Just how big is finishing 3rd place for the club?

[Bob1875]

Do you think it’s reasonable to say that a few players that are out of contract are waiting to see if we finish 3rd and almost guarantee ‘league’ stage European football? Boyle, Gayle, Hoilett etc? I think it’s massive for the club that we do finish 3rd and it will entice these players even more to stay for next season.

[wallpaperman]

Do you think it’s reasonable to say that a few players that are out of contract are waiting to see if we finish 3rd and almost guarantee ‘league’ stage European football? Boyle, Gayle, Hoilett etc? I think it’s massive for the club that we do finish 3rd and it will entice these players even more to stay for next season.

Do the club not have a 1 year option for Martin Boyle, so although his contract is at an end, we can trigger this, presumably at the same terms as he is currently on? I suppose though you would want the player to be happy with the club exercising the option….

[B.H.F.C]

I’m not so sure there are many out of contract who will need enticed to stay. Maybe Boyle, if he’s thinking elsewhere, would be convinced by a proper European campaign, not just a couple of qualifiers. For a lot of players at our level that isn’t something they will have that many opportunities to experience.

We’re going to get European football of some description but if it’s not the big prize, it’s definitely going to feel like we’ve missed out. For that reason, I think it’s huge that we get third (and Celtic win the cup). We’d go in to the summer bouncing, season tickets would be flying out and we’d have more money to make available in the window.

[Bob1875]

Do the club not have a 1 year option for Martin Boyle, so although his contract is at an end, we can trigger this, presumably at the same terms as he is currently on? I suppose though you would want the player to be happy with the club exercising the option….

You’d think so, and why would it not have been done by now? It’s such a big year for him as last and only chance to play at a WC. Doubt he’d want to risk a move at this point incase it doesn’t work out and he might not play else where. If he does re sign I think it will be his last year.

[wallpaperman]

You’d think so, and why would it not have been done by now? It’s such a big year for him as last and only chance to play at a WC. Doubt he’d want to risk a move at this point incase it doesn’t work out and he might not play else where. If he does re sign I think it will be his last year.

I suppose Hibs could be trying to get him to stay another year in addition to the club option year, say the option pays him £8k a week, but instead offer two year deal at £6k a week. Figures totally made up, no idea what he is paid!

[Bob1875]

I’m not so sure there are many out of contract who will need enticed to stay. Maybe Boyle, if he’s thinking elsewhere, would be convinced by a proper European campaign, not just a couple of qualifiers. For a lot of players at our level that isn’t something they will have that many opportunities to experience.

We’re going to get European football of some description but if it’s not the big prize, it’s definitely going to feel like we’ve missed out. For that reason, I think it’s huge that we get third (and Celtic win the cup). We’d go in to the summer bouncing, season tickets would be flying out and we’d have more money to make available in the window.

Yeah definitely, if we get 1 play off game and pumped oot by a decent team then it will be a bit flat. Get into conference league and there’s some right guff in it so possible progression is a real possibility.

[HarpOnHibee]

Do you think it’s reasonable to say that a few players that are out of contract are waiting to see if we finish 3rd and almost guarantee ‘league’ stage European football? Boyle, Gayle, Hoilett etc? I think it’s massive for the club that we do finish 3rd and it will entice these players even more to stay for next season.

No. I think it's reasonable to say that they will do whatever it takes to ensure that we do finish 3rd. They certainly aren't waiting to see what will happen. It's the difference between winners and losers.

[Tambo]

Will be huge for the club financially especially with the loss that was reported eailer on in the season, would give us the chance of signing better players.

[matty_f]

Will be huge for the club financially especially with the loss that was reported eailer on in the season, would give us the chance of signing better players.

The financial aspect is significant, and probably opens up some more signing opportunities with BKFC, as they look to get players in the group (or coming into the group) some European experience - the benefit for us would be getting players who are expected to succeed at that level - albeit it's just as likely that we get nobody from the group.

Regardless, it needs to be a foundation to build upon, we need to recruit well with a view to finishing third again next season if we can. The big win with Europe is if we can get it year after year - having a year in and a year out is expensive and unsustainable, we need to be there consistently to really realise the benefits.

[007]

My guess is that if we get 3rd and Celtic win the cup, we'll get Triantis on loan until January.

[Vini1875]

It will be massive, assuming celtc win the cup.

The real issue about third is doing it consecutively the following seasons. Both aberdeen and hearts have had third place finishes and a euro run, but haven't followed it up. Getting third and putting investment into the squad to cope with the upcoming season is the task the board have to get right to make it really pay for us.

