[FM20] Stuniverse's FM20 Adventure

[Stuniverse]

31 August 2022

GRAY'S GILLINGHAM LOAN BID FALLS THROUGH

HibsView: A proposed loan move taking Hibernian's 34 year-old right-back David Gray to Gillingham has fallen through.

[Stuniverse]

31 August 2022

ALLOA LOAN ROBERTSON

HibsView: Hibernian's 18 year-old striker Scott Robertson has joined League One Alloa Athletic on loan for the season.

[Stuniverse]

31 August 2022

HENDRY JOINS KILMARNOCK ON LOAN

HibsView: Hibernian's 27 year-old centre-back Jack Hendry has joined Kilmarnock (Premiership) on loan for the season.

Hendry joined Hibs on a free transfer this summer but has failed to break into the first team picture and is currently behind  Hibs captain Paul Hanlon (broken toe), vice-captain Adam Jackson, Connor Johnson and Ryan Porteous in the pecking order.

Our sources at the club inform us Hendry was furious at being left out of the Euro Cup squad and had a big bust-up with Hibs manager Stuniverse.

Edited March 9, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

31 August 2022

HIBS REJECT RANGERS BID

HibsView: Hibernian have rejected a £350K bid from Rangers for their 28 year-old left-back James Husband.

[Stuniverse]

1 September 2022

TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSED

HibsView: Hibernian have been very busy in this summer's transfer window, bringing in 13 players, with 23 players leaving, eight of them on loan, and seven players released.

Edited March 9, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

2 September 2020

MONTHLY REPORTS

Manager Performance:

Finances:

Dynamics:

[Stuniverse]

7 September 2022

STRACHAN HAS NO PROBLEMS WITH STUNIVERSE

HibsView: In the build up to the Betfred Cup Quarter Final, Aberdeen manager Gordon Strachan says he has no problems with Hibernian manager Stuniverse.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Wednesday 7th September 2022

Pre-match v Aberdeen (a) - Betfred Cup Quarter Final

Match Preview

HibsView: You've made it to the Quarter Final of the Betfred Cup. Can you go all the way and lift the trophy?

Stuniverse: We can't get ahead of ourselves. If we start thinking about a potential semi-final or final then our focus isn't on the quarter-final against Aberdeen at Pittodrie Stadium. I joined Hibernian to win trophies and the Betfred Cup is definitely a competition we believe we have the capability to win. But Aberdeen, away, won't be easy and we'll have to be at our best to get through.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Liam Gordon (cup-tied)
Kyle Magennis (cup-tied)
Paul Hanlon (broken toe)
Liam Gordon (hamstring)

Doubtful:
Lewis Morgan (broken collarbone-45)
Anthony Ralston (ankle-90)
Fraser Hornby (ankle-90)
Mitch Clark (groin-90)

HibsView: Just the one change today after the international break.

Stuniverse: We had four players away with Scotland - Lawrence Shankland, Stevie Mallan, Fraser Hornby and Anthony Ralston. Fraser and Anthony both took knocks on the ankle and Fraser, unfortunately, hasn't recovered in time and doesn't even make the bench. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy starts up front in Fraser's place.

Post-match: Aberdeen (1) 2-0 (0) Hibernian

HibsView: It wasn't to be.

Stuniverse: No, not this season. But we're still in other competitions and we'll do or best to win those.

I don't want to take anything away from Aberdeen, because they played very well tonight and deserved their victory, but - and I don't know why - we weren't at our best and couldn't get anything going in attack. Aberdeen started brightly and took the lead from a 9th minute corner. Three minutes after the restart we couldn't clear the ball in a goalmouth scramble and they forced the ball over the line for 2-0. We huffed and puffed, tried a few different things, but we didn't deserve anything out of this game and we have a lot of work to do to improve on this showing.

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Edited March 9, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 10th September 2022

Pre-match v Dundee United (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (6)

Match Preview

HibsView: With Rangers losing 3-0 to Celtic this lunchtime, you can stretch the gap between you and third place to four points if you win against newly promoted Dundee United.

Stuniverse: Dundee United have started the season very well for a promoted team, just as Falkirk did last season, and I'm well aware of how that momentum boosts confidence and raises performance levels as I saw it first-hand at Falkirk last season. We had a bad day at the office last time out at Aberdeen and we aim to get back on track in front of our own fans at Easter Road today.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Paul Hanlon (broken toe)

Doubtful:
Liam Gordon (hamstring-75)
Anthony Ralston (ankle-90 / fatigued)
Fraser Hornby (ankle-90)
Mitch Clark (groin-90 / fatigued)
James Husband (fatigued)

HibsView: Four changes today, I think, or is it five?

Stuniverse: No, it's four changes in personnel, but one change of position. Anthony Ralston has been struggling in training with his ankle, and his natural replacement Mitch Clark has been looking jaded, so I'm pushing Ben Marshall back to right-back, with Daryl Horgan coming in on the right-wing. Glen Middleton comes in on the left for Curtis Jones. Ronan Darcy starts in central midfield for Stevie Mallan. Fraser Hornby (ankle) returns up front in place of Rushian Hepburn-Murphy.

Post-match: Hibernian (2) 2-2 (1) Dundee United

HibsView: You were 2-0 up after 20 minutes, but ended up drawing. Did using your squad today backfire on you?

Stuniverse: You ask that question like I had a choice. I used the squad because injuries and tiredness meant I needed to. Overall, I thought we were the better team but we lost concentration and switched off at crucial times.

Glenn Middleton showed tremendous tenacity in their penalty area to bulldoze his way through a crowd of defenders to put the ball in the back of the net to give us a 2nd minute lead. Lawrence Shankland doubled our lead on 19 minutes, scoring after Fraser Hornby headed down Ben Marshall's cross. We should've defended a 33rd minute corner better, but we didn't, and they pulled it back to 2-1 with a header. We lost our concentration late on and Dundee United equalised in the 88th minute.

HibsView: You remain second in the Premiership.

Stuniverse: That's pleasing, but we need to improve on our recent performances to stay there.

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Edited March 9, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

15 September 2022

HIBS NOT FOR SALE

HibsView: Amid speculation and rumours about a possible takeover of Hibernian FC, Hibs owner Ronald Gordon has categorically denied the club is for sale.

Edited March 9, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Thursday 15th September 2022

Pre-match v Allmanna Idrottsklubben (AIK) (H) - Euro Cup II Group G (1)

Match Preview

HibsView: AIK are considered the weakest team in the Group. This is a good opportunity to win at Easter Road and make a great start to the Group.

