The manager is stating in the EEN that Hibs could've won all three matches and, based on observing all these matches that they've dominated, the results could well have been different. However, saying he's 'baffled' by these events is a wee bit bemusing TBF! 6 months ago I opined that we could never depend on Cummings spearheading a concerted challenge on the Championship title mainly because he's not a pen box striker, a 'sniffer' for goals. We all know the last 'sniffer' in a Hibs team who was revered by a huge number of Hibs fans - none other than Sparky, a staunch Hibs fan and a very good pen box striker!! If a fit Griffiths had been in our current side in this Championship league, we certainly would not be debating a tight second place finish!! But he's not, and the pen box striker that we needed is still not evident in Hibs team to play alongside young Jason who has scored some crucial goals during a decent season so far. I also said at that time that Waghorn, who had played well v Hibs and trained beside them at La Manga, was there for all to see and before Rangers finally appeared on the scene. Wigan's manager, ex Hibee Gary Caldwell, must've known the guy was not gonna be in his future plans - IMO a transfer trick missed by Stubbs by a country mile!! Both Cummings and Stokes have been misfiring in league matches for weeks and in Cummings' case, he's a bit like a young Sparky who favoured kicking with his left foot, on occasions to his disadvantage!! Griffiths improved on that weakness in later years and also scores with his right peg to his benefit.
On a lesser note, Hibs have been defensively weak for a while and I've no doubt injuries have played a part in it. Also the iffy situation with Hibs goalkeeper, Oxley, is one that Stubbs had control of but he chose not to take any action - it's his choice but that inaction may well come back to haunt the manager.
Stating that he is baffled is one thing but I believe he 'knows the score' - after all, he's an ex player! He is trying to keep his players onside particularly with two crucial cup confrontations looming ever closer. How can you manage players 'saving themselves' and not getting injured, particularly for next week's cup final?
Deja vu for many a Hibs fan and player - not easy!!
On a lesser note, Hibs have been defensively weak for a while and I've no doubt injuries have played a part in it. Also the iffy situation with Hibs goalkeeper, Oxley, is one that Stubbs had control of but he chose not to take any action - it's his choice but that inaction may well come back to haunt the manager.
Stating that he is baffled is one thing but I believe he 'knows the score' - after all, he's an ex player! He is trying to keep his players onside particularly with two crucial cup confrontations looming ever closer. How can you manage players 'saving themselves' and not getting injured, particularly for next week's cup final?
Deja vu for many a Hibs fan and player - not easy!!