Marvin Ekpiteta

[CJHibby]

When is Marvin due back? Could still be a major player for us in the future. Looked to be a good player before his injury last year.

[The Sundance Kid]

He’s been back for a while, came on in the win over Celtic in April but then hasn’t been able to get back in the team given the form of Rocky

[CJHibby]

Shows how much I've been paying attention!

[HendoDelivered]

Hoping he can be an important player for us. Was pretty happy that we had signed him. Defo a better player than he showed in the early part of the season when we were in dire straights. Hopefully more involved next season!

[Souter96Mac]

There wasn't much competition at the time, but I thought he was one of our better performers before his injury - but saying that, that was during our poor spell.

The situation with Rocky will be an interesting one for him. I reckon if Rocky leaves then it opens up the opportunity for him to re-take the position. But also wouldn't be surprised if he looked for a move should we keep Rocky, in order to get more game time.

[bingo70]

Sorry to go against the grain but I thought he was really poor and I hope we can move him on in the summer.

Defensively he was solid enough but he couldn’t pass the ball, we couldn’t get the ball into midfield when he played. IMO it’s no coincidence we improved dramatically when Rocky replaced him.

[Hiber-nation]

Solid enough defender but can't see him being a starter no matter who goes. We need to improve.

[Malthibby]

Sorry to go against the grain but I thought he was really poor and I hope we can move him on in the summer.

Defensively he was solid enough but he couldn’t pass the ball, we couldn’t get the ball into midfield when he played. IMO it’s no coincidence we improved dramatically when Rocky replaced him.


What he said. Saw nothing to suggest he was a SPFL level player, his passing in particular was horrendous but I also thought his basics - positioning & tackling were seriously suspect.
If we intend improving I can't see him being part of the squad.

[B.H.F.C]

Sorry to go against the grain but I thought he was really poor and I hope we can move him on in the summer.

Defensively he was solid enough but he couldn’t pass the ball, we couldn’t get the ball into midfield when he played. IMO it’s no coincidence we improved dramatically when Rocky replaced him.

The one thing I’d say is that Rocky benefitted from the change of shape meaning he was playing in his perfect position. I think Ekpiteta would be more suited to being central in a 3 as well.

My big concern about losing Rocky and Triantis is that we go back the way in terms of just sticking players in to their positions that are already here and are poorer than them. Think we need to make sure those positions, if we lose the two of them, are filled from outside the club.

[Paul1642]

I’m certainly not singling him out to blame for our very poor start to the season, but him and Bursik and Kwon had all been regular starters right up until just around the turning point.

He’s not really played much since then so it’s hard to say how he would look in our in form side. I do think there’s improvement to be had on him though and if Rocky goes id be keen for a new signing to be coming in to be a starter rather than Marv, at least for now.

[Unseen work]

I like Marv and thought he showed he was a good defender. His mistakes were daft pass backs/joint with Bursik.

My only worry is him replacing Rocky in the middle of a back 3 due to his limited ability on the ball. In that shape I think it’s important for the central defender to be able to step in play or drive past an attacker - something I think Rocky is really good at.

I can’t see Marv doing it and think opposition teams would be happy with leaving him on it and trying to set traps for him

[Unseen work]

I’m certainly not singling him out to blame for our very poor start to the season, but him and Bursik and Kwon had all been regular starters right up until just around the turning point.

He’s not really played much since then so it’s hard to say how he would look in our in form side. I do think there’s improvement to be had on him though and if Rocky goes id be keen for a new signing to be coming in to be a starter rather than Marv, at least for now.

Funny because for a good bit of the start of the season and during our poor run I thought Kwon looked a decent player

He, like everyone, seemed to lose all confidence and the simplest of things then looked difficult

[Jones28]

Would be a big downgrade if he came in for Rocky. Defensively he’ll probably be fine but he was a nightmare with the ball at his feet at times, something Rocky excels at.

[500miles]

Ekpiteta started really poorly, but I agree that he could make a good player in the middle of a 3. He was Blackpools POTY in the Championship if I remember correctly so he’s got the quality to be a defender at this level - even if it’s not necessarily with a team like us who wants to play on the front foot.

I would say that his passing settled after a while - unfortunately we went through separate spate of stupid errors and red cards.

If we keep Rocky I think he’ll leave for regular football, but I think he’ll get a decent team.

