Ajax v Hibernian

[chrisski33]

Population has nothing to do with the way players are trained from a young age.
Scottish football run by bigots and dinosaurs.

Exactly. Blaming the population size is just an excuse.

[SHODAN]

Oh hey forgot Hibs were playing today let's see how we're getti- oh

[Johnny_Leith]

Not Rory Whittaker?

Might have been, commentator said Gillie.

[HendoDelivered]

I would actively be looking to move both of them on this summer.

At least one of them out and Porto in 👍🏼

[JimBHibees]

For those who have watched the whole game what are your thoughts on Manneh ?

Only came on at half time gave the ball away early in second half not touched the ball much

[Hibby Kay-Yay]

For those who have watched the whole game what are your thoughts on Manneh ?

He never played the first half.

[joe breezy]

Don’t understand the point in playing a team as strong as Ajax

Well we will be playing another strong European team soon.


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[JimBHibees]

Might have been, commentator said Gillie.

Yes he did thought it was Rory maybe not

[flash]

Well we will be playing another strong European team soon.


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Don't remind us......

[jeffers]

He never played the first half.

Oops.

[GreenCastle]

Coerver coaching, friend of mine swears by it...

Fine to an extent but can only get you so far with it.

Scottish FA can visit Holland, Iceland, Brazil, Argentina and Spain etc but it’s the muppets at the SFA and jobs for the boys / girls (womens football issues) also why they aren’t moving forward. Plus we have guys like Steve Clarke in charge of the national team !

[Stuart93]

Well we will be playing another strong European team soon.


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Not nearly as strong as Ajax though

Just seems completely pointless.

[bingo70]

Don’t understand the point in playing a team as strong as Ajax

Played Arsenal a few years ago and it went ok.

Result means nothing, probably a decent glimpse into what the game against Mydjetaland could be like from a possession perspective.

[Johnny_Leith]

Good play by mulligan, Bowie shoots wide, should hit the target

[Donegal Hibby]

I don’t think we can judge our players to harshly here . This Ajax team is levels above our own . Been really impressed by them unfortunately.

[CapitalGreen]

And we only have two other "training" games where with squad rotation several players will be going into the Europe tie with less than 180 minutes (and closer to 90-120 minutes) under their belts.

We have at least 3 games RWE, Bournemouth and Bolton to play after this.

We’ll have played 5 games while our opponents will only have played 4.

[MelbourneHibees]

2 decent chances from Bowie but both on his left. Well off target.

[Tambo]

For those who have watched the whole game what are your thoughts on Manneh ?

I might get called out for this but I don't see anything in him and don't expect him to much of a key player for us.

I hope I'm wrong I just don't see it.

[badabing67]

Mulligan and Bowie un lucky there

[jeffers]

Good play by mulligan, Bowie shoots wide, should hit the target

We really need another striker.

[Since452]

Played Arsenal a few years ago and it went ok.

Result means nothing, probably a decent glimpse into what the game against Mydjetaland could be like from a possession perspective.

A strong team he said 😉

[B.H.F.C]

We can learn a bit from them in terms of how hard they work off the ball. And how they’re coached to do it.

[badabing67]

A bit better from us now

[GreenCastle]

We really need another striker.

We really need to find replacements for..

Triantis especially as NMW has left.
Myko
Gayle

[Johnny_Leith]

Lovely goal junior hoilett, good pick out by mulligan, who’s having a good game

[MelbourneHibees]

Goallls

[jeffers]

Mulligan looking decent in the wee bit I’ve seen of him, strong and direct.

[SteveHFC]

6-2. Comeback on.

[Victor]

Mulligan and Bowie combining well


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[joe breezy]

Id rather we play strong teams than weak teams as long as no injuries

Hibs need to level up and not get carried away - European success needs to be the aim every season


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[Tambo]

Hoilett is class.

[Since452]

I'm not sure getting skelped in a pre season friendly by a team levels above us will teach us anything imo. I'd rather we played a team of a similar level to us and build a bit of confidence.

[badabing67]

Yeah good old Junior great signing

[Sheffhibee]

Junior showing his class

[CapitalGreen]

Hoilett is class.

Great player.

[jeffers]

Hoilett really is a class act. Delighted we got him for another year. One of the first names on the team sheet for me.

[CapitalGreen]

I'm not sure getting skelped in a pre season friendly by a team levels above us will teach us anything imo. I'd rather we played a team of a similar level to us and build a bit of confidence.

Like last summer?

[B.H.F.C]

We really need another striker.

It shows the need for a midfielder above all for me.

It wouldn’t transform the whole game but it would give us a bit of structure. We must have Triantis or his replacement in the door for Midtjylland.

Great goal from Hoilett.

[A Hi-Bee]

Lovely goal junior hoilett, good pick out by mulligan, who’s having a good game

:top marks comeback is on.

[Lancs Harp]

I'm not sure getting skelped in a pre season friendly by a team levels above us will teach us anything imo. I'd rather we played a team of a similar level to us and build a bit of confidence.

Look on the bright side, second half is a creditable 1-1

[Franck Le God]

I'm not sure getting skelped in a pre season friendly by a team levels above us will teach us anything imo. I'd rather we played a team of a similar level to us and build a bit of confidence.

Players always say you get better by playing teams at a higher level than your own. Hibs players and coaching staff will learn from watching Ajax up close imo.


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[CapitalGreen]

Look on the bright side, second half is a creditable 1-1

Can win the 2nd half here 🙏

[J-C]

I go and make a coffee and come back to see I've missed Hoilett's goal, typical.

Is this their youth team out there just now, half of them not started shaving yet.

[joe breezy]

I'm not sure getting skelped in a pre season friendly by a team levels above us will teach us anything imo. I'd rather we played a team of a similar level to us and build a bit of confidence.

Confidence comes before a fall

We have a big team to conquer soon and going in thinking oh great we beat some *****y teams is a much worse state than we need to buckle down and get a grip


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[berwickhibee]

1st half a miss match

2nd half we put out a stronger team, they weaken a bit.

Done well so far in second half.

[jeffers]

It shows the need for a midfielder above all for me.

It wouldn’t transform the whole game but it would give us a bit of structure. We must have Triantis or his replacement in the door for Midtjylland.

Great goal from Hoilett.

We need both. I’m not at the stage yet with Bowie where I’d pin my hopes on him. Asides from anything we are an injury away to him or Boyle to have to rely on Youan.

[badabing67]

I think Jimenez will break through this season he looks good

[crash]

Look on the bright side, second half is a creditable 1-1

They brought their youth team on at halftime

[blackpoolhibs]

New keeper looks comfortable with the ball.

[JimBHibees]

Mulligan looking decent in the wee bit I’ve seen of him, strong and direct.

Agree been good

[Hibernian Verse]

Players always say you get better by playing teams at a higher level than your own. Hibs players and coaching staff will learn from watching Ajax up close imo.


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If we want to progress as a club we’re going to have to take a few humpings in the group stages that we all want to get to, unfortunately.

[BILLYHIBS]

Miller looks to have filled out even more

[CapitalGreen]

Players always say you get better by playing teams at a higher level than your own. Hibs players and coaching staff will learn from watching Ajax up close imo.

Yup, will highlight what areas we need to work on, which players might not be up to it etc. Everyone was buzzing about Tavares, Kenneh and Melkerson after their performances at our training camp in 2022.

[scm70nyd1973]

Look on the bright side, second half is a creditable 1-1

Joking apart that is some times the way you have to analyse them - in pre season friendlies there are so many changes that it’s like 4 teams are involved

[badabing67]

New keeper looks comfortable with the ball.


