How do we replace Boyles goals if we don’t renew his contract?

[worcesterhibby]

One thing that’s been impressive about our run of form is that it hasn’t relied on the strikers to score all the goals as many have come from wide areas, midfield and even defenders. However Boyle has been our main goal threat and has now notched 10 league goals. Personally I hope we extend his contract…but if we don’t, where do we find a replacement for his pace and finishing ?

[Donegal Hibby]

There’s been a lot said of Boyles wages and him needing to take a pay cut . Thing is if we have to replace him unless it’s a player near the end of their contract then it will prove costly to replace him if we have to pay a transfer fee.

If it’s a player of similar quality coming out off contract then it could be likely he will want something close to what Boyle earns and then you have the uncertainty will they settle in and adapt to the league…

Least with Boyle you know what you’re getting , personally I wouldn’t just take up the option of a season but try and tie him down on a two year deal .

[raeburnhibs]

One thing that’s been impressive about our run of form is that it hasn’t relied on the strikers to score all the goals as many have come from wide areas, midfield and even defenders. However Boyle has been our main goal threat and has now notched 10 league goals. Personally I hope we extend his contract…but if we don’t, where do we find a replacement for his pace and finishing ?

Of course we will offer him a new contract, the issue is whether he accepts or not. I think he will.

[Jones28]

I think in terms of replacement as a starting striker Bowie is the obvious option. I don't think he's as quick as Boyle but possibly could be a trickier player. It looks like we will see a big turnover in our forward areas. Boyle, Myko, Gayle, Youan and Vente could all leave the club, even without Boyle going that leaves 3 or 4 pairs of boots to fill.

Boyle has a choice to make and good luck to him with whatever he chooses. If he's offered a new life in Australia to see out his playing days in the sunshine I imagine it would be a difficult one to turn down.

[PHeffernan]

Of course we will offer him a new contract, the issue is whether he accepts or not. I think he will.

Martin doesn't have a choice if Hibs trigger their year option on his contract.

I've never seen him work as hard as he has in the last few months.
There is no doubt he wants that contract and is playing for it.

Hoilett looks the same. Working hard and performing every time he plays to show he is fit and worth another year.

[PHeffernan]

I think in terms of replacement as a starting striker Bowie is the obvious option. I don't think he's as quick as Boyle but possibly could be a trickier player. It looks like we will see a big turnover in our forward areas. Boyle, Myko, Gayle, Youan and Vente could all leave the club, even without Boyle going that leaves 3 or 4 pairs of boots to fill.

Boyle has a choice to make and good luck to him with whatever he chooses. If he's offered a new life in Australia to see out his playing days in the sunshine I imagine it would be a difficult one to turn down.

I think Gayle was brought in to cover for Bowie after he sustained his injury so probably 2/3 new players to replace Kuharevych, Youan and Vente.
That will give us Bowie, Boyle plus 2/3 new forwards for next season with young Clelland as back up if required. 4 wages out and 2/3 wages in.

[worcesterhibby]

I think Gayle was brought in to cover for Bowie after he sustained his injury so probably 2/3 new players to replace Kuharevych, Youan and Vente.
That will give us Bowie, Boyle plus 2/3 new forwards for next season with young Clelland as back up if required. 4 wages out and 2/3 wages in.

I suspect it will be Boyle, Bowie, Hoilett and two others with Kuharevych, Youan, Gayle and Vente all leaving. 4 out, two in. The squad is too big and 5 forwards is plenty, especially with Clelland vying for a place and Molitnikov, Campbell and McGrath all being such an attacking midfielders who score goals.

Hopefully we bring in one new player who is very good in the air/big unit and another who has lots of pace (who can eventually replace The Squirrel) that would mean we start the season with:

Boyle
Bowie
Hoillet
Clelland
Big Duncan Ferguson/Mixu type
Pacey dribbler

[Billy Bunter 07]

I would be very surprised if he’s not signed a new contract with us fairly soon.

[PHeffernan]

I suspect it will be Boyle, Bowie, Hoilett and two others with Kuharevych, Youan, Gayle and Vente all leaving. 4 out, two in. The squad is too big and 5 forwards is plenty, especially with Clelland vying for a place and Molitnikov, Campbell and McGrath all being such an attacking midfielders who score goals.

