply be to let Rocky go at the end of this season and look to recruit another centre half to improve on the said O'Hora and Ekpiteta.

I see no reason to change that plan unless either of them want away.

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[Speedy]

Let's be honest, if O'Hora and Ekpiteta had performed as hoped then the discussion about Bushiri staying just wouldn't be happening.

The plan would simply be to let Rocky go at the end of this season and look to recruit another centre half to improve on the said O'Hora and Ekpiteta.

I see no reason to change that plan unless either of them want away.

Sent from my 2312DRA50G using Tapatalk

Of course. If Rocky isn't starting games come the end of the season then it makes sense to let him go.

If O'Hora, Ekpiteta or others aren't deemed good enough to displace him then we have a problem and it becomes risky to let a starter leave then the alternatives are unproven new signings or already deemed not good enough.

Appreciate Ekpiteta is injured rather than dropped so still hope there.

[Smartie]

Is this not a bit Auntie + Baws = Uncle?

It is, but it’s also a fair point imo.

[Victor]

Stay but ffs Rocky just clear your lines like barry lavetys long range volleys make sure baw ends up in inchcolm island

He has been doing that a lot recently. His problems seem to come to the fore when he is 1 on 1 contesting a high ball. He is OK when it’s on the deck, but a high ball….[emoji33]


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[Smartie]

See this whole “never let it bounce” thing? Is that always the case?

I’m thinking about the 2 situations where Rocky was chasing a bouncing ball back the way under heavy pressure, their first goal and then their late chance.

The first one I thought that if Rocky properly attacked the ball he could have got a header back to our keeper - fair enough.

But the second, when he started to find himself in trouble, what does he do if he doesn’t let it bounce? If he knocks it back the way he’s miles from goal and the Rangers player is clean through. I’m not saying what he did was right, it clearly wasn’t - but can an argument not be made that letting it bounce, getting back goal side, making himself a big target to get round and slow the attacker up until more players get back to help is an acceptable action under the circumstances?

I’ve played a few seasons of pub league standard football at centre half, many more up front. My great weakness was a lack of pace so when in defence I had to be careful about attacking the ball, missing it and leaving myself out of position so I’m used to the howls of “never let it bounce” and realise it can look tentative. I’ve also got it wrong the other way and known that if I hadn’t lunged and missed then I was in the right sort of position to deal with it after - and copped appropriate abuse for that.

My footballing education was built on cliches like “never let it bounce”, “if in doubt, boot it out” etc without much being put into explaining why and I sort of had to just learn by playing and watching.

[Hibrandenburg]

Imagine being part of the catalyst for the teams resurgence and seeing a thread …
He’s not without flaw but who is ? Perhaps his leadership qualities are just what we needed.

Exactly, at this moment in time his strengths outweigh his weaknesses.

[Viva_Palmeiras]

This has been touched on by others on this thread iirc. But building on this quality of his:

Part of Being a Hibs player means you need to be able to recover from mistakes without it breaking you.
Many a player perhaps with greater ability have crumbled.

That mentality should stand us in good stead as an improving team in (perpetual) transition.

[Since452]

Imagine being part of the catalyst for the teams resurgence and seeing a thread …
He’s not without flaw but who is ? Perhaps his leadership qualities are just what we needed.

It's a pity theres a thread like this when we're the form team in the league but it's a fans forum I guess. I understand why people don't rate him, I'm sure he'd say he needs to do better himself but guy is the epitome of Hibs at the minute. Heart of a lion. I'd rather have that in my team than not.

[Pretty Boy]

It's a pity theres a thread like this when we're the form team in the league but it's a fans forum I guess. I understand why people don't rate him, I'm sure he'd say he needs to do better himself but guy is the epitome of Hibs at the minute. Heart of a lion. I'd rather have that in my team than not.

I genuinely don't get why there wouldn't be a thread like this.

