Hibernian

BBC Scotland's Edinburgh football reporter Brian McLauchlin has been answering some of your questions on Hibs.

Conor asked: What are Hibs' plans moving forward? Do we stick with David Gray or give him until the end of the season and look at other options? Why has it taken them so long to look at making signings this window?

Brian answered: Time is a rarity for football managers nowadays but in this case I genuinely believe the board will stick by Gray and help him as much as possible in terms of turning things around.

The Scottish Cup loss was a sore one to take and followed up by the poorest performance of the season away to Falkirk.

Don't think for one minute Gray would not be looking for new recruits earlier in the window but as other clubs are also finding out sometimes it takes much longer than you think to conclude a deal and good players that are available tend to be wanted by multiple clubs.

Sandy asked: Any news on incoming investment?

Brian answered: I wouldn't rule this out at some point in the future as Hibs are a top Scottish club with a potentially easier route into European football than other leagues and therefore are without doubt on the radar of would-be investors.

Robin asked: Why when we have a great defender as a manager have we not got the best defence in the league? A better calibre of player is needed. Everyone in the back line should have pace, a good football brain, ball skills, be able to take on a player and make a great pass. Not much to ask for.

Brian answered: You make it sound so simple! Everyone is looking for a player matching your descriptions. Sadly there are very few players around with these attributes.

Every club works within its own limitations and the job of a recruitment department is to identify the best possible options for the manager who always has the final say.

We asked for your views on Hibs signing young forward Owen Elding and the likely departure of Kieron Bowie.

Here's what some of you said:

Colin: Happy to see a new player come in and happy to see Bowie leave as well. Take the £6m and get another couple of good players for the money. I'd go for Elijah Just at Motherwell, he's a good player.

Bill: As we are struggling at the moment it would be a huge mistake to lose Bowie, even though he is not performing at his best. The new guy sounds good on paper, but it sounds like David Gray is going to wrap him in cotton wool, like Thibault Klidje. Jury's out. Fans will vote with their feet.

Mike: If Bowie holds out any hope of making it back into the Scotland squad for the World Cup, it's a no-brainer to stay put for now with a regular starting slot. His stock is only on the rise and he'll get his big move if he perseveres.

Sandy: For Hibs to show real ambition we must be keep our best players. For me Bowie and Josh Mulligan must stay, or we can remain second string to Celtic, Rangers and even Hearts. Keep them!

Chris: Losing Bowie would be an almighty blow. It has been a joy to watch him develop as a footballer and a human being over the last 18 months. I for one thank him for all he's done and for bringing some joy to my weekends. Gone but not forgotten. Farewell my sweet prince.

Kenny: It's always good to bring young talent to the club but we desperately need an experienced playmaker, someone who can boss the midfield going forward and getting back. We also need to bring in an experienced forward. Hibs are a big club but that certainly doesn't show when it comes to strengthening the team. Come on Hibs, get the finger out.

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Kieron Bowie says his impending big-money move to Hellas Verona suits himself and Hibs as the striker looks to kick on his career and secure a place in Scotland's World Cup squad.

The 23-year-old is in Italy to complete a switch to the Serie A side for a reported fee of £6m - a club record sale for Hibs.

Bowie, who joined from Fulham for £600,000 18 months ago, has scored 15 goals - including nine this season - in 52 Hibs appearances.

Speaking to Sky Sports at Edinburgh Airport before he flew to Italy, Bowie said: "I've had 18 months at Hibs now and I've done extremely well there. They've done well for me so I think for all parties it's good.

"Italy appeals, there's obviously a lot of people from Scotland who have gone there and have done well.

"It opens a lot of opportunities for myself and my family which is the main thing.

"It's a top league and obviously with the World Cup coming up, that's the idea.

"I've had a good 18 months, not played as many games I've wanted to. But I've helped the club and they've helped me."

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Hibs have announced their second signing of the January transfer window, with Coventry midfielder Kai Andrews joining on loan until the end of the season.

The Wales international, 19, spent the second half of last season on loan at Motherwell, making 12 appearances for the Fir Park club.

He made his international debut in Wales' 1-0 loss to Canada in September, and has made 10 appearances in all competitions this term for high-flying Coventry, who sit top of the Championship table.

He follows Irish teenager Owen Elding through the door at Easter Road.

The 19-year-old signed permanently from Sligo Rovers on a four-and-a-half year deal.

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Hibernian head coach David Gray has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to face Rangers at Easter Road on Sunday.

Here are the main points:

• Gray admits "there has been a lot of interest" in Kieron Bowie but stresses "he's trained really well and is very much in my plans for the weekend until someone tells me otherwise."

• Gray stresses Bowie's "not trained as if he's got eyes anywhere else" but admits the club always "need to be ready" in case players leave.

• The Hibs boss is "delighted" to complete the signing of Owen Elding, adding "he's a real exciting talent."

• But, Gray doesn't want to "put too much pressure" on the 19-year-old but insists "he'll be excited to get involved as soon as he can."

