Football Season Guide

It was an impressive return to the Scottish Premiership for Hibernian last season, coming close to finishing second and taking the fight for third into the final weekend. In the end, Neil Lennon's side had to settle for fourth, but reigned as the supreme club in Edinburgh. Lennon has spoken of his desire to be the best of the rest behind Celtic, but his recruitment drive so far has been modest ahead of the new season. Retaining Florian Kamberi was a huge coup, as the striker finished last season as the club's top goalscorer and was the focal point of the attack. He'll be expected to lead the line once again this season. Adam Bogdan has come in and immediately looks like being number one, whilst Stephen Mallan joined from Barnsley and will be the replacement for Scott Allan in that central role. Mallan has already announced his arrival with two stunning free-kicks. Hibs are still hoping to get Allan back to the club, but will be focusing on not losing their star asset in John McGinn. The Leith side have booted out three bids from Celtic, and losing him would be a huge loss considering the departure of Dylan McGeouch earlier this summer. The Europa League tie against Runavik, which Hibs got through, still flagged up their defensive concerns. Lennon has yet to sign a central defender, and it looks as though he's going to go with the same back four as last season barring any unexpected incomings. It's already looking to be another campaign where Hibs have a "if you score one we'll score two" approach, but that's what made them such an exciting and unpredictable team last season. Their supporters continue to be enthralled by the football produced but, if Lennon wants to see real progress this term, then additions must be made at the back. Regardless, a strong season looks probable for the Easter Road side, but work is still to be done in the window before their prospects can be fully gauged.