Rocky is out of contract in a few months. There is case to be made for both keeping him or allowing him to walk and the points from both sides have been persuasive imo. It's not an open and shut case like McKirdy as one example. It's been fairly respectful and I don't think many people dislike Rocky or certainly haven't given that impression.

It's not some destructive 'Rocky GTF' thread. There will be similar discussions about a few players in the coming months. It's just fans chatting, it's not going to have any bearing on any decisions. If such a thread appeared after we had lost a few games it would be 'knee jerk' or 'time to support the players'. Now we are doing well and it's still 'not the time'. I suppose the only conclusion is there is never a good time to have these discussions.

[Allant1981]

It's a pity theres a thread like this when we're the form team in the league but it's a fans forum I guess. I understand why people don't rate him, I'm sure he'd say he needs to do better himself but guy is the epitome of Hibs at the minute. Heart of a lion. I'd rather have that in my team than not.

Surely you would rather have good defenders first and foremost

[Since452]

Surely you would rather have good defenders first and foremost

I'm not sure we'd have had this run of results if he wasn't in the side. There's more to it than just needing to be a good defender. He brings more to the team than just defending in my opinion. He brings personality and fight. Rubs off on his teammates.

[Allant1981]

I'm not sure we'd have had this run of results if he wasn't in the side. There's more to it than just needing to be a good defender. He brings more to the team than just defending in my opinion. He brings personality and fight. Rubs off on his teammates.

We will never know the answer to the first part, for me he just isn't a good enough defender, fine if we want to be a mid table side, someone posted earlier that we have conceded slightly more with him in the team, for me I'd rather just have better players than what we have just now, that's not just rocky though

[Viva_Palmeiras]

I genuinely don't get why there wouldn't be a thread like this.

Rocky is out of contract in a few months. There is case to be made for both keeping him or allowing him to walk and the points from both sides have been persuasive imo. It's not an open and shut case like McKirdy as one example. It's been fairly respectful and I don't think many people dislike Rocky or certainly haven't given that impression.

It's not some destructive 'Rocky GTF' thread. There will be similar discussions about a few players in the coming months. It's just fans chatting, it's not going to have any bearing on any decisions. If such a thread appeared after we had lost a few games it would be 'knee jerk' or 'time to support the players'. Now we are doing well and it's still 'not the time'. I suppose the only conclusion is there is never a good time to have these discussions.

Point I was making was from Rocky’s perspective.
Hes Been patient trained professionally, bided his time.
Hes stood up and taken the right attitude which arguably appears to have been a catalyst.
Hes not shied away from his mistakes either. Hes contributed with key goals.

He could be forgiven for thinking im on a hiding to nothing here why bother? and how come they sing my name?

Or perhaps more likely he’ll be thinking. Que sera sera and just do his thing.

If we’re to have a stay / go thread after every Jekyll and Hyde performance it’ll be a long season… I’d rather just be grateful we got out of jail alls well that ends well but of course folks have different takes. C’est la vie.

[hibsbollah]

See this whole “never let it bounce” thing? Is that always the case?

I’m thinking about the 2 situations where Rocky was chasing a bouncing ball back the way under heavy pressure, their first goal and then their late chance.

The first one I thought that if Rocky properly attacked the ball he could have got a header back to our keeper - fair enough.

But the second, when he started to find himself in trouble, what does he do if he doesn’t let it bounce? If he knocks it back the way he’s miles from goal and the Rangers player is clean through. I’m not saying what he did was right, it clearly wasn’t - but can an argument not be made that letting it bounce, getting back goal side, making himself a big target to get round and slow the attacker up until more players get back to help is an acceptable action under the circumstances?

I’ve played a few seasons of pub league standard football at centre half, many more up front. My great weakness was a lack of pace so when in defence I had to be careful about attacking the ball, missing it and leaving myself out of position so I’m used to the howls of “never let it bounce” and realise it can look tentative. I’ve also got it wrong the other way and known that if I hadn’t lunged and missed then I was in the right sort of position to deal with it after - and copped appropriate abuse for that.

