Hibs' Desperate Move: Grant Hanley Takes the Striker Role
In a surprising twist during Hibernian's clash with Celtic at Easter Road, Grant Hanley found himself donning the striker's jersey in the final minutes of the match. With just eight minutes remaining and Hibs trailing, head coach Marink Reedijk turned to his veteran defender, hoping to spark some late-game magic.
This decision has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike, highlighting the limited options available to Reedijk after two back-to-back defeats since taking the helm. It was a bold move, but one that spoke volumes about the current state of affairs within the squad.
Hanley didn't just sit on the sidelines; he made his presence felt. Winning a crucial header that set up a chance for Josh Mulligan and nearly connecting with a deflected shot from Rabbi Matondo, the seasoned player showed he could still influence the game. Yet, despite his efforts, Hibs fell short, losing 2-1 and remaining rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership.
Reedijk reflected on the substitution, noting the need to shake things up. "I saw that we struggled to get momentum. Celtic tried to play the game out, and I wanted to change something to get a little bit of chaos," he explained. "I think [Hanley] did a fantastic job because he was a handful for the defenders."
However, the move raised eyebrows, especially for former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan. He expressed concern over the necessity of such a tactic. "The biggest surprise was the impact Grant Hanley had up front. That would be a worry if you're a Hibs fan because that's likely the impact they expected from Ante Suto," Allan remarked.
Allan pointed out a distinct lack of quality in the Hibs lineup, emphasizing that relying on Hanley as a target man isn't a sustainable solution. "Hibs have to be better than that as your option to get back into a game. They need to improve their game plan moving forward."
Suto, who was brought on prior to Hanley, struggled to make a meaningful impact, raising questions about the striking options available. With Nathan Lowe the only other forward ready to lead the line, the absence of Martin Boyle, who pulled out due to illness, has compounded the team's issues. The fanbase is growing impatient with sporting director Malky Mackay and his recruitment strategies, which are under scrutiny.
As Reedijk tries to navigate these challenges, the pressure is mounting. Allan voiced his concerns about any visible improvements since Reedijk replaced David Gray, stating, "For me, no. I haven’t really seen a change in style or approach. Moving forward, Hibs need to start winning games of football."
With the situation growing more precarious by the day, Hibernian's quest for points is becoming increasingly urgent. The coming weeks will be crucial for Reedijk and his squad as they look to turn their fortunes around.