• On last weekend's heavy 4-1 defeat to Falkirk, Gray says "everybody knows the standards and the expectation of this football club" adding "win, lose, or draw you always want to find a way to get better."

• Looking ahead to Rangers, Gray acknowledges Danny Rohl's side are "in very good form" and admits his side have "been on the wrong side" of the results between the sides this season and Hibs "will look to put that right this weekend."

• On any incomings, Gray stresses "we're working hard towards trying to improve the squad" and get deals done, adding "if deals don't get done it's not through lack of trying."

Despite the signing of young forward Owen Elding, Hibernian head coach David Gray plans for striker Kieron Bowie to be in the squad for Sunday's visit of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.

Bowie has attracted interest for Serie A in this window and Hellas Verona have already seen a bid turned down by the Edinburgh club.

Hibs fans, we want to know what you've made of the latest developments? Are you happy to see more reinforcements up front? Would you like to see Bowie stay at Hibs beyond this window?

Have your say via this link

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• James Tavernier has scored a penalty in both of Rangers' last two league games, while he last scored in three successive league appearances in April 2024 (four), and last scored a spot-kick in three in a row in November 2023 (four). Of his 90 Scottish Premiership goals, 54 have been penalties, at least 37 more than any other player since his competition debut in August 2016 (Jamie McGrath second with 17).

• Rangers have won each of their last six league games, the joint-longest run by any side in this season's Scottish Premiership (Hearts also six from August to October).

• Although Hibernian have only lost two of their last 23 home league games (W14 D7), both of those have been against the two Old Firm clubs, going down 0-1 to Rangers in October and 1-2 to Celtic in November. Hibs have only won two of their last 26 home league matches against those two sides (D12 L12).

• Rangers are unbeaten in their last 27 top-flight away games at Hibernian (W17 D10) since a 2-1 loss in September 2006 under Paul Le Guen.

• Hibernian have only won one of their last 28 Scottish Premiership matches against Rangers (D8 L19), winning 2-0 at Ibrox in April 2025.

Hellas Verona are on the verge of a £6m plus add-ons deal for Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie and the 23-year-old could sign a long-term contract within the next 24 hours. (Scottish Sun)

Hibs are seriously considering Hellas Verona's offer, which they increased by £1m, for Bowie and Fulham, who sold him for £600,00, would receive 25% of the profit if he leaves. (Sky Sports)

Owen Elding was scheduled to have a medical on Wednesday before completing his move to Hibs after Sligo Rovers accepted an offer of around £350,000 up front with add-ons potentially taking it over the £870,000 mark for the 19-year-old striker. (Scottish Sun)

Coventry City midfielder Kai Andrews has agreed a loan move to Hibs, who have beaten off interest from a number of English clubs to land the 19-year-old. (Football Insider)

Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, who owns Midtjylland, has been in talks with Hibs owner Ian Gordon over how the Easter Road club can grow stronger. (Scottish Sun)

Conversations between Povlsen and Hibs owner Gordon have been informal, there has been no talk of even a minority investment and there is certainly no imminent prospect of any financial deal being struck. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Read the rest of Thursday's gossip.

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

The suitors are circling for Hibernian's prize asset Kieron Bowie, with the club rejecting a bid from Verona for the 23-year-old striker.

Bowie, who is under contract until summer 2028, is also reportedly a target for Celtic among other clubs this month.

Former Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan believes Bowie is not prolific enough yet for the Parkhead club - and that the striker will be keen to "push through" a switch to Verona.

If Bowie made that move, he would join fellow Scotland internationals such as Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay and Josh Doig in Serie A.

"He's coachable for them and he has the attributes probably to go there and play where it is a physical league," Sheridan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"It's tough and demanding. I think at the minute his attributes are his physicality.

"I don't think he's quite there to go and be a Celtic striker now. I don't think he's probably at that prolific stage.

"Verona probably see him as another Scottish player that they can take over to Italy that can be successful.

"Then it's just a case of what Hibs are valuing him at now, and they're probably in a better position than they would have been in previous years where they don't need to sell for that figure.

"If they really value him they can probably hold out for a little bit more.

"It's probably a move that he'd be looking to go for. If it was me, I'm the one person who will always pick going abroad. But I think from his point of view as well, it's probably a move that he'd be looking to push through as well."

The offer for Kieron Bowie from Hellas Verona that was rejected by Hibernian was for about £4.3m plus £870,000 of adds-ons, but the Serie A strugglers are likely to improve their offer in the coming days for the 23-year-old Scotland striker. (Daily Record)

Hellas Verona have moved on to other targets after having their offer for Bowie rejected by Hibs. (Sky Sports)

Hibs expect further offers for Bowie after rejecting Hellas Verona's bid and if the striker leaves this month, the fee is likely to exceed the record £4.4m received when Scott Brown joined Celtic in 2007. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Hibs have received two more big-money bids from Italian clubs after Hellas Verona tabled an offer for Kieron Bowie, but the Scottish Premiership club have told suitors they are in no hurry to sell. (Scottish Sun)

Sligo Rovers striker Owen Elding is close to joining Hibs after a fee was agreed between the clubs for the 19-year-old. (Irish Independent)

Hibs could pay a fee as low as £350,000, with significant add-ons, for League of Ireland Young Player of the Year Elding and he could make his debut on Sunday against Rangers. (Rep of Ireland Player Tracker on X)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

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Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

After a humbling, embarrassing cup exit to Championship side Dunfermline, last week, Hibs fans had every right to expect the team to head to Falkirk determined to right some wrongs.