Hopefully we bring in one new player who is very good in the air/big unit and another who has lots of pace (who can eventually replace The Squirrel) that would mean we start the season with:

Boyle
Bowie
Hoillet
Clelland
Big Duncan Ferguson/Mixu type
Pacey dribbler

I wrote 2 forwards coming in and then changed it to 2/3 if as is likely we are playing European Group stage football in which case we need a bigger squad to play Thursday and Sunday and to deal with the injuries and fatigue that throws up.
Hearts had key player injuries and looked absolutely destroyed in December. Didn't look capable of winning a game in either competition no matter the opposition. Hibs need to have a big enough squad to be more resilient or likely suffer a similar fate.
I don't remember Aberdeen in the previos season when they were doing the Thursday Sunday thing but they were definitely towards the relegation until they were lobbed from Europe and floated up the table and eventually finished 7th, just ahead of us.

[AmericanKev]

Why would he just go? Offer a new deal once 3rd or at least 4th is confirmed.

[Hibees1973]

If it's Boyle's desire to go to Australia, would any club down there pay a higher wage than Hibs. Rumour has it he's on £8k a week at Hibs.

Maybe Forza Fred can confirm but I doubt he would get a better wage in Oz. Most good players playing in Oz tend to come to Europe and you would expect wouldn't move for a lower wage.

[cubehindthegoal]

I would be very surprised if he’s not signed a new contract with us fairly soon.

I think one more year with us, and I’d welcome that. And then he’ll go to Australia. But tbh only he and his family will know what he wants, and he has done us proud tbf, so happy for him to do what they want … but I do hope it’s stay with us another year.

[worcesterhibby]

I wrote 2 forwards coming in and then changed it to 2/3 if as is likely we are playing European Group stage football in which case we need a bigger squad to play Thursday and Sunday and to deal with the injuries and fatigue that throws up.
Hearts had key player injuries and looked absolutely destroyed in December. Didn't look capable of winning a game in either competition no matter the opposition. Hibs need to have a big enough squad to be more resilient or likely suffer a similar fate.
I don't remember Aberdeen in the previos season when they were doing the Thursday Sunday thing but they were definitely towards the relegation until they were lobbed from Europe and floated up the table and eventually finished 7th, just ahead of us.

you make a good point, although I’d hope that might give Clelland a chance to shine

[Irish_Steve]

If it's Boyle's desire to go to Australia, would any club down there pay a higher wage than Hibs. Rumour has it he's on £8k a week at Hibs.

Maybe Forza Fred can confirm but I doubt he would get a better wage in Oz. Most good players playing in Oz tend to come to Europe and you would expect wouldn't move for a lower wage.

I don't necessarily think it would be about money. A chance to move the whole family to Oz to start a new life may be a deciding factor whilst still earning decent money too.

[Billy Bunter 07]

I think one more year with us, and I’d welcome that. And then he’ll go to Australia. But tbh only he and his family will know what he wants, and he has done us proud tbf, so happy for him to do what they want … but I do hope it’s stay with us another year.

Completely agree.

[Brooster]

Martin doesn't have a choice if Hibs trigger their year option on his contract.

I've never seen him work as hard as he has in the last few months.
There is no doubt he wants that contract and is playing for it.

Hoilett looks the same. Working hard and performing every time he plays to show he is fit and worth another year.

Do we have a 1 year trigger on his contract? Good news if true.

Am I the only one hearing the rumours about rangers sniffing around?

[Paulie Walnuts]

We don’t replace Boyle like for like imo. We just couldn’t afford it.

If we replace Boyles goals it’ll be with a different style of forward completely, or it’ll be by spreading them around the team more.

A new deal is a no brainer.

[Jones28]

Do we have a 1 year trigger on his contract? Good news if true.

Am I the only one hearing the rumours about rangers sniffing around?

We do have an option and as the weeks go on it looks like a great deal regardless of the terms he's on.

Not heard about Rangers but can't imagine their fans would be happy with signing a 31 (not 33) year old striker from Hibs.

[Brooster]

We do have an option and as the weeks go on it looks like a great deal regardless of the terms he's on.

Not heard about Rangers but can't imagine their fans would be happy with signing a 33 year old striker from Hibs.

He's only 31 but I get your point.