[MacGruber]

He started really poorly but was coming on to a game and had put a string of very good performances together before he got injured. Think it was fairly unanimous at the time his injury was a blow as he was by far and away our best defender at that point. He was also brilliant and man of the match in the first Derby of the season. He's a good defender. Not a brilliant ball player but even that is overplayed. Someone mentioned it being no coincidence we improved when Rocky came in which is true but think that was more to do with Bursik dropping out for Smith and the change of shape. Bursik was terrible with his feet which compounded the issue of passing out from the back. Smith had improved that no end and clears left and right. Also worth noting we weren't too clever still when Rocky was in but we were playing with a 2 still. Ekpiteta is a very good defender and I'd rather focus on his good form he grew into rather than his bad start in the team that was symptomatic of the whole team early doors

[tamig]

He started really poorly but was coming on to a game and had put a string of very good performances together before he got injured. Think it was fairly unanimous at the time his injury was a blow as he was by far and away our best defender at that point. He was also brilliant and man of the match in the first Derby of the season. He's a good defender. Not a brilliant ball player but even that is overplayed. Someone mentioned it being no coincidence we improved when Rocky came in which is true but think that was more to do with Bursik dropping out for Smith and the change of shape. Bursik was terrible with his feet which compounded the issue of passing out from the back. Smith had improved that no end and clears left and right. Also worth noting we weren't too clever still when Rocky was in but we were playing with a 2 still. Ekpiteta is a very good defender and I'd rather focus on his good form he grew into rather than his bad start in the team that was symptomatic of the whole team early doors
Agreed. Moving to a three and replacing the keeper were the key elements for me in our change in fortune. Iredale also came in at the start of the recovery. So to suggest it was all about Rocky replacing Marv is more than a bit unfair.

[JimBHibees]

Funny because for a good bit of the start of the season and during our poor run I thought Kwon looked a decent player

He, like everyone, seemed to lose all confidence and the simplest of things then looked difficult

Looked to me like Kwon was never properly fit seemed to get a few injuries and struggled physically after. Thought he was very good at Ibrox when we lost.

[Pretty Boy]

I thought he was coming on to a bit of a game but overall I was a wee bit disappointed with both him and O'Hora. They came in with a fair bit of fanfare from the club but it was Iredale who was almost sneaked in the side door who caught the eye of most.

It will be interesting to see where we go next season at the back. I think Iredale and Miller have their positions locked down if they are fit and, in the case of the latter, stay. If Rocky stays and there is anything in the Porteous rumour then that is a fair bit of depth already. In that scenario I could see one player potentially being allowed to leave if the offer was right for club and player. That would leave us with 5 to choose from, same as this season, and Obita can play centrally as well if required.

A whole host of if, but and maybe in there obviously and I've certainly not written anyone of. For all I said I was (slightly) disappointed both players showed plenty positives as well.

[Centre Hawf]

Is an odd one, can see him being away in the summer if he's not been told he'll be a starter.

[JimBHibees]

Is an odd one, can see him being away in the summer if he's not been told he'll be a starter.

Fair chance i would have thought. Thought he was coming onto a good game when he got injured. Have some concerns ohora to be honest also. Would personally prefer Miller to stay and play in back three

[lucky]

Is an odd one, can see him being away in the summer if he's not been told he'll be a starter.

No chance he will be told he's not starting and to find a new club yet. Hibs need at least 1 CH with Rocky leaving so highly unlikely we are searching for 2.

[cameronw-hfc]

Think he's played his best football in a back 3 and hasn't had that chance at Hibs yet. Was defo coming onto a game before his injury so would like to see him in his preferred back 3.

[Brightside]

He is absolutely fine in the middle of a 3 but if we keep Rocky he will get zero time. Rocky is faster and more physical. But there is also a strong chance that Rocky will be away and potentially Miller.

[J-C]

Was Ekpiteta and O'Hora not 2 signings from the last recruitment team before Gray and Malky took over and they wouldn't have been the type we wanted, I think Gray wants ball playing CH's

[worcesterhibby]

Everyone in the team improved hugely when we went to a back three and dropped Bursik. Marv was just unlucky that it coincided with him getting injured. We all thought the whole team were rank rotten at that point. so Marv never had the chance to prove otherwise, like everyone else. Give the guy a chance.

[Donegal Hibby]

Was Ekpiteta and O'Hora not 2 signings from the last recruitment team before Gray and Malky took over and they wouldn't have been the type we wanted, I think Gray wants ball playing CH's

https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/2024/june/28/marvin-ekpiteta-joins-hibs-/

[J-C]

https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/2024/june/28/marvin-ekpiteta-joins-hibs-/

I get that but my point was they were targets before Malky and Gray, so not the new management teams targets.

[TrinityHFC]

I get that but my point was they were targets before Malky and Gray, so not the new management teams targets.

There was an interview with Gray where he said he had wanted them both for the reason that he could see them playing together. I don’t think they just turned up without Gray being fully part of it.

[Centre Hawf]

There was an interview with Gray where he said he had wanted them both for the reason that he could see them playing together. I don’t think they just turned up without Gray being fully part of it.

I don't think it would be outlandish to suggest that they were both guys that were targeted by the recruitment team in advance. In fact Ekpiteta was announced as a Hibs player a week before Gray as Head Coach. I imagine Gray was part of the process for sure given he was already at the club and probably knew he was getting the gig, but if it was a case of getting guys in early there may have been starting talks even when Montgomery was manager.