At the moment we have all the right ingredients, but making good additions which is going to enhance things is where real skill is required. I am praying the board have now made enough mistakes previously to learn what is needed.

[hibsbollah]

My guess is that if we get 3rd and Celtic win the cup, we'll get Triantis on loan until January.

I think thats possible, certainly more likely than a permanent deal.

[Since452]

Finishing 3rd is huge. Akin to winning the league really as it's the best we can possibly do. Europe group stage football would be fantastic.

If we do finish 3rd we need to back the manager properly and not repeat mistakes of the past.

[NAE NOOKIE]

If we had a real chance of group stage European football it could also significantly impact on the quality of loan player we could attract.

I always think the Scottish game is a perfect place to send loan players and especially to a club like Hibs. Here you can you play in front of 16,000 on a regular basis, but also in practically the same week play in front of 4000 in Dingwall and 60,000 in Glasgow, with the different pressures and experiences that gives you.

You also have a decent chance of playing in a semi final or final, an experience you probably will never get if your loan is to EPL division 1 or even an EFL Championship club, where you certainly won't get to experience European football.

[1875Sean]

Is it not like at least an extra 5 million, plus it’s the last season so may be a while before a team in Scotland who is 3rd makes the group stages

[Hibbyradge]

Is it not like at least an extra 5 million, plus it’s the last season so may be a while before a team in Scotland who is 3rd makes the group stages

Around £3m with more for every point won, I think.

More importantly, it's several trips for the boys and girls! :greengrin

[Col2]

For the 2024–25 season, League Phase participation in the Conference League was awarded a base fee of €3,170,000.

A victory in the group pays €400,000 and a draw €133,000.

Teams which placed in the top 8 of the League Phase earned €400,000 and progressed automatically to the Round of 16. Teams which placed between 9th and 24th qualified for the knockout round play-offs and earned €200,000.

We also would be guaranteed minimum 4 home games (1x play off and 3 x group) which would generate turnover of say £1.5-£2m extra.

Should be clearing £5m extra income less expenses say £3.5m profit.

[Gmack7]

And a bit more than that if we qualified for the Europa league

[foxy]

For the 2024–25 season, League Phase participation in the Conference League was awarded a base fee of €3,170,000.

A victory in the group pays €400,000 and a draw €133,000.

Teams which placed in the top 8 of the League Phase earned €400,000 and progressed automatically to the Round of 16. Teams which placed between 9th and 24th qualified for the knockout round play-offs and earned €200,000.

We also would be guaranteed minimum 4 home games (1x play off and 3 x group) which would generate turnover of say £1.5-£2m extra.

Should be clearing £5m extra income less expenses say £3.5m profit.
Plus there is a Group stage part bonus where each team will be paid an amount based on their final position in the league phase.

In the Conference league each position pays approx £24k - so 36th pays £24k, 35th pays £48k, 34th pays 72K and so on up to 1st pays £864k

In the Europa League each position pays approx £64k - so 36th pays £64K, 35th pays £128k, 34th pays £192k and so on up to 1st pays £2.3 million.

https://www.football-coefficient.eu/money/

[Onion]

Around £3m with more for every point won, I think.

More importantly, it's several trips for the boys and girls! :greengrin

Decent money for a club outside the OF. However, need to factor in the consider able cost of travel and accommodation for the away games. Trips for the fans are priceless.

[Paul1642]

Huge for the club.

The European group stage football is the main thing, the serious money that comes with it for a club or our size, the increased appeal for players to join our club, and most importantly a reward for the fans who who have stuck with it though multiple tough times.

That’s said though, it’s not just about the reward of Europe. Finishing 3rd is a big achievement in itself and the journey since November has been the most enjoyable Hibs side I’ve watched since the Mowbray / Collins era. 3rd realistically might be the highest many of us ever live to see Hibs finish again, and even at that we have only achieved it 4 times since the mid 70s. It’s really something to enjoy on the rare occasion we manage it and it would be such a shame for this squad not to achieve that because they certainly deserve it.

[theonlywayisup]

Plus there is a Group stage part bonus where each team will be paid an amount based on their final position in the league phase.

In the Conference league each position pays approx £24k - so 36th pays £24k, 35th pays £48k, 34th pays 72K and so on up to 1st pays £864k

In the Europa League each position pays approx £64k - so 36th pays £64K, 35th pays £128k, 34th pays £192k and so on up to 1st pays £2.3 million.

https://www.football-coefficient.eu/money/

How much did the Jambos get this season for being best of the rest in the Conference League?