Stuniverse: It is. But we'll need to do better than we have in our last couple of games. I'm sure AIK will be wanting to get off to a good start too.

Team Selection

Unregistered: Ross Doohan, David Gray, Lee Buchanan, Liam Gordon, Jack Hendry, Luke Amos, Kyle Edwards, Jahmal Hector-Ingram. 

Unavailable:
Daryl Horgan (thigh)

Doubtful:
Paul Hanlon (broken toe-45)
Fraser Hornby (ankle-90)

HibsView: Four changes today.

Stuniverse: Unfortunately, Daryl Horgan has picked up a thigh issue, which means Ben Marshall moves forward to the right-wing and Anthony Ralston (ankle) returns from injury at right-back. Stevie Mallan comes back into central midfield for Ronan Darcy and Kyle Magennis replaces Sam Field. Up front, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy comes in for Fraser Hornby. 

I'm delighted to be able to name seven substitutes again.

Post-match: Hibernian (4) 4-1 (0) Allmanna Idrottsklubben (AIK)

HibsView: A very impressive win.

Stuniverse: Thank you. I'm proud of the players tonight, they were thoroughly dominant. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy gave us an 18th minute lead after their goalkeeper saved, but couldn't hold, a Lawrence Shankland shot. We were 2-0 up three minutes later, Lawrence Shankland headed James Husband's cross onto the post and the ball rebounded, hit the goalkeeper's legs, and went in. After 31 minutes, Lawrence Shankland volleyed home Glenn Middleton's cross to make it 3-0. A minute later, Lawrence Shankland turned provider for James Husband to score our fourth goal. After the break, we made a couple of changes at the back and AIK pulled one back shortly after on 56 minutes. After that, AIK never really threatened s we defended well and saw the game out.

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Edited March 9, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Mrlee.1986]

The fact you have had two takeover mentions already this season..... 🙄

[Stuniverse]

7 hours ago, Mrlee.1986 said:

The fact you have had two takeover mentions already this season..... 🙄

Hehehehe, @Mrlee.1986, I had a similar reaction when I saw those messages in my Inbox 😀

The first one, media saying it would take a bid “truly worthy of consideration” I’ve seen before in FM and, usually, nothing comes from it. I get that one quite a bit on Derby County saves.

The second one, the owner categorically denying any takeover talks with interested consortiums, is a new one on me. I’ve never seen that one before.

Edited March 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

What is the Euro Cup II?

I hadn’t heard of the Euro Cup II until I was managing in it with Hibernian in the fourth season of this save. A search on Google led me to this BBC article which suggests it’s a new competition that UEFA will introduce from 2021 and will directly affect countries outside of the 15 top-ranked countries which, at the time the article was written, included Scotland. I’m still a bit confused as it reads like a competition to qualify for the following season’s Europa League. Let’s hope I can manage Hibernian to success in the Euro Cup II so that we can find out together how it works.

BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46421656

This article from FM20 talks about it in FM20: https://www.fmscout.com/a-new-fm20-competition-europa-league-2.html

Has anybody got their head around the Euro Cup II and how it works yet?

Edited March 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Tajerio]

17 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

What is the Euro Cup II?

I hadn’t heard of the Euro Cup II until I was managing in it with Hibernian in the fourth season of this save. A search on Google led me to this BBC article which suggests it’s a new competition that UEFA will introduce from 2021 and will directly affect countries outside of the 15 top-ranked countries which, at the time the article was written, included Scotland. I’m still a bit confused as it reads like a competition to qualify for the following season’s Europa League. Let’s hope I can manage Hibernian to success in the Euro Cup II so that we can find out together how it works.

BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46421656

This article from FM20 talks about it in FM20: https://www.fmscout.com/a-new-fm20-competition-europa-league-2.html

Has anybody got their head around what the Euro Cup II and how it works yet?

It'll be called the Europa Conference League in real life. Basically, UEFA are trimming down the Europa League to 32 teams in the group stages, like the Champions League, which will get rid of one round of knockouts in the Europa League. But they're putting the excess teams into a third competition (the Conference League I'll call it), in order to get more teams involved in the later stages of a continental competition (as opposed to having lots of minnows get knocked out in qualifying rounds for the Europa League proper). There will be very few spots for teams in higher ranked associations--the top five only send one team, and the next ten only two. Everybody goes through playoffs--nobody goes straight to the group stage.

There's also a playoff after the group stage in which the second-ranked teams in the Conference League play the third-ranked teams from the Europa League to decide who joins the first-ranked teams from the Conference League in the knockouts (confusing enough?). The winner of the whole thing goes straight to the Europa League group stage the next year, just like the winner of the Europa League goes straight to the Champions League the next year.

 

The Wikipedia article on it gives a decent breakdown I think: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Europa_Conference_League.

There's also UEFA's own info: https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0256-0e9a05634e35-236276d37822-1000--uefa-europa-conference-league-what-is-it-when-does-it-start-who/

[kidthekid]

On FM, it seems similar to the Europa league. The winner makes it to the Europa league, just like the winner of the Europa league makes it to the Champions League. I think it's a fun tournament due to the diversity of teams in it.

 

Edit: Tajerio beat me to it, and with more detail 

Edited March 10, 2020 by kidthekid

[Stuniverse]

Thanks, @Tajerio and @kidthekid for your insights. Having made it through three qualifying rounds to the Group Stages (thank you UEFA for seven subs again instead of five), I’m torn between researching the Euro Cup II more thoroughly or just letting things unfold as, hopefully, Hibernian progress through the competition under my management.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 18th September 2022

Pre-match v Rangers (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (7)

Match Preview

HibsView: You have two points more than Rangers ahead of your trip to Ibrox Stadium. Are you going to go more solid and defensive to ensure you stay above them by not losing?

Stuniverse: I don't want to give too much away about our tactical approach. That said, anybody who's followed my career knows I don't send teams out for a draw or to avoid defeat. I always pick a team, and a system of playing, that I think gives us the best chance of winning a football game. It doesn't always work out that way, but I always select a team to win.

Team Selection

Doubtful:
Paul Hanlon (broken toe-45)
Daryl Horgan (thigh-75)
Liam Gordon (hamstring-75)
Fraser Hornby (ankle-90)
Stevie Mallan (fatigued)

HibsView: Two changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. Stevie Mallan's looked jaded since the AIK game so Curtis Jones comes into central midfield. Up front, Fraser Hornby replaces Rushian Hepburn-Murphy.