[B.H.F.C]

I don't think it would be outlandish to suggest that they were both guys that were targeted by the recruitment team in advance. In fact Ekpiteta was announced as a Hibs player a week before Gray as Head Coach. I imagine Gray was part of the process for sure given he was already at the club and probably knew he was getting the gig, but if it was a case of getting guys in early there may have been starting talks even when Montgomery was manager.

Ekpiteta was confirmed end of June and Gray at the start.

I do agree that a lot of the groundwork for those early signings would have been under previous regime though.

I also thought we saw that they weren’t a particularly good pair. O’Hora had played a lot on the right side of a 3 but ended up playing on the left of a 2 to start with.

[Centre Hawf]

Ekpiteta was confirmed end of June and Gray at the start.

I do agree that a lot of the groundwork for those early signings would have been under previous regime though.

I also thought we saw that they weren’t a particularly good pair. O’Hora had played a lot on the right side of a 3 but ended up playing on the left of a 2 to start with.

You're right. Wiki had it has 28th of May and it was actually June on the Hibs website, my mistake.

[Roxyhibee]

Think Marv is decent but no more and OHora has been a bit disappointing for me. Going to sound like one of those entitled fans with unrealistic expectations who normally irritate me, but I think Hibs are clearly a club aiming to a different level now and I think we should be looking to recruit better. If they stay and Gray wants them, fine.

[B.H.F.C]

Think Marv is decent but no more and OHora has been a bit disappointing for me. Going to sound like one of those entitled fans with unrealistic expectations who normally irritate me, but I think Hibs are clearly a club aiming to a different level now and I think we should be looking to recruit better. If they stay and Gray wants them, fine.

I think both have done all right at times, but not much more than that. In saying that, O’Hora played his part in our good run and, like many, was better in a more natural position.

It wouldn’t surprise me if one of them is back down south by the end of the summer.

[Centre Hawf]

Think Marv is decent but no more and OHora has been a bit disappointing for me. Going to sound like one of those entitled fans with unrealistic expectations who normally irritate me, but I think Hibs are clearly a club aiming to a different level now and I think we should be looking to recruit better. If they stay and Gray wants them, fine.

I don't really buy into the O'Hora has been disappointing stuff to be honest. I think he's performed well, like the rest have, in our run to finishing 3rd. Miller probably performed better but when O'Hora stepped in for large chunks I thought he was more than good enough in the role.

[Donegal Hibby]

I don't think it would be outlandish to suggest that they were both guys that were targeted by the recruitment team in advance. In fact Ekpiteta was announced as a Hibs player a week before Gray as Head Coach. I imagine Gray was part of the process for sure given he was already at the club and probably knew he was getting the gig, but if it was a case of getting guys in early there may have been starting talks even when Montgomery was manager.

I would have thought it strange if either were Monty targets as we know how much he loved to play out from the back . I would guess they were more Gray type players in they are big with a good physical presence about them though I suppose most CH’s are like that anyhow . Interesting the other poster that wonders who’s signings O’Hora and Ekpiteta were, says he thinks Gray prefers ball playing CH’s and yet the best one we had at the club didn’t get a look in at the start of the season.

[Centre Hawf]

I would have thought it strange if either were Monty targets as we know how much he loved to play out from the back . I would guess they were more Gray type players in they are big with a good physical presence about them though I suppose most CH’s are like that anyhow . Interesting the other poster that wonders who’s signings O’Hora and Ekpiteta were, says he thinks Gray prefers ball playing CH’s and yet the best one we had at the club didn’t get a look in at the start of the season.

I think there's probably a difference in "Monty targets" and players the club were tracking themselves from a recruitment perspective anyway. Ultimately it may have been a case of Montgomery wouldn't have liked Ekpiteta for the reasons you say. But once he left and it was the club acting off it's own back to get the next season prepared we probably just had to snap into action on what work had been done to identify targets.

We signed both him and O'Hora fairly quickly out the gate as I believe only Rocky Bushiri was left for that position and I imagine there was also a chance for him to leave as well. So we probably felt it was best to get them in rather than wait too long and go off on pre-season with only recognised centre half.

[Donegal Hibby]

I think there's probably a difference in "Monty targets" and players the club were tracking themselves from a recruitment perspective anyway. Ultimately it may have been a case of Montgomery wouldn't have liked Ekpiteta for the reasons you say. But once he left and it was the club acting off it's own back to get the next season prepared we probably just had to snap into action on what work had been done to identify targets.

We signed both him and O'Hora fairly quickly out the gate as I believe only Rocky Bushiri was left for that position and I imagine there was also a chance for him to leave as well. So we probably felt it was best to get them in rather than wait too long and go off on pre-season with only recognised centre half.