His distribution looks really good

[Johnny_Leith]

Sallinger with 3 good saves this half. Tips an effort onto the woodwork just there

[CapitalGreen]

(Nicky) Cadden’s crossing 😍

[badabing67]

Good save there

[The Sundance Kid]

His distribution looks really good

The farewell message from his former club said something along the lines of no keeper in Austria being better with the ball at their feet than him

[Montford]

I’ve only been watching since 68 minutes once I finished putting shelves up..
So I’ve got the pleasure of watching Hibs beating Ajax 1-0
Not been to far off it since then either..
If Bowie had his wits about him could’ve been 2 up..


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[Johnny_Leith]

Bowie misses a 1v1

[Franck Le God]

If we want to progress as a club we’re going to have to take a few humpings in the group stages that we all want to get to, unfortunately.

Agreed. Same idea as Scotland playing top teams before the Euros, if you’re ever going to beat the best you’ve got to get used to playing them.


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[SteveHFC]

6-3.

[Johnny_Leith]

Bowie misses a 1v1

Scores from the corner. 6-3

[badabing67]

I’ve only been watching since 68 minutes once I finished putting shelves up..
So I’ve got the pleasure of watching Hibs beating Ajax 1-0
Not been to far off it since then either..
If Bowie had his wits about him could’ve been 2 up..


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Miller should of score a header and Bowie missed another chance

[Tambo]

6-3, time for a couple more.

[jeffers]

Maybe harsh but Manneh has barely got involved, not sure what his strengths are. Contrast that with Mulligan who has had a good impact since coming on.

[badabing67]

yes Bowie. Doing a Myko

[Sheffhibee]

Bowie
Woooooowie

[scm70nyd1973]

Dart has been fired 👍

[J-C]

Curious how this team would've done in the 1st half.

[AdidasHibernian]

Least it doesn't look as bad on paper now 😂

[Johnny_Leith]

Maybe harsh but Manneh has barely got involved, not sure what his strengths are. Contrast that with Mulligan who has had a good impact since coming on.

Think he’s tried to get stuck in but the game has passed him by a bit.

[badabing67]

Jimenez really doesn't look out of place out there I really like him

[Johnny_Leith]

Miller with a trademark dive. He’s never gonna learn

[B.H.F.C]

Been worth the 2 quid to be fair.

[Trinity Hibee]

Maybe harsh but Manneh has barely got involved, not sure what his strengths are. Contrast that with Mulligan who has had a good impact since coming on.

He looked off the pace v Rangers when I saw him but thought once he was fully fit he could be a useful player. Looks like he can cover ground quick and gets stuck in

[Trinity Hibee]

Miller with a trademark dive. He’s never gonna learn

In a friendly 😂

[A Hi-Bee]

Maybe harsh but Manneh has barely got involved, not sure what his strengths are. Contrast that with Mulligan who has had a good impact since coming on.

Opinions eh! though he has looked cool and tidy with the ball.

[flash]

Been worth the 2 quid to be fair.

The second half well worth a pound.....::wink:

[CapitalGreen]

Mulligan looks like he’ll be a great bit of business.

[JimBHibees]

Curious how this team would've done in the 1st half.

Would have been the same against Ajax first team.

[Lancs Harp]

I'm sure SDG, the coaching staff and the lads will have got a lot out of this game and learned a lot.

[flash]

SDG should be enquiring who we could get on loan from them.

[oneone73]

Keeps us in it for the return leg at Easter Road.

[J-C]

Ekpiteta has been pretty brutal, his passing and awareness is non existent.

[B.H.F.C]

Maybe harsh but Manneh has barely got involved, not sure what his strengths are. Contrast that with Mulligan who has had a good impact since coming on.

Far too safe on the ball for me. He’s going to need to show more balls (in a footballing sense) to make an impression in the team. I thought similar against Rangers. I think he’s actually got plenty ability but he’ll need to do more when he gets an opportunity.

[badabing67]

SDG should be enquiring who we could get on loan from them.


I think Malky was by the look of it at half time

[swin82]

Decent run out for the boys! At least we won the second half 😬

[J-C]

Would have been the same against Ajax first team.

Only seen the 2nd half TBF.

[Victor]

Mulligan looks like he’ll be a great bit of business.

He looks impressive.

[Cabbage-Patch]

Less said about the 1st half the better. Second half we beat ajax's youth team 2-1 over 45 mins.

Really liking the look of Sallinger. Seems very composed and a few cracking stops. Mulligan also made such a difference when he came on.

[Victor]

Much better going forward in the second half. Driven by Mulligan, Miller and Nicky C. Hoillet and Bowie holding it up well. Impressed by Jiminez

[Cabbage-Patch]

Ekpiteta has been pretty brutal, his passing and awareness is non existent.

Thought the same. I think we should look to loan him or move him on if we can.

[A Hi-Bee]

Ekpiteta has been pretty brutal, his passing and awareness is non existent.

Very slow at times and the young Ajax players were fast, always had someone backing them up.

[B.H.F.C]

Friendly or not, I’m glad that didn’t get silly as I thought it might at the end of the first half. Obviously they took the big hitters off but we kept going and finished strong. Much more gained than walking around at Meadowbank against Edinburgh City or whatever.

[Tambo]

Disappointing first half, ajax do have some really good players though.

Mulligan made a good difference in the second half, boy has so much energy and drive, Hoilett's goal was different class.

A few more games until Midtjylland to get minutes in the legs.

[A Hi-Bee]

Not many teams will take 3 goals off this top Dutch side.
:greengrin

[Since452]

3 away goals huge. Apparently Cruyff will be missing for return leg

[Greenio]

I would actively be looking to move both of them on this summer.

What you basing that on? O'hara was solid last season

[A Hi-Bee]

3 away goals huge. Apparently Cruyff will be missing for return leg

Now he was a real player, not see many of his like RIP.

[Sheffhibee]

Mulligan looks like a great addition. Salinger looks very composed and had a few great stops. We looked a far better side with Hoillet , Nicky Cadden and Bowie on the field.
Overall a good workout and decent recovery of a disastrous Ist Half
We moved on

[flash]

What you basing that on? O'hara was solid last season

He was ok but i think we could do better. He doesn't fill me with confidence.

[TrinityHFC]

Less said about the 1st half the better. Second half we beat ajax's youth team 2-1 over 45 mins.

Really liking the look of Sallinger. Seems very composed and a few cracking stops. Mulligan also made such a difference when he came on.

That wasn’t their youth team. A couple of 22 year olds and most 20 or 19. One or two younger.

[bingo70]

Less said about the 1st half the better. Second half we beat ajax's youth team 2-1 over 45 mins.

Really liking the look of Sallinger. Seems very composed and a few cracking stops. Mulligan also made such a difference when he came on.

I don’t disagree with your summary but worth remembering by second half we were nothing like full strength either and had a couple of really young guys too.

Also think when playing against better teams, being a bit physical and knocking them off their game can be a bit of a leveller, in pre-season games like today when you can’t really do that, plays into the better teams hands a bit as well.

I think has ended up being a worthwhile exercise and there’s positives to take away from it.

Certainly took more from that than we would have playing some dross and winning 5-0.

[flash]

3 away goals huge. Apparently Cruyff will be missing for return leg

That Ajax side in that legendary strip is one of my first real football memories.

[Skol]

Mulligan looks like a great addition. Salinger looks very composed and had a few great stops. We looked a far better side with Hoillet , Nicky Cadden and Bowie on the field.
Overall a good workout and decent recovery of a disastrous Ist Half
We moved on

Pish or **** !

[jeffers]

Far too safe on the ball for me. He’s going to need to show more balls (in a footballing sense) to make an impression in the team. I thought similar against Rangers. I think he’s actually got plenty ability but he’ll need to do more when he gets an opportunity.