Post-match: Rangers (1) 1-0 (0) Hibernian

HibsView: That must be a tough one to take, given how well you played. How do you sum it up?

Stuniverse: It is a tough loss to take. There was nothing between us in the first-half, and after the break we were the stronger side, in my opinion, and we were the only team who looked like scoring in the last quarter-of-an-hour. Unfortunately, we couldn't find a way to score and a bad mistake cost us. Kyle Magennis got caught in possession midway inside their half and Ryan Kent ran all the way into our penalty area to score what proved to be the only goal of the game. We thought Kyle Magennis had equalised with 10 minutes to go, but it was chalked off for offside. Probably, correctly.

HibsView: The loss knocks you down to fourth in the Premiership.

Stuniverse: It's very early days and there's a lot of football to be played still. Today we showed we can compete with Rangers in their own back-yard and we have to take confidence from that, and build on the positives.

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Edited March 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Thursday 22nd September 2022

Pre-match v Allmanna Idrottsklubben (AIK) (a) - Euro Cup II Group G (2)

Match Preview

HibsView: After a convincing 4-1 victory over AIK at Easter Road, you must be confident ahead of the return fixture in Sweden?

Stuniverse: The home game is done and dusted. I'm sure AIK will have learnt just as much about us as we did about them. We're expecting a much tougher game in Stockholm. We've trained hard and prepared well and we're confident of performing at the Friends Arena.

Team Selection

Unregistered: Ross Doohan, David Gray, Lee Buchanan, Liam Gordon, Jack Hendry, Luke Amos, Kyle Edwards, Jahmal Hector-Ingram. 

Doubtful:
Paul Hanlon (broken toe-45)
Anthony Ralston (ankle-90/fatigued)

HibsView: You played very well against Rangers, but still six changes tonight?

Stuniverse: We played on Sunday, again tonight [Thursday], and then again on Sunday in a tough game against Hearts. Three difficult games in eight days. I thought we needed to freshen things up a bit. Anthony Ralston took a knock to his ankle last time out so Mitch Clark starts at right-back. Ryan Porteous returns at centre-back for Connor Johnson. Daryl Horgan starts on the right-wing instead of Ben Marshall. Stevie Mallan and Sam Field replace Kyle Magennis and Glenn Middleton in midfield. Up front, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy replaces Fraser Hornby.

Post-match: Allmanna Idrottsklubben (AIK) (0) 0-5 (3) Hibernian

HibsView: Four goals against AIK at Easter Road was impressive, but five goals in the away match is something special, isn't it?

Stuniverse: Yes. It is. It's something special, I agree. The players were magnificent tonight, every one of them. It took just three minutes for us to break the deadlock with Curtis Jones heading in Daryl Horgan's cross. Curtis Jones scored a second header on 11 minutes, this time from Mitch Clark's cross. Lawrence Shankland made it 3-0 on 39 minutes, sliding in after Mitch Clark's shot was parried by their goalkeeper. After 72 minutes, Stevie Mallan scored a delightful free-kick for 4-0. Lawrence Shankland made it 5-0 on 76 minutes after Stevie Mallan's ball over the top put him clean through. But, much as the five goals were great, I'm equally happy with the clean sheet.

HibsView: Jones looked to be in a lot of discomfort when he went off. What can you tell us?

Stuniverse: It looks like a hamstring strain which means Curtis Jones could be out for up to six weeks. It's a real shame, I feel for Curtis because he was just beginning to find his feet and show everybody what a talented footballer he is.

HibsView: Genk completed the double over Wolfsberger which means it looks like it's going to be a shootout between you and Genk for top spot in the Group.

Stuniverse: Well, we travel to Belguim to play Genk next so that'll be an interesting game in a week's time. 

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Edited March 12, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

23 September 2022

HIBERNIAN ENJOYING LIFE WITH STUNIVERSE

FourFourTwo:

[Stuniverse]

24 September 2022

EDINBURGH DERBY - STUNIVERSE AND ROBERTSON IN JOVIAL MOOD

HibsView: Ahead of the first Edinburgh Derby of the season at Easter Road tomorrow, both managers were in good spirits with Hibernian manager Stuniverse and Hearts manager John Robertson speaking very highly of each other.

Edited March 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 25th September 2022

Pre-match v Heart of Midlothian (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (8)

Match Preview

HibsView: How are you feeling ahead of your first Edinburgh derby?

Stuniverse: Excited. Nervous. Confident. I'm glad we're playing at Easter Road and am looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of an Edinburgh derby. I know our fans will be right behind us and give us a huge lift. We're confident of giving our fans the bragging rights if we can perform to the level we know we're capable of.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Curtis Jones (hamstring)

Doubtful:
Paul Hanlon (broken toe-45)
Antony Ralston (ankle-90 / jaded)
Adam Jackson (jaded)
Daryl Horgan (jaded)
Stevie Mallan (jaded)
James Husband (jaded)

HibsView: I understand you have some problems following the AIK match.

Stuniverse: Yes, Curtis Jones will be out for a number of weeks with a hamstring problem he picked up Thursday night, Glenn Middleton comes in on the left-wing. We also have a number of players who looked tired in training so Connor Johnson (CB), Stephen MacKay (LB), Ben Marshall (RW) and Ronan Darcy (CM) step in for Adam Jackson, James Husband, Daryl Horgan and Stevie Mallan.

Post-match: Hibernian (2) 3-2 (2) Heart of Midlothian

HibsView: That was some match. Congratulations on winning your first Edinburgh derby.

Stuniverse: Thank you. Although I didn't win it. My players did. We got off to a bad start very early on, but I was so proud of the character and desire of the players to get themselves back into the game, and turn it around. I thought we got stronger the longer the game went on and, in the second-half, we were the only team who looked like scoring. If it hadn't been for Dimitar Evtimov's brilliance in their goal, we would have scored even more. 

Mitch Clark conceded a stupid free-kick after less than a minute. We then had a couple of opportunities to clear the ball, failed to do so, and Marco Moscati scored a worldie of a goal from outside the penalty area. On 28 minutes, Lawrence Shankland played Ronan Darcy through to equalise. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy gave us the lead just before the break, after their goalkeeper had made a fine save to deny Lawrence Shankland. Unfortunately we didn't get to half-time ahead as Harry Cochrane smashed an unbelievable shot in off the bar from long range in the 47th (45+2) minute. After the interval, I thought we stepped it up and were by far the better team after the break. On 62 minutes, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy restored our lead with a spectactular volley, after being set-up by Lawrence Shankland. 

