Football Season Guide

Hibernian

In


Daniel MacKay (mid) Inverness CT; Jamie Murphy (mid) Rangers; Jake Doyle-Hayes (mid) St Mirren;

Out


Ofir Marciano (gk) Feyenoord; Stephen McGinn (mid) Kilmarnock; Fraser Murray (mid) Kilmarnock; Jackson Irvine (mid) St Pauli; Tom James (def) Leyton Orient; Ryan Shanley (att) Edinburgh City (loan); Steven Mallan (mid) Matalyaspor (loan made permanent)

Had an excellent campaign last time out, finishing comfortably 3rd after a comfortable run in. A pair of late-stage cup defeats to St Johnstone were disappointing individual results. Doidge and Nisbet were a threat throughout the campaign, but defence was sometimes an issue. Some key players including Marciano, Irvine and Mallan have departed, while reinforcements have been so far limited, but exciting striker Mueller will arrive in January. New strategic partnership with local non-league club could help bring in back up. But pre-season games have shown good signs, with a good win over Santa Coloma in Europe after a strong friendly campaign, including a win over a good strength Arsenal side. Some key players are unsettled, with Nisbet on the radar for some bigger sides. But overall, squad has gelled and kept together well over the summer. Manager Jack Ross has good relationships with his squad, club management and the fans, helping club cohesion and improving morale. New European conference league offers Hibs a good chance to progress in continental play and earn lots of prize money, as well as giving experience to players. Could well be another good campaign with main opponents struggling. If team can remain confident and carry over good form from last season, there will be little to stop them improving on last season.

Target


3rd. Retaining status as "best of the rest" should be the goal for a strong team with challengers in transition. Strong cup campaigns could also be a big bonus.