However, they instead ended up increasing the pressure on head coach David Gray with one of the worst performances they've served up in years.

Falkirk were streets ahead of Hibs in every department from first whistle to last. Hibs looked like they would rather be anywhere else, while their counterparts looked like they didn't want the game to end.

Sporting director Malky Mackay has to be putting pressure on the recruitment team to get reinforcements in as soon as possible.

Hibs entered the January window still being considered by some as a dark horse for the title race. Since then, we've dropped out of the cup and out of the running, with even a fourth-placed finish now at risk thanks to the gap Motherwell have established over us in the league.

There's understandable anger among the support that Gray still hasn't been given a striker and right-sided player to bolster his squad, positions he was on record as wanting to improve last summer.

Hibs' sluggishness in getting deals over the line has cost the team, but irrespective of the transfer activity, Saturday's line-up should have had more than enough about it to at least compete with Falkirk.

That the side flopped so badly is not only a stain on Gray's record, but the players must take accountability for it as well.

Gray suggested he'd read the riot act after the game, and so he should. The performance was a disgrace and it's on the players to now go and make amends in a tough game against Rangers on Sunday.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan, 23, reminds former Scotland manager Gordon Strachan of Scott Brown, the former Hibs midfielder. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Hibernian defender Jordan Obita admits he and his team-mates were "angry" following Saturday's 4-1 loss at Falkirk. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Monday's Scottish gossip

Watch highlights as Barney Stewart's hat-trick helps Falkirk beat Hibs 4-1 in the Scottish Premiership. (Available to UK users only)

We asked for your views on Hibernian's 4-1 defeat against Falkirk.

Here's what some of you said:

Niall: Same old, same old. Tactical set-up went stale a long time ago and it is getting embarrassing at this stage. The only question I have for fans still backing David Gray is how bad does it have to get before you'll come to the realisation that he needs to go? Hope Hibs rightly refund the travelling support. Not good enough.

Keith: Utterly dreadful display. Our defending was embarrassing. We need a change because our season is as good as over.

Brian: Another mess, more excuses. Week after week, no plan, no tactics, no effort and second to the ball and can't pass. What happens at training? Sick of hearing excuses. Gray has to go as the players are not playing for him. Gray first, then a player clearout and stop signing players who can't even get in the team after a year, something's far too wrong. Bottom six here we come.

John: Worst performance for a number of years and the season has nothing left to get excited about. Out of the Scottish Cup and now trying to finish fifth or sixth in the league which is very disappointing.

Kenny: We play the same system time after time. Teams have us worked out. Falkirk played us off the park. They were better in all departments. Gray needs to go. He doesn't seem to able to change anything. The goals we lost were defensive blunders and the players just stand and look at each other. We are a ship without a captain.

Scott: Another poor performance after getting knocked out of the cup last week by a Championship side. Falkirk were by far the better team - a newly-promoted side. Gray is a "steady the ship" type manager and he is not getting the best out of the squad.

Barney Stewart's hat-trick inspired impressive Falkirk to an emphatic victory over Hibernian as their incredible return to the Scottish Premiership continued.

Read the full match report here.

Share your thoughts here.

Hibs head coach David Gray: "I didn't see the reaction we were looking for. We got exactly what we deserved. Second best all over the pitch.

"I thought Falkirk played the conditions better; they outworked us and, for this football club, that's not good enough.

"I'm not going to sugarcoat it, and I don't want to dilute what Falkirk did today because they did the majority of things well; they approached the game better than we did.

"That performance is a reflection of my team, and it's up to me to take full responsibility and try to change that. I'm not making excuses for players not being here, but when you pull on that jersey, you've got a responsibility and an expectation to play for this football club.

"We had too many players who were well below the standards."

Hibernian and Motherwell are poised to miss out on Sheffield Wednesday's Barry Bannan as the 36-year-old Scotland capped midfielder holds advanced talks with Millwall. (Daily Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Falkirk are missing Filip Lissah after the defender picked up an injury against Hearts last weekend while Gary Oliver (hamstring) is still out. Ross MacIver, Tom Lang and Lewis Neilson are all pushing for involvement after recovering from injury.

Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan will be out for a few weeks after picking up an ankle knock in last weekend's Scottish Gas Scottish Cup defeat at Dunfermline. David Gray has a few concerns while Josh Campbell has been out this year with a hamstring problem.