My footballing education was built on cliches like “never let it bounce”, “if in doubt, boot it out” etc without much being put into explaining why and I sort of had to just learn by playing and watching.

I've seen great defenders (Saliba for one) 'let it bounce'. Its about having the judgement as to whether your speed and height is sufficient to hold off the attacker after you let it bounce. I think it is a cliche. But as you say, if he goes for option b), particularly at the second mistake, if he knocks it back, he's miles from goal and the keepers not going to reach a header, his best option just has to be beat the striker for pace, be strong and tidy up, which he obviously fails to do and we get very lucky its not 4-3. But lets be honest here, Igamane is absolute class, they've unearthed a diamond there and he will destroy way better defenders than Rocky in his career for strength and pace.

[BILLYHIBS]

I've seen great defenders (Saliba for one) 'let it bounce'. Its about having the judgement as to whether your speed and height is sufficient to hold off the attacker after you let it bounce. I think it is a cliche. But as you say, if he goes for option b), particularly at the second mistake, if he knocks it back, he's miles from goal and the keepers not going to reach a header, his best option just has to be beat the striker for pace, be strong and tidy up, which he obviously fails to do and we get very lucky its not 4-3. But lets be honest here, Igamane is absolute class, they've unearthed a diamond there and he will destroy way better defenders than Rocky in his career for strength and pace.

Said the same yesterday probably the best centre forward Rocky has faced in his Hibs career to date scorer of the perfect hat-trick

I have not been aware of Rocky letting the ball bounce like that in the past

Looked as though he decided not to head the ball back to Smith last minute did well to header the ball away but only to start a second phase attack from which they scored

The second incident was criminal but looked as though he did enough with his pace to put Igamane off and must have been tempted to pull him down

Both shocking defending

Edit: Rocky has since said he tried to annoy Igamane to put him off

Sky Sports

[ian cruise]

I've seen folk say a few times that because he's 25 it's too late to coach the errors out of his game, is that really the case?

He looks like he's improving with a system that suits his style, surely with a bit of focus in training and more time to get use to how to deal with these situations he can reduce the errors?

I'd get the argument if we'd been playing the same system/style with the same midfield and defensive partners the whole time he's been here but it's been constant chopping and changing.

I'd keep Rocky. He's got a steady head, doesn't give up when things aren't going his or the teams way and drives us forward in a positive manner. I reckon he's got the ability to improve over the next couple of years also.

[The Tubs]

I've seen folk say a few times that because he's 25 it's too late to coach the errors out of his game, is that really the case?

He looks like he's improving with a system that suits his style, surely with a bit of focus in training and more time to get use to how to deal with these situations he can reduce the errors?

I'd get the argument if we'd been playing the same system/style with the same midfield and defensive partners the whole time he's been here but it's been constant chopping and changing.

I'd keep Rocky. He's got a steady head, doesn't give up when things aren't going his or the teams way and drives us forward in a positive manner. I reckon he's got the ability to improve over the next couple of years also.

Rocky almost couldn't head the ball when he signed but has developed a lot in that sense. His main problem, however, seems to be limb-eye coordination and I don't think that has improved this much since he came here.

[Pretty Boy]

Point I was making was from Rocky’s perspective.
Hes Been patient trained professionally, bided his time.
Hes stood up and taken the right attitude which arguably appears to have been a catalyst.
Hes not shied away from his mistakes either. Hes contributed with key goals.

He could be forgiven for thinking im on a hiding to nothing here why bother? and how come they sing my name?

Or perhaps more likely he’ll be thinking. Que sera sera and just do his thing.

If we’re to have a stay / go thread after every Jekyll and Hyde performance it’ll be a long season… I’d rather just be grateful we got out of jail alls well that ends well but of course folks have different takes. C’est la vie.

Rocky's not daft, he's a big experienced guy who happens to be entering the final months of his contract with nothing announced yet. He'll know fans are speculating.