HibsView: Middleton went off injured. How is he?

Stuniverse: Glenn's pulled a calf muscle and will be out for around three weeks.

HibsView: Your old club Falkirk have done you a favour by drawing with Rangers, a result that sees you move up to third.

Stuniverse: That was very kind of Falkirk. Today was all about our fans, who were very noisy today, and, whilst we probably frayed their nerves at times, I'm delighted that my players were able to give them the bragging rights over Hearts.

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Edited March 12, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Thursday 29th September 2022

Pre-match v K Racing Club Genk (a) - Euro Cup Group G (3)

Match Preview

HibsView: Both you and Genk have two wins from two at the top of the Group. A win in Belguim tonight would set you up to qualify from the Group, wouldn't it?

Stuniverse: It would be a brilliant achievement to go to Belguim and win at the Luminus Arena. Genk were very impressive in their two games against Wolfsberger and we know we'll have our hands full tonight.

Team Selection

Unregistered: Ross Doohan, David Gray, Lee Buchanan, Liam Gordon, Jack Hendry, Luke Amos, Kyle Edwards, Jahmal Hector-Ingram. 

Unavailable:
Curtis Jones (hamstring)
Glenn Middleton (calf)

Doubtful:
Paul Hanlon (broken toe-45)
James Husband (jaded)

HibsView: Just the one change tonight?

Stuniverse: Yes. Daryl Horgan comes in on the left-wing for Glenn Middleton, who pulled a calf muscle against Hearts.

Post-match: K Racing Club Genk (1) 1-0 (0) Hibernian

HibsView: Only one goal in it. You didn't have a single shot on target. How do you explain that?

Stuniverse: Well it wasn't the game plan, that's for sure. We defended pretty well, I thought, but unfortunately they managed to get their noses in front just before half-time. With the ball, we weren't able to get much going and, when we did create an opportunity, we couldn't get our attempts on target. I think you have to give Genk a lot of credit though.

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Edited March 12, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

30 September 2022

HIBERNIAN - OCTOBER FIXTURES

HibsView: Hibs face three Premiership fixtures and two Euro Cup II Group G matches in October.

 

[Stuniverse]

2 October 2022

MONTHLY REPORT

Manager Performance:

Finances:

Dynamics:

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 2nd October 2022

Pre-match v Hamilton Academical (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (9)

Match Preview

HibsView: Hamilton have surprised a lot of people so far as they sit 5th, three points behind you. How do you see this one going at the Fountain of Youth Stadium?

Stuniverse: Obviously, we're looking to win. But you have to give Alex Neil a ton of credit. When he took over as manager last season, Hamilton looked dead-and-buried with just five points from 18 games. Somehow he kept them up and Hamilton have continued that miraculous form this season.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Curtis Jones (hamstring)
Jahmal Hector-Ingram (knee)
Glenn Middleton (calf)

Doubtful:
Ben Marshall (fatigued)
Lawrence Shankland (fatigued)

HibsView: A total of six changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes. We were poor against Genk. I'm not sure why, it's not like us, but I think it's time to change things around and freshen the side up a bit. We can't afford any lethargy or tiredness today. Against a very fit Hamilton side, we'll need all the energy we can muster.

Our captain, Paul Hanlon, returns after a broken toe and partners vice-captain Adam Jackson in the centre of defence, with Connor Johnson and Ryan Porteous making way. James Husband and Stevie Mallan both looked sharper in training and return in place of Stephen MacKay and Ronan Darcy. Ben Marshall and Lawrence Shankand looked like they needed a rest so Lewis Morgan and Fraser Hornby come in.

Post-match: Hamilton Academical (0) 2-3 (1) Hibernian

HibsView: You changed to 4-2-3-1 today. What looked like being a comfortable win, ended up as a narrow victory in the end. What happened in the closing minutes? 

Stuniverse: We switched off and lost focus. When the fourth official put up the board showing a minimum of four added on minutes, we were 3-0 up and the players thought they'd won already. That lack of concentration nearly cost us. Fortunately, we made it to the final whistle with three points intact. Just.

For the most part, I think the 4-2-3-1 system served us well today and it was great to see our captain, Paul Hanlon, back at the heart of our defence.

We had to wait until the 39th minute for Rushian Hephurn-Murphy to give us the lead from the penalty spot. On 59 minutes, Stevie Mallan doubled our lead from long range after good work by Mitch Clark and Fraser Hornby. Mitch Clark made it 3-0 on 73 minutes with a chip into the box that deceived everyone, including their goalkeeper. We switched off on 90 minutes and Scott Martin ran right through us to pull it back to 3-1. And then two minutes later, Jack Johnson also ran through us to claw it back to 3-2. But we held on for the win.

HibsView:  The win puts you second in the Premiership, although Kilmarnock can go above you on goal difference if they beat Rangers at Ibrox Stadium tomorrow night.

Stuniverse: We've only played nine games. We haven't even played everybody once yet. It's far too early to read anything into the league table.

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited March 13, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

3 October 2022

HIBS 2ND AHEAD OF INTERNATIONAL BREAK

HibsView: Hibernian enter the international break in second place in the Premiership after Rangers beat Kilmarnock 3-0 tonight.

Hibs, who have seven players away on international duty, are next in action on Friday 14th October when they host 7th placed Aberdeen.

Edited March 12, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Friday 14th October 2022

Pre-match v Aberdeen (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (10)

Match Preview

HibsView: Aberdeen are surprisingly 7th, six points behind you, but they did knock you out of the Betfred Cup at Pittodrie Stadum earlier in the season. Does tonight's Premiership match at Easter Road give you the opportunity to avenge that 2-0 defeat?

Stuniverse: It's not about revenge but, yes, we want to beat Aberdeen tonight in front of our own supporters. Aberdeen played very well against us in the Cup so it won't be easy.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Curtis Jones (hamstring)

Doubtful:
Jahmal Hector-Ingram (knee-45)
Glenn Middleton (calf-90)
Anthony Ralston (jaded)
Daryl Horgan (jaded)
Fraser Hornby (jaded)

HibsView: How has a break of two weeks affected your preparation?