[Jones28]

He's only 31 but I get your point.

Had it in my head he was older than me with that hairline :greengrin

[Shrekko]

Keep hearing the argument that if he’s on a really big salary then it may possibly be better spent elsewhere.

It’s absolutely laughable that we could expect to sign ANY new player that would come in and contribute what Boyler does on and off the park. I don’t care what age he is, he’s already earned the right to one more year (at least) regardless of the money involved.

[Forza Fred]

If it's Boyle's desire to go to Australia, would any club down there pay a higher wage than Hibs. Rumour has it he's on £8k a week at Hibs.

Maybe Forza Fred can confirm but I doubt he would get a better wage in Oz. Most good players playing in Oz tend to come to Europe and you would expect wouldn't move for a lower wage.

Most clubs are struggling financially.

The clubs operate under a salary cap, but there are provisions for Marquee Players who can and still are highly paid.

An example is Diego Costa who is with Sydney FC and up until this season Jamie MacLaren was on big money….rumoured to be $1million a season.

So I guess the answer is Yes, there are some clubs who COULD afford to pay him a decent amount.

I think the question is though…Would any clubs be prepared to pay him big money?

Martin is close to 32 and someone coming from the not highly regarded SPL could be factors working against such a move.

IfMartin comes to the A League I reckon it won’t be for money, but a chance to sample the Aussie lifestyle

Personally I hope he stays at Hibs…we need him.

[Col2]

It’s clear as a club and management team we want him to stay. We have an option to extend on the same terms. His goals and assists this season have been invaluable. He looks fit and he still has pace.

I can only see a scenario where he leaves IF MB for family reasons wants to move to Australia and on a personal level we agree to it given his service to the club.

[Since452]

We should be looking at Nisbet. Don't think Millwall would be hard to deal with.

[Bishop Hibee]

We should be looking at Nisbet. Don't think Millwall would be hard to deal with.

Too injury prone and I think he wouldn’t be keen in a move back here anyway.

[Centre Hawf]

I don't see a situation where Boyle isn't here next season, primarily due to us having an option on him even if it does mean we pay another year of what appears to be a high wage. Take his age out of it though and look at his return this season and you'd be hard pressed to argue he doesn't deserve to just carry on as is. He's having his best season since the covid year and I don't see why we would throw that away personally.

The real conversation to have is what do we do this time next year.

[KWJ]

I'd hope we can bring in someone to improve on what we have and to work with Bowie in the future. Even if Boyle stays, I would expect him to play less games.

[O'Rourke3]

Do we have a 1 year trigger on his contract? Good news if true.

Am I the only one hearing the rumours about rangers sniffing around?April fool was yesterday......

Sent from my SM-A556B using Tapatalk

[BoomtownHibees]

I'd hope we can bring in someone to improve on what we have and to work with Bowie in the future. Even if Boyle stays, I would expect him to play less games.

If staying, I’d expect us to play with Bowie and Boyle in as many games as we can

[ancient hibee]

I'd hope we can bring in someone to improve on what we have and to work with Bowie in the future. Even if Boyle stays, I would expect him to play less games.

Don't follow that.If he maintains his fitness ,and there's no reason why not,he'll continue to be one of our main players and will play regularly.

[Centre Hawf]

I'd hope we can bring in someone to improve on what we have and to work with Bowie in the future. Even if Boyle stays, I would expect him to play less games.

The moment Boyle stops performing enough to justify starting would be when he plays less games imo.

[HoboHarry]

Sign Shankland. He'll score hunners of goals apparently


Ahem.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Don't follow that.If he maintains his fitness ,and there's no reason why not,he'll continue to be one of our main players and will play regularly.

:agree:

He’s 31. The way some folk go on you’d think he was 35.

[brianmc]

We should be looking at Nisbet. Don't think Millwall would be hard to deal with.

9hrs since your daft post.
Try harder with your next troll 👍

[TrinityHFC]

:agree:

He’s 31. The way some folk go on you’d think he was 35.

There’s a weird obsession on here with age, as if anyone over about 28 is likely to be going through some debilitating decline.

[Haymaker]

Leigh Giffiths is still playing in Oz, he might fancy a return to Hibs.

[Jones28]

Leigh Giffiths is still playing in Oz, he might fancy a return to Hibs.

