We can officially start counting down the days to the beginning of the new SPFL season with Hibs beginning their campaign next weekend with a home tie against Livingston.
Much has been said regarding Alan Stubbs new look outfit over the summer with a mass exodus of the playing staff which oversaw relegation from the Premiership being merely the tip of the iceberg.
Protests over the leadership of the club led to a rally demanding the resignation of Rod Petrie as chairman, almost immediately after Hibs threw away a two goal first leg advantage to Hamilton in their play off tie and whilst there was also anger directed at then manager Terry Butcher, it took nearly three weeks for the Englishman to be told his disastrous seven month tenure at the helm was over.
Butcher’s dismissal was the first key decision undertaken by new club CEO Leeann Dempster who had been headhunted by Petrie after she’d proved to be both popular and successful at Motherwell where her close working relationship with Stuart McCall saw him immediately installed as favourite for the Easter Road hot seat.
It took Dempster a fortnight before confirming her preferred candidate in position although when Stubbs was unveiled on June 24th the threadbare first team squad had already returned to training under the guidance of youth coach James McDonagh.
Most supporters were hoping for a quick influx of signings in the hope of replacing last season’s duds with better quality professionals however the new manager has taken his time in order to attract what he believes is the proper standard of player to the capital.
Hibs have so far signed only David Gray, Farid El-Alagui and Scott Allen on permanent deals whilst goalkeeper Mark Oxley has arrived on a six month loan which is likely to be extended to the full season.
Gray, a full back, is a local boy but has never played in his home country and El-Alagui, a striker on loan to Dundee Utd last season from Brentford, has scored goals in this division before having spent time at Falkirk before his move south.
Allen is probably the pick of the summer arrivals thus far but based only on unfulfilled potential from his time at Tannadice before a move to West Brom hindered his development.
Many fans believe the club are still light in certain areas with the consensus of agreement being at least one other centre half, left midfielder and striker are needed.
Add into the mix Stubbs appears to prefer Lewis Stevenson at left back rather than the more natural Calum Booth it may be another position which needs strengthened.
If Hibs are to seriously challenge for the title they’ll need to overcome a Rangers side who are dubious defensively but have bought guaranteed goals by re-forming the Miller/Boyd partnership of yesteryear.
City rivals Hearts will also be challenging for promotion and will be buoyed by a positive summer of change with Ann Budge’s ownership confirmed after 11 months of administration, season ticket sales of around 12,000 and a new management set up which sees Craig Levein in a position of Director of Football with Robbie Neilson as Head Coach.
The Jambo’s youngsters of last season have a vital year of experience under their belts and they’ve also added to the playing squad with a mixture of youth and experience.
Alan Stubbs has stated his goal is an immediate return to the Premiership and despite playing some neat stuff in pre season, Hibs still look like they lack a killer instinct.
The former Everton man has his side playing open, attractive football with lots of movement of the ball whilst they also retain the ball well but this is all fair and well if you’re winning matches but as it stands blanks against Dunfermline, East Fife and Dundee Utd hardly fill supporters with confidence after last season’s goal shy efforts.
On the plus side, every player now seems to understand what their role in the team is, something that was sadly missing under Fenlon or Butcher who sometimes appeared like they’d just thrown 11 men together and told them just to go out there and do their best.
Stubbs has appointed a strong backroom staff with both an assistant and first team coach whilst also appointing a conditioning & fitness guru in a bid to help the Easter Road outfit to success.
Whilst it’s still early days, the beginning of his reign is positive and with Rangers first up on Tuesday in the Petrofac Cup it’ll be interesting to see how far Hibees have came so far under Stubbs’ guidance or the bridge that has to be narrowed in order to sustain a title tilt in the Scottish Championship.
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