Almost good. Nearly impressive. Occasionally awful. Regularly frustrating. When words can’t quite describe a season of toil and heartache, the universal language of science – mathematics – will have to suffice. Even if the pure accuracy of numbers is being applied in a distinctly unscientific manner …
If individual marks out of 10 compiled during a game are, by their very nature, about as accurate and reliable as the average economic forecast, using a number to measure the performances of Hibs player over the course of a season is a method inevitably open to results bias. Had Hibs managed to hold on to their 1-0 lead over Motherwell at Fir Park just before the Scottish Premiership split, for instance, virtually every member of the squad would have earned themselves an extra half mark – maybe more – in recognition of their efforts.
But, of course, they didn’t hold on. Nor did their post-split efforts force any major rethink on the part of punters who suffered through an entire campaign of near misses and unlucky losses.
Any review of the season must include an invitation to reflect on the key men responsible for all the good and bad things that happened to Hibs in season 2023-24. So here it is. We’ve not included absolutely everybody who pulled on a jersey this season. Ratings are applied only to those who played enough or promised enough to count, in the final totting up. Let the disagreements continue:
21. Emi Marcondes 5.5/10
Extremely talented loan signing who brought class to the Hibs attack. Faded as loan deal with Bournemouth neared end - and free agency approached. | SNS Group
22. Dylan Vente 5.5/10
For a short spell, the Dutchman looked as if he would have a brilliant scoring season. Injury disrupted campaign ended with eight goals. Will be looking for improvement next year. | SNS Group
23. Adam Le Fondre 5/10
If only he could have stayed fit. Veteran English striker will return to his family down south without ever feeling like he cracked the Scottish Premiership code. | SNS Group