So? How can Hibs turnaround recent fortunes and win on Sunday?
The Derby is nearly upon us and only on few occasions have the Hibs support been so pessimistic about beating their local rivals.
Let’s face it. Practically since the turn of the year Hibs have been dreadful – utter horse manure.
Amidst rumours of management falling out with players, players falling out with players, fans falling out with management, and endless list of derogatory comments from supporters to players – the list could go on and on, Hibs have won one paltry match in 15 including a quite embarrassing defeat to Championship side Raith Rovers (no offence intended to the Ramsdens Cup winners).
So how exactly can Terry Butcher ensure a mini revival which will secure Premiership football for the Hibees next season?
Firstly – drop Michael Nelson. The so-called Admiral is clearly finished.
His ability to shrink when challenging for a header is only surpassed by his passing ability which sees him fail to find a green jersey in 95% of the case.
Handing him the Captains armband was an act of folly.
Ryan McGivern would be a better option at centre half than the former Killie man despite himself not having an inspiring time of it this season and he’s also likely to make Jordan Forster less liable to playing Nelson’s favoured hoofball.
Lewis Stevenson has proved to be a more than capable left back – he’s certainly no worse than McGivern has been all season so keep him in there.
Secondly – reinstate Liam Craig to the starting line up but on the left hand side of midfield. It also means there’s no problem deciding who would get the armband to lead the side out in Nelson’s absence….
If Butcher goes 5-4-1 – which he will because playing two up front is a frightening proposition then any combination of Taiwo, Thomson, Tudor Jones and Robertson (if fit) will do as the sitting midfielders – preferably Thommo and Robertson.
Harris or Watmore can play wide right – toss a coin between the pair of them at the moment but the on loan Sunderland winger got pass marks in Paisley last week but dropping Harris means losing a corner taker unless Craig is recalled.
Thirdly – Drop James Collins. The Irishman has cut a forlorn figure over the past few weeks. He looks lost and probably is.
Young Jason Cummings replaced him last weekend and showed more threat in half an hour than Collins has over the last month.
Hopefully Butcher has installed some confidence back into the squad after recent displays so here’s hoping there’s no repeat of the 15 second Paisley collapse this Sunday.
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