I was getting worried, hadn’t heard from you for a while.

[Since452]

9hrs since your daft post.
Try harder with your next troll 👍

I'm not sure what you mean?

[JimBHibees]

9hrs since your daft post.
Try harder with your next troll 👍

Seems a perfectly valid opinion

[erin go bragh]

We trigger the year extension, which means we don't need to replace his goals.

[joe breezy]

We need a prolific striker tbh


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[Donegal Hibby]

We need a prolific striker tbh


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I think Bowie will score a fair few next season with a good pre- season under his belt, Boyle too and I’m pretty confident McGrath will chip with some as well as creating chances for others , with the quality of crosses we get into the box I’d like to see a good quality target man signed .

[ancient hibee]

There’s a weird obsession on here with age, as if anyone over about 28 is likely to be going through some debilitating decline.

Probably lots of schoolkids post on here. They think everyone is ancient.

[Billy Bunter 07]

I think Bowie will score a fair few next season with a good pre- season under his belt, Boyle too and I’m pretty confident McGrath will chip with some as well as creating chances for others , with the quality of crosses we get into the box I’d like to see a good quality target man signed .

I think Bowie will develop into more of a target man than fox in the box forward. He reminds me a lot of Steven Fletcher.

[we are hibs]

One of the most influential Hibs players this century. How many big goals, big moments and big performances has he turned in over the last 10 years.

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[Jack Hackett]

One of the most influential Hibs players this century. How many big goals, big moments and big performances has he turned in over the last 10 years.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

... and another one today

[He's here!]

:agree:

He’s 31. The way some folk go on you’d think he was 35.

Indeed. There was a lot of talk earlier in the season (and indeed last season) about him being 'finished' and that his pace had gone. Yet as we're seeing, a fully-fit Martin Boyle is one of the most effective players in the top flight. He's worked phenomenally hard and his all-round game, especially his finishing, has been transformed during his time with Hibs

At 31 he could remain highly influential with us for another couple of years and still have time to spend a season or two playing in Australia if that's still his aim.

[Hibbyradge]

In his interview after the Huns game, he spoke about his desire to score 100 goals for us.

His comment that "There are plenty games still left" made me think he'll leave in May.

Hopefully I'm mistaken.

[B.H.F.C]

If we have the option of a year, we just need to activate it IMO.

I know there has been talk about his wage but he’s too good and too important to lose just when we look like we’re building something. I think it would cost more and be more of a risk to try and replace him.

[LaMotta]

Indeed. Yet as we're seeing, a fully-fit Martin Boyle is one of the most effective players in the top flight. He's worked phenomenally hard and his all-round game, especially his finishing, has been transformed during his time There was a lot of talk earlier in the season (and indeed last season) about him being 'finished' and that his pace had gone. with Hibs

At 31 he could remain highly influential with us for another couple of years and still have time to spend a season or two playing in Australia if that's still his aim.


Some of the comments on him on the thread earlier this season from some posters were an absolute joke, totally disrespectful to a guy that had been a brilliant player for us, also so utterly short sighted. That thread provided a good indication of how seriously or not to take some people on here.

[Coco Bryce]

I'm sure the Boyle family are looking to move to Australia soon.

Both Martin & Rachael's contract end this season.

[LaMotta]

If we have the option of a year, we just need to activate it IMO.

I know there has been talk about his wage but he’s too good and too important to lose just when we look like we’re building something. I think it would cost more and be more of a risk to try and replace him.


I'm sure the Boyle family are looking to move to Australia soon.

Both Martin & Rachael's contract end this season.

Id like to keep him for obvious reasons. And if we did get 3rd and group stage European football, then he may well fancy another year.

If he did leave however it would be a bonus that he had a left on a high to completely preserve his legacy.

[Paul1642]

Some of the comments on him on the thread earlier this season from some posters were an absolute joke, totally disrespectful to a guy that had been a brilliant player for us, also so utterly short sighted. That thread provided a good indication of how seriously or not to take some people on here.

Some of the comment were too far, but you can see the rationale around the concern. Rumours were strong in the summer that he wanted away to Australia, and although I can’t remember the words said, I’m sure there was a pitch side interview where he seemed to hint at it.

