There are lots of words which could be used to describe the 2021/22 season at Easter Road, perhaps ‘forgettable’ is the nicest way of putting it – but on the whole it was really poor.
Once a bottom six finish became a reality even the most passionate of supporters became disinterested in the events at Easter Road, while any hopes of a redemption-filled run in were dashed thanks to defeats in Livingston and Dundee.
A 4-0 win over St Johnstone was a nice way to round off a disappointing season as the door closed on the campaign – a clean sheet and plenty of goals, combined with a host of young players being given their first team debuts, gave us something to smile about at long last.
A few weeks later and we are back in the midst of the off-season ascent. Some fans will take longer than others to forgive and forget 2021/22 – some might not get over it for a while – but the majority of us will be back on the Hibs wagon before we know it.
If for nothing more than the fact last season is done and banished to the history books, we can start to look forward and build up hope for the new season under the guidance of new man Lee Johnson.
Johnson was unveiled last week and spoke positively about his ambitions for the club, promising a front-foot, attacking style of play with results at the heart of everything he does.
Time will tell if that positivity translates to reality but at very least, we’re moving on from the calamity we witnessed for much of last year.
While some supporters have not been blown away by the stature of the appointment – with big names like Roy Keane, Phillip Cocu and Jon Dahl Tomasson grabbing the headlines throughout the recruitment process – Johnson arrives at Easter Road at a perfect time, with an entire off-season to plan his first moves.
Even as the early days have progressed since Johnson’s appointment, fans have been given an idea of the type of squad the manager is looking to build.
Scotland international goalkeeper David Marshall had his move rubber-stamped while Leeds United midfielder Nohan Kenneh will join on a three-year deal on 1st July.
Marshall is an experienced goalkeeper who still has lots of credit in the bank following his play-off heroics in Belgrade. On the face of it he provides a solid option in goal following a short spell at Queens Park Rangers – if he can emulate Craig Gordon and Allan McGregor in the longevity stakes, we could have a great signing on our hands.
It’s unclear whether Marshall’s arrival signals the end of Matt Macey’s time at Easter Road but it seems unlikely the big Englishman will be happy to hang around as a number two – and if reports are to be believed it would be surprising to see the club pay a hefty wage for a back-up with Kevin Dabrowski an able deputy.
Nohan Kenneh on the other hand is much more of a surprise package. The 19-year-old defensive midfielder has opted to move away from Elland Road in search of first team football, with many Leeds fans suggesting the Hibees are getting a top player following the news of his departure on Monday.
Shaun Maloney spoke a number of times about the need for Hibs to recruit an out-and-out ‘number six’ for the middle of the pitch and while it remains to be seen if Kenneh is this player, it’ll be interesting to see the impact his arrival has on the roles of Joe Newell and Jake Doyle Hayes going forward.
With a number of appearances on the bench in the Premier League last season, 6ft2 Kenneh looks like an exciting prospect who told the club website: “I like breaking up play, and my biggest strength is when I win the ball – I like to play forward quickly.”
Sounds good to me, big man.
It appears unlikely that Sylvester Jasper will be offered a permanent deal at Easter Road – news which is not entirely surprising given his lack of involvement towards the end of the season and the fee which would be required to acquire his services.
It remains to be seen whether or not Rocky Bushiri will be back in Edinburgh, with Lee Johnson likely to have the final say in the Belgian defenders return, but further reinforcements in defence will be required before the start of the new season.
There has been some suggestion in recent days that former Celtic and Sunderland winger Aiden McGeady could be on his way to join up with his ex-boss in Leith following his release from the Stadium of Light.
At 36 years old McGeady’s fitness and pace may be called into question but his ability on the ball would make him a great addition to the squad as we look to rebuild over the summer.
There is lots of work to be done and the early activity suggests there will be lots of comings and goings over the next few weeks, ahead of the club beginning pre-season training in mid-June.
With rumours likely to circulate for the next few weeks on the futures of Josh Doig and Ryan Porteous, it’s important the club are prepared for every eventuality – they need to learn from the mistakes made following the departure of Martin Boyle and ensure we are as strong as possible heading into August.
Today’s Premier Sports Cup group stage draw sees Hibs set up to face Greenock Morton, Falkirk, Clyde and Bonnyrigg Rose in July, with fixtures and dates to be confirmed.
With 2021/22 in the rear-view mirror and things starting to come together ahead of the new campaign, Hibs fans can look ahead with cautious optimism in the hope that the new season is much more enjoyable than the last.
The East Stand 