Hibs’ Head Coach Alan Stubbs is delighted with his acquisitions in the transfer window and has the added bonus of his two star strikers becoming available again after international duty and injury.
Stubbs told the club programme ahead of tomorrow’s cup tie against Arbroath at Easter Road: “Moving forward, I know that we’ve got genuine quality in our squad and that everybody has the necessary desire to succeed.
“Whenever there is a bump in the road – and there will be some during this season’s journey – we need to stay calm, confident and focused on achieving our goals.
“Just before the transfer window closed on Monday night we were able to add Fraser Fyvie to the squad and he will bring extra options to our midfield.
“Fraser is a very talented young player with huge potential, but what impressed me most of all when I spoke to him was his hunger to kick on and realise that potential.
“Overall, I was delighted with the level of productivity achieved during the transfer window – we introduced five quality signings and addressed the balance of our squad.
“Once again, the board have backed my judgement, and my staff’s judgement, on the transfer front. We now feel ideally equipped to finish the season in a strong and determined manner.
“This week we also welcomed back Dominique Malonga back from international duty after he featured for Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations. Dom is suspended for today’s game, but will be available for the away match at Rangers next Friday.
“On the injury front, Farid El Alagui continues to make steady and encouraging progress and his return to competitive action will be like adding a new signing to the squad.
“So there is plenty to be excited about as we head into an exciting period of the season and it’s so important that we all stick together – the team and the supporters.
“When results don’t go our way, I can understand there will be frustrations felt in the stands, but please don’t forget about how far we’ve come in such a short space of time and if we can stay united then we will get even better.
“It’s not an empty phrase when I say that I want this group of players to become a team everybody can be proud of – I genuinely mean that, so please encourage their development and let’s make home advantage count.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
