Hibs: Five biggest talking points of 2020

The Kamberi saga

A sizeable “ooft” could be heard from those of a green and white persuasion when Florian Kamberi joined Rangers on loan in January. The Swiss-born striker hadn’t quite replicated the blistering form of his initial loan spell at Hibs, was in and out of the team, and was being overshadowed by the prolific Christian Doidge but his assertion that joining the Ibrox side was his dream didn't go down well with staff nor supporters of his parent club. Hibs got the benefit of Greg Docherty’s services for the remainder of the shortened season but there was no way back for Kamberi. Confirmation of his departure for St Gallen in July was met on social media by 75 per cent of the world’s 2020 usage of the rat emoji and almost certainly paved the way for his replacement to be signed.

Nabbing Nisbet

One of the hottest properties in Scottish football in 2020, Kevin Nisbet was linked with Hibs in January but given his form for Dunfermline Athletic it was little surprise when the Pars held onto their star man. So when the Easter Road side unveiled him as their second summer signing it was quite the statement of intent. His 12 goals and five assists in 21 matches, most of them while his father was terminally ill, illustrates his immense talent, and sheer determination to be the best he can. If he maintains this form Hibs supporters will have to enjoy him while they can.

Case for the defence

Last year, the Easter Road rearguard was a bit of a disaster. Injuries and suspensions prevented a consistent backline being played and only three teams conceded more goals during the truncated 2019/20 campaign. This term, with roughly the same personnel, just 16 goals have been conceded in 16 games. Only Celtic and Rangers have conceded fewer. If Jack Ross is remembered for one thing this season, it has to be somehow turning a haphazard defence into one of the most miserly in the league.

Hampden heartache (again)

Dress it up however you want but Hibs’ Hampden loss to Hearts was the first black mark of the new season (despite the fixture being a continuation of last season's Scottish Cup).

A combination of good goalkeeping and bad luck robbed Hibs of the chance to not only finally end their Hampden hoodoo against Hearts, but make it to a national final. The team that Jack Ross has assembled deserves their chance at silverware – roll on the 2020/21 cup competitions.

Departing Dempster

Leeann Dempster arrived shortly before Hibs were relegated in 2014 and led the complete overhaul from top to bottom at Easter Road. Bringing in the likes of George Craig, Graeme Mathie, and Alan Stubbs and his coaching team and starting from scratch set the groundwork for the historic Scottish Cup win in 2016, a league title and promotion in 2017, and European football once again. Her work has been tremendous and Hibs will have to ensure they get a replacement capable of building on the foundations Dempster has laid.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.If you haven't already, please consider supporting our sports coverage with a digital sports subscription.