Thoughts on the season so far and looking forward

[Donegal Hibby]

From the first game this season losing 3-0 in paisley to the early stages of it even though there was encouraging signs at times it looked like we were in bother at the bottom of the league with a record of something like 7 defeats, 5 draws and only 1 win with us facing the possibility of another managerial change.

The turnaround in our fortunes when Rocky popped up with that late goal in the 3-3 thriller has been something else.It certainly seemed to be the spark we needed in giving the team a lift as the team have went on a great run of 14 games unbeaten and a record of 10 wins, 6 draws and only 1 defeat to Celtic ..

With players like Rocky ,Campbell and Boyle all improving and new signings like Cadden , Iredale and Smith exceeding expectations …

The international break came at just the right time in we should have players back from injury with the squad being stronger after it ….

It’s been a remarkable season so far and hopefully we can keep the momentum going and make it one to remember….

GGTTH :flag:

[Bostonhibby]

Similar thoughts to my own, a microcosm of the rollercoaster a lifetime of following Hibs summed up in a very short time this season.

I'm convinced Rocky's equaliser in that game against Aberdeen was a major turning point in our season, and Aberdeen's. There had been a bit of team spirit earlier but we really weren't getting any "luck". That result was huge and gave us something to push on from.

Who knows what's next? I'm more optimistic about what's happening on the pitch than for some time. A great deal of what's happening in that area is down to SDG.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[matty_f]

It's been a brilliant turnaround but what I find interesting is that there wasn't a seismic shift in the quality of our performances, even that Aberdeen game that finished 3-3, we managed you equalise and then go behind again in injury time (thankfully, wee didn't let that become the final result) - a trait that had cost us points and been a hallmark of our performances all season.
We're still guilty of it - Ross County and Killie being two recent examples, and failing to win at St Johnstone in the middle of this great run are very similar results to those that blighted our season early on.
The obvious difference is that we've put together a load of wins around them so they are seen as blips rather than catastrophies.
I think we'll do well under Gray, it feels as though we are a team on the up and it's a far very from the feeling at the start of the season.

[theonlywayisup]

From the first game this season losing 3-0 in paisley to the early stages of it even though there was encouraging signs at times it looked like we were in bother at the bottom of the league with a record of something like 7 defeats, 5 draws and only 1 win with us facing the possibility of another managerial change.

The turnaround in our fortunes when Rocky popped up with that late goal in the 3-3 thriller has been something else.It certainly seemed to be the spark we needed in giving the team a lift as the team have went on a great run of 14 games unbeaten and a record of 10 wins, 6 draws and only 1 defeat to Celtic ..

With players like Rocky ,Campbell and Boyle all improving and new signings like Cadden , Iredale and Smith exceeding expectations …

The international break came at just the right time in we should have players back from injury with the squad being stronger after it ….

It’s been a remarkable season so far and hopefully we can keep the momentum going and make it one to remember….

GGTTH :flag:

Yes, remarkable season.

It's clear that the underlying reason for the bad start was the combination of poor decision-making and poor VAR decisions. SDG did point out at the AGM that some of the individual errors were down to players trying too hard to correct a minor mistake. For example, both Newell and Obita lunging in after a mis-controlled pass.

SDG also notes that when you look at the stats there's not a lot of difference between the pre-Motherwell 0-3 game and those since the excellent win at Firs Park. Players have been making less mistakes and VAR has been better for us.

Confidence must also play a part. Starting with a 3-0 defeat against St Mirren followed up by two defeats against Celtic creates a negative mindset. The late late show against Aberdeen, the win against Motherwell and then a good display away to Celtic does the opposite.

In addition to confidence, the emergence of Nicky Cadden, Iredale and Rocky as key players improves the team.

Let's hope we keep this positive mindset for the remaining eight games.

[Pagan Hibernia]

It's been a very strange season.

