Paul Heckingbottom recently said that Hibs are pulling out of the transfer market. On the evidence of their recent League Cup outings, he has to go back on his word.
The Hibees just about got past Alloa, needing a spirted second half performance to edge the Championship side 2-0. The performance was far from perfect though, with clear improvements needing made to Heckingbottom’s squad.
Speaking to the Daily Record, the Hibs boss stated he’d only go back into the market if he is forced back into it.
He said: “That’s it, we’re done. Unless circumstances change or something unforeseen happens which we’ve got to react to, that’ll be it. We’ve done really well this summer.”
Hibs have been busy and have done some decent deals this summer, however, a few more are needed.
Hibs boss Heckingbottom needs attacking options and a midfielder
Heckingbottom recently made Josh Vela his eighth summer signing. He fills a hole in midfield, but he has no cover. Youngster Josh Campbell is the only person capable of dropping into that CDM role if Vela is injured or unfit.
He needs another midfielder. It’s unfair to lump loads of pressure onto young Campbell. It’ll be a baptism of fire type season for him. If it goes south, it could hinder his development. A more experienced CDM is needed so Campbell isn’t overloaded with work.
Against Alloa a lack of cutting edge in the final third was once again exposed. They do well up until the 18 yard box, but once it’s in there, they can’t do anything with it.
That perhaps is down to lack of match sharpness which is understandable for this time of year. It’s the lack of options from the bench that make this a big problem.
If Christian Doidge and Florian Kamberi have an off day, Hibs are very unlikely to score. Oli Shaw isn’t a reliable option from the bench. Another attacker, preferably a pacey one, is needed to give the Hibees a lift from the bench if they are struggling.
They’ve done some brilliant business, but a couple more signings are still needed. Hibs boss Heckingbottom can’t pull his side out the market just yet.