Stuniverse: Not great. We had seven players away on international duty and they only reported back with us yesterday. Having our game brought forward to Friday night for TV hasn't given Anthony Ralston, Daryl Horgan and Fraser Hornby enough time to recover and they're all out tonight.

Ben Marshall starts on the right-wing instead of Daryl Horgan (jaded), Ronan Darcy replaces Fraser Hornby (jaded) in the attacking midfield role. Lawrence Shankland comes in for Rushian Hepburn-Murphy up front.

Post-match: Hibernian (3) 5-1 (0) Aberdeen

HibsView: That was a very impressive win.

Stuniverse: Thank you. I was delighted with the way the players performed tonight, defensively, in transition, and going forward, they were outstanding. When we lost in the Betfred Cup at Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen completely outplayed us. Tonight, I think we totally outplayed Aberdeen and I'm so proud of the players.

Lewis Morgan gave us the lead on 22 minutes, after Paul Hanlon won possession on the halfway line and charged forward with the ball. Lawrence Shankland made it 2-0 on 31 minutes, volleying home Stevie Mallan's through ball. On 38 minutes, Lewis Morgan scored his second goal, after a poor defensive header went straight to him, and we were 3-0 up. Bright Enobakhare made it 4-0, on 64 minutes, turning in James Husband's low cross from close range. We were unfortunate on 70 minutes when Adam Jackson's clearance, ricocheted off Paul Hanlon to Ronan Curtis, and Aberdeen pulled one back. It was 5-1 on 76 minutes when James Husband blasted a shot that was too hot for their goalkeeper to handle.

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Edited March 13, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

15 October 2022

PREMIERSHIP RESULTS

HibsView: Following Hibernian's 5-1 victory over Aberdeen last night, Hibs are three points clear of 3rd place after Rangers drew 1-1 with bottom club Ross County. Celtic maintained their 100% record with a 2-0 win against Motherwell and are eight points clear at the top.

[Stuniverse]

19 October 2022

EURO CUP II COMPETITION STAGES

HibsView: Hibernian need to finish in the top two of Group G in order to progress in the Euro Cup II. The Group Winner will go straight into the Second Knockout Round, whereas the Runner-up will qualify for the First Knockout Round.

Edited March 13, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Thursday 20 October 2022

Pre-match v Wolfsberger Athletik Club (a) - Euro Cup II Group G (4)

Match Preview

HibsView: You're 2nd in the Group, three points ahead of 3rd placed Wolfsberger. If you can go to Austria and beat them, you'll as good as guarantee qualification.

Stuniverse: We struggled on our European travels when we lost to Genk in Belguim. We'll need to play much better in Austria to get any points from the Wolfsberger game.

Team Selection

Unregistered: Ross Doohan, David Gray, Lee Buchanan, Liam Gordon, Jack Hendry, Luke Amos, Kyle Edwards, Jahmal Hector-Ingram. 

Doubtful:
Curtis Jones (hamstring-90)
Sam Field (groin-90)
Kyle Magennis (shin-90)
Bright Enobakhare (knee-90)
Kieran O'Hara (calf-90)
Glenn Middleton (calf-90)
Stevie Mallan (jaded)

HibsView: Two changes tonight.

Stuniverse: Yes. Both in midfield where Dean McMaster and Bright Enobakhare (knee) come in for Stevie Mallan (jaded) and Sam Field (groin).

Post-match: Wolfsberger Athletik Club (0) 1-4 (3) Hibernian

HibsView: Another impressive win with the 4-2-3-1 system. Is that why you're getting more consistent results than when you went 4-4-2 earlier in the season?

Stuniverse: I'm not sure it's entirely down to the system. I think it took a while for us to get to know the strengths and weaknesses of the players and how to blend them together to find a balanced team. It's also taken the players time to adapt to how we want then to play. I also think the return of our captain, Paul Hanlon, from a broken toe has helped settle us down defensively.

We played very well tonight. 19 minutes in and Lewis Morgan, received Ben Marshall's cross-field pass, cut inside, ran into the penalty area, and hit a fierce shot into the bottom corner. Lawrence Shankland had a penalty saved, but then he did score after 38 minutes, turning in a Ben Marshall corner. James Husband made it 3-0 two minutes later, after good work by Lewis Morgan. Lewis Morgan made it 4-0 on 59 minutes, after a superb run down the right-wing and cross from Anthony Ralston. Wolfsberger pulled one back on 71 minutes when we failed to defend a free-kick properly at the far post.

HibsView: The win means you only need a point from two home matches to guarantee qualification to the knockout stages.

Stuniverse: Yes, but those games at Easter Road are against Genk, who've already beaten us once and have already qualified, and Wolfsberger who still have a chance of qualifying themselves.

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Edited March 13, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Sunday 23rd October 2022

Pre-match v Motherwell (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (11)

Match Preview

HibsView: Back to the Premiership today, away at 8th placed Motherwell. Can you g to Fir Park and get a win?

Stuniverse: That's our aim. We want to win, just as we try and win every game. I'm sure Motherwell are disappointed with their start to the season and they'll be desperate to get a good result against us.

Team Selection

Doubtful:
Jahmal Hector-Ingram (knee-45)
Mitch Clark (shin-75)
Curtis Jones (hamstring-90)
Sam Field (groin-90)
Bright Enobakhare (knee-90)
Kieran O'Hara (calf-90)
Glenn Middleton (calf-90)

HibsView: Three changes today.

Stuniverse: Yes, that's right. Anthony Ralston comes in at right-back for Mitch Clark (shin). Sam Field returns to central midfield in place of Dean McMaster. Stevie Mallan comes back in for Bright Enobakhare.

Post-match: Motherwell (0) 1-0 (0) Hibernian

HibsView: You must be disappointed with that.

Stuniverse: Yes. We are. Overall, I thought we did ok. We defended pretty well, apart from a 71st minute free-kick when we lost concentration. Going forward, we created a lot more chances than Motherwell, but we didn't get enough efforts on target and we didn't work their goalkeeper enough. We switched to 4-4-2 once they'd taken the lead, but it didn't improve our fortunes. It was one of those days. Hopefully, it's just a blip.

HibsView: That's 11 matches into the season, you've played everybody once, and you're second in the Premiership. You must be happy with that?

