Resilience
Montgomery has reunited this Hibs team and it is clear that everyone is pulling in the same direction. Various players have spoken out and praised Montgomery’s man-management skills, with the 41-year-old making an immediate impact on the resilience of the side.
Our most recent Edinburgh Derby highlighted this newfound attitude as we came from two goals down at Tynecastle to draw 2-2; the first time a Hibs team has come from two goals to get something from a league game since February 2020.
After a disappointing first half, the Hibees fought their way back into the game with two goals in 82 seconds from Elie Youan and rescued a well-deserved point on Derby Day.
That never-say-die-attitude has meant Montgomery’s unbeaten start to his time at Easter Road continues; winning two and drawing three of his first five games in charge.

Another example of improved character on the pitch can be found in our Viaplay Cup Quarter-Final victory over St Mirren.
The Hibees came from 1-0 down to take the lead against a St Mirren side – who were enjoying a 10-match unbeaten run – but credit to the Buddies, who got themselves back into the game and made it 2-2 with ten minutes to go.
But Montgomery’s men showed great mentality to find another gear, with Boyle scoring twice in the closing stages to book our place in the semi-finals.
Passion
Our ‘Monty Cam’ feature revealed to the fans our Head Coaches’ underlining passion and pride in the Club.
Montgomery wears his heart on his sleeve on the touchline and admits he got caught up on the touchline when Youan netted his second at Tynecastle.

“It was scenes, I think I headbutted Sergio in the celebrations. He will probably have a fat lip, but he will take that any day.
“It was a massive one for the fans, we apologise to the fans for not getting three points but hopefully they can be happy with a point because we showed great character and fight to come back from two goals down.”
We followed Montgomery for his first home game of the season at Easter Road. Watch Monty Cam below!
Identity
Montgomery’s team have a clear identity on the pitch. Behind the values of hard work, passion and commitment within each individual, there is a clear gameplan and hours of preparation that goes into each individual fixture.
The coaching team have favoured a 4-4-2 formation so far, based on full-backs bombing up and down the pitch and wingers Martin Boyle and Elie Youan becoming third and fourth strikers whilst in possession.
That attacking intent has seen us score 10 goals in those first five games, averaging 16.6 chances created per game. If you compare that to the previous five games before Montgomery took over, we averaged only 8.4 chances created per match – albeit two of these fixtures were against English Premier League side Aston Villa.

That threat has started from our back-line with our centre-backs taking more of the goal kicks – playing the ball back to Marshall and then trying to play through the lines from there.
Whilst risky, it allows more space and one vs ones for our wideman in important areas of the pitch.
Future
During his time with Central Coast Mariners, Montgomery placed a real emphasis on belief in the young players within the Academy.
He transformed the Mariners during his spell in Australia, putting his faith in the Academy graduates and giving them meaningful minutes in the First Team. That trend has followed Montgomery to Scotland, with Rory Whittaker being a prime example.
The 16-year-old became Hibs’ youngest-ever player at the age of 16 years and 44 days when he made his First Team debut off the bench against St Johnstone.

Whittaker was then involved in our League Cup victory over St Mirren, playing an important role in our crucial third goal on the night.
Montgomery, Sergio Raimundo and Miguel Miranda have made a significant effort to immerse themselves within every area of the Club, and have watched several of the U18s, Development Squad and Women’s team matches already this season.
Malik Zaid, Robbie Hamilton, Rudi Molotnikov, Reuben McAllister, Murray Johnson, Rory Whittaker and other young players have all been involved in First Team training since Montgomery’s arrival and could all play a part further down the line this season.
Promise
There is still plenty to come from this Hibs side. In almost every post-match interview, Montgomery has demanded more from his players in one aspect of the game or another.
In less than a month, Hibs have played five matches and with only two full weeks of training under their belt, but with the international break just around the corner – more time on the grass with the Montgomery and the coaching staff will certainly benefit the players in the long run.

Celtic, Rangers and Ross County lie-await following the October international break, before a League Cup semi-final to look forward to in early November.
After our draw at Tynecastle, Montgomery became the first Hibs Manager since John Collins in 2006 to go unbeaten in his first five competitive matches and although still relatively early into his tenure, Hibs fans have plenty of reason to shout about our new man in charge.