Lee Johnson has his work cut out for him this summer. A mixture of injury, poor signings and the potential of players leaving has meant the first-team squad at Easter Road is a husk of the unit that was favourite to repeat as best-of-the-rest in the Scottish top flight last season.
The new manager will have to sign well if he doesn’t want another year of struggle for the Easter Road side – and to keep his job with Ron Gordon so far showing a penchant for quickly dismissing coaches when things aren’t working out.
The 2015-16 season displayed some notable examples of recruiting top-class talent through the window, though it wasn’t all plain-sailing. It never is when you bring in 20 new players over the course of 10 months.
Here’s what those talents are doing now...
1. James Keatings
Made the surprising move to cross the Edinburgh divide after being let go by Hearts. Played two seasons at Easter Road, scoring 20 goals in 72 games, before leaving in 2017. After taking a break from football, the striker signed for Tranent Juniors earlier this year. Photo: SNS Group Craig Foy
2. Dan Carmichael
A promising winger from Queen of the South, Carmichael's time at Easter Road was blighted by injury and he was released a year later. Now 33, he spent last season with Gretna 2008. Photo: SNS Group Rob Casey
3. Martin Boyle
Signed permanently in the summer of 2015 after a loan-swap deal with Dundee for Alex Harris the previous January. Starred at Easter Road for seven seasons and then made a swift return following a move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Faisaly in January 2022. Currently rehabbing a knee injury with a view to returning to the Hibs starting XI in time for opening day. Photo: SNS Group Craig Foy
4. Mark Oxley
Signed permanently in 2015 after a season on loan. Lasted only another year before leaving for Southend United. With League Two side Harrogate Town Photo: SNS Group Alan Rennie