HIBERNIAN

LAST SEASON PREMIERSHIP 3rd SCOTTISH CUP Runners- up LEAGUE CUP Semi- Finals TOP SCORER Kevin Nisbet ( 18)

F A n F I L E GAV WILSON @ HFCTALK

Last season was successful, but with a bitter end that left a bad taste. Hibs should be coming third every year, but hadn’t since 2005. Unfortunately, losing a Scottish Cup final where we never turned up is still hard to talk about. The big talking point among the

fans is more about who might leave than who comes in – Ryan Porteous, Josh Doig and Kevin Nisbet were always going to be sought- after. This season will be different to last

because manager Jack Ross has something to build on. The football was both practical and effective, but players were expressing themselves more as the campaign went on. Instead of going to the football

last season I initially watched games in my friend’s pub garden. When the restrictions got stricter, we organised Zoom calls and tried to sync up our streams to Hibstv. Someone always ended up being ahead, though...

Our Hanlon most [ below]. underrated Captain, player leader is and Paul big finger, Hibee. but Fans he was are a quick big part to point in our the – The and player Doig’s I’d – success happily last drive time to out. another club is Stevie Mallan. He’s such a talented player, but we never get to see it and I’m bored waiting.

The opposition player I secretly admire is midfielder Marvin Bartley of Livingston. Breaks up play well, has a great football mind and leads on and off the pitch. Very deserving of his promotion to player/ assistant. The ground I’m most looking forward to visiting is Tynecastle. The march that Hibs fan group Since 1875 organise from pub to ground is always fantastic. I’m already getting goosebumps just thinking about it. Our key player will be Joe Newell [ above, right]. He brings balance to the midfield and keeps the ball well. The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is not unanimous. Most recognise the achievement in finishing third, but there are frustrations with the way we’ve gone out of cups under him. Some feel he can’t win the big ones. We’ll finish 3rd. 3RD FFT VERDICT

The Hibees will still be hurting from a painful Scottish Cup final defeat, but it really shouldn’t overshadow a first third- placed finish in 16 years. The biggest cause for concern will be holding on to some prominent players who have attracted attention.