Also whilst 31, going on 32 is far from past it (Holliett Gayle are testament to this),different players hit age related decline at different ages and some more severely than others.

I’m absolutely delighted with his current form and 100% want him here next season, but his performances at the start of the season were pretty concerning (as were most of the players) and based on the first 15 games or so you’d have been mad to want him around next season on top wages.

[Alex Trager]

If we have the option of a year, we just need to activate it IMO.

I know there has been talk about his wage but he’s too good and too important to lose just when we look like we’re building something. I think it would cost more and be more of a risk to try and replace him.
We've already been burnt by selling Boyle (pun not intended) when he was in a great position before, lets not let him go again.

[GreenCastle]

Really want to keep him for another year at least

He’s in amazing form - been a brilliant captain and he’s a great character to have around the place.

I hope both Boyles sign 1 year contracts at least.

Whatever he does next after Hibs won’t have the same feeling to it so hopefully he can realise what we are building here and stay part of it for 1 more year at least.

Love watching the guy play so if you are reading this please stay!

[He's here!]

Some of the comment were too far, but you can see the rationale around the concern. Rumours were strong in the summer that he wanted away to Australia, and although I can’t remember the words said, I’m sure there was a pitch side interview where he seemed to hint at it.

Also whilst 31, going on 32 is far from past it (Holliett Gayle are testament to this),different players hit age related decline at different ages and some more severely than others.

I’m absolutely delighted with his current form and 100% want him here next season, but his performances at the start of the season were pretty concerning (as were most of the players) and based on the first 15 games or so you’d have been mad to want him around next season on top wages.

Pretty much the whole team's performances at the start of the season were concerning. Boyle was also recovering from wrist surgery and has noticeably improved since the plaster was removed.

[James70]

I think that much depends on us qualifying for Europe and the financial benefits that would bring. If we can offer European football and lucrative new contracts the likes of Bushiri and Boyle who are both invaluable will be tempted to stay.

[Bobby's Cinema]

In his interview after the Huns game, he spoke about his desire to score 100 goals for us.

His comment that "There are plenty games still left" made me think he'll leave in May.

Hopefully I'm mistaken.
I can only think of Riordan getting to 100goals for Hibs in my lifetime. Amazing, puts that in perspective

[foxy]

I can only think of Riordan getting to 100goals for Hibs in my lifetime. Amazing, puts that in perspective
Yes i think Martin will only be the 14th player to reach 3 figures and the last player before Deeks was Arthur "Nijinsky" Duncan in the early 80s

[andrew_dundee]

Bear in mind that we'll be losing a few players too. If we get finish well and get Gayle and Vente off the books we'll have more than enough to give him an extension on similar terms if not the same ones.

[LaMotta]

Some of the comment were too far, but you can see the rationale around the concern. Rumours were strong in the summer that he wanted away to Australia, and although I can’t remember the words said, I’m sure there was a pitch side interview where he seemed to hint at it.

Also whilst 31, going on 32 is far from past it (Holliett Gayle are testament to this),different players hit age related decline at different ages and some more severely than others.

I’m absolutely delighted with his current form and 100% want him here next season, but his performances at the start of the season were pretty concerning (as were most of the players) and based on the first 15 games or so you’d have been mad to want him around next season on top wages.

There is no doubt he has improved greatly as the season went on, but a lot of people were completely over exaggerating analysis of him in a negative way without that much foundation. He was at that time still miles ahead as our top goal contributor. We weren't getting results, and then it became fashionable for people to pick on Boyle. A classic Hibs.Net myth ( and Twitter/X) that he was "finished" and had "lost his pace", when in reality he just wasn't having a great period.

There was a fair few posters who stuck up for him back then. I tend to think these are the posters who watch the games properly.

[Forza Fred]

There is no doubt he has improved greatly as the season went on, but a lot of people were completely over exaggerating analysis of him in a negative way without that much foundation. He was at that time still miles ahead as our top goal contributor. We weren't getting results, and then it became fashionable for people to pick on Boyle. A classic Hibs.Net myth ( and Twitter/X) that he was "finished" and had "lost his pace", when in reality he just wasn't having a great period.

There was a fair few posters who stuck up for him back then. I tend to think these are the posters who watch the games properly.

I think every other team outside the Ugly Sisters would be delighted in having him in their squad.