Even when we were enduring that awful run and bottom of the league I never got the feeling that we were a terrible side. There were a lot of games where we played quite well only for an inexplicable defensive lapse, a decision going against us, or whatever, and we just seemed to be throwing away points. Killie away, the two games against Dundee United, even the first Derby of the season when we should have had it sown up and then went to sleep from a late throw in (caused by a goalkeeping error to begin with). Even the Dundee game at Dens. Seems ridiculous when we ultimately got hammered 4-1 but we started the game very very well and then just collapsed after the red card.

I would argue that the run since then is simply all the little things that went against us, suddenly starting to go for us instead.

[Unseen work]

It’s weird that 3rd is even a possibility

Prior to the draw with Aberdeen my only wish was for us to not get relegated

[BILLYHIBS]

Hopefully get more investment to be spent on the pitch from the BK’s and the Gordon’s if they can spare any loose change ( I think they have been great over the piece ) as we badly need quality composure and bravery on the ball all over the park in key positions imo I thought we were badly lacking at Celtic Park we really need to go to these places be confident have belief in ourselves and keep the ball if we are to make a serious challenge going forward

Oh ! and a top top #1 goalkeeper Smith has done great but I only really see him as a reliable backup and he would provide stiff competition to a #1

[Tambo]

I don't think many could have predicted the remarkable turnaround in results, was looking like another long mediocre season with relegation a possibility if things continued.

In our defeats earlier on in the season I wouldn't say teams had dominated us, was mostly down to individual errors, the change im shape and some personal change mostly Bursik was vital.

Leaves us with a very exciting end to the season with 3rd in our sights.

[Keith_M]

If we win the next game we're amazing. If we lose then we're utterly crap.

That's my general approach. 😉

[easty]

I never once thought we had a bottom 6 squad, not this season or last season. It just took a manager working out how to get the best out of what he had at his disposal. The change of shape has sorted that right out. Also, SDG is absolutely squeezing the best out of this squad just now. Rocky has been good, Miller looking a lot better too.

We still have issues - the lack of quality in the middle for linking up play to attack is pretty clear to see, and it'd be the position I'd be looking to fill as a priority (for about the 3rd season in a row!). Suppose it depends on McGrath, does SDG see him as the link in the space between centre mid and attack?

In terms of disappointments for the season so far, and for the rest of the season to come, I'd say Youan. I'm a big fan of what he can do, but it's got to the point where I'm not expecting to see much of him now. I dunno what's going on there, niggly injuries just not healing? I don't think he's faking an injury, as not playing isn't going to get him a move to a decent club.

[PHeffernan]

The main difference between the Hibs at the start of the league season and the current Hibs is the quality of decision making.
The present Hibs started making far better decisions which meant better results, which saw confidence and team spirit grow which resulted in a team better than the sum of it's parts which has made us the 3rd best team in the league.

Our decision making in the poor run was beyond horrific to the extent I couldn't quite befieve it and came to it's nadir when Obita was sent off at Dundee after yet another insane decision with us 0-1 up and coasting after 10 minutes. It was so bad it almost felt like we were deliberately sabotaging ourselves game after game.
5 sending offs, missed penalties, defensive errors and goalkeeping errors. It was absolutely mental.

Looking forward, we have already added Manneh and McGrath with the latter a very good signing. Another batch of solid signings like we made last summer would be great. From the current team only Triantis and Bushiri from those players leaving will be difficult to replace so I expect a similar team next season but one which is better than we currently are middle to front.

[Thatdayinmay16]

The main difference between the Hibs at the start of the league season and the current Hibs is the quality of decision making.
The present Hibs started making far better decisions which meant better results, which saw confidence and team spirit grow which resulted in a team better than the sum of it's parts which has made us the 3rd best team in the league.

Our decision making in the poor run was beyond horrific to the extent I couldn't quite befieve it and came to it's nadir when Obita was sent off at Dundee after yet another insane decision with us 0-1 up and coasting after 10 minutes. It was so bad it almost felt like we were deliberately sabotaging ourselves game after game.
5 sending offs, missed penalties, defensive errors and goalkeeping errors. It was absolutely mental.