Pretty much how I saw it. Still very early days so hopefully he can contribute more in games to come.

[Souter96Mac]

Good test, Gray and team will learn a lot from that too.

Definitely helps highlight where we still need to add - Triantis (or a similar player) and another physical striker - but obviously the Club are aware of this already.

[Greenio]

He was ok but i think we could do better. He doesn't fill me with confidence.

Can't recall him doing much wrong. In fact, you used to not hear his said name much during a game - often a good thing for a defender. I think he's better than a lot of folk give him credit for

[flash]

Can't recall him doing much wrong. In fact, you used to not hear his said name much during a game - often a good thing for a defender. I think he's better than a lot of folk give him credit for

Fair enough, I will be delighted to be talking rubbish.

[Cooshed Kid]

I'd sooner get between Jeremy Clarkson and a ham sandwich than Kieron Bowie and a football. He was a real physical presence. Mulligan looked much better than I expected too. Ekpiteta reminded me of the start of last season; little awareness. Manneh was innocuous. The defence in general was run ragged.

But our opponent was Ajax. I expected them to show they are a quantum leap better than us. That is how it should be until we become serial Scottish champions and have their level of resources. All credit to the guys for getting stuck in, though I thought Josh Campbell took this friendly a little too seriously and was in danger of injuring an opponent.

[Gatecrasher]

Ekpiteta has been pretty brutal, his passing and awareness is non existent.

He looked like Bambi on ice at the start of last season. But he got better.

[CapitalGreen]

That wasn’t their youth team. A couple of 22 year olds and most 20 or 19. One or two younger.

Also worth noting that the Ajax Youth team play in the Dutch 2nd tier, they would more than hold their own in the Scottish Premiership.

[flash]

Also worth noting that the Ajax Youth team play in the Dutch 2nd tier, they would more than hold their own in the Scottish Premiership.

They must have one of the best 2 or 3 youth set ups on the planet.

[H18S NX]

Who was our number 44? Thought was quite good.

[ChuckNor]

Never saw the first half so can’t comment on that. Second half we looked pretty good against some decent players. Big shout out to Joseph McGrath who came on at the back. Thought he looked very solid. Looks a better player than Megwa and isn’t far off being ready for the first team.

[hulk]

Never saw the first half so can’t comment on that. Second half we looked pretty good against some decent players. Big shout out to Joseph McGrath who came on at the back. Thought he looked very solid. Looks a better player than Megwa and isn’t far off being ready for the first team. Totally agreed - solid.

[Lago]

No surprise really, he’s not ready for the Scottish Premiership nevermind Ajax.
Unfortunately I don't think he ever will be, Scottish championship level.

[Victor]

Who was our number 44? Thought was quite good.

Jimenez. Agree

[H18S NX]

Jiminez. Agree.....Thanks m8:aok:

[Lago]

Its about 18 million isnt it?
Just short of 18 million so over 3 times Scotland population.

[SHODAN]

3-6 against Ajax isn't a disaster.

[danhibees1875]

3-6 against Ajax isn't a disaster.

In matchplay terms we drew 1-1 with a half each.

[cabbageandribs1875]

3-6 against Ajax isn't a disaster.


the away goals could be very important













:)

[bingo70]

Also worth noting that the Ajax Youth team play in the Dutch 2nd tier, they would more than hold their own in the Scottish Premiership.

The guy who scored their goal in the second half was bought by Ajax for €9.5m.

[Hibernian Verse]

SDG should be enquiring who we could get on loan from them.

That’s another good point re why we want to play these teams. It gives Malky a chance to network with new clubs on the continent and might benefit us in the form of loans.

[04Sauzee]

Opinions eh! though he has looked cool and tidy with the ball.

Agreed I liked the look of Manneh

[Chip shop Joe]

The football dept (for the first time in a long time) know what they’re doing.

We’re better off playing a team at Ajax’s level whenever we can, as that’s one way our players can improve - hopefully.

Worth noting that Ajax first team value is 3 times that of Midtjylland. If we can learn lessons today it might stand us in good stead for that match, same as playing Bournemouth will.

Bit worrying that it is only 3 times tbh😃

[ChuckNor]

Important not to over analyze overly good or bad performances in early pre-season. It means very little at this stage as the players are still ridiculously rusty. Some might have been working over the summer and look ahead, for now.

Positive second half.

[The Spaceman]

I don’t know why anyone would get upset or uptight about Hibs losing by a 3 goal margin to Ajax in a meaningless closed-door early summer bounce game. Cool experience for the players to go up against a famous old club from the continent and we move on.

[Hibernian Verse]

Bit worrying that it is only 3 times tbh😃

That’s a lot when Ajax are at 235m!

[1875Sean]

Jimenez. Agree

What position did he play? Seen online he can play at the back, midfield or upfront

[bingo70]

I don’t know why anyone would get upset or uptight about Hibs losing by a 3 goal margin to Ajax in a meaningless closed-door early summer bounce game. Cool experience for the players to go up against a famous old club from the continent and we move on.

To be fair, nobody is upset or uptight by the end result, it was when it was 5 goals after 30 odd minutes that things were looking a bit dodgy.

[Chip shop Joe]

That’s a lot when Ajax are at 235m!

That’s my point. Means the Midtjylland team is worth about 80m!!!

[Victor]

What position did he play? Seen online he can play at the back, midfield or upfront

He appeared to be playing up front, behind Bowie.


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[badabing67]

He appeared to be playing up front, behind Bowie.


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Yes he came on for Campbell

[leith lynx]

In matchplay terms we drew 1-1 with a half each.

Is that you Mr Cathro?!

[BILLYHIBS]

Agreed I liked the look of Manneh

Looks a player like how he checks and changes direction and his weight of pass is always spot on not over or under hit that is something we see a lot of :greengrin

Still early days but hoping for him to be and do something special and be more creative with the ball once he is fully up to speed showed promise versus Rangers

A diamond in the rough

[hibeejeebies]

Thought Sallinger looked an imposing presence in goal and composed with the ball at his feet.

[Musselbound]

No sure why we wanted to play a team at that level at this stage

Disagree, although I expect you were fearing a lot worse at HT. 6-3 is not too bad against a team many levels above. I think we will need to be really on it to get a narrow defeat or better in Denmark. So this was a good early test of what to expect. Defence will need to sharpen up.

[joe breezy]

Hibs Development Team beat Berwick Rangers 3-2 for those that just want friendlies where we win


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[B.H.F.C]

Thought Sallinger looked an imposing presence in goal and composed with the ball at his feet.

I thought he did what he had to do well today. Definitely more comfortable with the ball at his feet. Not necessarily based on what I saw today, although I was relatively impressed, but I do think he will start in Denmark.

[B.H.F.C]

Disagree, although I expect you were fearing a lot worse at HT. 6-3 is not too bad against a team many levels above. I think we will need to be really on it to get a narrow defeat or better in Denmark. So this was a good early test of what to expect. Defence will need to sharpen up.

Bit of a weird one in that we faced a strong Ajax side with half a team. And it was a mismatch. But then the other half of our team looked better than Ajax reserves.

To be fair, the game could have ended up about 10-7 the way it was played.

Ended up a decent exercise, I think, and I’m glad it didn’t end up anything stupid even if it was a friendly.

[bingo70]

I thought he did what he had to do well today. Definitely more comfortable with the ball at his feet. Not necessarily based on what I saw today, although I was relatively impressed, but I do think he will start in Denmark.

I thought he was really good.

Great with the ball at his feet, one brilliant save with his feet and a couple of other decent stops (that you’d expect him to save)

[bingo70]

Bit of a weird one in that we faced a strong Ajax side with half a team. And it was a mismatch. But then the other half of our team looked better than Ajax reserves.

To be fair, the game could have ended up about 10-7 the way it was played.

Ended up a decent exercise, I think, and I’m glad it didn’t end up anything stupid even if it was a friendly.

Feels like if that’s what they were planning on doing they should have told us 😂

Maybe they did to be fair but our team selection suggests we weren’t expecting them to go so strong from the start.

[supermcginn]

I thought he was really good.

Great with the ball at his feet, one brilliant save with his feet and a couple of other decent stops (that you’d expect him to save)

We've paid a decent fee for him for a reason, he's the new number one.

[Fifeshirehibs]

End of the Smiths got the gloves stuff today.

[Donegal Hibby]

It’s amazing how quick some turn on a player on here .

[Allant1981]

End of the Smiths got the gloves stuff today.

he played well in the league for us which is what matters, a kick about in pre season means nothing

[B.H.F.C]

It’s amazing how quick some turn on a player on here .

Don’t think anyone has been turned on.

Folk think Sallinger will be number one, that’s all.

[Lendo]

https://youtu.be/PApe74hdTX8?si=ZWdG5mX3ZM0atBSJ

Highlights on YouTube.

[Donegal Hibby]

Don’t think anyone has been turned on.

Folk think Sallinger will be number one, that’s all.

I think that opinion is partly being based on the game today which is a quite harsh IMO . I still think Smith will start as our No.1 purely on Gray won’t drop him as he was consistently good and one of the best keepers in the league last season.

[GreenCastle]

https://youtu.be/PApe74hdTX8?si=ZWdG5mX3ZM0atBSJ

Highlights on YouTube.

Watching our goals again - the Boyle goal (Levitt pass to best press) and then the Hoilett goal are quality.

Ajax are one of the best clubs at producing young players and you could tell even some of the younger guys will be quality in a few years.

[The Spaceman]

Watching our goals again - the Boyle goal (Levitt pass to best press) and then the Hoilett goal are quality.

Ajax are one of the best clubs at producing young players and you could tell even some of the younger guys will be quality in a few years.

The football Ajax play there is stunning. The way the players use their bodies and one touch passing.

[tonyrougier123]

You’ve got to have friendlies that are a good test, technically Ajax will be top notch for shape training and switching on to quick bursts. Score irrelevant a good game loads of goals and a proper pre season test for the squad and the fitness levels.

[number9dream]

https://youtu.be/PApe74hdTX8?si=ZWdG5mX3ZM0atBSJ

Highlights on YouTube.

Hoilett is class. It will all come good when we switch to the white socks.

[Musselbound]

Bit of a weird one in that we faced a strong Ajax side with half a team. And it was a mismatch. But then the other half of our team looked better than Ajax reserves.

To be fair, the game could have ended up about 10-7 the way it was played.

Ended up a decent exercise, I think, and I’m glad it didn’t end up anything stupid even if it was a friendly.

Fair comment.

[B.H.F.C]

Hoilett is class. It will all come good when we switch to the white socks.

I think Hoilett is one of our best players. Nearly everything he does is good and we’re almost always better for having him on the pitch. He’d be in my team as often as fitness allows.

[theonlywayisup]

Hoilett is class.

He does seem to be getting better! Really glad we got him signed for another year.

[Hibernian Verse]

Don’t think anyone has been turned on.

Folk think Sallinger will be number one, that’s all.

Agree with that. Rewatched via the highlights and Sallinger just looks like a goalie.

I don’t mean that in a disparaging way to Smith but I’d be surprised if he starts against Midtjylland.

[Hibees1973]

Thought Sallinger looked an imposing presence in goal and composed with the ball at his feet.

Correct.

Just looks a better goalkeeper. Technically and also providing a presence in the box.

I would be astonished if Sallinger does not start away in Denmark.

[Hibernian Verse]

I think that opinion is partly being based on the game today which is a quite harsh IMO . I still think Smith will start as our No.1 purely on Gray won’t drop him as he was consistently good and one of the best keepers in the league last season.

Last season is last season. Gray will start whoever he thinks is the better goalie because there is no room for sentiment in two weeks time.

If that’s Smith then fair enough, but it won’t be in my opinion.

[blackpoolhibs]

I think the new keeper on todays showing, looked very good with the ball at his feet, made a few good saves and just looked more like a keeper than Smith does.

Smith did well for us last season, but I dont think we have spent the money we did on Sallinger for him to sit on the bench.

Smith will IMHO revert to what he was brought to the club to be, a decent back up for the main man if he's injured or has a loss of form.

[He's here!]

End of the Smiths got the gloves stuff today.

Nonsense. No reason he won't keep them. He's been terrific for us. Close to being our player of the season last term.

[Donegal Hibby]

Ajax at near full strength in the first half were excellent, so good in possession , really clinical when they needed to be and out of possession their press was unbelievably good .Godts is some player btw …

2nd have Ajax changed things and weren’t the same beast but still good which probably the main reason the 2nd half was better for us . Really hard work out for the team against a really top notch side that hopefully there’s stuff we can learn from .

[Hibernian Verse]

Nonsense. No reason he won't keep them. He's been terrific for us. Close to being our player of the season last term.

There is a reason. If Sallinger is deemed to be better by the coaching team.

Just like if we signed a player better than Boyle and Bowie one would drop out. Don’t get this sentimental nonsense.

[Jones28]

I don’t get the idea that Smith loses the gloves based on these highlights? Those goals were unsavable.

[JimBHibees]

End of the Smiths got the gloves stuff today.

Why preseason friendly? Have some not realised he was criticised early season game last season only to have a brilliant second half of the season. No one should be written off after today.

[Donegal Hibby]

Last season is last season. Gray will start whoever he thinks is the better goalie because there is no room for sentiment in two weeks time.

If that’s Smith then fair enough, but it won’t be in my opinion.

I just don’t think Gray will drop Smith based on his performances in being one of the top keepers in the league last season and he’ll know that Smith played a big part in the turnaround in the teams fortunes . IMO he will go with him at the start and the jerseys will be his until his form deeps or he starts making mistakes , didn’t think he done much wrong today a part from a few poor kick outs , certainly blameless with the goals today I felt .

[JimBHibees]

I don’t get the idea that Smith loses the gloves based on these highlights? Those goals were unsavable.

Yes their finishing was top notch to be honest

[CentreLine]

Hibs Development Team beat Berwick Rangers 3-2 for those that just want friendlies where we win


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Enjoyable game. The young lads looked so much better organised and coached than the older Berwick side. Liked the set up there with an excellent pitch backed up by by a very engaged social club.
It was good to see Darren McGregor on the sidelines and on the end.

[Hibernian Verse]

I just don’t think Gray will drop Smith based on his performances in being one of the top keepers in the league last season and he’ll know that Smith played a big part in the turnaround in the teams fortunes . IMO he will go with him at the start and the jerseys will be his until his form deeps or he starts making mistakes , didn’t think he done much wrong today a part from a few poor kick outs , certainly blameless with the goals today I felt .

It’s not about today or last season.

If Sallinger is the better goalkeeper then he will start in Denmark, if Smith is then he will.

SDG won’t make any emotional decisions, he will put the team out that he feels is best equipped to win the game. That’s what he’s paid to do.

[B.H.F.C]

Nonsense. No reason he won't keep them. He's been terrific for us. Close to being our player of the season last term.

There is a new goalie in the building and, with him, several hundred thousand reasons why he might get the gloves.

I didn’t actually think Smith could have kept any of the goals out today. Maybe, and it’s a maybe, he was a bit slow for the third. He was obviously poor with his distribution for the fifth.

I thought as soon as Sallinger signed we were signing a number one. What I saw from him today made me think that’ll be the case.

[Pretty Boy]

There is a new goalie in the building and, with him, several hundred thousand reasons why he might get the gloves.

I didn’t actually think Smith could have kept any of the goals out today. Maybe, and it’s a maybe, he was a bit slow for the third. He was obviously poor with his distribution for the fifth.

I thought as soon as Sallinger signed we were signing a number one. What I saw from him today made me think that’ll be the case.

I actually fear a bit for Sallinger.

There are a few people who will have the knives out for him if he gets the nod. The same happened to Bursik last season. He proved to be pretty guff but there were people gunning for him from before the first ball was kicked in the league. His 'mistake' such as it was v St Mirren was barely worthy of mention but it was scrutinized from every conceivable angle. Smith made at least a couple of worse errors and it was 'every keeper makes mistakes, no big deal'.

I like Smith but I'm beyond having an infatuation with a favourite player. If we have signed better and he finds himself benched them so be it. That's how football works.

[B.H.F.C]

I actually fear a bit for Sallinger.

There are a few people who will have the knives out for him if he gets the nod. The same happened to Bursik last season. He proved to be pretty guff but there were people gunning for him from before the first ball was kicked in the league. His 'mistake' such as it was v St Mirren was barely worthy of mention but it was scrutinized from every conceivable angle. Smith made at least a couple of worse errors and it was 'every keeper makes mistakes, no big deal'.

I like Smith but I'm beyond having an infatuation with a favourite player. If we have signed better and he finds himself benched them so be it. That's how football works.

Agree with this. Easiest thing for Gray would be would be to just leave it as is. Sallinger makes a mistake early doors, there’ll be people on the case that Smith should never have been dropped. Smith did a good job for us last year but I think it shows a pretty ruthless streak if he does end up replaced (which I think he will). It’s not something we would have considered in years gone by. Smith would have been given the number one jersey and we’d have brought in a cheap backup.

[Smartie]

I think Gray’s handling the situation brilliantly.

The right thing to do at the end of last season, when Bursik went back? To buy the best possible goalkeeper within our budget to slog it out with Smith for the gloves.

Both are (correctly) getting good game time in the friendlies, both are getting a chance to impress. Whoever impresses the most in training and in friendlies gets the gloves at the start of the season. If they play well enough, they keep them. If they don’t, the other guy comes in.

Gray would be daft to have decided by now. He’ll be watching, analysing and thinking.

Either player could yet make a positive or negative contribution to influence the decision.

Mistakes Gray could have made? He could have made promises to Smith, he could have signed a cheap back up, he could have ditched Smith. Fortunately he doesn’t appear to have done any of things, no less than we’d expect.

[Donegal Hibby]

It’s not about today or last season.

If Sallinger is the better goalkeeper then he will start in Denmark, if Smith is then he will.

SDG won’t make any emotional decisions, he will put the team out that he feels is best equipped to win the game. That’s what he’s paid to do.

I have to respectfully disagree with you there HV in there is one or two that have made it about today . There’s also some jumping on the ‘ because we paid a fee for Salinger that he’s naturally going to be better than Smith and he’ll be our new No .1 without having seen him play much at all I suspect .

For what it’s worth I thought the new keeper done well in the 2nd half even though we weren’t under the same pressure , looked good . If the new guy takes over the No 1 jersey , fair enough but I don’t think Gray will drop Smith based on how he has performed consistently over a long period of time last season for him and definitely not after a pre-season game against a quality side in which the the goals he lost weren’t his fault .

[HoboHarry]

I think Gray’s handling the situation brilliantly.

The right thing to do at the end of last season, when Bursik went back? To buy the best possible goalkeeper within our budget to slog it out with Smith for the gloves.

Both are (correctly) getting good game time in the friendlies, both are getting a chance to impress. Whoever impresses the most in training and in friendlies gets the gloves at the start of the season. If they play well enough, they keep them. If they don’t, the other guy comes in.

Gray would be daft to have decided by now. He’ll be watching, analysing and thinking.

Either player could yet make a positive or negative contribution to influence the decision.

Mistakes Gray could have made? He could have made promises to Smith, he could have signed a cheap back up, he could have ditched Smith. Fortunately he doesn’t appear to have done any of things, no less than we’d expect.
Excellent post, well said Smartie.

[Unseen work]

Don’t think Smith was anywhere near as bad as some were making out today

Couple of dodgy kicks as he’s trying to clip them about 1 inch above the opposition head

Agree about Manneh, thought he was a bit quiet. However he wasn’t the only one and it was against very difficult opposition so harsh to single him out

[blackpoolhibs]

The club will have scouted the new keeper for months, Gray wont be making a decision based on a couple of pre season games.

[B.H.F.C]

Don’t think Smith was anywhere near as bad as some were making out today

Couple of dodgy kicks as he’s trying to clip them about 1 inch above the opposition head

Agree about Manneh, thought he was a bit quiet. However he wasn’t the only one and it was against very difficult opposition so harsh to single him out

I don’t think Manneh was dreadful or anything like that. He’s tidy enough on the ball but I think he just looks lacking in urgency and I feel like if he doesn’t step it up quickly the opportunity is going to pass him by. I actually get the feeling there is a player in there but from the brief opportunities he’s had he’s going to need to do more.

[bingo70]

I don’t think Manneh was dreadful or anything like that. He’s tidy enough on the ball but I think he just looks lacking in urgency and I feel like if he doesn’t step it up quickly the opportunity is going to pass him by. I actually get the feeling there is a player in there but from the brief opportunities he’s had he’s going to need to do more.

I think in games like today when we can’t get hold of the ball, the safe option trying to keep hold of the ball is the right thing to do. I don’t think from what else we’ve seen of him suggests this is a problem.

[Hibernian Verse]

I have to respectfully disagree with you there HV in there is one or two that have made it about today . There’s also some jumping on the ‘ because we paid a fee for Salinger that he’s naturally going to be better than Smith and he’ll be our new No .1 without having seen him play much at all I suspect .

For what it’s worth I thought the new keeper done well in the 2nd half even though we weren’t under the same pressure , looked good . If the new guy takes over the No 1 jersey , fair enough but I don’t think Gray will drop Smith based on how he has performed consistently over a long period of time last season for him and definitely not after a pre-season game against a quality side in which the the goals he lost weren’t his fault .

I wasn’t talking about posters on here I was talking about Gray who is ultimately the only one that can make the decision.

[B.H.F.C]

I think in games like today when we can’t get hold of the ball, the safe option trying to keep hold of the ball is the right thing to do. I don’t think from what else we’ve seen of him suggests this is a problem.

Against Rangers, I felt the same first half. Thought he was just getting going a bit more when he went off.

It’s a pretty competitive area of the pitch when you consider we will sign again (whether it’s Triantis or a replacement), Levitt playing well, Mulligan in and Newell to come back. And then you’ve obviously got the likes of McGrath and Campbell as well (although I don’t think he’s in direct competition with them).

Think he was unfortunate with circumstances last season, the soft red card on his debut and form of others. As I say, just get the feeling he needs to start making an impact pretty soon or it’ll be hard for him to get in.

[Hibspur]

I don’t get the idea that Smith loses the gloves based on these highlights? Those goals were unsavable.

Exactly. Some people just seem to have it in for him because of the route he took to become our No 1.

[NAE NOOKIE]

Apart from stadium. wealth, quality of player, better standard of league and European pedigree there's little to choose between the two clubs, so it's disappointing we couldn't have got closer to them, even if it was a friendly.

Seriously though, I suppose the manager and coaches got some value out of today, but I wouldn't be too happy to see it repeated going forward. If there was one lesson it's that we could well find ourselves way out of our depth if by some miracle we made the Europa league group stages if we were unlucky enough to get a bad group.

I doubt Midtjylland are near the level of Ajax, but today's run out has to be a warning that we have a hell of a lot of work to do if we are going to have a chance in that tie. IMO SDG has to play a team as close to the one he will play in the first leg against RWE on Wednesday night with only that and the Bolton friendly to play between now and then.

[B.H.F.C]

Apart from stadium. wealth, quality of player, better standard of league and European pedigree there's little to choose between the two clubs, so it's disappointing we couldn't have got closer to them, even if it was a friendly.

Seriously though, I suppose the manager and coaches got some value out of today, but I wouldn't be too happy to see it repeated going forward. If there was one lesson it's that we could well find ourselves way out of our depth if by some miracle we made the Europa league group stages if we were unlucky enough to get a bad group.

I doubt Midtjylland are near the level of Ajax, but today's run out has to be a warning that we have a hell of a lot of work to do if we are going to have a chance in that tie. IMO SDG has to play a team as close to the one he will play in the first leg against RWE on Wednesday night with only that and the Bolton friendly to play between now and then.

We play Bournemouth between Essen and Bolton as well.

I think Essen will still be fairly mixed. Bournemouth is probably the one where he’ll look at shaping similar to the Midtjylland game I reckon. There will be more similarities in that as, even though it’s a friendly and we’ll be ahead of them in pre season, they’ll have most of the ball.

Biggest concern for me is if we don’t have Triantis or his replacement in the door by Midtjylland.

[NAE NOOKIE]

We play Bournemouth between Essen and Bolton as well.

I think Essen will still be fairly mixed. Bournemouth is probably the one where he’ll look at shaping similar to the Midtjylland game I reckon. There will be more similarities in that as, even though it’s a friendly and we’ll be ahead of them in pre season, they’ll have most of the ball.

Biggest concern for me is if we don’t have Triantis or his replacement in the door by Midtjylland.

Yeh. Not sure about the Bournemouth game as I think that will be one where they will make a ton of subs which will break up any continuity.

Totally agree about Triantis .... I don't think he has any intention of coming back here, and if this thread is anything to go by it's a position we seriously need to fill pronto.

[B.H.F.C]

Yeh. Not sure about the Bournemouth game as I think that will be one where they will make a ton of subs which will break up any continuity.

Totally agree about Triantis .... I don't think he has any intention of coming back here, and if this thread is anything to go by it's a position we seriously need to fill pronto.

It’s their first game so can imagine it’ll just be a different team for each half.

Based on what I saw today, if we don’t have anyone else in the door then Mulligan has to play in the middle of the park. To be fair, Hibs did describe him as a defensive midfielder when we signed him.

[Donegal Hibby]

I wasn’t talking about posters on here I was talking about Gray who is ultimately the only one that can make the decision.

Absolutely , and if one keeper is better than the other he will most likely be starting , if one is underperforming the other will start . If both are on par and performing at a similar standard pre-season then I think Gray will stick with Smith for the start of the season because he was our No 1 last season , Sallinger has to win the jersey … Gray won’t simply give him the jersey because we paid a fee for him either 👍

[BILLYHIBS]

Ach it’s early days guys it’s only two bounce games and in the past we have thought McKirdy Jair and Kenneh have looked barry in these games

In two weeks time half them winnae be here

Let the goalies fight it oot between themselves goalkeepers code and all that ?

We have a big European game coming up and we need two strikers and a DM cannae hang about waiting on Triantis suiting himself we need to move on pronto

[Since452]

Just shows how well Vente did last season if that's the level he's playing at. No expert on Dutch football but Ajax didn't even win their league. Levels above.

[B.H.F.C]

Just shows how well Vente did last season if that's the level he's playing at. No expert on Dutch football but Ajax didn't even win their league. Levels above.

He obviously did well but Ajax aren’t just your typical Dutch club in fairness.

[neil7908]

The club will have scouted the new keeper for months, Gray wont be making a decision based on a couple of pre season games.

This. Gray should and will pick who he thinks is the best player for the position. What Smith or anyone else did last season is irrelevant. We have a massive tie coming up in Europe. We should play our best players for that.

[Donegal Hibby]

This. Gray should and will pick who he thinks is the best player for the position. What Smith or anyone else did last season is irrelevant. We have a massive tie coming up in Europe. We should play our best players for that.

I will be happy with Gray picking whoever he thinks is best in that position because we have a good manager .. I’m also happy he didn’t think some of Triantis performances were irrelevant the season before he wanted him back either….

Nothing our players done last season should be viewed as irrelevant .. We smashed it and hertz .

[SlickShoes]

Just shows how well Vente did last season if that's the level he's playing at. No expert on Dutch football but Ajax didn't even win their league. Levels above.

Vente wasn’t playing at a level close to Ajax.

Ajax were top for half the season and blew a 9 point lead, they are a champions league team, even their youth players are a level above our seasoned pros.

[Hibernian Verse]

Absolutely , and if one keeper is better than the other he will most likely be starting , if one is underperforming the other will start . If both are on par and performing at a similar standard pre-season then I think Gray will stick with Smith for the start of the season because he was our No 1 last season , Sallinger has to win the jersey … Gray won’t simply give him the jersey because we paid a fee for him either ��

You’re contradicting yourself.

Will he start the better keeper or will he just go with Smith because he was our no.1 last season?

We only see friendly matches but Gray sees them every working day in training as well.

[Paulie Walnuts]

You’re contradicting yourself.

Will he start the better keeper or will he just go with Smith because he was our no.1 last season?

We only see friendly matches but Gray sees them every working day in training as well.

:agree:

I’m surprised there’s even a debate. Whoever is the best keeper will start the season. Likewise whoever is best out on the right will start the season, whoever is best through the middle will start the season. Players aren’t just getting to keep their spot in the team by virtue of being here last season.

Whether Sallinger is better than Smith or not will become apparent after a few games, it’s impossible for us to say just now based on what we get to see, Gray will see more than enough of him and Smith before the competitive games roll round though to make a decision.

[Viva_Palmeiras]

It’s not about today or last season.

If Sallinger is the better goalkeeper then he will start in Denmark, if Smith is then he will.

SDG won’t make any emotional decisions, he will put the team out that he feels is best equipped to win the game. That’s what he’s paid to do.

did all the goals not come end up in the same side of the net - is there anything in that?

[MacGruber]

You’re contradicting yourself.

Will he start the better keeper or will he just go with Smith because he was our no.1 last season?

We only see friendly matches but Gray sees them every working day in training as well.

Tbf - I don't think that post was contradictory. They were saying Gray will start who he feels is the better keeper. There was just a caveat that if Gray feels at this point there is nothing between them and they are performing as good as each other he'll start with Smith as he finished last season because he won't feel he would have to change it yet.

I doubt that is the case though, think he'll have an idea now who he feels is the better keeper. We don't see them in training but Smith looked sluggish in the Ajax game. One post saying those shots were unsaveable, I would tend to agree apart from the 3rd and 4th but those were still great strikes - not like he's conceded any soft goals where you'd be asking what the keeper is doing. A better keeper may have pulled off saves with those but they'd have been top drawer saves.

Also think Salinger has benefited from the optics where Smith has conceded 5 against their better team with a foot on the gas and he has come in when they were far less potent and brought a younger team on and he's conceded one. Salinger still made some smart saves though and looked good (go against the grain that the effort he saved that he touched on to the bar was a good save - right at him and he got away with it)

[theonlywayisup]

I trust SDG to make the right decision.

One point to note is what a contrast from the discussion regarding goalkeepers around the time of the Aberdeen 3-3 game. Then it was select the goalkeeper that makes the fewest mistakes, and give Boric a chance.

