Hibernian: How the fans rate Jack Ross' first year in charge at Easter Road

Although it may only seem like yesterday that he was appointed, Jack Ross has officially been in charge of Hibs for one year today. So we asked you – the fans – how you would rate his time in charge on a scale of 1-10.
Hibs fan rate his first year in charge.Hibs fan rate his first year in charge.
Hibs fan rate his first year in charge.

It’s exactly 365 days since Jack Ross was appointed the head coach of Hibernian Football Club.

One of the most exciting young coaches in Scotland, Ross, who had departed English League One club Sunderland a month prior, arrived at Easter Road on a three-and-a-half-year deal and immediately stated his aim to “do everything I can to make sure we’re able to help every player fulfil his potential”.

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So, a year on from his appointment, we put it to you – the fans – to rank his first year in charge on a scale of 1-10 via our dedicated Hibs Facebook page.

The post received over 150 of your comments, and here are some of your thoughts.

"The best manager we have had in a long time, 10 out of 10” said a delighted Stuart Downie, while Andrew Macmillan also rated Ross a perfect 10, adding “I can’t wait for the rest of the season”.

There were plenty Hibs fans who admitted frustration with defeat to local rivals Hearts, but continued to hold Ross in high regard.

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Sean Munson gave Ross an eight but admitted it “would have been a nine if we beat Hearts”, while Lee Morris was also similar in his praise saying he was “annoyed with the defeat to Hearts, but an eight or a nine”.

However, although few and far between, some readers admitted they were less than happy with Ross since he took over. One reader, Gordon Mcdougall, has been far from impressed with the 44-year-old, saying: “Terrible football. I have barely seen a decent performance from Hibs. He is the luckiest manager I’ve seen in years”.

And David Stewart was equally as scathing, saying he would score Ross a minus 10 since October, he said: “The semi-final result was unacceptable and followed up by a poor display in Aberdeen. If Hibs lose on Sunday to Dundee he couldn’t complain if he was sacked.”

He’s not had enough time yet”

However, of the hundreds of comments we received, the overriding feedback on Ross’ first year was that fans are prepared to be patient and can see green shoots of recovery even amongst recent disappointing results.

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Alan Wicksted said Ross "still needs time for new signings to settle and put his stamp on the team” which is something fellow fan Colin Redpath agreed with, saying: “He's not had enough time yet but, defensively, we look better organised.”.

Ruth Brown said: “he seems to be competent when it comes to navigating the SPFL and Scottish football in general, what with Hibs starting off strongly. I'd say he's a reasonably good head coach, and I feel he still has a lot to do and give Hibs”, a sentiment that was echoed by Alan Knox, who believes Hibs are “in a far better place than we were a year ago” under the manager.

So, while it appears some fans at Easter Road aren’t keen on Ross at all, the majority are viewing the 44-year-old’s first year positively, but with a dose of cautious optimism. After all, the former St. Mirren boss is still on course to guide Hibs to a potential top-four finish for only the second time in a decade.