Looking forward, we have already added Manneh and McGrath with the latter a very good signing. Another batch of solid signings like we made last summer would be great. From the current team only Triantis and Bushiri from those players leaving will be difficult to replace so I expect a similar team but a little better than we currently are middle to front.

I expect Martin Boyle will be harder to replace than Rocky Bushiri IMO.

[Pagan Hibernia]

The main difference between the Hibs at the start of the league season and the current Hibs is the quality of decision making.
The present Hibs started making far better decisions which meant better results, which saw confidence and team spirit grow which resulted in a team better than the sum of it's parts which has made us the 3rd best team in the league.

Our decision making in the poor run was beyond horrific to the extent I couldn't quite befieve it and came to it's nadir when Obita was sent off at Dundee after yet another insane decision with us 0-1 up and coasting after 10 minutes. It was so bad it almost felt like we were deliberately sabotaging ourselves game after game.
5 sending offs, missed penalties, defensive errors and goalkeeping errors. It was absolutely mental.

Looking forward, we have already added Manneh and McGrath with the latter a very good signing. Another batch of solid signings like we made last summer would be great. From the current team only Triantis and Bushiri from those players leaving will be difficult to replace so I expect a similar team but a little better than we currently are middle to front.

Agree with all of this.

We still have the odd brain fart (the defensive shambles that led to hearts equaliser a few weeks ago, and the infuriating kilmarnock equaliser last week) but they are far fewer than a few months ago.

[B.H.F.C]

Been a strange season but my main thought is that we need to finish the job now. The two home games pre split are massive. As long as we avoid a stupid slip up in either of them I’m confident we’ll finish third.

Whether by luck or design, or a bit of both, the changes made in November have changed everything. Getting 3 or 4 big results has also made a massive difference. The two derby wins and the Celtic game are the obvious ones and, whilst the 3-3 draw with Aberdeen is spoken about a lot, I thought the 3-1 win at Pittodrie was massive. There was something a bit different that day and that was the point the players and fans really started coming together.

Think it is important that we realise where we are. We’ve seen teams in recent years have a good run, get to a good position then revert to where they were (or worse) quite quickly. We can’t let that happen in the summer.

[PHeffernan]

I expect Martin Boyle will be harder to replace than Rocky Bushiri IMO.

Hibs have a years option on Boyle so, if he is that hard to replace, Hibs will take that up.
Obviously if Hibs don't want to keep him on his current high wage and offer him less Martin will have a decision to make.
I can't see any club in Australia offering him any more than 3.5k a week and Hibs will offer him circa 5k a week.
I am totally guessing at those wage figures but you get the idea.
I think we will see Martin at Easter Road next season.

[PHeffernan]

Agree with all of this.

We still have the odd brain fart (the defensive shambles that led to hearts equaliser a few weeks ago, and the infuriating kilmarnock equaliser last week) but they are far fewer than a few months ago.

The Killie goal was heidless chicken stuff right enough, players (plural) chasing the ball instead of staying in position, resulting in Murray standing all on his own in goal scoring position A1. Probably two errors in the Hearts goal from Iredale and an over eager Bushiri.

[KeithTheHibby]

Hibs have a years option on Boyle so, if he is that hard to replace, Hibs will take that up.
Obviously if Hibs don't want to keep him on his current high wage and offer him less Martin will have a decision to make.
I can't see any club in Australia offering him any more than 3.5k a week and Hibs will offer him circa 5k a week.
I am totally guessing at those wage figures but you get the idea.
I think we will see Martin at Easter Road next season.

Would his wage for next year not already be agreed when he signed his original contract? Same for Lewis Miller?

[matty_f]

I never once thought we had a bottom 6 squad, not this season or last season. It just took a manager working out how to get the best out of what he had at his disposal. The change of shape has sorted that right out. Also, SDG is absolutely squeezing the best out of this squad just now. Rocky has been good, Miller looking a lot better too.

We still have issues - the lack of quality in the middle for linking up play to attack is pretty clear to see, and it'd be the position I'd be looking to fill as a priority (for about the 3rd season in a row!). Suppose it depends on McGrath, does SDG see him as the link in the space between centre mid and attack?

In terms of disappointments for the season so far, and for the rest of the season to come, I'd say Youan. I'm a big fan of what he can do, but it's got to the point where I'm not expecting to see much of him now. I dunno what's going on there, niggly injuries just not healing? I don't think he's faking an injury, as not playing isn't going to get him a move to a decent club.

I remember taking pelters for suggesting that if you asked any non-OF manager (maybe with the exception of Hearts for obvious reasons) if they’d take five of our players to put into their team, that they’d bite your hand off.

I thought we were better than results were showing and I still think, given the chance, most teams would happily take players from our squad for theirs.

[Smartie]

I think it’s pretty mad that it’s undoubtedly been a very good season… yet there is so much room for improvement.

The season we finished 3rd under Jack Ross felt the same, yet we’ve had seasons with lower finishes that just felt like we’d been better.

You don’t want to belittle the sterling efforts of the squad but is it just that the league isn’t that strong?

[Pagan Hibernia]

I think it’s pretty mad that it’s undoubtedly been a very good season… yet there is so much room for improvement.

The season we finished 3rd under Jack Ross felt the same, yet we’ve had seasons with lower finishes that just felt like we’d been better.

You don’t want to belittle the sterling efforts of the squad but is it just that the league isn’t that strong?

Certainly is a very weak league. Seems to me every team outside of Glasgow is fully capable of going either ten games unbeaten or ten games without winning.

[Thatdayinmay16]

Certainly is a very weak league. Seems to me every team outside of Glasgow is fully capable of going either ten games unbeaten or ten games without winning.

Is that a sign of weakness though? I'd say it's gotten more competitive.

There are 4 teams still in with a chance of finishing 3rd, I'd say if anything the league is more competitive this year than the last 2 or 3 where hearts have had 3rd wrapped up twice pre-split & the same with Aberdeen in the middle of that.

[Pagan Hibernia]

Is that a sign of weakness though? I'd say it's gotten more competitive.

There are 4 teams still in with a chance of finishing 3rd, I'd say if anything the league is more competitive this year than the last 2 or 3 where hearts have had 3rd wrapped up twice pre-split & the same with Aberdeen in the middle of that.

You're right that it's more competitive. That's a very good thing for us, much less so for hearts.

In my opinion it's become more competitive because every team has leveled out at just plain middling and mediocre. That's not a criticism of Hibs BTW, we've cerrainly improved from last year, but I'm not convinced the league has

[jacomo]

It's been a terrific season in that a club hero has stepped up into the hot seat and made it work after a shaky start.

Black knights aside, it seems that the Gordon family have also learned plenty of lessons. As our main owners and custodians, this is vital.

Delighted to have SDG at the helm, I now hope for a strong finish and a good pre season to set us up for the future.

[hibsbollah]

I remember taking pelters for suggesting that if you asked any non-OF manager (maybe with the exception of Hearts for obvious reasons) if they’d take five of our players to put into their team, that they’d bite your hand off.

I thought we were better than results were showing and I still think, given the chance, most teams would happily take players from our squad for theirs.

Thats borne out by our xg, which has us sitting either 3rd or 4th all season long, which is where we are now, but also where we were when we were bottom of the league!

[matty_f]

It's been a terrific season in that a club hero has stepped up into the hot seat and made it work after a shaky start.

Black knights aside, it seems that the Gordon family have also learned plenty of lessons. As our main owners and custodians, this is vital.

Delighted to have SDG at the helm, I now hope for a strong finish and a good pre season to set us up for the future.

That’s a great point about lessons being learned.

[Garymcl]

Hats of to SDG ,I was one of the sceptical fans when he was announced didn’t excite me at all ,but. like any new manager I was more than willing to get behind him and give him time,he has worked wonders with the squad ,putting the hours in at training and believing in the players .I think it’s very important that we keep turning up in our big numbers home and away ,to show our appreciation ,like many fellow hibbys just now I can’t wait for the next game the feel good factor is definitely back at the Leith San Siro . So starting this Saturday let’s pack the ground out and cheer the team on to 3rd place and a Europa League spot :flag::flag:

[Vini1875]

I think it's great especially after the start and the feeling that watching Hibs came from duty rather than pleasure. I agree the football hasn't changed massively but the sense that we have a win in us is there now, rather than at the start it was like we always had a defeat in us.