Now, the feeling is that we've two good solid goalkeepers. Another example of Hibs doing the right thing.

[JimBHibees]

Tbf - I don't think that post was contradictory. They were saying Gray will start who he feels is the better keeper. There was just a caveat that if Gray feels at this point there is nothing between them and they are performing as good as each other he'll start with Smith as he finished last season because he won't feel he would have to change it yet.

I doubt that is the case though, think he'll have an idea now who he feels is the better keeper. We don't see them in training but Smith looked sluggish in the Ajax game. One post saying those shots were unsaveable, I would tend to agree apart from the 3rd and 4th but those were still great strikes - not like he's conceded any soft goals where you'd be asking what the keeper is doing. A better keeper may have pulled off saves with those but they'd have been top drawer saves.

Also think Salinger has benefited from the optics where Smith has conceded 5 against their better team with a foot on the gas and he has come in when they were far less potent and brought a younger team on and he's conceded one. Salinger still made some smart saves though and looked good (go against the grain that the effort he saved that he touched on to the bar was a good save - right at him and he got away with it)

Agree think he was lucky with the bar one straight at him gets two hands on it and should have not been anywhere near the bar. Will leave Dave to decide based on training and games.

[Donegal Hibby]

You’re contradicting yourself.

Will he start the better keeper or will he just go with Smith because he was our no.1 last season?

We only see friendly matches but Gray sees them every working day in training as well.

Not at all . Smith was our No. 1 last season , his stats were better than most keepers in the league with some standout performances . Gray will know this and again it will be up to Salinger to play better , out perform Smith . I think Smith has the gloves until the other keeper does better … honestly find some of the opinions on here about Smith quite baffling in some blame getting laid at his door for the game yesterday or his performances which were outstanding last season getting quoted as being ‘ irrelevant’ .

[Paulie Walnuts]

Not at all . Smith was our No. 1 last season , his stats were better than most keepers in the league with some stand out performances . Gray will know this and again it will be up to Salinger to play better , out perform Smith . I think Smith has the gloves until the other keeper does better … honestly find some of the opinions on here about Smith quite baffling in some blame getting laid at his door for the game yesterday or his performances which were outstanding last season getting quoted as being ‘ irrelevant’ .

If Sallinger is a better keeper then his performances last season will absolutely be irrelevant.

He won’t be keeping the gloves because of his performances last season, he’ll either keep them cause Gray deems him better than Sallinger or he’ll lose them because he deems Sallinger better. What went on last season will have no bearing on who is our number 1 this season. It’ll be the best keeper who gets the gloves.

[Donegal Hibby]

If Sallinger is a better keeper then his performances last season will absolutely be irrelevant.

He won’t be keeping the gloves because of his performances last season, he’ll either keep them cause Gray deems him better than Sallinger or he’ll lose them because he deems Sallinger better. What went on last season will have no bearing on who is our number 1 this season. It’ll be the best keeper who gets the gloves.

If Salinger is playing better/ out performing Smith then he will play . If Salinger isn’t out performing Smith or is on par with Smith then I think Gray will go with Smith as our No 1 again based on Gray knows how well Smith performed last season . The reason we are prepared to smash our transfer record in buying Triantis is because of the way he performed last season, his performances aren’t irrelevant !

[Paulie Walnuts]

If Salinger is playing better/ out performing Smith then he will play . If Salinger isn’t out performing Smith or is on par with Smith then I think Gray will go with Smith as our No 1 again based on Gray knows how well Smith performed last season . The reason we are prepared to smash our transfer record in buying Triantis is because of the way he performed last season, his performances aren’t irrelevant !

As you’ve indicated in your first point, if Sallinger is out performing Smith then he’ll play. If Smith is outperforming him then it’ll be him that plays. Therefore what Smith done last season is irrelevant.

The only thing that’s going to be relevant is who looks better this season.

[bingo70]

Not at all . Smith was our No. 1 last season , his stats were better than most keepers in the league with some standout performances . Gray will know this and again it will be up to Salinger to play better , out perform Smith . I think Smith has the gloves until the other keeper does better … honestly find some of the opinions on here about Smith quite baffling in some blame getting laid at his door for the game yesterday or his performances which were outstanding last season getting quoted as being ‘ irrelevant’ .

There were still a decent amount of mistakes from Smith last season despite him also make a lot of good saves. Some resulted in goals, some never.

He did a lot better than I was expecting after my initial impressions but overall it was an area that could be improved upon imo, I’m pleased we’ve looked for better and not just signed someone who we think is worse but cheaper to sit on the bench.

It’s a long season ahead, I’m sure both will be needed at times.

[Donegal Hibby]

As you’ve indicated in your first point, if Sallinger is out performing Smith then he’ll play. If Smith is outperforming him then it’ll be him that plays. Therefore what Smith done last season is irrelevant.

The only thing that’s going to be relevant is who looks better this season.

If one is out performing the other then they’ll play but if the two of them are evenly matched then I think Gray will go with who he knows was consistently good with a save percentage above I think 70% which won’t make last season’s contribution Irrelevant at all .

As I keep saying Salinger will have to win the right to be No.1 by out performing Smith as he at this moment in time I suspect has the gloves and that wouldn’t have changed after yesterday’s match which an odd one is hinting at in it has.

[Paulie Walnuts]

If one is out performing the other then they’ll play but if the two of them are evenly matched then I think Gray will go with who he knows was consistently good with a save percentage above I think 70% which won’t make last season’s contribution Irrelevant at all .

As I keep saying Salinger will have to win the right to be No.1 by out performing Smith as he at this moment in time I suspect has the gloves and that wouldn’t have changed after yesterday’s match which an odd one is hinting at in it has.

On the minuscule chance the two of them are evenly matched in all metrics, such as shot stopping, distribution, gathering crosses, how they are with the ball at their feet etc then yes, last season will potentially become relevant.

They’re not going to both be equally as good at every aspect of each others game though, so the decision won’t be based on last season. It’ll be based on who Gray deems better and IF he thinks they’re much of a muchness then it’ll be based on what he wants from his goalkeeper.

The exact same will be the case for every position. Thats football.

[Pretty Boy]

There were still a decent amount of mistakes from Smith last season despite him also make a lot of good saves. Some resulted in goals, some never.

He did a lot better than I was expecting after my initial impressions but overall it was an area that could be improved upon imo, I’m pleased we’ve looked for better and not just signed someone who we think is worse but cheaper to sit on the bench.

It’s a long season ahead, I’m sure both will be needed at times.

I think if you take a couple of games at the end of last season alone you could point out a couple of Smith errors that he 'got away with'. Against Celtic we were 1-0 down but just starting to show a bit intent in the game. He let a cross slip right through his hands, goal and we are done. Against Rangers a crap kick out after about 30 seconds sees us 1-0 down. He went on to have a very good game that day but the mistake still cost us a goal.

Neither of those proved costly but they could have been. Gray, Mackay etc etc aren't just looking at the end result, they are seeing all these things and asking what areas we can improve in. Every keeper makes mistakes but you want the guy who makes the least between the sticks. Lasts season that was Smith but We have brought in someone who has the pedigree and cost the fee that put him in the frame to be that guy.

I like Smith. I thought his story last season was a good one. He became a total cult hero, his save v St Mirren was one of the best I have seen live, he clearly loves playing for us and the whole story with his mum on Twitter was heartwarming in the cynical world of football. But there was scope for improvement in the position, either as a starter or as proper competition and I wasn't at all shocked that our first signing of the summer, excluding pre contracts, was a goalkeeper.

[jeffers]

We brought in Sallinger as our intended no 1 for next season.