Stuniverse: It's 11 games and we still have 27 left to play. Second is nice, but there's a long way to go and we won't stay second if we continue to waste chances like we did today, and if we lose concentration at the back, which we've done a few times of late. To be honest, at the risk of sounding greedy, we're disappointed because we think we should have more points than we've got so far. 

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Edited March 14, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Thursday 27th October 2022

Pre-match v K Racing Club Genk (H) - Euro Cup II Group G (5)

Match Preview

HibsView: A draw tonight will be enough to see you qualify from the Group, but a win puts you level with Genk at the top, and will give you top spot on goal difference if you win by more than one clear goal. How confident do you feel?

Stuniverse: I work with a fantastic squad of players. I see week-in, week-out what they are capable of so I'm always confident in their abilities. But, as we saw last time out against Motherwell, things don't always go according to plan, there's always another 11 players trying to stop you doing what you want to do, another team trying to beat you. We have to be mindful that in Belguim, a couple of weeks or so ago now, Genk had the measure of us and won quite comfortably. It won't be an easy game, that's for sure. We're looking a bit tired across the squad so it's going to be a big ask of us tonight.

Team Selection

Unregistered: Ross Doohan, David Gray, Lee Buchanan, Liam Gordon, Jack Hendry, Luke Amos, Kyle Edwards, Jahmal Hector-Ingram. 

Doubtful:
Jahmal Hector-Ingram (knee-45)
Curtis Jones (hamstring-90)
Sam Field (groin-90)
Bright Enobakhare (knee-90)
Anthony Ralston (jaded)
Adam Jackson (jaded)
James Husband (jaded)
Stevie Mallan (jaded)
Kyle Magennis (jaded)
Dean McMaster (jaded)
Glenn Middleton (jaded)
Lawrence Shankland (jaded)

HibsView: Five changes, I make it. Just how tired is the squad?

Stuniverse: Very. It's probably a good thing we've got a break coming up for the Qatar World Cup as my players will benefit from a rest. We've been playing Sunday-Thursday-Sunday, with European travel thrown in for good measure, the whole season so far and it takes a lot out of the squad both mentally and physically. We play Wolfsberger next Thursday and then we can give the squad some well-deserved downtime. We might even give them a few days off after tonight's game.

I've changed three of the back-four with Mitch Clark, Ryan Porteous and Stephen MacKay coming in for Anthony Ralston, Adam Jackson and James Husband. Curtis Jones (hamstring) returns for Stevie Mallan and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy starts up front instead of Lawrence Shankland.

Post-match: Hibernian (0) 1-1 (0) K Racing Club Genk

HibsView: You left it late, but you got the point you needed to qualify for the knockout stages. Congratulations.

Stuniverse: Thank you. My players have worked incredibly hard, not just tonight but all season, and this is a well-deserved reward for them.

Genk are a very good side. They are very strong defensively and very quick when they have the ball. If it hadn't been for Ofir Marciano, in our goal, we would've been behind in the first-half. As it was, we were behind three minutes after the restart when they caught us cold at the far post from a free-kick.

HibsView: Nobody can accuse you of not going for it in the second-half, although I've no idea what system you were playing by the end. 

Stuniverse: Neither do I [laughs]. It was a case of we needed a goal and we needed to get as many players forward, in as controlled a way as possible, as we could. Fortunately, it worked when Ronan Darcy equalised from long-range, after great work by Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, on 84 minutes. We could even have won it late-on, when Curtis Jones's rasping drive was tipped over the bar by their goalkeeper. That would've been harsh on Genk though, if I'm being honest, and a draw was probably a fair result.

HibsView:  Looked like you picked up a couple of inuries?

Stuniverse: We lost Mitch Clark to a tight hamstring inside 20 minutes and Ronan Darcy got a gashed upper leg in the second-half, but he had to play on as we'd used all our subs.

HibsView: You still have an outside chance of winning the Group.

Stuniverse: A very, very slim chance. First we have to beat Wolfsberger, which we're confident of doing, but then AIK, who've lost every Group game, would need to beat Genk as well.

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Edited March 14, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

28 October 2022

HIBS ANNOUNCE FRIENDLIES

HibsView: Hibernian have announced five away friendly matches, all against English Championship sides, to keep the players ticking over during the international break for the World Cup in Qatar.

Hibs play their last Euro Cup II Group G match on Thursday 3rd November and then don't play another competitive match until hosting Falkirk, in the Premiership, on Boxing Day.

 

Edited March 14, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

2 November 2022

MONTHLY REPORTS

Manager Performance:

Finances:

Dynamics:

[Stuniverse]

Thursday 3rd November 2022

Pre-match v Wolfsberger Athletik Club (H) - Euro Cup II Group G (6)

Match Preview

HibsView: Having already qualified for the knockout stages, a win over Wolfsberger could yet see you win the Group and avoid the first knockout round.

Stuniverse: Hypothetically, that's possible, yes, but it would also need AIK to beat Genk. We beat Wolfsberger 4-1 in Austria which, whilst we won't be underestimating the Austrian Premier Division side, gives us confidence of getting a win in front of our own fans at Easter Road. AIK, on the other hand, have lost all five Group games so far which makes them huge underdogs against Genk.

Team Selection

Unregistered: Ross Doohan, David Gray, Lee Buchanan, Liam Gordon, Jack Hendry, Luke Amos, Kyle Edwards, Jahmal Hector-Ingram. 

Unavailable:
Ronan Darcy (gashed upper leg)

Doubtful:
Mitch Clark (hamstring-90)
Sam Field (groin-90)
Bright Enobakhare (knee-90)

HibsView: Four changes tonight.

Stuniverse: Yes. Adam Jackson returns to the defence for Ryan Porteous. Stevie Mallan starts in centre-midfield for Ronan Darcy (gashed upper leg). Lawrence Shankland comes in up front in place of Lewis Morgan. Daryl Horgan starts on the right-wing, instead of Ben Marshall, hopefully Daryl can put in a good performance to secure his place in Ireland's squad for the World Cup.

Post-match: Hibernian (1) 3-1 (0) Wolfsberger Athletik Club

HibsView: A good win to finish the Group fixtures. Did I imagine it, or were you playing a shorter passing game?

Stuniverse: Thank you. We started as we normally do but, yes, we did change to a shorter passing game, at the suggestion of my assistant Jari Litmanen, after about quarter-of-an-hour, and it worked very well. To be fair, Jari's been suggesting it for a while now, and I've been thinking about it for a while, and tonight seemed like the ideal opportunity to give it a go.

