Tam McManus is enthusiastic about the transfer activity Hibs have been engaged in and has singled out one newcomer as a potential standout. However, he also has some reservations.
David Gray, in his first role as a manager, has made nine signings so far, addressing both defensive and offensive needs after last season. The defensive upgrades included goalkeepers Josef Bursik and centre-backs Warren O’Hora and Marvin Ekpiteta. More recently, Gray has focused on attacking reinforcements, bringing in Mykola Kuharevich, Kieron Bowie, Junior Hoilett, and Nicky Cadden, along with midfielder Kwon on loan from Celtic. Dylan Vente has been loaned out to PEC Zwolle, and Gray plans to sign another centre forward.
McManus, a former Hibs striker, is impressed with the club’s transfer dealings but is concerned about the size of the squad, fearing it could lead to internal issues. He commented in the Daily Record, “Hibs are making strong moves in the transfer market, and it’s exciting to see. However, there’s a significant issue that concerns me. Nine new arrivals are great, and David Gray is clearly making his mark. He’s addressed almost every area of the team.
“But my worry is that he needs to offload some players. With so many players on hefty contracts and reluctant to leave, the squad is becoming excessively large. This is often a consequence of frequent managerial changes, as new managers prefer to bring in their own players rather than work with those of their predecessors. This can lead to a bloated squad with unhappy players who may negatively affect the team’s morale. It’s important to have 20-25 players with a positive attitude, all eager to contribute.
McManus sees Bowie as a particularly exciting addition who could potentially shine in attack. He said, “Bowie excites me—he could be a star. His goal record at Northampton and for Scotland U21 is promising for his age, and his experience at a Premier League club plus his time at Raith Rovers is impressive.
He also praised the other signings, noting Hoilett’s strong performance for Aberdeen last season and the value of securing him. “Overall, I’m pleased with the signings, and I’m sure David is too. The next step is converting these additions into results. Fans need to understand that it will take some time for the new players to settle in, but results need to start coming in soon.”
Be the first to comment