Joe Newell’s Long Throw
I’m not sure how many supporters may have known about this or seen it prior to the current campaign, but Joe Newell has a long-throw and it’s turning into some weapon!
Roll back the days of Rory Delap when the former Stoke City midfielder rocked the English Premier League by launching throws into the area. For the Potters these were arguably as dangerous as corners or in-direct free-kicks.
Now we’re not suggesting that Joe’s will have the same effect as the infamous Delap, but they’re certainly a new weapon in our arsenal.
With the desire of Porteous, the aerial acumen of Hanlon, and the height of Kuharevich, these could be vital going forward during the current season. You could see that against Ross County from Porto’s goal. Those three caused a big, strong, physical side all sorts of problems, and the ball fell perfectly for the defender to finish.
Of course, everyone loves goals from free-flowing moves, but if you can add a few from long throws or “route one” as Lee Johnson said post-match, then it gives teams something different to think about!
The Midfield Trio
The trio in the middle of the Hibs midfield was something talked about at great length at the start of the campaign by media and supporters, but eight league games into the season and you can see the distinctive roles that they each have.
Starting with Nohan Kenneh who’s shown game after game that he’s improving and growing into the system. Statistically, he tops the charts for U21 players in the Scottish Premiership in terms of tackles, recoveries and interceptions. He provided great cover for the back four on Saturday – as you can see from the heat map above – and had the most ball recoveries (21) in the Scottish Premiership this weekend.
Then there’s Joe Newell who is flourishing in his current role and under the guidance of Lee Johnson. Only James Tavernier has more key passes and deep progressions than Joe this season, but his positive influence isn’t just on the ball. His leadership skills have grown over the last 12 months and he’s a vitally experienced head for the young players in the team.
Latterly, Josh Campbell – who we highlighted after Aberdeen – has flourished in his new ‘Frank Lampard’ role. Not only is he showing his footballing ability, but his all-action style and pressing from the front sets off the right tone for the rest of the team to follow.
David Marshall’s Influence
The summer signing of David Marshall was one that was universally supported and unsurprisingly, what a signing he’s turned out to be.
Always in a 90-minute game more often than not there’s going to be a point where the opposition are presented with a good or half-decent chance, but when those arise, you know they’ll have to do well to beat David Marshall. Time after time this season he has made vital saves in important moments in matches.
Alongside these saves, he has a huge influence behind-the-scenes. Completely unchanged after being made captain, his inspiring, calm, and confident temperament is the perfect fit for a young, vibrant, determined dressing room.
You can see that on the pitch too, he’s always on the go, whether it’s barking instructions to his back four or constantly looking for ways to build from the back. It’s also worth mentioning that his distribution has been second to none.
Kyle Magennis is Back
370 days later and Kyle Magennis is back on the pitch in a Hibs shirt – a magnificent moment not only for Kyle, but for the whole football club.
It’s been a horrid 12 months for the midfielder that set the league alight at the start of the 2021/22 campaign. He was scoring goals, at his creative best, and was a vital part of what was a successful start to the season.
Described by his manager as a different dynamic to the midfield three that was aforementioned, Kyle is a welcome return to the matchday squad. Of course, it may take some time to get him back to full speed or to complete 90 minutes, but with five weeks’ training under his belt and now minutes in several behind-closed-doors games, things are looking positive.
It was also worth mentioning, again, how well respected he is in the dressing room. You could see that when Martin Boyle scored the second against Ross County and ran straight over to celebrate with him. A really special moment.
A New Song For Harry McKirdy
Lastly, we have to make a nod to the Hibs supporters at the Globe Energy Stadium on Saturday who were absolutely magnificent.
“They certainly got us going and kept us going with the constant noise, the Harry McKirdy song, and that’s what we want, we want the players to build a report with the fans and vice versa; wins and good performances will only aid that,” said Lee Johnson post-match and he was absolutely right.
The McKirdy song, I’m sure, was ringing round the heads of all the 1,000 supporters that attended the game.
It’s the report that’s vital to a successful team and it’s a symbiotic relationship. The players have to inspire the fans there’s no question about it, but when they need it the fans have to be there for the players, and they certainly have been since the appointment of Lee Johnson.
