Tag: St Johnstone

Neil Lennon Leaves Hibs: Who Should Replace Him At Easter Road?

while the circumstances that lead to manager Neill Lennon’s departure from Hibernian Football Club have not been made public. The only thing that really matters is that he is gone and speculation has arisen as to who should replace him.

The name at the top of many Hibernian fans list is Kilmarnock‘s Steve Clarke. Clarke has lead Killie to the very heights of the table mounting a serious title challenge with both Celtic and Rangers. while Clarke would undoubtedly be a successful choice, it is unlikely that he would consider the role. Kilmarnock are challenging at the top of the table while Hibs sit low in eighth place. And with many English clubs keen on Clarke, it is unlikely that the Hibs job would appeal to him.

Another, more likely, candidate is former Scotland boss Gordon Strachan. Strachan is currently out of a job after leaving the role of Scotland manager last season. the former Celtic manager would bring a breadth of experience to the team and could be the man to lead Hibs back into the top six.

A third name mentioned is St Johnstone‘s Tommy Wright. The Northern Irishman has done some great things with the Perth side, consistently reaching the top six, lifting a Scottish Cup and producing European results. While it is unclear whether Wright would be interested in the job or not he would definitely be a solid appointment.

Another extremely unlikely candidate is Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, the Frenchman has had a torrid time in France with AS Monaco resulting in his dismissal from the role. Out of a job the footballing legend would certainly make headlines moving to Edinburgh.

Whoever takes over at the Edinburgh side will have a tough job building the squad to once again compete at the right end of the table once again.

This Weeks Scottish Transfer News

With the winter break well underway, Scottish Premiership teams have been lining up potential transfers to help their squads ahead of the remainder of the season.

Arguably the biggest deal of the window so far is Rangers aquisition of former England international Jermain Defoe on loan from English side Bournemouth. The 36 year old talisman has fallen out of favour at his parent club but could make all the difference if Rangers want to mount a serious title challenge.

Elsewhere, Neill Lennon has been successful in his persuit of former Dundee United star Ryan Gauld on loan from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon. The young attacking midfielder made the switch from United in 2014 for a romoured fee of around £3 million. Since then Gauld has failed to make an impact for Sporting spending much of his time on loan in lower Portuguese divisions. Lennon will be hoping that the midfielder can regain some form and help Hibernian bid for a top six finish.

League leaders Celtic have also added to their side, taking Scotland international Oliver Burke on loan. The winger has spent time in Germany before making the move to English side West Bromwich Albion. The wingers strength and pace has seen him compared to Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale and could be a key player as Celtic aim to retain the title.

Former Rangers and St Johnstone winger Michael O’Halloran could be a potential target for many Premiership sides following an unsuccessful spell in Australia. The winger’s fast pace and finishing ability will have many sides on high alert including former side St Johnstone, where he enjoyed his best form.

With the league as close as it’s been for a while, this window could prove crucial in the end position for many sides this season.