[Donegal Hibby]

On the minuscule chance the two of them are evenly matched in all metrics, such as shot stopping, distribution, gathering crosses, how they are with the ball at their feet etc then yes, last season will potentially become relevant.

They’re not going to both be equally as good at every aspect of each others game though, so the decision won’t be based on last season. It’ll be based on who Gray deems better and IF he thinks they’re much of a muchness then it’ll be based on what he wants from his goalkeeper.

The exact same will be the case for every position. Thats football.

As I see it Smith has the gloves and it’s for Sallinger to win them as things stand . If Salinger is out performing Smith then he will be No.1 . If the keepers are performing similar I suspect Gray will go with the one who has/ is the current No.1 . He stuck with Bursik and gave him every chance which is what I think he will do with Smith unless Salinger is out performing him . Anyhow may the best man win .. David Gray here speaking about the trip if some of you haven’t seen it yet…

https://x.com/HibernianFC/status/1941809610760872195

[superfurryhibby]

As I see it Smith has the gloves and it’s for Sallinger to win them as things stand . If Salinger is out performing Smith then he will be No.1 . If the keepers are performing similar I suspect Gray will go with the one who has/ is the current No.1 . He stuck with Bursik and gave him every chance which is what I think he will do with Smith unless Salinger is out performing him . Anyhow may the best man win .. David Gray here speaking about the trip if some of you haven’t seen it yet…

https://x.com/HibernianFC/status/1941809610760872195

At the start of a new season, no one has the gloves . I hope Sallinger comes in and impresses. Smith did well enough last season, especially when expectations were pretty low.

Hibs aren't spending money on a keeper for no reason. Smith, as highlighted, has his fair share of errors. Still, good to have two keepers who appear decent fighting it out for a starting place.

[Donegal Hibby]

At the start of a new season, no one has the gloves . I hope Sallinger comes in and impresses. Smith did well enough last season, especially when expectations were pretty low.

Hibs aren't spending money on a keeper for no reason. Smith, as highlighted, has his fair share of errors. Still, good to have two keepers who appear decent fighting it out for a starting place.

The two of them will be fighting it out and unless Salinger is better than Smith ( something we don’t know yet) then I think it’s possible Gray might stick with Smith who has been excellent on a consistent basis.He certainly stuck and give Bursik every chance..

We haven’t spent money on a keeper for no reason , we spent money on one to come in and challenge the one we have. The money we spent on one though doesn’t automatically guarantee that he’s just going to walk in and take over either, he have to earn that right..

As to Smiths mistakes/ errors that are getting highlighted I think all keepers do at some point make them and I doubt very much Salinger hasn’t went through his whole career so far without making any either ..

Thought it was a bit daft tbh in some righting off Smith to a degree after a preseason game against a superior team when he wasn’t at fault .I suppose that’s the nature of the beast though when a team loses in there always needs to be someone to blame.

[Hibernian Verse]

If Sallinger is a better keeper then his performances last season will absolutely be irrelevant.

He won’t be keeping the gloves because of his performances last season, he’ll either keep them cause Gray deems him better than Sallinger or he’ll lose them because he deems Sallinger better. What went on last season will have no bearing on who is our number 1 this season. It’ll be the best keeper who gets the gloves.

I’m amazed this has required explaining to the nth degree.

[Gruff]

Donegal, Smith only became our no.1 half way through the season when it was clear Bursik was hopeless and Gray had to make the change and it might have been when Gray switched to a 3/5 back formation as well, although my mind might be playing tricks on me on this point?
Smith's save stats are 70% but if you go and look at Sallingers hes also above 70% for last season, different leagues but he still has to make the saves.

I would guess the keepers gloves are very much up in the air and no-one holds them right now. there is no no.1 and no.2, just both keepers vying for the gloves
The next round of matches will let us armchair managers see them in real time and when the time comes, Gray will make that decision.....although my own feeling is that it will be Sallinger who gets the nod

[superfurryhibby]

The two of them will be fighting it out and unless Salinger is better than Smith ( something we don’t know yet) then I think it’s possible Gray might stick with Smith who has been excellent on a consistent basis.He certainly stuck and give Bursik every chance..

We haven’t spent money on a keeper for no reason , we spent money on one to come in and challenge the one we have. The money we spent on one though doesn’t automatically guarantee that he’s just going to walk in and take over either, he have to earn that right..

As to Smiths mistakes/ errors that are getting highlighted I think all keepers do at some point make them and I doubt very much Salinger hasn’t went through his whole career so far without making any either ..

Thought it was a bit daft tbh in some righting off Smith to a degree after a preseason game against a superior team when he wasn’t at fault .I suppose that’s the nature of the beast though when a team loses in there always needs to be someone to blame.

TBF, I haven't really read the Ajax game thread, so my views are based on this discussion only.

I think the better the keeper, the few the errors. They will all make mistakes, I pointed out Smith's tendency for an error because I've seen them unfold in games I've attended. I've no idea as to how frequent Sallinger's howlers will be, but hope for fewer

I never said anything about spending money guaranteeing a start in the side either. However, if we wanted back up only, it's fair to say there would have been plenty budget options. For me this is an indication that Gray/McKay/ Chief Scout feels there is an area where we need to strengthen.

I feel there's quite a leap from writing Smith off, to wanting Sallinger to be a better keeper though, that's probably a more accurate picture of the general consensus?

[Donegal Hibby]

TBF, I haven't really read the Ajax game thread, so my views are based on this discussion only.

I think the better the keeper, the few the errors. They will all make mistakes, I pointed out Smith's tendency for an error because I've seen them unfold in games I've attended. I've no idea as to how frequent Sallinger's howlers will be, but hope for fewer

I never said anything about spending money guaranteeing a start in the side either. However, if we wanted back up only, it's fair to say there would have been plenty budget options. For me this is an indication that Gray/McKay/ Chief Scout feels there is an area where we need to strengthen.

I feel there's quite a leap from writing Smith off, to wanting Sallinger to be a better keeper though, that's probably a more accurate picture of the general consensus?

I think all keepers make mistakes , even the ones that are rated the best ones like in our league when Butland , Schmeichel did , even De Gea at Utd made more than a few and yet I use to frequently hear about him being one of the best in the world . The thing about a keeper making a mistake is they are more highlighted than an outfield player .

I know you never said it and I wasn’t hinting that you did so apologies if you thought I was implying you did though I have got the impression some think because we paid a fee that he will be No. 1 for this reason which won’t be the case at all ..

It was always an area we needed to strengthen because we only had one decent keeper along with a young one that’s probably not ready yet after Bursik left who Gray stuck by at the time even though he had a better one on the bench which might suggest that Gray believes in sticking with a player ..

Again I’m not saying you personally are writing off Smith though during/ after the Ajax game there were quite a few posts I think were in…. End of the Smiths got the gloves stuff today , Smiths having an absolute howler , I think Smith has cemented his No.2 position etc … lots more and there’s even a thread started now saying he didn’t have the best of afternoons..

If things were put into a bit of perspective in it was a pre-season game which is all about getting the players fitness levels up and considering we were playing a vastly superior team that went more or less full strength I do think some of the comments regarding our keeper are pretty baffling . Apart from a few kick outs that were poor I don’t think there was one goal that our keeper could have saved . I know a few mentioned he should have done better on the 3rd and 4th but that’s like me saying that maybe Salinger should have done better on the 6th or he got lucky with the shot that he put onto the bar in it would be unfair..

One our keepers has received criticism/ blame and one has been praised though the reality is both our keepers faced two totally different teams . If Sallinger had played in that first half I doubt very much he would have saved any either as they were all really well placed shots and Smith would probably have came out of it smelling of roses rather than than the villain he is in some’s eyes ..