Dudge97
New radge
- Joined
- May 24, 2021
- Messages
- 8
- Reaction score
- 38
- Points
- 18
Now almost a week has passed since our heartless Hampden performance and the dust begins to settle on the last campaign, the question to be asked is how do we kick on from here? Whilst achieving 3rd for the first time in 16 years is, on paper, a significant achievement for the club, we cannot ignore the fact that performances have been inconsistent, we fail to perform in big games when it matters and it is a huge disappointment that we come out of this season without silverware given the opportunities that we've had to do so.
Whilst some will no doubt demand a drastic turnover of both players and management, looking at the squad we currently have, there is a very strong nucleus on which we can build on, and for the first time since the Mobray era, we now have a number of assets in the squad that will undoubtedly secure the club a healthy profit when they move on. With the COVID impact and the disappointment of missing out on the promise of European football until December, there will inevitably be movement on the transfer front which may see some key players depart. In bygone years, Hibs have always been swift to move players on at the first hint of a bid. However, under Ron Gordon's ownership, we seem in a far stronger position to hold on to key players, at least until our valuation of said players is met, which was demonstrated when we rejected substantial bids for Nisbet and Porteous in January. I expect stalwarts such as SDG, Stevenson, and McGregor will begin to transition into coaching roles, whilst proving as reliable squad players. It remains to be seen whether Jackson Irvine will renew his contract however given the general consensus, most fans won't be too concerned should he move to pastures new. The futures of the likes of Drey Wright, Stevie Mallan, Sean Mackie and Melker Hallberg will also be in question, however, the latter seems to have given Jack Ross food for thought with his performances in his previous few starts.
Daniel MacKay has already joined providing much-needed depth in wide areas and after a long injury layoff, a good preseason should hopefully allow Kyle Magennis to kick on and stake his claim in the squad after an underwhelming start. The return of Scott Allan will be a big boost, as well as Chris Cadden from injury. We may also see the emergence of a couple of development players, with the likes of Steven Bradley and Ethan Laidlaw being involved in the first-team setup, who will be looking at the success of Josh Doig this season as something to emulate. It remains to be seen if Jamie Gullan is part of JR's plans moving forward. Matt Macey and Kevin Dabrowski look like they will be our options in goals.
In summary, I believe Jack Ross will be given the opportunity to build on last season, however, he will be under serious pressure should we fail to begin next season positively. Our recruitment is key and our strategy will likely hinge on outgoings. I believe a top-quality centre back should be our priority, as well as another striker and depth at wing back. With Hearts returning to the Premiership as well as a confident Dundee side, expected rebuilds at Celtic and Aberdeen, a strong Rangers that will look to consolidate on their success this seasons and as well as the long-awaited return of fans to stadiums, next season will be more demanding and competitive than the previous campaign. It has all the hallmarks to be an exciting season for our club and Scottish football as a whole, and after the failings and disappointments of last season, we must now look forward with (very) cautious optimism and look to progress further as a club.
Whilst some will no doubt demand a drastic turnover of both players and management, looking at the squad we currently have, there is a very strong nucleus on which we can build on, and for the first time since the Mobray era, we now have a number of assets in the squad that will undoubtedly secure the club a healthy profit when they move on. With the COVID impact and the disappointment of missing out on the promise of European football until December, there will inevitably be movement on the transfer front which may see some key players depart. In bygone years, Hibs have always been swift to move players on at the first hint of a bid. However, under Ron Gordon's ownership, we seem in a far stronger position to hold on to key players, at least until our valuation of said players is met, which was demonstrated when we rejected substantial bids for Nisbet and Porteous in January. I expect stalwarts such as SDG, Stevenson, and McGregor will begin to transition into coaching roles, whilst proving as reliable squad players. It remains to be seen whether Jackson Irvine will renew his contract however given the general consensus, most fans won't be too concerned should he move to pastures new. The futures of the likes of Drey Wright, Stevie Mallan, Sean Mackie and Melker Hallberg will also be in question, however, the latter seems to have given Jack Ross food for thought with his performances in his previous few starts.
Daniel MacKay has already joined providing much-needed depth in wide areas and after a long injury layoff, a good preseason should hopefully allow Kyle Magennis to kick on and stake his claim in the squad after an underwhelming start. The return of Scott Allan will be a big boost, as well as Chris Cadden from injury. We may also see the emergence of a couple of development players, with the likes of Steven Bradley and Ethan Laidlaw being involved in the first-team setup, who will be looking at the success of Josh Doig this season as something to emulate. It remains to be seen if Jamie Gullan is part of JR's plans moving forward. Matt Macey and Kevin Dabrowski look like they will be our options in goals.
In summary, I believe Jack Ross will be given the opportunity to build on last season, however, he will be under serious pressure should we fail to begin next season positively. Our recruitment is key and our strategy will likely hinge on outgoings. I believe a top-quality centre back should be our priority, as well as another striker and depth at wing back. With Hearts returning to the Premiership as well as a confident Dundee side, expected rebuilds at Celtic and Aberdeen, a strong Rangers that will look to consolidate on their success this seasons and as well as the long-awaited return of fans to stadiums, next season will be more demanding and competitive than the previous campaign. It has all the hallmarks to be an exciting season for our club and Scottish football as a whole, and after the failings and disappointments of last season, we must now look forward with (very) cautious optimism and look to progress further as a club.