Paul Hanlon headed home Stevie Mallan's free-kick on 20 minutes. Paul Hanlon scored again on 55 minutes, from close range, reacting quickest after their goalkeeper parried Stevie Mallan's free-kick. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy hit the post on 69 minutes, which was a real shame as his clever, mazy run deserved a goal. Daryl Horgan made it 3-0 on 79 minutes, heading in Bright Enobakhare's cross at the far post. Adam Jackson got caught in possession on 85 minutes, but our goalkeeper, Ofir Marciano, came to Adam's rescue with a magnificent save. Wolfsberger did pull one back in the 89th minute, with a header from a free-kick.

HibsView: There's no VAR in the Premiership, but you got to experience it tonight. What's your initial reaction? 

Stuniverse: Well, it was disappointing, given that it ruled out Rushian Hepburn-Murphy's 4th minute header. The assistant referee never raised his flag, but VAR, after what seemed like an eternity, ruled the goal out for offside. In principle, I'm in favour of technology if it means the correct decision is made and it doesn't take too long. I've not had chance, yet, to watch it back so I have no idea whether the correct decision was made. My staff tell me that our goal scorer Rushian definitely wasn't offide, but Lawrence Shankland may have been.

HibsView: As expected, Genk won at AIK.

Stuniverse: No surprise there, but at least we've progressed from the Group in second place.

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Edited March 14, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

11 November 2022

MORGAN SIGNS NEW CONTRACT

HibsView: Hibernian's 26 year-old left winger Lewis Morgan has signed a new Hibs contract until the summer of 2026.

[Stuniverse]

16 November 2022

HIBERNIAN'S INTERNATIONALS RETURN

HibsView: Hibernian's eight current internationals have returned to Easter Road after pre-World Cup friendlies.

Scotland, who failed to qualify for the World Cup, drew 1-1 with Luxembourg and beat the Faroe Islands 6-0. 

Hibernian's 30 year-old winger Daryl Horgan was called up for Ireland's squad during the previous international break, making two substitute appearances, but was overlooked by Ireland manager Stephen Kenny for the Irish World Cup squad.

Hibernian have no players taking part in the World Cup.

Edited March 14, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 26th November 2022

Pre-match v Queen's Park Rangers (a) - Friendly (1)

Match Preview

HibsView: What are your plans for the World Cup international break?

Stuniverse: After the Wolfsberger game, we gave the players who weren't on international duty a couple of weeks off. Everybody's back in training now and we'll be working on a few things as well as building up match fitness again. We've arranged five away friendlies against English Championship teams, starting with QPR today, which will help us with an intensity to the friendlies as we look to get the players back to the level we need them at both physically and mentally.

It's also a good opporunity to look at some of our younger players from the U23s and U18s which is why Ross Doohan (GK), Marc Easdale (MC), Brandon Hunter (MRC), Aaron Fraser (MC) and Robbie Shaw (SC) are on the bench today.

I'll also be watching the World Cup closely, particularly with England looking good after two Group wins - 7-3 over Ireland and 7-0 against China.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
James Husband (groin)

Doubtful:
Kyle Edwards (abdominal strain-60)

Post-match: Queen's Park Rangers (1) 3-2 (1) Hibernian

HibsView: You were 2-1 up with 10 minutes to go, but ended up losing 3-2. How did you assess that one?

Stuniverse: We knew QPR were gong to be tough opposition and so it proved. Overall, I'm pretty happy. The players I selected today haven't played much football this season, and we finished the game with a bunch of Academy players on the pitch, so it's pleasing that we got ourselves into a winning position, even though we were unable to see it through.

Jahmal Hector-Ingram gave us the lead with a 10th minute penalty, after Bright Enobakhare was fouled as he tried to find room for a shot. Unfortunately, Kieran O'Hara came rushing out of his area on 22 minutes, gave the ball away, and gifted QPR an equaliser. After the break, Bright Enobakhare restored our lead in the 55th minute, playing a one-two with Ronan Darcy, before hitting a screamer into the top corner. David Gray needlessly conceded a 72nd minute penalty, but Kieran O'Hara made a brilliant save. We brought the youngsters on after that, to give them some experience, and QPR scored two late goals to win it, although Brandon Hunter and Robbie Shaw both had late chances to equalise.

HibsView: Middleton hobbled off after a heavy tackle. How is he?

Stuniverse: It looks like Glenn has sprained ankle ligaments but, hopefully, he should be back before we get going in the Premiership again.

 

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Edited March 15, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

2 December 2022

MONTHLY REPORTS

Manager Performance:

Finances:

Dynamics:

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 3rd December 2022

Pre-match v Brentford (a) - Friendly (2)

Match Preview

HibsView: Last time out you played well against QPR for 80 minutes. How do you see this one going?

Stuniverse: Brentford are probably going to be the toughest of our five Championship opponents in these friendly games. The Bees are 5th in the Championship, the highest out of the teams we play, which is why I've picked a team of players who've played regularly this season. It'll be interesting to see how we get on.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Glenn Middleton (ankle)
James Husband (groin)

Doubtful:
Kyle Edwards (abdominal strain-45)
Liam Gordon (groin-90)

Post-match: Brentford (1) 1-1 (1) Hibernian

HibsView: You said Brentford would be your toughest test. Are you happy with the draw?

Stuniverse: No, not really. Overall, I thought we were the better team, but didn't quite do enough to win it. We started slowly and Brentford took the lead with a well worked goal just three minutes in. Adam Jackson equalised for us on 16 minutes, rising highest at the far post to head in Stevie Mallan's free-kick. After that, I thought we edged it, but it was quite a cagey affair with no more goals. Defences and goalkeepers definitely had the upper hand.

HibsView: Jones looked like he got a knock before you substituted him.

Stuniverse: Yes, Curtis has pulled his hamstring, he'll probably be out for a couple of weeks.

HibsView: Am I allowed to give you a World Cup spoiler alert?

Stuniverse: If you're going to tell me England beat USA 1-0, I already know.

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Edited March 15, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

5 December 2022

WORLD CUP QUARTER-FINALS CONFIRMED

HbsView: Hibernian's English manager Stuniverse will be happy as his England team, The Auld Enemy, beat the USA 1-0 to reach the World Cup Quarter-Finals. England topped Group B with victories over Ireland (7-3), China (7-0) and a 0-0 draw with China.

England face Brazil in the Quarter-Final, whilst Africa are guaranteed a Nation in the Semi-Finals as Cameroon take on the Ivory Coast.

