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Tic-Tock - Hibs Still in the Dock? |
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Written by Stuart Frew
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Thursday, 02 February 2006 |
 So midnight 31.1.01 strikes and the transfer deadline comes to a close – it’s time to ask ‘how do you feel about Hibs' lack of activity save for the Dalglish/Morrow swap?’
Are we supposed to feel satisfied that after trading, Derek Riordan is still a Hibs player, yet no other significant strengthening of the side has occurred?
Hibs' have many and varied strengths in this young team, they also have real and obvious weaknesses. These are weaknesses that the rank and file supporter sees from the seats most every game. They're well documented and have been for an arduous length of time now – not just the duration of the now departed transfer window.
I'm sure there has been some activity in trying to bring a central defender (or two) in but I have to admit I'm left totally deflated that this problem has not been dealt with. Another personal view here, and I know that some obviously don't share it but I'm not happy with the goalkeepers either. The manager cannot seem to decide which goalie is his number one. In some circumstances one might offer that having two men vying for the position would create strong performances yet this has yet to be seen even remotely consistently. There are very few shades of some of the commanding figures Hibs have fielded between the sticks in the past – often of a more mature and experienced nature. (That’s a hint by the way).
If the central defender conundrum was a new one I could almost understand it but this has been a recognised problem for a considerable time now. Hibs' got out of a jail once with Gary Smith having something of an Indian summer when he returned unexpectedly from injury a little while back. With no disrespect at all intended towards Gary who remains a fine professional, this could only ever be viewed as a stopgap solution...or so we thought.
Maybe what should be considered is how to restart Humphrey Rudge’s Hibernian career. Whilst being no Beckenbauer, Rudge impressed many with his no-nonsense displays when given the opportunity. He could be just what the team needs right now. What is it that Tony Mowbray doesn’t get about him? I really would love to know the answer to that one. I guess, like others I’ll have to offer due deference to our manager, after all he played the very same position at a high level for many a winter, one would assume he knows his way around a central defender. What is it that we as fans see differently though?
Good centre backs don't grow on trees on our rates of pay one assumes but surely, somewhere there is the inspirational experienced figure or two out there - a character or two who could galvanise and put a little self-belief back into our young team, particularly down the spine of the side? Yes central defence seems a real problem considering some of the Keystone Cop defending at times but it should also be remembered that many fans – me included - have asked about an experienced go-to guy in the middle of the park – someone of a Paul Lambert type midfielder. There really needs to be a player who makes himself available for the ball, plays the simple pass and organises and binds the team together. A player like this is sorely needed in my view – especially when young heads drop as perhaps exemplified by last Saturday’s derby fixture. If they find such a man he can be our new captain.
Funnily enough I don't really cast envious eyes over at Tynecastle and their ridiculous eleven signings. That's for the birds. They’ll plough their very own and different furrow. I would however like to have seen a little excitement, hope and interest created for the supporters in what is bound to be a very tough and long run-in for the team. I don't wish to be pessimistic but unless something is done quickly to shake things up a little this season looks bound for a flat finish and little to play for.
I sincerely hope my instincts and slight pessimism are proven wrong.
Stu
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