Some folk turn their noses up at the notion of kicking off the Premier Sports Cup so early and having a group stage.
But I’d have loved this format in my playing days. I’d much rather be playing games – and cup ties with a hint of danger – than the old days of running myself in to this ground. Even to this day I can’t go back to Arthur’s Seat. My missus has been saying for years she wants to go and see it but I’ve told her no chance! Bobby Williamson ruined it for me.
It might be one of the best views of the country but it makes my stomach churn even thinking about it. We used to have to run up those steps, 100m sprints up and down, until we collapsed or threw up. I can barely even look at pictures of the place now, never mind going back.At least these days pre-season for players is a different story.
It’s a week’s work on conditioning, a couple of bounce matches and then it’s pretty much into competitive games. Hibs face Clyde tomorrow and it’s a great chance to hit the ground running as these group games will be idea for the squad’s fitness and for the new signings to settle in.
They should be targeting four wins out of four and then they’ll be ready to go for the start of the league. I’ve been impressed with the signings and I’m looking forward to seeing the likes of Aiden McGeady and David Marshall out on the pitch for real.
They will bring the experience Hibs have been crying out for and it will be good for fans to get their first look at Lewis Miller and Elie Youan.
Lee Johnson has done some decent business so far but he’s not done yet. I’d expect another two or three to come in before the end of the window and maybe more depending on what happens with Ryan Porteous and Josh Doig.
It would be brilliant to keep hold of those two but we have to be realistic. It doesn’t look like Porteous will be signing a new deal so he could be off.
Doig is another one, with Bologna believed to be lining up another Scot to replace Aaron Hickey. The pair of them will bring in decent money and if Hibs can’t get them to stay, the cash will need to be used wisely.
Everyone would be delighted if some of the dosh went towards bringing back Martin Boyle. Hibs are in the conversation and there’s no way he’ll want to hang about in the Saudi second tier.
There’s talk of legal battles against the drop or even the club folding but it’s left Boyle’s future up in the air a bit. Of course everyone around the club would welcome him back with open arms.
It goes without saying as he’s a top-class player and Hibs could still do with more attacking options. His family are still in Scotland so if the sums add up it would make perfect sense. It could be easier said than done though.
But Hibs should still make sure they are in the frame. They’ve got first refusal and maybe even a loan or short-term move could work at first.
Punters should already feel excited about the future at Easter Road as there’s a lot of good work going on. Boyle’s return would be absolutely massive and there’s another incentive for him to come back – at least he won’t need to tackle Arthur’s Seat.
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