Gordon Strachan casts Hibs verdict after analysis mission as he assesses what Easter Road success looks like
The former Scotland boss has watched David Gray’s Hibs first-hand recently.
He watched David Gray’s side down his Dundee team - and Gordon Strachan has been left wondering what success really looks like for Hibs.
The former Scotland Celtic boss is now technical director at Dens Park. He sat in on analysis of his club’s 2-1 defeat against the Easter Road club last month, which Hibs have followed up with consecutive Premiership losses to Hearts and St Johnstone, sparking angst amongst supporters.
Strachan believes there’s a fine line between achievement and failure in Leith. While third and fourth would be seen as satisfactory, anything else may not be, and going any higher is difficult amid Old Firm dominance alongside Hearts’ growing strength.
Gordon Strachan on Hibs
Strachan said: “Listen, I sat on the analysis, which I never really do, at Dundee. I got invited in there, which is quite interesting., And we all decided that because of one or two things that we did, it helped Hibs to be a better team. But I've got to say that there was deep thought put into how Hibs played.
“So that's down to their analysis, management and coaching, because they had a look at us and went, ‘right, okay, let's turn it on them’. So they put a lot of thought into the game and if you have 25 or 20 odd shots at goal away from home, then that's a good performance. On the other side, the Hibs fans, what do they think?
“Because really, you've not competed with Rangers and Celtic for I don't know, 60 years since you’ve won a league. The Scottish Cup, that doesn’t count because it’s just something you can win over five games. But in the league, when's the last time they got second or first, or even third? I don't think David Gray is doing anything wrong, I don't think he can do much better.”
What is success at Hibs?
“I think if Hibs got third or fourth, then that is a result. What were they last year, Hibs? Fifth I think, just above Falkirk? So, I think if Hibs got to fourth or third, considering what they've got, considering the budget, I think that would be a terrific result. I quite like watching them play. So he's only two places away from being a great manager, and a thing that's chucked about literally now is ‘legends’.
“It gets chucked about too easily, this legend tag. Everyone's a legend nowadays. Nobody's rotten any more, they're legends. So I think they are not far away on what you need to do. I think if Aberdeen, Dundee United, anybody who has got that kind of budget, and even more so like myself, further down on the budget scale.
“You've probably got four really good players. If you keep these four good players fit and in form, you will win that battle of that group. So you've got Hibs, Dundee United, Hearts, and then you've got Rangers and Celtic. So if you win the battle of that, then you've done well.”
Gordon Strachan was speaking to Midnite as part of its ‘Built Different Index’ launch | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly