Last week, I took to social media to express my excitement about Hibs’ transfer window, praising the influx of loan talent. However, by halftime during Saturday’s match against St. Mirren, my optimism had backfired, with Hearts fans inundating me with messages. The first half performance by Hibs was abysmal, with St. Mirren threatening to score multiple times. Although there was no further damage in the second half, it was a stark wake-up call for the new players and the manager.
The defending on display was unacceptable, and the lack of clean sheets is concerning, especially given that only Livingston has conceded more goals this season. The loan signings need to adapt quickly to the demands of Scottish football. While loan players can be impactful, some may lack the commitment of permanent players, especially when the team is struggling.
St. Mirren exemplified the tenacity required in Scottish football, emphasizing the importance of earning the right to play. Hibs must shed their reputation for being ‘nice’ opponents and develop a more aggressive edge.
While I understand the rationale behind Nick Montgomery’s reliance on loan signings as a short-term solution, he must deliver results this season to secure his future. With no wins in six games and competition heating up for a top-six finish, Montgomery’s job is under scrutiny. A strong performance in the Scottish Cup is imperative, starting with the upcoming match against Celtic, who are also facing challenges.
Hibs can draw inspiration from past successes against Celtic but must adopt a disciplined approach to frustrate their opponents. Maintaining defensive solidity and exploiting opportunities on the counter will be crucial. However, I won’t tempt fate by predicting the outcome for Hibs this time.
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