[Hibspur]

I'm a bit concerned by the sense among some that failing to finish third would be a disaster.

What we've gone on to achieve this season from a position of pretty much rock bottom in November is already something to savour in my view. We've already qualified for Europe, we've got a promising young manager and several players tied up on long-term contracts, while Hearts have sacked their second manager of the season and are battling to avoid getting drawn into the relegation battle. It's a great position to be in.

Fingers crossed we can tie up third place (and we've shown we're well capable of doing so) but if for any reason we have a stumble and finish 4th or 5th I think it would be harsh if there was a pile-on of criticism. The fact that the unbeaten league run equalled a record set way back in the late 1940s shows how hard it is to achieve something like that. I just hope expectations aren't too high because of it.

[danhibees1875]

I'm a bit concerned by the sense among some that failing to finish third would be a disaster.

What we've gone on to achieve this season from a position of pretty much rock bottom in November is already something to savour in my view. We've already qualified for Europe, we've got a promising young manager and several players tied up on long-term contracts, while Hearts have sacked their second manager of the season and are battling to avoid getting drawn into the relegation battle. It's a great position to be in.

Fingers crossed we can tie up third place (and we've shown we're well capable of doing so) but if for any reason we have a stumble and finish 4th or 5th I think it would be harsh if there was a pile-on of criticism. The fact that the unbeaten league run equalled a record set way back in the late 1940s shows how hard it is to achieve something like that. I just hope expectations aren't too high because of it.

:agree:

5th - good
4th - great
3rd - sensational

[B.H.F.C]

I'm a bit concerned by the sense among some that failing to finish third would be a disaster.

What we've gone on to achieve this season from a position of pretty much rock bottom in November is already something to savour in my view. We've already qualified for Europe, we've got a promising young manager and several players tied up on long-term contracts, while Hearts have sacked their second manager of the season and are battling to avoid getting drawn into the relegation battle. It's a great position to be in.

Fingers crossed we can tie up third place (and we've shown we're well capable of doing so) but if for any reason we have a stumble and finish 4th or 5th I think it would be harsh if there was a pile-on of criticism. The fact that the unbeaten league run equalled a record set way back in the late 1940s shows how hard it is to achieve something like that. I just hope expectations aren't too high because of it.

To be in the position we were going in to the split, failing to finish third would be a disaster IMO. Maybe not a disaster, but a major missed opportunity.

This is the last year of guaranteed group stage football, something we haven’t managed to benefit from to date. The rewards are huge and there is no saying when it’ll come back round again.

It’s clear what we need to do this Saturday so I think that will help us and we’ll bounce back from last week where we got caught out by the way we approached it for me.

[Donegal Hibby]

:agree:

5th - good
4th - great
3rd - sensational

Agree with that and would like to add hertz finishing in the bottom 6 was a wee bonus too :greengrin

[Paul1642]

:agree:

5th - good
4th - great
3rd - sensational

Objectively from where we were at the tail end of last (or even most seasons to be honest) year you are 100% correct, and at the end of year once the dust settles I’ll need to take a step back and remember this, however anything but 3rd is at least temporarily going to feel like a reel kick in the balls for me.

Proud of the team no matter where we end up because they have been phenomenal recently but the rewards of 3rd will be such a shame to miss out on.

[Broken Gnome]

Think that sums it up all very fairly.

Quite unique scenario where all three of our main teams have significant prizes within touching distance - in least two of the cases against the huge odds - but all have a realistic prospect of going badly wrong.

Whatever happens, they'd all deserve capacity crowds on the final day for a well received post-match lap of honour. Even if they're tinged with disappointment.

[Tambo]

3rd is in our sights with 4 games left, would be disappointing not to finish the job but can't argue that a 4th finish from being 12th would be a decent ending.

3rd and a Celtic cup win will bring a massive boost financially to the club and a chance of earning more money for thr club.

Would like to think we would qualify from the conference group stage, would also be a couple of big clubs in the competition also.

[Dashing Bob S]

Would be disappointed if we never made the Europa group stages, but would reluctantly take the Conference.

[Hibees1973]

I would be devastated not to have either Europa / Conf League group stage football until Christmas.

To collapse at the post split games and finish 4th or 5th after the run we have been on, would be hugely disappointing. It's well nigh impossible for us to get through two or three qualifying rounds to reach the group stages.

If Aberdeen win the cup then fine. But to have it in our control and lose it will be a huge blow.

It's about taking the opportunity now. It may not come around again for years.