Concern is raised by the points differential rather than the Hibees’ league standing.
There are the usual disclaimers. Too soon to pass judgement. The schedule has been challenging, with “unwinnable” matches against Celtic AND Rangers – enough to put any Scottish Premiership team to the test.
In spite of the fact that Hibs have only played seven games in the league this year, fans have every reason to be concerned about their team’s early standing rather than just frustrated. Even the most devoted true believers would have cause for doubt after just one glance at the table.
Disregard the location. And notice the difference between David Gray’s team and the groups that are presently holding those European spots that are supposed to be their competitors.
Ten points adrift of third place, currently occupied by Rangers, eight points behind fourth-placed Motherwell and even trailing fifth-placed Dundee United by seven points, Hibs are already at risk of becoming irrelevant in the battle for UEFA slots. Particularly considering Aberdeen’s explosive start to the campaign, which has seen them end with a perfect league record, placing them in a great position to at least claim third place. Right now, the Dons are sixteen points ahead of Hibs. That’s right, SIXTEEN.
This cannot be made into anything worthy of a team that wants to be the unquestioned third force in Scottish football. When billionaire businessman Bill Foley paid £6 million for a minority ownership in Hibs, that was his declared goal.
The fact that Gray’s soldiers are so far behind schedule should worry everyone, even if it was more of a long-term objective. With a lengthy international break coming up, Saturday’s 2-1 setback to Motherwell at home provides plenty opportunity for everyone to reflect on the current situation.
Supporter dissatisfaction has thus far only consisted of the occasional booing and a few angry fan comments. One former Hibee said it’s partly because punters rate former Scottish Cup winning captain Grey so highly.
“I think Hibs fans expect more,” former Scotland winger Jamie Murphy stated earlier today on BBC Scotland’s Scottish Football Podcast. That’s the big thing.
“But I believe that David Gray’s position as manager is probably saving them. They want him to succeed because they think he’s the best.
All they need to do is find that extra bit. Easter Road must be a stronghold for them, after all. And it hasn’t been thus far.
They will find that disappointing. They were playing against a solid Motherwell side, to be fair, who had begun the season nicely.
However, Hibs intend to advance up the table by winning those games. They must do better if they wish to achieve that.
“With Hibs and Hearts being so far down, they’re big clubs. You anticipate them to contend for the top six spots.
Any Hibs manager should be aiming for the bare minimum—a spot in the top six. Nick Montgomery lost his job last season due to his inability to accomplish that goal. Thus, Grey is under pressure to change even in these early days of November.
The inexperienced head coach knows that everyone at Easter Road will feel less pressure when there are results. And he has a very valid argument when he says that the home team might have defeated Motherwell on Saturday instead of suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat only Nectar Triantis hadn’t been sent off in an act of pure foolishness.
“You’re at home and the momentum starts to build when you lose the goal but then tie the game at one,” the former fullback Grey recalled. “You are starting to think, right, can we go on and win the game now?”
“Then you lose the goal straight off the back of that. After that, three minutes. After that, you have a mountain to climb. Thus, I believe that after thought, we’ll examine it and consider our areas for improvement.But it’s evident that the outcomes need to be better. That is the final outcome of that game, irrespective of individual performance. At the end of the day, everything matters.
The favourable tidings? The Hibs have a run of six games that are quite likely to be won. There are six games that SHOULD offer fantastic chances to move up the table.
After the international break, Gray’s team will have a clear path back to the Scottish Premiership, starting with a trip to Tannadice, which will be a great opportunity to cut the gap on United. The table for a squad whose current record of one victory, two draws, and four losses may not accurately reflect their performances, but it certainly tells a tale when they play the high-flying Dons at the end of November.
The following chapter, which is now awaiting writing, goes something like this:
Dundee United (A) – October 19, Saturday
Hibs already finds themselves in a “must win” situation. On the plus side, winning here will reduce the difference between the two teams to a more reasonable four points.
Hearts (H) – October 27, Sunday
A battle between two bald men over a comb? Not all that horrible. But two clubs that are in desperate need of winning. This matchup might be among the more intriguing Edinburgh derbies.
Ross County (A) – October 30, Wednesday
In Dingwall, dark, midweek evenings are fraught with danger. Any fan of the Hibs knows. However, a team must win this kind of match in order to compete for spots in Europe.
Sunday, November 3rd – Dundee United (H)
Moved up from a midweek match in December, Hibs could have an opportunity to gain some momentum against the recently promoted United.
November 9th, Saturday, St. Mirren (H)
The least Hibs supporters should hope for this game is retribution for that 3-0 thrashing they suffered in Paisley on the first weekend of league play.
Saturday, November 23, Dundee (A)
Before hosting Aberdeen on Tuesday night, Hibs will be hoping to wrap up this six-game series with a victory that will lift their spirits. At that moment, Gray’s HAVE to have joined the teams vying for spots in Europe.
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