McCall's tenure has not got off to a flying start but neither has that much gone wrong. The defeat at Tannadice was bitterly disappointing but an away draw at Hamilton and a home point from Inverness – given their away record – is nothing to complain too strongly about. However, while we did manage to light up Dens Park with four goals in the cup, league goals are becoming increasingly rare and we need to solve this problem urgently if we are to save the season.
Handshakes in the August sunshine
Despite our poor recent run we are still in the top six but attacking options look bare. We've just aquired Mike Grella on loan from Leeds and there must be at least a place on the bench for him. Murphy and Sutton will surely start up front with Casagolda and some kids on the bench as cover but we need more from the midfield again – Humphrey in particular has to rediscover his early season even if it is now harder for him without the ‘unknown quantity’ tag.
But it is a team game and goals must come from all over the pitch. While our top scoring midfielder is Hateley on a mere two – and his pair came from a free kick and a penalty - the defence has chipped in a miserly three (all from Page) between them. Obviously that is not their main function but centre backs chipping in with a few headers from set pieces can make a huge difference. Hutchison replacing Reynolds in the back four, regardless of the defensive change, may actually be important in increasing our goal threat.
Hibs are a desperately poor team this season and despite possessing some quality players they have just failed to get going. However, though they have won only four games this campaign two have come against us so they will fancy their chances of getting their season back on track while ours continues to flounder. Let's hope that is not the case and we can go into a crucial couple of weeks in high spirits after nicking a 1-0 win.
Remember the last time Hibs paid us a visit?