The competitive 2023/24 season kicked off in the mountains of Andorra last Thursday as the club’s UEFA Europa Conference League campaign began with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Inter Club d’Escaldes.
A late Joe Newell strike brought Lee Johnson’s side back into the tie ahead of the home leg at Easter Road tonight, but after being touted as Scotland’s second worst club result in Europe it was a night to forget for all involved.
Spirits were lifted somewhat over the weekend when Netherlands youth international striker Dylan Vente was announced on a three-year-deal from Roda JC after a ‘significant fee’ was accepted for his services.
The new number nine’s arrival marks the capture of a key target in an area left light with the departure of Kevin Nisbet and continues a summer transfer window which has been full of fresh faces.
With fees reportedly paid for Vente, alongside Elie Youan, Dylan Levitt, Riley Harbottle and Jojo Wollacott this summer on the back of Martin Boyle’s return from Saudi Arabia last year there’s a strong argument to suggest Lee Johnson is the most backed Hibs manager in 20 years.
It’s a sign of intent from the decision makers at the club who have made a real effort to improve the playing side following some distinctly mediocre domestic seasons. These signings have come in addition to investment outside the squad in the way of Brian McDermott’s appointment as Director of Football and the installation of two state-of-the-art hybrid pitches at Easter Road and East Mains.
In some ways the summer has been everything supporters have been asking for: a player-focussed approach to investment, a restructure of the football department and an ambition to attract first team ready talent to the club who can make an instant impact and encourage fans through the turnstiles.
The team which lines up to face St Mirren in our league opener at Easter Road on Sunday could include a number of new recruits and take a different look to the side which finished last season at Tynecastle in May.
In the goalkeeping area we appear to have some real competition for David Marshall – who has been the subject of some criticism following last week’s defeat in Andorra – while in defence Jordan Obita and Riley Harbottle will look to edge the likes of Lewis Stevenson and Rocky Bushiri out of the starting XI.
The return of Will Fish, while anticipated for a number of weeks, has boosted our options at the back and will allow Lee Johnson to play three or four in defence as he sees fit.
Dylan Levitt’s move from Dundee United has given the manager more options in midfield with Joe Newell returning to fitness after a pre-season knock and a trio of Levitt, Newell and Campbell or Doyle-Hayes could provide improved balance in the middle of the pitch.
In the front line, Dylan Vente’s signing from the Dutch second tier this week has been greeted with great optimism amongst the fans and it feels like a key piece of the puzzle has been added ahead of the league season kicking off at the weekend.
If Martin Boyle’s return to fitness allows a front three of Youan, Vente and Boyle to line up on Sunday afternoon we could be in for an exciting start to the new Premiership campaign.
As Hibs fans we are in an unfamiliar position where significant financial investment in transfer fees has brought a level of expectation on the club and on Lee Johnson’s management team.
It’s up to Johnson and his backroom staff to prepare the squad and find a style of play which returns the results supporters – and directors – will hope and expect this year. With an increase in spending naturally comes an increase in the levels of pressure on the Hibs manager and it’s important we begin to deliver quickly to ensure a strong start to the season.
With so much to look forward to on the pitch it’s important that fans back the team as much as possible at home and on the road. With an increased playing budget, it’ll be imperative ticket sales and other income opportunities remain strong while on the pitch the players will benefit from a large vocal backing at Easter Road and around the country.
Supporters have long demanded investment in the playing squad and now that has arrived in spades it’s on us as fans to repay that commitment by purchasing season tickets, match tickets and merchandise where possible.
While not a sell-out by a long stretch, a reasonable crowd is expected at Easter Road tonight and the trialled singing section has proved a popular exercise with three blocks of the Famous Five Lower practically filled – good luck to everyone involved in there tonight and here’s hoping the trial is a successful one.
With a one goal deficit to overturn tonight against the Andorrans there’s optimism amongst the support that the men in green and white will get the job done as required.
Here’s hoping it’s more exciting than last week’s outing and the lads can head into the league season opener against St Mirren on Sunday with some confidence.
The East Stand 