CoF

Solid 7/10 performances all over the pitch. Tait and Rose often go under the radar so I'll mention them and it's hard to single anyone out but went for McHugh who I thought won everything. Also worth mentioning Carson after the back of last week. He didn't put a foot wrong and pulled off an absolutely vital reflex save when it was 2-1.

Absolutely this. Having seen all the league cup games and going to Easter Road, I had posted a few times in recent weeks about my concerns for the coming season. I'm ever the optimist, but but was the first season in a long time where I've thought there was something fundamentally wrong at the heart of our squad. Most concerning was that our key players last season looked so poor, and that fight, organisation and spirit which took us to two cup finals seemed to have evaporated completely. On Sunday, it all came back and more, and for the first time in a few months I'm genuinely excited about what this squad can do this season. What a difference 90 minutes can make.

My thoughts exactly

McHugh back into midfield I'd guess.

Out of curiosity, what little things?

I think we need to accept that it's simply not part of his game. Hopefully being part of a midfield of Rose and Campbell takes care of the defensive cover and allow him to do what he does.

Hartley on the deck after going for that header and McGregor intentionally lands on top of him. Just saw it on Sportscene and don't think there's enough in it for retrospective action.

A really fair point. Considering the number of decisions that had to be made, I think he's had a decent one if all we've got to grumble about is a bit of inconsistency around time wasting.

Not all substitution are tactical. Campbell and Johnson were absolutely burst and needed to come off.

What a fantastic game and at 3-2 I (along with many others) were prepared to clap the team off the park. Hartley scoring with the last kick of the ball is absolute poetry. I thought we were excellent going forward and more than matched Rangers for the 90. Astonished to turn the radio to hear faddy claiming Rangers were dominant and we were lucky to get a point.

Bigi. Finally seeing what his quality can offer us. Can't wait to see the highlights of McHugh's goal - that delivery was ridiculous.

Exactly. Rid necks for hibs, celtic, rangers, sevilla and spartak moscow (x2).

I'd say they're still a bit of an unknown just now. 1-1 at Aberdeen with 10 men was a decent result, however every other competitive game is what you would expect. I'd even go as far to say some their results in Europe have been pretty awful for a club Rangers size. Draws against Shkupi, Osikej and Maribor would have been a rid neck a few years ago. That said, he's certainly bought a bit of stability and belief which are two of the most important things in football.

As a few have pointed out, Hartley laughing at Cardoso with blood pishing out his face is very different from laughing at the fortnight of shite after it. Looking at it now, I think he was talking about the latter and should have cleared things up in a statement rather than apologise. Anyway, fuck it - adds a wee bit more edge to Sunday and I think Hartley will revel in being the pantomime villain for 90 minutes.

and stayed true to his word by losing the plot after the 3-1 Accies game. His attitude on the pitch is outstanding, but I said last season I thought he was too daft to be captain. Not sure if Robinson can (or will) be too pissed off about this. It's just part of making Peter Hartley captain.

Yep. Not sure those are the kind of comments a club captain can get away with at any time, but not least when we're sitting bottom of the league.

I'm posting as someone who probably sits centre-happyclap on the spectrum of fan excellence: While I too cant quite see the plan with the new signings, I'm not going to join in the debate as I agree with those that have pointed out we need to see them get a run first. I am however viewing this game as the 6th of our campaign and my concern so far is that last year's core group simply haven't been anywhere near where we know they can be. We've had spells during games of individuals being decent, but the reality is we've had on paper, strong starting 11s out each game and struggled to play effective football. Whether it's 'hoofball' or total football, I don't care. As long as its effective. A few have cited two cup finals as reasons to stay calm. My worry is that the main attributes that got us there (fight, fitness and guile) are nowhere to be seen just now. I've seen us 5 times this season and I simply don't know what the plan is supposed to be.

Considering Johnson has come from National League and that was his first taste of Premiership opposition, I thought he done exceptionally well. Aye, he missed 3 excellent chances but the fact he got in those positions in the first place was more than had been done in the previous 75 minutes. He looked strong, took the ball in tight spaces and kept possession. A wee glimmer of hope from the summer signings.

I'm ever the optimist and usually one of the last to be critical but I've been to all 5 competitive games this season and there's something quite worrying about what I've seen. So much so, I've decided to use bullet points: I have absolutely no problem with 'hoof-ball' if it's effective (season 2013-2014) , but the reality is for long spells we seem to be persevering with a tactic that simply doesn't work. The first 45 today was as painful to watch as any I've seen in recent years. The 50/50 toss up when we punt it might be a gamble worth taking, but when we did get it up the pitch we didn't know what to do with the ball. Yes we are missing a few key players, but we've still had the core group playing and individually the performances have been poor. When we have the ball we don't look like we know what the plan is. No one knows where the runners are and I can't see a single effective partnership on the pitch. There is absolutely no fluency to our play. Last years spirit and energy is gone. We always looked like the fittest and strongest team on the park and it earned us a reputation last season. I won't question the players attitudes but we don't look like we're playing with the same heart. Robinson's management of Bigi is just bizarre. To give him zero game time in the cup then bring him on to change a game against Premiership opposition is baffling. Jury's obviously still out on the new signings but Gorrin and Johnson look like useful additions. I do however share the fear of others that they'll be the ones who play a bit-part in Robinsons plans. I certainly think we have the players to put in performances far better than we've seen so far, I just hope Robinson finds a way of getting them all back operating at a decent level otherwise we could be in for a difficult season ahead.

By all accounts, Aldred looks like hes in an unhappy situation at Bury. Apparently he's been in the U23's pre-season, fan forums suggest he's playing like a guy looking to get through games without getting injured. Fans clearly want rid. With a year left in his contract, highly doubtful that we would see him back here but wow, how different things would feel if we pulled that off.

... especially if he gives a Stranraer-esque performance on his debut tomorrow.

Ach nah, certainly isn't a Scottish football thing - it's probably only the top 10% of clubs in the world who have genuine control over their transfers. It's a hierarchy, - even some EPL clubs will be at risk of losing their best players right at the end of the window. Likewise, we'll occasionally make last minute moves for players at clubs smaller than our own. It's all relative.

If Kipre goes for that, in a business sense he has got to be one of our most successful signings in years. Brought in as a youth player (so I understand), get 50+ senior appearances and two cup finals out of him and sold for £1m a year later. Well done Martin Foyle.

Doesn't feel like the squad is stronger than last season and with the City clubs finally getting their shit together, I think we're in for a similar season to last in the league - aiming for that last top 6 spot but missing out. I don't think we'll be necessarily near the relegation zone, but we'll be looking over our shoulders for most the season. Relatively comfortable 8th spot. Last year was extraordinary for the Cups so I'm not expecting anything close to two cup finals. One semi final and I'd be more than happy. Also - pumping Celtic just once please.

Genuinely think we'll see a much improved performance. Season opener in a packed Easter Road brings about a totally different energy than the 3 games so far. Also, the fact there's been 32 goals in the last 4 competitive hibs games means we could be in for a bonkers afternoon. Can't wait!