Hibs urged to make transfer move to sign ace who can be 'key to everything' as new recruits face reality check
Hibs are edging closer towards the January transfer window.
A former Hibs star has identified where he feels the club must go shopping this winter - as David Gray’s head coach work is lauded by an ex-teammate.
Efe Ambrose featured for Hibs between 2017-19 and has watched on over a strong season and change in fortunes with the legendary Scottish Cup winner. Under Gray’s watch, the club finished third in the Premiership last season and sit in that position prior to Saturday’s game with Dundee at Easter Road.
Ex-defender Ambrose reckons Gray deserves credit from turning a sticky start into a fruitful reign so far, but there’s still room for improvement. The former Hibs, Celtic and Livingston man believes a dominant midfielder who can knit everything together is required, with any new signings told of the Scottish football reality that awaits at top flight level.
Efe Ambrose on Hibs
He said: “You have to give the manager David Gray a lot of credit. I played with him and know his mentality. The other coaches and the whole board deserve credit as well, because they want to change the face of the club. At the start of David Gray’s time in charge, it was not good - very bad. But they gave him time and the opportunity to turn things around. The players bought into what he wanted to do and changed everything for him - everything has got to do with the players.
“You have to give the players’ credit, and the fans for being patient. They are reaping the rewards now for being patient before making decisions, which has helped Hibs to where they are now, and has everyone believing in the project. David is a good guy.
“He is kind of aggressive. He has the mentality of Neil Lennon, they hate losing. They hate players not doing their job. That helped him change their mindset and mentality. They have already got some experienced players - like Martin Boyle.
Who do Hibs need to sign in January transfer window?
“Learning the league as a new player takes time. But with the older players there, they can help them understand the league and get them into shape quickly. People think it the Scottish Premiership is easy. It’s not. When you come in, you realise this league is tough. Any new players coming in, they are not familiar with the league and the environment.
“It takes time. Liam Craig (assistant coach) is so clever. He was a midfield master when he was playing. They Hibernian will know the areas they need to strengthen. Number one, you have to get a player that can detect the game - a centre midfielder. That is the key to everything, having someone that can control the game. That knows when to calm it down, when to go long, and when to organise everything.
“They need a leader in the team - that’s what I see when I watch them. Someone in the middle who can dictate and get everyone together, they are lacking that in the midfield. In my time playing with David at Hibernian we had brilliant, young midfielders."