A new system and attacking threat
Despite only having four days on the training pitch with the players at the Hibernian Training Centre, it will have been clear last weekend to supporters that they’re starting to see elements of the style of play Nick Montgomery wants to introduce.
That style of play, and in particular the fluid 4-4-2 formation, was the one he used in the A-League, and the one that led Central Coast Mariners to win the Championship against all the odds.
Whilst supporters will have recognised that usual 4-4-2 shape, going forward it actually turned into a more 4-2-4 with both Elie Youan and Martin Boyle supporting the front two, in this case Christian Doidge and Dylan Vente.

The interchangeability of the front four – and in particular their movement – allowed us to create a number of chances against a very organised Derek McInnes side. Doidge and Vente were both comfortable coming short, whilst also looking to slip into the channels and get in-behind, something that was aided by Boyle’s more inverted winger role on the left-hand-side.
However, out of possession, Montgomery wanted his side to be more compact going into a more traditional formation, whilst also setting specific pressing patterns. You could see at Rugby Park that Doidge and Vente were content with their centre-backs having the ball, but as soon as it was released, they put the Kilmarnock players under pressure. Within that shape, you also saw Boyle and Youan tuck in, rather than stay out on the flanks, to make the team more compact in their defensive shape.
In short, speed in transition, passing forward, and clever movement are key elements that we can expect to see going forward.
Simplifying roles
Just from Montgomery’s opening game, it was clear to see that the players had a good idea of the role they played in the new system.
There were some prime examples within this, starting with Youan, who was utilised on the right-hand-side. Supporters are used to seeing Elie driving down the left and looking to cut in onto his right foot. However, in Montgomery’s system, the Frenchman was used more as an out-and-out winger. We saw him running down the flank and trying to bounce off our strikers.
Equally, in the middle of midfield, Jimmy Jeggo’s role was clear and played to his strengths of being a ball-winning midfielder. His job was simply to regain possession and pass the ball to a teammate.

Lastly, focusing on the full-backs, their roles have also differed slightly and have more emphasis on getting forward in transition. They were tasked with overlapping and looking to release the pace of Boyle and Youan.
Playing out from the back
One of the biggest differences in Montgomery’s style of play were the goal kicks.
Throughout the game, we didn’t see David Marshall take goal-kicks – something that’s extremely customary in the game - but instead it was one of the centre-halves: Will Fish or Rocky Bushiri. The pair passed the ball out to Marshall, who was then tasked with breaking the lines and starting an attack.

This tactic was used to draw out Kilmarnock, and with clever movement from the midfield, start an attacking move where again we could use the pace of Boyle and Youan.
Whilst risky, it allows more space and one vs ones for our wideman in important areas of the pitch.
New starts
Bringing in a new manager usually means a fresh start for the First Team squad, and that was extremely evident again last weekend.
We saw Jair Tavares return to the matchday squad for the first time this season and come on as a substitute. In Montgomery’s new system, Tavares’ pace and skill could have a huge impact and we could start to see his potential.

After the game, Montgomery said: "I think Jair is a very talented player from what I've seen in training this week, has a great attitude and you can see some of the touches he had.
“I think he's a very good player and right now he has another opportunity and has taken it this week in training, that's why he was on the bench. I thought he came on and showed some real class and I'm really, really happy with this squad moving forward.”
Fighting together and fighting for the Club
In his post-match reaction, Montgomery also discussed the fight and desire shown by his players. Against a physical and well-drilled Kilmarnock side on a difficult pitch, Hibs showed tenacity to win first balls and play the game on their own terms. This was particularly evident in the quick start to the game which saw Boyle create two chances in the opening stages before Miller struck to put the Hibees ahead on eight minutes.

Montgomery commented on his side’s bravery on and off the ball, while also paying tribute to the 2,000-strong away following at Rugby Park.