Getting goalkeeper Josef Bursik in the door is a decent start. If the 23-year-old former England Under-21 goalkeeper fulfils even half of his potential, he’ll be an ideal replacement for recently-retired Scotland legend David Marshall.
The transfer market telegraph wires all over the UK are also buzzing with names of central defenders being considered by/weighing up offers from/definitely on their way to Hibs. Everyone in football knows what rookie boss David Gray needs to ensure that his first crack at management isn’t fatally undermined by a basic lack of bodies. Hence the interest in Warren O’Hora, now a free agent after being released by MK Dons in the wake of their League Two play-off loss.
The truth is, of course, that any agent with a centre-half client at a loose end, seeking a move or eager to renegotiate an improved deal with their current employer – don’t look so shocked, it happens – will be pestering new Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay with calls, texts and highlight videos of the Next Big Thing. The Answer. Regardless of what question is being asked.
What do Hibs need? Well, to quote a young Marlon Brando from his iconic appearance in The Wild One, whaddayagot? Here we look at each position in detail – and give it a want/need ranking out of 10.
5. Central midfield: 5/10
Hibs could easily start the season with Joe Newell and Nathan Moriah-Welsh manning the centre of the park, with Josh Campbell playing in a slightly more advanced role. The return to fitness of Jake Doyle-Hayes could also be like the proverbial new signing, while Luke Amos – who signed an 18-month contract when he joined the club in January – will also be looking to stay fit. Numbers aren’t a problem, once you factor Dylan Levitt into the equation. If anything, Hibs will be looking to offload a few midfielders like Nohan Kenneh, Allan Delferriere and Ewan Henderson. | SNS Group
6. Left wing: 7/10
Even if Hibs DON’T take one of the reported offers on the table for Elie Youan, this is an area in need of strengthening. Jair Tavares (left) faded after being brought back into the first team by Nick Montgomery. Might Harry McKirdy make a late bid for relevance? Unlikely. | SNS Group
7. Right wing: 8/10
This may depend on whether Martin Boyle’s immediate future, given continue interest from Perth Glory. Despite looking a touch off the pace after suffering a knee injury and a serious concussion last season, most would consider the Socceroos star a decent starter on the right. But there isn’t much behind him, even allowing for Youan and Tavares being able to play on both sides of the park. If Boyle goes, this becomes a 10/10 priority. | SNS Group
8. Striker: 8/10
Hibs probably made the right decision to let Adam Le Fondre go at the end of last season. Probably. Given the English veteran’s injury record, you can understand why the club shied away from handing another year to a 37-year-old. But it has left Gray very short of options at centre forward, with Dylan Vente the only senior No. 9 on the books. | SNS Group