The gap between Hearts and Hibs is 'light years' apart and the Easter Road campaign is already OVER.
That is the blistering view of former Hibee Tam McManus who claims Sunday's 3-0 derby win for Robbie Neilson's men proved beyond any shadow of a doubt that Gorgie does indeed rule. Record-breaker Lawrence Shankland was in usual scoring form as well as Josh Ginnelly and Toby Sibbick getting in on the act as Lee Johnson was hammered by another defeat to their rivals.
And McManus insists that while on the park there can be no debate of the gulf in class that the recruitment policy in Leith has not helped matters. The PLZ Soccer pundit even referenced Hearts' bench as an example of 'everything you need to know'.
READ MORE: Hearts star Lawrence Shankland tipped for 30 goals as John Robertson expresses goal return delight
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Speaking in the Daily Record, he said: "It pains me to say it but the Jambos are light years ahead at the moment. On and off the park. Sunday proved beyond all arguments that the gap with Hearts is now massive.
"Eleven points separate them in the table and you can see the Jambos getting stronger and closer to the Old Firm. The same can't be said of Hibs. Not with the recruitment shambles that's held them back for too long.
"When you see the depth Hearts have with the subs they brought on and compare it to what was on Hibs' bench then it tells you everything you need to know about the clubs' signing policies."
McManus added that Englishman Johnson needs more time to put things right, and says there were positives to take from the derby slump. He added: "I know a helluva lot of Hibees have given up on the manager and are calling this weekend's clash with struggling Aberdeen El Sackico.
"That's premature. But only just. For me there's a nine-point plan for Johnson to buy himself time and show there is light at the end of the tunnel - and that is to ensure he wins at least three of the next four games.
"The Dons, Ross County, St Mirren and Kilmarnock are up next and a minimum of three of those games have to be won. The season is effectively over and just getting in the top six is not good enough. There's no way Hibs will finish third.
"Yet they actually played well for spells on Sunday and that's why I still believe Johnson deserves a bit of time. They just lacked a killer instinct. I saw a team working hard for their manager. And I can see a pattern of play and a style with Lee that gives me belief in what he's trying to do."
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