Edited March 15, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Tuesday 6th December 2022

Pre-match v Sheffield Wednesday (a) - Friendly (3)

Match Preview

HibsView: What's the plan for your visit to Hillsborough, to play Sheffield Wednesday today?

Stuniverse: I'm expecting the Owls to give us a very tough game but, like always, we'll be trying to win. I'll be rotating the squad again as we look to build match fitness into as many players legs as possible. Nobody who started the Brentford game, will start today. I've also been impressed by some of our U23 and U18 players so a few of them will make the bench in case there's an opportunity to get them on the pitch at some point.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Curtis Jones (hamstring)
Glenn Middleton (ankle)
James Husband (groin)

Doubtful:
Kyle Edwards (abdominal strain-45)
Liam Gordon (groin-90)

Post-match: Sheffield Wednesday (1) 4-2 (0) Hibernian

HibsView: How do you assess that defeat?

Stuniverse: I thought we started brightly and really took the game to Sheffield Wednesday from the kick-off. We had an 11th minute goal ruled out because Rushian Hepburn-Murphy was in an offside position when he deflected Ben Marshall's shot past the goalkeeper. Their goalkeeper made good saves from both Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and Jahmal Hector-Ingram. On 26 minutes, the Owls hit us with a pacy counter-attack down the middle and we were a goal behind. Joe Wildsmith, in their goal, then made a couple more fine saves to deny first Ben Marshall and then Bright Enobakhare.

Three minutes after the restart we were level, when Mitch Clark was brought down in the area and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy calmly converted the penalty. On 57 minutes, we were behind again. Once more we didn't deal with a free-kick which they headed onto the post, before reacting quickest in a crowded six-yard box to turn in the rebound. We equalised again after a mad scramble in their six-yard box, first Rushian Hepburn-Murphy had a shot charged down, Jahmal Hector-Ingram looked to have poked it over their line, only for one of their defenders to get the final touch in trying to clear it. Wildsmith continued to deny us, keeping out efforts from Lewis Morgan and Ben Marshall. Then they caught us on the break on 77 minutes and we fell 3-2 behind. The Owls then made it 4-2 after 81 minutes. At that stage, we decided to give the young lads the rest of the game and Wildsmith made a spectacular save late-on to deny Robbie Shaw.

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Edited March 15, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

7 December 2022

HIBS OFF TO UNIVERSITY

HibsView: Hibernian have arranged a friendly against Heriot-Watt University at Oriam on Monday.

[Stuniverse]

Game date: Saturday 10th December 2022

Pre-match v Millwall (a) - Friendly (4)

Match Preview

HibsView: After two defeats and a draw against English Championship teams, how are you approaching this one against Millwall?

Stuniverse: We're going to take this one more seriously. The previous friendlies were more about getting as many minutes into as many players legs as possible. That was more important than the balance and shape of the side. For the next two games, against Millwall today, and Derby on Saturday, we're going to treat them more like Premiership games with the team selection and the way we approach things out on the pitch. In between those two games, we've arranged a friendly with Heriot-Watt University, but that one's more for the younger players and fringe squad players.

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Curtis Jones (hamstring)
Glenn Middleton (ankle)
James Husband (groin)

Doubtful:
Liam Gordon (groin-90)

Post-match: Millwall (1) 1-2 (1) Hibernian

HibsView: Congratulations. You came from behind to win.

Stuniverse: Thank you. Millwall started brightly and scored after seven minutes. We began playing slightly more direct after that and Daryl Horgan equalised for us on 20 minutes, after being set-up by Lawrence Shankland. On 69 minutes, we thought we had the lead, but Rushian Hepburn-Murphy was ruled offside, when he headed in Stephen MacKay's cross. Lawrence Shankland did give us an 84th minute lead, after great work by Kyle Magennis. We kept our concentration at the back and saw the game out.

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Edited March 15, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

11 December 2022

WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS CONFIRMED

HibsView: The Auld Enemy are out of the World Cup after Brazil beat England 2-0.

[Stuniverse]

12 December 2022

YOUNG HIBS PROSPECTS

HibsView: Sources close to Hibernian FC inform us that Hibs manager Stuniverse has been given an early heads-up not to expect too much from this season's youth intake of first-year scholars.

Maybe that explains why Stuniverse has taken a close look at the following U18 and U23 players during the international break for the World Cup:

32. Dean McMaster

34. Stephen MacKay

44. Marc Easdale

53. Andrew Cowan

55. Aaron Fraser

56. Alexander Bowden

57. Brandon Hunter

59. Robbie Shaw

[Stuniverse]

12 December 2022

HIBS FACE FC BASEL

HibsView: Hibernian have been drawn away to Swiss Super League side FC Basel in the Euro Cup II First Knockout Round. The tie will be played in Switzerland on Thursday 16th February 2023.

[Stuniverse]

Monday 12th December 2022

Pre-match v Heriot-Watt University (a) - Friendly (5)

Match Preview

Team Selection

Unavailable:
Curtis Jones (hamstring)
Glenn Middleton (ankle)

Doubtful:
James Husband (groin-75)
Liam Gordon (groin-90)

HibsView: A very youthful Hibs line-up tonight.

Stuniverse: Yes. That was always the plan when we arranged this friendly game, to give the youngsters a good run out.

Post-match: Heriot-Watt University (0) 0-5 (5) Hibernian XI

HibsView: That was a superb performance. Congratulations.

Stuniverse: Thank you. We'd seen plenty of promise from some of our U23 and U18 players and wanted to see how they got on against the local University side. They showed they had a lot of talent today, although they tired in the second-half.

Rushian Hepburn-Murphy gave us a 2nd minute lead from the penalty spot. Robbie Shaw made it 2-0 on 12 minutes after one of their defender's misjudged the flight of Aaron Fraser's long ball over the top. Jahmal Hector-Ingram headed home Rushian Hepburn-Murphy's cross for 3-0 a minute later. Lee Buchanan made it 4-0, after 17 minutes, when a corner was cleared to the edge of the penalty area and Lee played a one-two with Marc Easdale before rifling in a shot. Rushian Hepburn-Murphy made it 5-0 from the penalty spot on 37 minutes.

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Edited March 15, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

14 December 2022

CROATIA V SPAIN IN ALL EUROPEAN WORLD CUP FINAL

HibsView: Croatia will play Spain in the World Cup Final.