Jack Ross reveals intentions to strengthen Hibs and 'gamble' on young Scottish talent

If Hibs want to keep competing at the top end of the Premiership and get over the line in cup competitions, while also making progress in European competition, they need to bolster the current squad rather than allow it to be eroded by a strong wave of transfer activity.

Jack Ross plans to strengthen Hibs following the Scottish Cup final disappointment. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

That is the view of Leith manager Jack Ross who has overseen their first top three finish in 16 years and guided them to the latter stages in successive cup competitions this term.

“I think we need to [strengthen again] if we want to continue to have prolonged success as a club. It is something this club hasn’t done regularly enough. It has had its moments, but it hasn’t had periods of sustained success in terms of league positions and being in finals and winning silverware.

“I haven’t done it perfectly, but I would hope I have done a good job so far. But, now, we need to get better and better as a squad.”

And, while there will always be a fickleness to football fans, who are lifted by success and crushed by defeat, Ross believes he has the backing of club owner Ron Gordon as he works to improve on this season’s returns.

“Ron is a brilliant owner – his communication that he has with me, his understanding of the job and his support when I have wanted to strengthen. Recently we had Daniel MacKay coming in from Inverness.

“We have got a synergy in terms of the model and what we want to do. We are prepared to gamble on younger Scottish players and believe we can turn them into players like Kevin Nisbet and keep progressing them. We will look to do that with Daniel and we will look to do that with others hopefully as well.”

While Nisbet is one of a few players who have international commitments over the summer, Ross says the next month or so will allow the others to recharge the batteries before pushing themselves again next term.

“It has been a long season for us, a long tough season. We will take the opportunity to recover, dust ourselves down again and look to produce this kind of season but go one step further next time.”

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