Fact is we have a lengthy list of players out of contract in the summer and the vast majority are open and shut cases. There is no thread about Luke Amos, Max Boruc or Harry McKirdy because no one is making a case for them to stay and no one expects them to. Guys like Rocky, Miller, Cadden and Boyle will be discussed simply because there is a discussion to be had.

Some of the hyperbole is a bit mad. People talking about 'haters' like we are some 90s gangsta rap troupe. I don't hate any Hibs players, not non contributors like Amos or McKirdy and certainly not guys like Boyle or Rocky. I was singing Rocky's name with everyone else at Tynecastle and again yesterday and if he was to sign a new deal then I'd be rooting for him to find another level, probably more than I would any other current Hibs player because I do really like him. None of that means there isn't a discussion to be had about him, and others, though. We are on the cusp of a long awaited rebuild. There are going to be casualties, guys who are pretty popular moved on to free up space both practically and financially and fans will speculate on that and talk up the merits of their favourites or make the case against guys they feel we can improve upon.

[CapitalGreen]

Said the same yesterday probably the best centre forward Rocky has faced in his Hibs career to date scorer of the perfect hat-trick

I have not been aware of Rocky letting the ball bounce like that in the past

Looked as though he decided not to head the ball back to Smith last minute did well to header the ball away but only to start a second phase attack from which they scored

The second incident was criminal but looked as though he did enough with his pace to put Igamane off and must have been tempted to pull him down

Both shocking defending

Igamane is a really good striker but every other team he has faced in Scotland this season has avoided conceding 3 (should have really been 4) goals to him this season. O’Hora and Marv had him pocketed at Ibrox earlier in the season and he got hooked after 56 minutes.

[hibsbollah]

Igamane is a really good striker but every other team he has faced in Scotland this season has avoided conceding 3 (should have really been 4) goals to him this season. O’Hora and Marv had him pocketed at Ibrox earlier in the season and he got hooked after 56 minutes.

Cmon now. Igamane isnt going to score every time he takes the field. Just because he failed to score in less than an hour against O’Hora and whoever else doesnt diminish the point about his quality, thats just a daft argument.

[Smartie]

I've seen folk say a few times that because he's 25 it's too late to coach the errors out of his game, is that really the case?

He looks like he's improving with a system that suits his style, surely with a bit of focus in training and more time to get use to how to deal with these situations he can reduce the errors?

I'd get the argument if we'd been playing the same system/style with the same midfield and defensive partners the whole time he's been here but it's been constant chopping and changing.

I'd keep Rocky. He's got a steady head, doesn't give up when things aren't going his or the teams way and drives us forward in a positive manner. I reckon he's got the ability to improve over the next couple of years also.

The thing I've always thought about Rocky (or rather, that Lee Johnson pointed out) is that relatively speaking, he still hasn't actually played all that much first team football. He was in the Norwich academy, nowhere near the first team until a decent age. There's only so much you can coach - sometimes you just need to learn on your feet, in game situations.

I think he has improved and is still improving and that with more football he could improve further still.

Hibs being in almost permanent crisis of one form or another pretty much since he joined won't have helped him much either.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Igamane is a really good striker but every other team he has faced in Scotland this season has avoided conceding 3 (should have really been 4) goals to him this season. O’Hora and Marv had him pocketed at Ibrox earlier in the season and he got hooked after 56 minutes.

The majority of teams have avoided conceding any goals to him at all. He’s scored against Hibs, Motherwell, Ross County and Kilmarnock. Before yesterday’s game he’d only scored 4 goals in 17 domestic appearances.

Done well in Europe, there’s no disputing that, but he’s hardly the reincarnation of Haaland.

[BILLYHIBS]

Igamane is a really good striker but every other team he has faced in Scotland this season has avoided conceding 3 (should have really been 4) goals to him this season. O’Hora and Marv had him pocketed at Ibrox earlier in the season and he got hooked after 56 minutes.

Looked the real deal to me unorthodox and difficult to dispossess and hungry for goals

Has scored 7 goals in 16 games from 9 starts in the SPFL

4 goals and 1 assist in 4 games from 2 starts in the Europa League

Looks like The Rangers have unearthed a €3m diamond

Let’s see how he goes ?

