Johnson hit by red tape ahead of Clyde clash
LEE JOHNSON has been struck a blow ahead of his competitive debut as Hibernian manager after being denied the services of at least three new signings because of red tape.
Delays in obtaining work permits means there will be no debuts today for exciting summer recruits Jair Tavares and Elie Youan, while Momodou Bojang has still not joined up with the Easter Road side.
Defender Lewis Miller is also a major doubt for the visit of Clyde in the Premier Sports Cup as the Easter Road side battle visa backlogs.
Johnson said: “It is frustrating because they bring the team attributes that open up all the footballers to create them space.
“I was looking forward to seeing them too, and I know they were looking forward to getting out there in front of the fans too. But it’s a long season and there will be plenty of time for them to get the fans off their seats.
“We haven’t even talked about Momodou Bojang – we haven’t even met him yet, even though I’m in contact with him every single day. It’s difficult times in the land of immigration because of the Ukraine situation and there’s a big workload for home offices all over the world.”
Johnson admits he is trying to work out how best to juggle continuing his squad’s pre-season preparations ahead of their cinch Premiership opener against St Johnstone with keeping Hibs’ Premier Sports Cup ambitions on track.
And he is fully aware of the need to make a good first impression in his first proper game at the helm.
He added: “I’m pretty confident in the work that we’ve done. I’m looking forward to the game. In one sense it’s better than a pre-season friendly because there is something on it and, if there are fans there and there’s something on it, then it means there will be a better atmosphere than at a pre-season friendly.”