We would be extremely lucky to afford someone of his calibre as a replacement if we allowed him to leave

[joebakerforever]

There is no doubt he has improved greatly as the season went on, but a lot of people were completely over exaggerating analysis of him in a negative way without that much foundation. He was at that time still miles ahead as our top goal contributor. We weren't getting results, and then it became fashionable for people to pick on Boyle. A classic Hibs.Net myth ( and Twitter/X) that he was "finished" and had "lost his pace", when in reality he just wasn't having a great period.

There was a fair few posters who stuck up for him back then. I tend to think these are the posters who watch the games properly.

Probably the same "experts" that were suggesting SDG should be replaced early on.

It would be insane not to extend Martin's contract with improved benefits which rewards his overall performance this Season.

[Gmack7]

2 year extension with a testimonial please

[3pm]

2 year extension with a testimonial please

I've always thought that it would be 2 years on a reduced salary. Hadn't really thought about a testimonial but would hopefully help with negotiations.

[Paulie Walnuts]

There is no doubt he has improved greatly as the season went on, but a lot of people were completely over exaggerating analysis of him in a negative way without that much foundation. He was at that time still miles ahead as our top goal contributor. We weren't getting results, and then it became fashionable for people to pick on Boyle. A classic Hibs.Net myth ( and Twitter/X) that he was "finished" and had "lost his pace", when in reality he just wasn't having a great period.

There was a fair few posters who stuck up for him back then. I tend to think these are the posters who watch the games properly.

:agree:

Some of the ‘analysis’ of his performances at the start of the season was incredible.

[GreenCastle]

I've always thought that it would be 2 years on a reduced salary. Hadn't really thought about a testimonial but would hopefully help with negotiations.

I’m sure he would get a load of the cup winning squad and others back for any testimonial.

Boyle belongs at Hibs and I really hope he retires at the club.

[EdinMike]

I’m sure he would get a load of the cup winning squad and others back for any testimonial.

Boyle belongs at Hibs and I really hope he retires at the club.

I said that about Lewey too 😭

[Heisenberg]

I’d love him to stay and I’m sure the club would too but if he’s expressed a desire to move abroad with his family I couldn’t see the club standing in his way. It’ll be extremely difficult to replace what he’s given us this season, both with his goals and assists but also in the dressing room as a leading figure.

[Centre Hawf]

I’m sure he would get a load of the cup winning squad and others back for any testimonial.

Boyle belongs at Hibs and I really hope he retires at the club.

You never really see the fun Testimonials anymore like Ian Murray's. I thought Paul and Lewy's being games against Sunderland and Blackburn were just a bit meh. I like the idea of these things being a celebration of their career with old teammates rather than watching Craig Conway and Danny Graham come up and beat us 2-0 and shuffle off.

Give me Jimmy Boco rolling back the years and John Collins looking like he could still play any day of the week.

[Smartie]

I’m going to stand by my criticism of him during the early part of the season.

In his defence, he still had some respectable goal contribution stats when he wasn’t playing well - something that Rowan Vine, Alan O’Brien, Jonatan Johansson, Shefki Kuji and Harry McKirdy can’t point to. They were largely in the league cup though against weaker opposition.

Since coming back from Saudi he’d been pretty solidly injured, coming back from injury or badly out of form. That’s not just a few weeks or a cheap contract.

It’s been great to see the Boyle of old once more though. He’s still a huge player for us. For the best part of a decade he’s been a massive part of our attacking play and even now, if you keep him quiet you largely keep us quiet.

It can’t go on forever and the day when he finally leaves will be a sad one. He’s up there with our best ever signings imo. We shouldn’t take the task of replacing him lightly.

[oneone73]

You never really see the fun Testimonials anymore like Ian Murray's. I thought Paul and Lewy's being games against Sunderland and Blackburn were just a bit meh. I like the idea of these things being a celebration of their career with old teammates rather than watching Craig Conway and Danny Graham come up and beat us 2-0 and shuffle off.

Give me Jimmy Boco rolling back the years and John Collins looking like he could still play any day of the week.
David Gray's was fun.

[Centre Hawf]

David Gray's was fun.

That is true actually. But he had retired by that point whereas the others have had theirs mixed in with the pre-season plans. Maybe that's the secret.