Edit : scored twice against Nice and Motherwell

[Wilson]

The majority of teams have avoided conceding any goals to him at all. He’s scored against Hibs, Motherwell, Ross County and Kilmarnock. Before yesterday’s game he’d only scored 4 goals in 17 domestic appearances.

Done well in Europe, there’s no disputing that, but he’s hardly the reincarnation of Haaland.

He started the season injured. Was mainly used as a substitute early on. Scored against decent European opposition. Nets his first career hat trick against us. 22 years old.

If you allow for the injury and time to adjust to the Scottish game then I think he's doing okay.

[Paulie Walnuts]

He started the season injured. Was mainly used as a substitute early on. Scored against decent European opposition. Nets his first career hat trick against us. 22 years old.

If you allow for the injury and time to adjust to the Scottish game then I think he's doing okay.

He’s absolutely doing ok, infact id say he’s doing pretty well. Shouts that he’s the best striker Rocky has faced, putting him ahead of guys like Kyogo, Giakoumakis, Idah, Watkins, Duran and probably others are a bit premature though imo.

[Greenbeard]

Let's be honest, if O'Hora and Ekpiteta had performed as hoped then the discussion about Bushiri staying just wouldn't be happening.

The plan would simply be to let Rocky go at the end of this season and look to recruit another centre half to improve on the said O'Hora and Ekpiteta.

I see no reason to change that plan unless either of them want away.

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Fair enough but O'Hora and Ekpiteta are where Hibs are at in terms of recruitment and from what I have seen, neither has established themselves as being an improvement on Rocky. In fact on recent form, even allowing for his occasional brain fart, Rocky is ahead of them at the mo (judged on Ek's pre-injury form). So to get a better player in, someone who is of proven ability and certain to be better, not a punt, how much do you think Hibs would have to fork out? Would we get someone of that ilk within our sort of budget?

[Pretty Boy]

Fair enough but O'Hora and Ekpiteta are where Hibs are at in terms of recruitment and from what I have seen, neither has established themselves as being an improvement on Rocky. In fact on recent form, even allowing for his occasional brain fart, Rocky is ahead of them at the mo (judged on Ek's pre-injury form). So to get a better player in, someone who is of proven ability and certain to be better, not a punt, how much do you think Hibs would have to fork out? Would we get someone of that ilk within our sort of budget?

I'm still convinced Owen Bevan will be a Hibs player again at some point, whether on loan or permanently.

He's somewhat unproven but is coming from a comparable level to where Rocky came from albeit with a few less games under his belt (I think people forget Rocky had about 60 1st team games under his belt at a good level prior to joining, he wasn't some untried youth). Bevan arguably has more scope for development though because of his age and lack of experience.

I'm not saying it will be him but with Garvan Stewart on board I think that is the market we will be looking at. EPL or Championship level youngsters.

[Wilson]

He’s absolutely doing ok, infact id say he’s doing pretty well. Shouts that he’s the best striker Rocky has faced, putting him ahead of guys like Kyogo, Giakoumakis, Idah, Watkins, Duran and probably others are a bit premature though imo.

Yeah. Probably fair enough. Although he could well end up better than most on that list.

Best striker he's faced is Dwight Gayle in training.

[Greenbeard]

I'm still convinced Owen Bevan will be a Hibs player again at some point, whether on loan or permanently.

He's somewhat unproven but is coming from a comparable level to where Rocky came from albeit with a few less games under his belt (I think people forget Rocky had about 60 1st team games under his belt at a good level prior to joining, he wasn't some untried youth). Bevan arguably has more scope for development though because of his age and lack of experience.

I'm not saying it will be him but with Garvan Stewart on board I think that is the market we will be looking at. EPL or Championship level youngsters.
Please please please let's not replace Rocky with yet another unproven player with potential.

