[0762]

So the best Scot Prem position attained by Hibs in a very long time and we'll take the prize money - very welcome during tough times!! However, I'm not fooled by this achievement and regard the general standard of the Scot Prem to have dropped significantly this season. AFC's demise is Hibs gain but IMO we need to strengthen up and try to "hit" another level where we can perform far better than we have and esp in "big games", cup ties etc where we have reached such challenges but failed miserably far too often. Hibs also have to negotiate some Euro quali footie matches in July. They are different matches of interest that will attract Hibs fans. However, I personally regard these matches as a hindrance and they can adversely affect our progress in the Scot Prem as observed previously happening to most Scot Prem sides that get embroiled in this kinda Euro footie campaign. Hibs management will argue that it gives the players a bit of experience of Euro footie in the quest to try to be a regular participant at this level in years to come. I just don't think Hibs are resourced for this kinda commitment TBH! It looks like transfer offers could well be coming in for Porteous, Nisbet, Doig and Boyly. All we can do is see how it all unfolds and what damage is done to the team in the process. Rocky leaving and well done to him for giving us such loyal service for a good number of seasons. But Macey looks like a solid acquisition for Hibs. Dabrowski likely to be the back up goalie after progressing through the youth ranks. Leigh Griffiths imminent "return to the fold" will certainly give many Hibs fans a huge lift in the quest to see more goals being scored next season. Also as commented in another thread, I'd like to see Hibs make a move for Saint Johnstone's captain, Jason Kerr - like Sparky, a Hibs fan with a staunch Hibs family! I'd take McCart as well but realistically don't see it happening. A move for Morton's experienced CB, Fjortoft, would be a really cute piece of biz - very impressed with this lad and I reckon he can play at a higher level plus we'll get him with a reasonable financial outlay. There are clearly other transfer dealings to be made and a "driving midfield player" would be high up on my priority list as well - not an easy one to find btw but remember how we picked up John McGinn by pure chance. Also players like Wright and Murphy to offload - not good enough! WE NEED TO STRENGTHEN - IT IS ABSOLUTELY IMPERATIVE AND I JUST HOPE RON GORDON IS "ON BOARD" WITH THIS EXTENSIVE TRANSFER ACTIVITY.

GGTTH

[hibeejim21]

Jason Kerr had a very steady game yesterday, very comfortable in the back 3. Would take a punt on him and Campbell at Motherwell who I think has a lot of potential.

Griffiths could be an interesting one - if his head and fitness is right what a signing that could be!

[ritchiebaby]

I don't know why, but Hibs goalkeepers have been much improved recently. Marciano has been an excellent servant for the club and Macey is a real find. Personally I don't think Kerr will find his way to Easter Road. He's a vital cog in the StJ team defence, but he'll be on his own in the current Hibs defence. probably covering for Porteous all the time. In all due respect, Hanlon and McGregor are now past their best, along with Stevenson, so there is a lot of strengthening to do.

For me Gogic is a must to tie down on a longer contract in midfield and I take the point made in another thread that most of the midfield are too samey. Of Porteous, Doig, Nisbet and Boyle, the only one I would hate to lose would be Doig - a real future star, but money will talk and he could be away. Porteous is a bombscare, Boyle and Nisbet drift in and out of games and for a team of Hibs perceived stature, it's just not good enough. Griffiths would be a fans' favourite and a bold signing, but would he really be any more consistent?

I don't pretend to have any answers, but there's a lot of wheeling and dealing required.

[0762]

I forgot to add that Hibs recent formally signed association with Brighton and Hove Albion might produce some decent up n coming players but these guys would still be loanees - something that a lotta Hibs fans like 1wattie have never been impressed with as they will likely only play one season for Hibs and then disappear to return to BHA or move on to another interested footie club.

[0762]

Jason Kerr had a very steady game yesterday, very comfortable in the back 3. Would take a punt on him and Campbell at Motherwell who I think has a lot of potential.

Griffiths could be an interesting one - if his head and fitness is right what a signing that could be!

I'll be very surprised if certain St Johnstone defenders and mid players are not transferred out by the end of June. The same goes for their manager, Calum Davidson, who is potentially a Scotland manager in years to come. I'd just call it the "price of success" and I reckon lotsa English Championship and League One clubs will be looking at their players. Hibs have suffered the same fate before after showing any decent level of success. We'll see what the "hit" will be on our players as well.
For many of their players, eventually playing in front of about 3k fans will easily be swapped for a bigger club with a big fan base compared with what the Perth club has to offer.

[HerefordBull]

Certainly be an interesting Summer as we need to rebuild especially with potentially the spine of the side moving on. Fortunately the goalkeeping position looks sound with both Macey and Dabrovski committing to the club.

Time for Ron Gordon to step up to the plate.

[1Wattie]

I see that Celtic are being linked with Doig but it makes you wonder if the link is designed to unsettle the lad and make him push for a move. It also brings to mind the players moving from Hibs to Celtic who have become "bench warmers" and seen their top class careers come to nothing. The only real successes I can remember were Ronnie Simpson, who went on to win the European cup, and Scott Brown.
Doig needs to think carefully before committing himself,
GGTTH

[0762]

He's actually still a "work in progress" Wattie. IMO better staying and improving on the stuff that he can do better!! Eg hitting cross balls that are far more accurate and effective in creating goals. Also some defensive frailties to eradicate but that comes through acquiring more experience and regularly playing games.
Also note Pat Stanton did OK after he moved to Celtic late on in his career - picked up a Scottish Cup medal during his time at Celtic Park although his time there was short.

[1Wattie]

0762
Agree with you that Doig is a work in progress and he will turn out a top player and needs to stay with us for fine tuning. Unfortunately he will not get the amount of play time he needs because Celtic fans demand instant results and that is probably going to go against him. Look at the Leigh Griffiths for example, he never got a run in the first team and was used mainly as a sub. That may well have contributed to his mental issues,it most certainly didn't help them.
You mention Pat Stanton but he was signed as a stop gap to help bring some stability to their struggling mid field. Celtic could have signed him when he was in his prime but chose not to. At least he got a Scottish cup medal there to go with the losers medals he got with us.
GGTTH