MALONEY’S A BOX OFFICE PICK FOR HIBS
TAM COURTS believes the appointment of Shaun Maloney sees a new wave of managers who are getting the chance to ride high in the Premiership.
There’s been a move away from the usual managerial merry-goround and several clubs have gone for something different and a break from the norm.
Dundee United took the chance by promoting Courts from their academy, while Aberdeen selected Stephen Glass from Atlanta United and Hibs have given Maloney his managerial break, after he worked under Roberto Martinez with Belgium.
Courts admitted it’s a nice change and will help bring variety and new ideas to the game.
He said: “It is hard to really put your finger on specifically why.
“All the clubs will have their different needs and maybe during Covid times maybe people at these clubs have time to reflect to see what is important to them. It is difficult to say.
“Maybe clubs are more open to different profiles and age groups now. It’s hard to pinpoint why.”
Courts reckon Hibs’ capture of Shaun Maloney is another box office appointment for Scottish football.
The United head coach knows the arrival of the former Belgian coach Maloney will really excite everyone connected with the Easter Road club.
Courts was at Easter Road last night to watch Hibs take on Aberdeen and to get a handle on them before his United side take them on in their forthcoming Tannadice clash on Boxing Day.
The United head coach admitted Maloney could just bring the wow factor to Leith.
He said: “Shaun is a guy who has a great pedigree as a player and he really has some good ideas on the game.
“He has been exposed to Roberto and the Belgian national team and this is an exciting appointment for the Premiership.
“It is one that will excite the Hibs fans and it is an interesting time in Scottish football with the mix of managers who are operating in the league.”
Hibs finished third last season but that has all been forgotten and like former boss Jack Ross that is now a distant memory.
They will be looking to get a lift from Maloney and Courts knows that makes them a dangerous forthcoming opponent, especially as they’ll still be hurting over their defeat at Hampden.
Courts said: “I was at the cup final on Sunday and we will get along to the game on Wednesday to try and see what Shaun’s initial ideas look like.
“Hibs have a very experienced team and they will be looking to put a few wrongs right after they narrowly lost the cup final.
“They will be looking to give their new manager a response so Wednesday will be interesting to see what the Shaun Maloney era is all about.”