[007]

If he goes, there will be trouble
And if he stays, it will be double

[CallumHibs07]

He's fine to throw on up top when we're chasing a goal.

As a regular starter in defence? Absolutely not

[PHeffernan]

Igamane is a really good striker but every other team he has faced in Scotland this season has avoided conceding 3 (should have really been 4) goals to him this season. O’Hora and Marv had him pocketed at Ibrox earlier in the season and he got hooked after 56 minutes.

Igamane has come on a lot since Hibs game at Ibrox.
His movement for his 3rd goal yesterday was fantastic.
He's a tough strong wee guy. Bounces off folk and keeps going like a lot of good players.
22 years old, good temperament. Think they have struck gold for 1.7 million quid plus add ons.

On the upside they can't afford to keep the other diamond in their side, Cerny.
Some player he is.

[BILLYHIBS]

Igamane has come on a lot since Hibs game at Ibrox.
His movement for his 3rd goal yesterday was fantastic.
He's a tough strong wee guy. Bounces off folk and keeps going like a lot of good players.
22 years old, good temperament. Think they have struck gold for 1.7 million quid plus add ons.

On the upside they can't afford to keep the other diamond in their side, Cerny.
Some player he is.
:agree:

[flash]

I love big Rocky, he is clearly a great guy with a fantastic attitude, and think he has the attributes to be our centre half for a long time.
To do that though he simply has to reduce the amount of lapses in his game.
He isn't going to be error free, nobody is, but we can't afford to have at least one every week.
If he can eradicate the majority of the mistakes he will do for me, if not then it might be time for a tough but necessary parting of the ways.

[easty]

I love big Rocky, he is clearly a great guy with a fantastic attitude, and think he has the attributes to be our centre half for a long time.
To do that though he simply has to reduce the amount of lapses in his game.
He isn't going to be error free, nobody is, but we can't afford to have at least one every week.
If he can eradicate the majority of the mistakes he will do for me, if not then it might be time for a tough but necessary parting of the ways.

I think everyone would be happy enough to keep him if he could cut the mistakes, but how realistic is that?

He’s played about 85 games for Hibs now, and he genuinely doesn’t look any less likely to make a mistake today than he did 3 years ago.

SDG has been coaching here since Rocky came in. SDG was a defender who wasn’t prone to those kind of errors. If he’s been unable to coach it out of him in 3 years then is it worth persisting with him?

[Kato]

He may have cost us 3 goals recently but also scored 2 and set up one, so that evens the score for me. Without Rocky's contribution yesterday I reckon we'd have lost the game, 2-1 probably. And you'd like to think he'll learn from his 2 identical howlers yesterday and deal with that sort of thing better next time.
He's not beyond criticism by ay means, but it wasn't just his defending that was lacking yesterday. What was the much lauded Iredale doing at the 2nd, for example? And should it really have been down to Triantis to mark their free-scoring CF every time?
The team needs big characters like Rocky. Some of his mistakes are borderline unforgiveable, but I'd keep him for as long as he wants to keep giving his all to the club.The one thing he's lacking is concentration. That can be coached and he's not too old for it to developed. Really like the guy as he just lets it all hang out.

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[inglisavhibs]

I think everyone would be happy enough to keep him if he could cut the mistakes, but how realistic is that?

He’s played about 85 games for Hibs now, and he genuinely doesn’t look any less likely to make a mistake today than he did 3 years ago.

SDG has been coaching here since Rocky came in. SDG was a defender who wasn’t prone to those kind of errors. If he’s been unable to coach it out of him in 3 years then is it worth persisting with him?
Yes because he saves us a fair few goals with his pace and strength, he also passes the ball well. Just hope that he can improve his decision making, its often when he has too much time.

[Ribs1875]

VAR makes defending a nightmare for defensive players. Never thought I'd see such hesitant defending as we see nowadays. They have to time their tackles and challenges to perfection or the ref having to check a screen and give fouls. Rocky like many other players at this level are overthinking in the way they play because of it. There are more than just him in this league that are a bomb scare.

