Despite shouts for him to walk after a wretched run of form, Hibs boss Paul Heckingbottom clearly has long-terms plans for his side.
He watched on in horror again this weekend as his side fell to a dismal 2-0 defeat to Kilmarnock. It’s their third in a row in Premiership competiton, following 6-1 and 3-0 defeats to Rangers and Motherwell.
Struggled in recent times. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Some fans want him gone following a poor run of form. Heckingbottom clearly isn’t listening to those shouts, eyeing up where Hibs will be come May already.
Heckingbottom told the Daily Record: “This game (Edinburgh derby) takes care of itself. It’s still only three points and still only September, I’m bothered about where we are at the end of the season, the bigger picture.”
Will Heckingbottom reach the final match?
Whilst it looks as if Heckingbottom is keen to stick out the season with Hibs, will he get a chance to?
Results need to improve. (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
It’s not just the results that need to change, it’s the mentality too. Results will surely change for the better, but when Hibs go down 1-0, it’s virtually game over.
Heckingbottom has to install some confidence into this side. On three occasions now after going one nil down, Hibs have completely folded. With a non-existent midfield and a shaky defence, which has conceded 16 goals in five games, it’s very likely they will concede.
What might not help him is that many fans have already turned against him. Again shouts for his departure were heard from the stands at Rugby Park, signalling how unhappy they are with current standings.
Unhappy with Heckingbottom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
The next two games are big for Heckingbottom, a derby against Hearts and a cup quarter final against Kilmarnock. Win both of them and some fears will be eased for now.
Failure to win them, however, and there could be no way back for Heckingbottom. He certainly seems like he wants to stay until the end of the campaign though, providing he isn’t pushed first.