16 Dec 2025 07:19:54
I thought Djiga and Fernandez were excellent at times, again, last night - would also add Nsiala to that for his little cameo.
Biggest issue again was lack of leadership on the pitch, as in the first half Hibs worked us out and we couldn't adapt until Rohl sorted it at half time.
Final point, despite a lack of quality at times, thought the players all fought hard each other.
16 Dec 2025 07:54:06
think Fernandez has got plenty of good qualities, made a few slack passes last night but also some good passes going forward. If Danny Rohl can get him playing at his best level consistently he could be a very good centre half. Fear for him for when one of these cruyff turns on the edge of the box doesn't work and we concede a goal ?
I thought Sterling was really good, glad he's back and getting some minutes under his belt, a very calm and relaxed player.
16 Dec 2025 07:54:54
Hibs pressed well in first half n hour and extra man in midfield worked well for them, Bowie a handful up top and leads line well and if they had a bit more talent we would of been trouble, thought we adjusted well and worked our way into game, maybe not bums off seat football but 3 points and a clean sheet is a great start to festive period.
16 Dec 2025 08:00:47
EHL I agree and probably why we need those 2 positions you mentioned who will be for that leadership function.
16 Dec 2025 08:40:42
What is encouraging is that when not playing well, raft of changes (many inexperienced), we won't and kept it clean at other end. Considering most agree that our squad is less than stellar this for me is a real highlight. And the fact DR is now 8 unbeaten in league shows he has an ability to adapt and is clearly squeezing all from this side.
On the 'give him more games' side, clear to see the hype around Moore is becoming more justified. Thought his all around contribution was excellent and haloed drive the side on.
16 Dec 2025 09:05:18
I think Fernandes and Nsiala would be fine with 2 seasoned well experienced Centre Backs to bring them on and play alongside them. I don't think either improve greatly playing alongside Souttar. I'd be happy with those 2 if we brought another 2 in. I think Souttar will have a few offers and probably leave.
16 Dec 2025 09:13:05
Our oldest outfield player last night was 26 years old in Sterling.
Our front 3 were 58 years combined (Chermiti 21, Curtis 19 and Moore 18). 19 year old at left wingback, 23 and 24 CB, 25 RWB. Centre mids 23 and 24.
Taking that in account that just shows the lack of leadership in terms of maturity and experience but the effort on show was exactly what we want to see.
Liked Rohl's comment we don't win with tiki taka we win with effort effort effort.
16 Dec 2025 09:22:21
EHL - biggest issue for me is our use of the ball. When we went 1-0 up we were unable to keep hold of it for any length of time. Constantly turning over possession.
And also unable to deal with a team that presses us. Seen it against Ferencvaros midweek and again last night.
When a player receives the ball, with their back to goal and a man on their back they need to pop it off with runners going into the space created by the pressing player.
We seem to try and control the ball, take too many touches and get the ball taken off us. Hence how it ended up a scrappy game.
Still think Rohl has been a great appointment and looking forward to January, although would feel better with a head of recruitment in there.
16 Dec 2025 09:47:00
Fernandez passing last night was awful ehl.
16 Dec 2025 09:47:49
Macnaughten and Moore got 20 games in a Tottenham side last season and has still taken this long to get up to speed, and still has more. this is why we do have to be patient to let them reach their best. the right coach helps as well.
16 Dec 2025 10:03:14
That's the problem with having the likes of Dowell as part of the leadership group. He's completely ineffective on the pitch.
We need someone who can grab the game by the scruff of the neck.
16 Dec 2025 10:08:44
Mark he is ineffective on the pitch as he isn't on it ?. been injured for a long time now but good point?.
16 Dec 2025 12:46:57
I know he is still a bit raw and his a few things he needs to iron out in his game but we shouldn't under play the part Fernandez is playing in the air at both ends of the pitch. This is giving us something we haven't had for years.
16 Dec 2025 14:05:32
Angus, agreed. Think we need 'senior players' who play and offer real value.
As for Moore, he seems so much more effective when allowed to roam more freely up front. And clearly more to come, but he is showing up very much I think is down to DR giving more room for freedom and expression. If a few more of our younger players can continue to grow this season hopefully it means the likes of January window can then be used to get that more experienced backbone we require to push on.
have to say style is one thing but DR has us winning and that is a real boon with this squad
Then we'll see what summer brings.
16 Dec 2025 17:33:36
agree Mcanaughten easy to see the EPL player with the confidence to try things and hold on to the ball. hopefully his example will help our younger lads and they do blossom.
think when Aasgaard came on Kevin Thomson said he wanted him to play with the same freedom to roam and find space.
I think the experience will be in CB and CDM hopefully and give that spine.
win first always; like golf the scorecard doesn't give marks for style.