[Paulie Walnuts]

I’m going to stand by my criticism of him during the early part of the season.

In his defence, he still had some respectable goal contribution stats when he wasn’t playing well - something that Rowan Vine, Alan O’Brien, Jonatan Johansson, Shefki Kuji and Harry McKirdy can’t point to. They were largely in the league cup though against weaker opposition.

Since coming back from Saudi he’d been pretty solidly injured, coming back from injury or badly out of form. That’s not just a few weeks or a cheap contract.

It’s been great to see the Boyle of old once more though. He’s still a huge player for us. For the best part of a decade he’s been a massive part of our attacking play and even now, if you keep him quiet you largely keep us quiet.

It can’t go on forever and the day when he finally leaves will be a sad one. He’s up there with our best ever signings imo. We shouldn’t take the task of replacing him lightly.

I’m trying my best to try and even see where people are coming from with the criticism, but I can’t see it.

Even trying to do Boyle as big a disservice as I possibly can, if you look at his contribution from the start of the season up to and including the Dundee game and remove his excellent recent form then he’d played 16, scored 5 and assisted 5 at that point. His overall contribution since returning, at that stage where you say you stand by your criticism, was 21 goals and 10 assists in 69 games, an excellent return for a guy that plays the role he does.

I’m sorry, but the criticism of him was absolutely ridiculous.

[Ribs1875]

To answer the question of this posts title, I'd take a gamble on Glen Middleton who is out of contract at the end of the season.

[04Sauzee]

To answer the question of this posts title, I'd take a gamble on Glen Middleton who is out of contract at the end of the season.

2 goals and 3 assists for Dundee Utd this season. I don't think Middleton is the answer at Hibs tbh.

[Donegal Hibby]

To answer the question of this posts title, I'd take a gamble on Glen Middleton who is out of contract at the end of the season.

If Boyle were to go we should be trying to get a player of similar quality or as near to Boyles as we can .. Middleton would be a major downgrade on that .

[danhibees1875]

You never really see the fun Testimonials anymore like Ian Murray's. I thought Paul and Lewy's being games against Sunderland and Blackburn were just a bit meh. I like the idea of these things being a celebration of their career with old teammates rather than watching Craig Conway and Danny Graham come up and beat us 2-0 and shuffle off.

Give me Jimmy Boco rolling back the years and John Collins looking like he could still play any day of the week.

Lewis was the opportunity to piece together as much of a 2007 LC vs 2016 SC game as possible with him playing a half for each.

[LaMotta]

To answer the question of this posts title, I'd take a gamble on Glen Middleton who is out of contract at the end of the season.

For some reason he is he is one my least favourite players to play for Hibs. Don't think he left us on very good terms either.

[Ribs1875]

If Boyle were to go we should be trying to get a player of similar quality or as near to Boyles as we can .. Middleton would be a major downgrade on that .

Hardly a major downgrade. He's a proven spl player who has shown glimpses of quality this season. I think if you stuck him into our club, with the system, players and style of football we play he would have more goals and assists. I agree we could do better perhaps in the loan market, but I think he could be a good signing at a good age who could further develop. I would get behind bringing someone like that in for those reasons.

I use Scott Allan as an example when he played at Dundee before coming to us again in 2018. Looked so out of place at Dundee then came to us and had the best one of the best spells of his career.

[Allant1981]

Hardly a major downgrade. He's a proven spl player who has shown glimpses of quality this season. I think if you stuck him into our club, with the system, players and style of football we play he would have more goals and assists. I agree we could do better perhaps in the loan market, but I think he could be a good signing at a good age who could further develop. I would get behind bringing someone like that in for those reasons.

I use Scott Allan as an example when he played at Dundee before coming to us again in 2018. Looked so out of place at Dundee then came to us and had the best one of the best spells of his career.

