Hibs signed just the one player in the January transfer window after perhaps being expected to do a bit more.
Alasanah Manneh became a Hibee when he made the switch from Danish side OB, the Easter Road men paying a small fee for the midfielder, who had months left on his deal.
David Gray had sorted out the miserable form from earlier in the season so their need for additions was greatly reduced but fans still hoped for more. However, Not the Old Firm discussed whether the ‘less is more’ approach was actually better for Hibs.
And in any case, there is now evidence planning is more than underway for the summer window. Hibs yesterday announced Jamie McGrath would be joining them on a pre-contract from Aberdeen in the summer.
And could there be more where that came from?
Hibs could sign more pre-contracts after McGrath
Gray insists work has been going on ahead of the summer window for some time now, despite perceptions there wasn’t a lot going on.
And he has suggested there are more players in the final throes of their contracts that could be targeted by Hibs.
He said: “I spoke about it during the window, that it almost feels like because we’re not doing anything right now, that nothing was really happening. There’s always things that are happening.
“Naturally, when players have got six months to go on their contract, that can happen. Conversations can happen.
“And I always said that, yes, we were looking to try and bring the right people in in January to try and strengthen the group. But we’re always looking longer term as well, knowing that there’s a lot of players out of the contract, a lot of players that might move on, depending on their situation.
“And I think this is a good way to be, as you highlight what I’ve always said about being proactive, the hard work that always goes on in the background. And more so when the window closes.
“Everyone talks about it a lot more when the window closes, but the constant communication and the hard work in the background, trying to move the club forward all the time. And we’re obviously delighted to announce something like this as early as this, especially the calibre of player.
“We’re identifying areas in which we feel something might come up or something might have to be done in certain situations.”
Gray on whether signing McGrath is a statement
McGrath was one of the high-performing players in an Aberdeen team that took the league by storm early this season, though his form dipped before picking up an injury.
Hibees fans are viewing it as a coup and getting one up on Aberdeen, as well as Hearts who were also linked.
Asked if the signing is a “statement”, Gray said: “I think I’d understand why it would look that way. From my point of view, it’s just great to bring a player of that calibre into your football club, regardless of who they play for or what they’ve done previously.
“It’s a brilliant addition to the squad and will be come next season. I’m very conscious I don’t really want to talk about someone that is very much still an Aberdeen player between now and the end of the season.
“So I’m very respectful and mindful of that. I’d like to focus mainly on the players that are affecting us between now and the end of the season, if possible.”