[blackpoolhibs]

I've just come off the phone to someone who knows a lot of scouts, and i said i wouldnt think Rocky would go to the championship in England, but he says there are 5 or 6 clubs in that division looking at him.

They will know better than me i suppose, but i think he'd struggle at that level?

[B.H.F.C]

I've just come off the phone to someone who knows a lot of scouts, and i said i wouldnt think Rocky would go to the championship in England, but he says there are 5 or 6 clubs in that division looking at him.

They will know better than me i suppose, but i think he'd struggle at that level?

People will look at him and think he has the attributes to do well. Someone will think they can find a way to eradicate the mistakes.

[Jones28]

I've just come off the phone to someone who knows a lot of scouts, and i said i wouldnt think Rocky would go to the championship in England, but he says there are 5 or 6 clubs in that division looking at him.

They will know better than me i suppose, but i think he'd struggle at that level?

Wouldn't surprise me, hes got the physical attributes for the division and isn't terrible with the ball at his feet.

[Hibiza]

Great guy BUT no .

[BoomtownHibees]

he just lets it all hang out.

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Racist

[Paulie Walnuts]

I've just come off the phone to someone who knows a lot of scouts, and i said i wouldnt think Rocky would go to the championship in England, but he says there are 5 or 6 clubs in that division looking at him.

They will know better than me i suppose, but i think he'd struggle at that level?

Given he’ll be free in the summer it wouldn’t hugely surprise me if some sides looked at him as a decent back up. It’s not that great a league, Ekpiteta for example has started 63 games in that league with 25 of them being as captain and he’s hardly been a roaring success here.

I’d suspect most of our squad (or at least the ones that get game time here) would be capable of being at least a squad player in the Championship.

[easty]

People will look at him and think he has the attributes to do well. Someone will think they can find a way to eradicate the mistakes.

I think the more likely scenario is that no Championship clubs will be offering him any contract.

[RIP]

Are we (and I'll include the Hibs coaching team in the 'We') missing a really obvious solution.

When engaged in a full team press, many / most teams have two men back. Either as a flat pair or one as the 'Last Man' and another close by as cover. At free kicks and corner kicks the big centre halves will normally be sent up and one or two full backs would stay back to cover the opposition striker (s).

In the past 64 years of watching Scottish fitba, that's been the norm I would suggest. However in both situations where Rocky was harried and beaten to the ball by Igamane, there was no Hibs player covering anywhere near when the ball landed.

Whilst I warmly applaud Gray's bravado (and he did admit the team were too gung ho in the opening 20) is it not a very high risk strategy to expect ANY last defender at Hibs to win EVERY SINGLE 50 / 50 against an SPL opposition striker. If you are a fan of that tactic, who would you back to play last man? Iredale? Miller? O'Hora? Ekpetita? The Caddens? Against the Old Firm?

And if that last man did get beat and it led to a goal. Would you blame the Head Coach for his risky tactics? Or blame the other centre halves for a failure to cover? Or shoot the last man?

Rocky with cover would be one of my first picks for the rest of the season. But no way as an isolated last man.

[Donegal Hibby]

Wouldn't surprise me, hes got the physical attributes for the division and isn't terrible with the ball at his feet.

Yep , certainly don’t doubt that he will have plenty of clubs interested in him . I would like to see him stay but think might go and good luck to him if he does . It will probably cost between 200k and 400k at a rough guess to replace him from the English league 1 or 2 that’s if we don’t go down the route of picking up another young player like Fish from a big club in helping him develop.

[B.H.F.C]

I think the more likely scenario is that no Championship clubs will be offering him any contract.

I think he’ll end up at a decent club despite the fact I don’t think he’s a particularly decent player. Whether down south or abroad, I think someone will take a punt on him. Probably a team that does all their recruitment based on stats which will show up the attributes he has.

[Kato]

RacistJokist

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[blackpoolhibs]

My mistake, it's not 6 championship clubs, it's one and 5 from the lower leagues.