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With all the threads and bickering thats been discussed about the Hibs goalkeeping position off the forum also in the last few days I think its time a few fans start taking responsibility for comments made earlier in the season.
Malkowski cannot be excused, no matter how good his form has been at Gretna. Simon Brown isn't that far away from his standards set either. A combination of these two has probably aged a few bouncers throughout the course of the season a wee bit quicker than normal. Enough said about them though.
Andy McNeil came in and looked alot stronger than what SB and ZM would do together in goals, FFS. His kicking was very poor to start with but I feel this is something that has improved game by game. His overall game has improved but im still not happy with his positioning sometimes.
The point though, his mistake on Saturday (how many across Scotland that weekend?) is undefendable but who put him there 2-3years earlier than what most would describe an ideal time? Yes, the Hibs fans.
I don't buy any tosh from JC that 'Im the manager I will make the decision' in the aftermath of yet another Zibi howler. It was the Hibs fans at games, messageboards, in the street, in the papers and on the radio that asked for the lad to be given a chance. JC mulled over it and put him in, this in combination with a few decent displays seen Andy retain his place. 3rd howler (in my opinion) down the line and some feel its enough and want another change. A similar request to the last, younger understudy Grof to replace McNeil.
So now Hibs fans are looking to Damage the confidence of Hibs 4th choice keeper on the basis he had a stormer against Hearts Under19s along with John Park giving him a glowing reference. Nah thats pish. Atleast let the lad perform for the reserves for a couple of seasons (he hasn't played many this season FFS), play possibly a few friendlies and let him merge into first team plans on his own performance merits rather than a few impatient Hibs fans canny accept their own wrong decision 6-7 months previous.
McNeil has had too much thrown on him this season and for this he was my YPOTY for the Bounce awards. In future, think before shouting for a change.
Back the young laddie while he is still in the sticks. Same applies to Damon Gray who was requested upon very similarly.
Keep the faith.
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I think there is a slight difference between blooding Gray(as well as Stevenson/Chisolm/McCann et al) and putting a young keeper in between the sticks. Outfield players in general can be sparingly added to games when there is nothing much to play for and get away with finding their feet, keepers don't have that luxury simple mistakes for keepers tend to lead to goals.
I personally think that McNeill is an OK keeper but as has been seen when watching him playing for Scotland u20s/u19s he has a long, long way to go before he is ready to be a first team regular.
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In Flanders' fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
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