Season still feels like it is on a knife edge though. For me St. Johnstone and Dundee are must win games and getting something from the huns, if we are to cement that 3rd place finish. We should be seeing off any challengers for the spot each week. Every win for us drains the hope from the rest. Still a few twists and turns left in this season though.

I would be delighted to be going into the last game with it all to play for and winning, that 3rd spot would be worth more financially than winning the cup. I'd still rather win a trophy, but 3rd after our start would feel almost as good.

[basehibby]

It's been a roller coaster of a season. When Gray took over I had dollops of hope but limited expectation. He'd shown over his previous interim spells he could put out a competent team on the park but there's so much more to the long term running of a team that it was anyone's guess whether he'd make a good fist of it full time. We had a good start in the League Cup with the exception of the Kelty Hearts game where Gray perhaps showed a bit of inexperience in making too many changes to a winning side.
That cost us in terms of losing out on seeding and drawing Celtic away in the QF and after a disastrous opening 0-3 defeat to St Mirren in the league and cup exit to Celtic things didn't look great. The form thereafter though was more perplexing than anything else, with the team playing a more direct and pragmatic style that was refreshing after enduring the ponderously predictable Monty-Ball of the previous season. But Gray seemed to have no luck at all with the team dropping points all over the place through individual errors, dodgy VAR calls and moments of indiscipline. I tried to keep the faith, hoping he would catch a break but after yet another sending off resulting in the 1-4 collapse at Dundee I was starting to give up hope and would not have been surprised at all if the Gordons had pulled the trigger at that point with Hibs rooted to the bottom and given previous history.
They stuck with him and what happened next was extraordinary and a joy to behold. The team showed they had faith in Gray and his methods with the stunning comeback to draw with Aberdeen and from then on we started to see a steely resilience and self belief emerge that has resulted in the incredible unbeaten run that now sees us perched in poll position to finish 3rd in the league. Gray deserves enormous credit for instilling that belief as do the players for immense character and teamwork they have shown in putting together this run.
They need to maintain that form to clinch 3rd place and there is plenty work to be done, but I feel a strange feeling - I think they call it confidence - that they will do exactly that. The unbeaten run will come to an end at some point but when it does, I don't see form dropping off a cliff like it did for Aberdeen earlier in the season. This team have come up from the doldrums together and I think their spirit and momentum will carry them through.
That being the case I think we'll be in for a very interesting summer with Europe beckoning, a much improved recruitment strategy and owners who have already shown they are willing to back the manager.

[cubehindthegoal]

We’ve done better to get where we are now, than - I would guess - most everyone who considered that thought, at the beginning of the season. So by that reckoning, none of us can be unhappy right now. But wait … I might be wrong …

[He's here!]

I think it’s pretty mad that it’s undoubtedly been a very good season… yet there is so much room for improvement.

The season we finished 3rd under Jack Ross felt the same, yet we’ve had seasons with lower finishes that just felt like we’d been better.

You don’t want to belittle the sterling efforts of the squad but is it just that the league isn’t that strong?

I agree that the league is decidedly mediocre and it does seem crazy that we've gone from hoping to avoid a relegation battle to hoping we don't slip up in our bid for third.

Where we really proved we've got something about us was those three wins in a week v Celtic, United and Hearts. A run of fixtures you might normally be happy with a couple of draws from but to take all 9 points was a bit special. If we can dig that deep again we won't miss out on third for want of effort.

[Since90+2]

Win today and Hear7s lose to Celtic that is them essentially eliminated for 3rd place as we'd be 8 points ahead of them.

If Motherwell could pick something up at Pittodrie too it would put us in a really strong position, as I think Dundee Utd will fall away.