So you answered the question of replacing boyles goals with a guy who has only scored about 10 more in his whole career than boyle has this season alone and you don't think that a major downgrade? What would you class as a major downgrade, if we are talking goals alone as suggested then middleton is as far away as you can get to be the person to replace the goals

[Ribs1875]

So you answered the question of replacing boyles goals with a guy who has only scored about 10 more in his whole career than boyle has this season alone and you don't think that a major downgrade? What would you class as a major downgrade, if we are talking goals alone as suggested then middleton is as far away as you can get to be the person to replace the goals

Its all about opinions, and different point of views. I see us as a club that gives players like Boyle the platform to develop. Let's not forget Boyle was a player surplus to requirements at Dundee, who we did a loan swap deal for Alex Harris at the time. When Boyle came in he wasn't an instant goalscorer and lacked end product. He worked hard and developed into the player he is today. Middleton wouldn't be a great signing, but equally wouldn't be a bad signing either. He plays for a team who are currently sitting 5th and play less expansive football in comparison to us.

In terms of goalscorers Bowie could be our answer. I am optimistic we are likely to keep Boyle anyway.

[Spudster]

Middleton would be a Danny Swanson/Drey Wright level of signing for me. Big no thank you

[JohnM1875]

Middleton is pish.

[superfurryhibby]

Its all about opinions, and different point of views. I see us as a club that gives players like Boyle the platform to develop. Let's not forget Boyle was a player surplus to requirements at Dundee, who we did a loan swap deal for Alex Harris at the time. When Boyle came in he wasn't an instant goalscorer and lacked end product. He worked hard and developed into the player he is today. Middleton wouldn't be a great signing, but equally wouldn't be a bad signing either. He plays for a team who are currently sitting 5th and play less expansive football in comparison to us.

In terms of goalscorers Bowie could be our answer. I am optimistic we are likely to keep Boyle anyway.

Middleton lacks the raw pace that made Boyle the player he is. Interesting contrasts. Middleton has had a career mostly in the top flight in Scotland, Boyle played mostly lower league Scottish football, at Montrose, Dundee and Hibs (32 Premier League appearances before joining Hibs, Middleton had close to 100 top flight games at the same age). Middleton has 20 plus Scotland under 21 games.

Boyle's rise has been fantastic. You could make a case for him being one of the best non OF players in our top league over the past eight years or so.

I'm not sure I've seen anything from Middleton that suggests he could be a valuable addition to our team, never mind replace Boyle's goals. As he gets older, I can see Boyle signing up for another year or two at Hibs and playing as a striker.

Hibs will need a winger when Youan leaves, there's definitely a squad place coming up, but the standard needs to be better than Middleton.

[HendoDelivered]

Middleton is pish.

Yep. Was pish when he was with us too.

[Allant1981]

Its all about opinions, and different point of views. I see us as a club that gives players like Boyle the platform to develop. Let's not forget Boyle was a player surplus to requirements at Dundee, who we did a loan swap deal for Alex Harris at the time. When Boyle came in he wasn't an instant goalscorer and lacked end product. He worked hard and developed into the player he is today. Middleton wouldn't be a great signing, but equally wouldn't be a bad signing either. He plays for a team who are currently sitting 5th and play less expansive football in comparison to us.

In terms of goalscorers Bowie could be our answer. I am optimistic we are likely to keep Boyle anyway.

middleton isn't going to replace boyles goals, that's very obvious from every season he has played football

[Ribs1875]

Middleton would be a Danny Swanson/Drey Wright level of signing for me. Big no thank you

Suppose there are players like that who can go either way. Look at Dylan Levitt. He wasn't looking to up to much, a run of games, good coaching and a system has given him the platform to perform to the level he has.

[ancient hibee]

Yes but Levitt was signed with the reputation of being a good player,didn’t look up to it but has been coached and encouraged back to form. Middleton is nowhere near Levitt’s standard as a player never mind Boyle’s.

[He's here!]

Middleton would be a Danny Swanson/Drey Wright level of signing for me. Big no thank you

I had high hopes for Swanson. Bags of ability and a Hibs fan so it was frustrating it didn't work out for him. Bit like Liam Craig he seemed to excel only at St Johnstone.

[500miles]

Middleton is a good player when fit, but struggles to keep off excess weight.

[1875M]

Middleton is a good player when fit, but struggles to keep off excess weight.

Decent player but not better than Boyle, at all.

[Ribs1875]

I remain confident we'll give Boyle a 2 year contract.

[GreenCastle]

Would Josh Mulligan from Dundee be a good option ? Ideally would want both.

[jakedance]

I’ve added ‘Boyle is finished’ to the very long list of things I’ve got wrong about this season.