Probably was a difference , certainly think what Gray wants now is probably entirely different as to what Monty would have wanted. I think Ekpiteta has been unfortunate in getting injured when he did and still has a part to play especially now we are going to have more games to play.

I must admit O’Hora has worried me slightly when playing in the right of the back 3 , just think there’s a lack of pace with him , again I don’t think he’s a bad player either though. Rocky if he goes I think is going to be hard to replace though we’ll need to as he’s the best / most comfortable defender with the ball at his feet .

[RIP]

When Marvin first arrived, my reaction was "At last we have signed a tall, strong, two-footed centre-half".

Given our form at the start of the season, I don't believe anyone has seen enough of Ekpetita to claim that he's not good enough.

Gray and his coaching team have managed to improve each player in the squad so far. I'll trust their judgement on Big Marv.

[bingo70]

When Marvin first arrived, my reaction was "At last we have signed a tall, strong, two-footed centre-half".

Given our form at the start of the season, I don't believe anyone has seen enough of Ekpetita to claim that he's not good enough.

Gray and his coaching team have managed to improve each player in the squad so far. I'll trust their judgement on Big Marv.

What made or makes you think he’s a two footed centre half?

That’s the polar opposite of what we’ve seen from him in a Hibs strip.

[RIP]

What made or makes you think he’s a two footed centre half?

That’s the polar opposite of what we’ve seen from him in a Hibs strip.

More his tackling than his passing. He was excellent at blocking crosses too. We had lacked that skill under Montgomery. He displayed excellent timing in an otherwise shaky defence.

[blackpoolhibs]

I've said it before, but if you want to have a team that plays out from the back, Ekpeteta wont be good enough to play in that defence. As a stopper he's very good, he will put his body on the line for the cause.

I cant believe Gray watched him play and thought he could play in the way we currently play, he had to change to a 3 at the back and imho we wont see him much if that's the way are to continue.

[RMQ1967]

I've said it before, but if you want to have a team that plays out from the back, Ekpeteta wont be good enough to play in that defence. As a stopper he's very good, he will put his body on the line for the cause.

I cant believe Gray watched him play and thought he could play in the way we currently play, he had to change to a 3 at the back and imho we wont see him much if that's the way are to continue.

There were probably plenty saying similar about Rocky (& others) at the start of last season.

In SDG & the coaching staff we trust, let's see what they do with Marv & co before we write anyone off 😉

[I'm_cabbaged]

I've said it before, but if you want to have a team that plays out from the back, Ekpeteta wont be good enough to play in that defence. As a stopper he's very good, he will put his body on the line for the cause.

I cant believe Gray watched him play and thought he could play in the way we currently play, he had to change to a 3 at the back and imho we wont see him much if that's the way are to continue.

And to be honest he only did it because he got injured. Luckiest injury ever, even though I personally think he’s decent.

[KWJ]

Surprised he didn't get an opportunities ahead of O'Hora once he was back.

[andrew70]

Surprised he didn't get an opportunities ahead of O'Hora once he was back.

Probably because O’Hora was playing well, is right sided and was swapping in and out with Miller. Ekpiteta more of a Rocky replacement.

[blackpoolhibs]

There were probably plenty saying similar about Rocky (& others) at the start of last season.

In SDG & the coaching staff we trust, let's see what they do with Marv & co before we write anyone off 😉
I'd seen a lot of him playing for Blackpool, the last thing he is, is a footballing central defender who you have playing out from the back.

[LancsHibs]

I'd seen a lot of him playing for Blackpool, the last thing he is, is a footballing central defender who you have playing out from the back.

Deffo, best suited in a centre half pairing in a conventional back 4.

[blackpoolhibs]

Deffo, best suited in a centre half pairing in a conventional back 4.

Which does question why we signed him and O'Hora as a pairing, with Miller on the right and Obita on the left, not a back 4 that screams football.

Early in the campaign with that 4, we had Newell dropping that deep i was convinced we had 3 centre halves and the opposition were happy for us to have the ball at the back, as we were so slow playing out, every team were all back in place before we had the ball reasonably under control.

Then we'd pass it about between them and the keeper before launching it forward to then lose it and do the same all over again.

Going to a 3 with the 2 wingbacks was the best thing to happen along with the additions in January.

As i said earlier in the thread, if we are going with the 3 again, i dont think Ekpeteta has a future at the club and i can see us letting him find another club if we get someone else in this coming window, someone better suited to the formation we will play.

[matty_f]

There were probably plenty saying similar about Rocky (& others) at the start of last season.

In SDG & the coaching staff we trust, let's see what they do with Marv & co before we write anyone off 😉

This is how I see it as well, I don’t think, maybe with the exception of Mowbray, that I’ve seen a Hibs manager improve players to the extent that Gray did last season.