Hibs facing final throw of the dice for top six and Nick Montgomery could soon be in last chance saloon – Tam McManus

Hibernian Football Club (Hibs) faces a crucial moment in their pursuit of a top-half finish as they prepare to play Dundee. Failure to secure a win in this match could potentially put Nick Montgomery’s position as manager at risk.

The fact that Hibs find themselves in this situation after just 26 games is concerning. Their season has been marred by inconsistency, and the current seven-point deficit compared to the same stage last season reflects their struggles. This weekend’s match against Dundee holds significant importance as it’s a direct clash for the coveted sixth spot, with Dundee currently holding a five-point advantage.

If Hibs fail to win for the ninth consecutive league game, they would enter a crucial derby against Hearts with the latter team in good form, further complicating their quest for a top-six finish. The potential consequences of missing out on the top six are clear – Montgomery’s job would likely come under review.

While Montgomery deserves a fair chance to prove himself, having come into the role relatively recently and with some signings during the transfer window, the lack of results is a cause for concern. The team’s failure to secure a league win since December raises doubts about their form and ability to meet expectations.

Given the recent poor form, securing a victory against Dundee is imperative, although it won’t be an easy task given Dundee’s surprising performance this season under Tony Docherty. Overall, the situation underscores the importance of this upcoming match and the pressure on Hibs to deliver results.

Despite relying heavily on loan players, Dundee has managed to cultivate a strong team spirit and display attractive football. A victory over Hibs would practically secure them a top-six finish, a feat that would be considered remarkable given their circumstances. In contrast, Hibs’ season has been plagued by inconsistency, with their performance fluctuating throughout.

The example of Hearts, who turned their season around with a remarkable run of victories, highlights Hibs’ failure to achieve similar consistency. From the early dismissal of Lee Johnson to Nick Montgomery’s tenure, there has been a lack of stability and effectiveness in the team’s performance. While there have been glimpses of improvement, such as their second-half display against Celtic and a Scottish Cup win against Inverness, sustained success in the league has been elusive.

Saturday’s match against Dundee presents an opportunity for Hibs to turn things around. Montgomery has a full squad at his disposal, including new signings and returning players like Martin Boyle. However, the competition for places is fierce, with numerous options available in attacking positions. Players like Dylan Vente, despite being a marquee signing, have struggled to make an impact and find themselves on the bench. Montgomery’s plethora of attacking options leaves him with no excuse for not securing a top-six finish.

Ultimately, the depth and quality of the squad mean that only those who contribute goals and performances will earn their place in the team. With such competition for places, Montgomery must deliver results and secure a top-six finish to justify the club’s investment and his own position as manager.

GET MORE NEWS HERE