With the confidence of winning 14 out of their last 15 matches Alan Stubbs is in assured mood as he looks forward to the new year.
Eighteen months in charge of Hibs have taught the former Celtic defender the ways of the business that aren’t covered in coaching courses or working within an academy structure.
A 6-2 home defeat from Sevco kicked off the new season following on from watching Hearts canter to promotion put Stubbs in the firing line.
An orchestrated campaign to shift Scott Allan to Ibrox on a cut price deal was quickly underway with Stubbs repeated denials that a deal was imminent quickly dismissed.
By the time the transfer window closed Allan had left for Celtic with Hibs able to bring in a midfield superior to most in the top division with Liam Henderson, Dylan McGeouch and John McGinn compensating for the loss of last season’s top performer.
Jason Cummings seems to be on the wanted list of most Championship clubs but with the benefit of his summer experiences Stubbs is relaxed as he prepares for the latest bout of transfer guesswork.
“The speculation doesn’t bother me, that’s football,” the Hibs boss stated. “I’m not afraid to speak about clubs being interested in my players but the most important thing is that I must stress is our mindset right now is that no-one will be leaving.
“We know football can change very quickly and if someone is interested it’s going to have to be something really serious for us to even consider anything in January. And when I say serious, I mean serious.
“Every player has a value. Whichever division you’re in, whether that’s England or Scotland or Wales or in Europe, ever player has a value, and if someone meets that value then you have a decision to make.
“But, as I’ve said all along, the decision, as it was earlier on in the season when we made our stance (with Scott Allan), will be in the best interests of Hibernian Football Club.
“If, and when, that comes, we’ll speak about it and we’ll speak about it with the player as well. We keep them informed about everything that’s going on – and then we’ll make a decision one way or another.”
Tomorrow Hibs travel to face in form Morton at Cappielow trailing Sevco by three points having been 11 points behind two months ago.
Always liked Alan Stubbs he “got” Celtic,I think he has the measure of the Warbomiester,interesting times ahead. H H
Stokes going there in January would be a good move for all concerned.
Think the last thing we need is someone with Stokes’s attitude any where near our dressing room. Good as he is as a player and could undoubtably do a job for us. Did like him when he was with us before joining you, though.