I had wondered when you'd make an appearance, TCK
Disappointed you're still giving it laldy with the 'Cultured Centreback' thing and your tirade against Jones (Bamba on the other hand I concur wholeheartedly!) The last Hibs player you could probably label 'cultured' would be Franck Sauzee. Hoggy on the other hand you would term solid, wholehearted, brave, committed, no-nonsense and intelligent, but certainly not cultured. Rob Jones was a good player in his own right. We were very, very fortunate to have Chris and Rob at the club at the same time. Both had their own individual strengths and weaknesses, and are cracking individual players but together, they complemented one another excellently, cancelled out each other's weaknesses, and ultimately formed an outstanding partnership that was ended (upon Jones' sale) all too prematurely. I've never witnessed a better central defensive partnership at Hibs in my lifetime, and reckon it may be a good while until we see the likes again.
You reckon - http://community.cal...post__p__297943
There's a fair number of us disappointed to various degrees about his departure. Certainly, given that he's a great idol of mine, I am absolutely gutted, and a signed shirt of his still takes pride of place on one of the more prominent walls in my household. And even including his heavy detractors, you'd be hard pushed to find anyone willing to question his commitment, professionalism and character. A number of our players also share the same dismay, most notably, our 20-year-old first choice centre-half desperately in need of a steady partner, who loved playing alongside Chris (not that they were allowed to play together much after Calderwood came in) and was learning a great deal from him. Instead he's having to play alongside Francis Dickoh every week: the less said about whom the better!
I'm chuffed to pieces for Chris after the goal and reports on his performance I've heard both on this board and elsewhere since the weekend - especially the latter given his ridiculous lack of game time of late. I'm convinced he will thrive under TB's stewardship, and with any luck will recover the confidence that was ebbed away at in his last year at Hibs. A clean break with a manager, teammates and supporters who will get behind him completely is the absolute least he deserves.
Congratulations on your progression in the Scottish. My fingers will be firmly crossed for you all against whichever of the Bigot Brothers you end up playing. I might just pop up for the St Johnstone game on the 19th given I'll be back in Aviemore as of next Wednesday and Hibs don't play until the Sunday. All the best as ever.
Awright Strathers?......
Like your post.
To be fair the 'cultured' is an overplay and was used deliberately to annoy the Hogg bashers on .net once I cottoned onto how much it irked them.......worked a treat hence me getting barred.
As for Jones I have to hastily disagree on a number of fronts.
Jones, Imo was a terribly defensive partner, constantly chasing lost causes to halfway line, touchline leaving Hogg isolated in defence.
Yes he could jump a bit and also was able to put in a las ditch tackle but that was always because he was constantly out of position.
The old adage, '0'ff your feet your beat' could apply more to a player like Jones.
Imo Jones is the lesser player for not having Hogg around, you only have to see the impact he has made to 'the Irons' defence to fathom that out.
IMO Hogg has been instrumental in the Hibs defence over last 5 yrs, look at their record with him not in team this season......abysmal.
If TB restores Hoggs confidence and allows the back two to forge a defensive partnership which includes Hogg, they could be in for their best season ever.
Having one of the ugly sisters at home is nothing to be frightened off.
Hope they go all the way, if only to see Hogg ram it up the Hogg baiters who were instrumental in driving him out the club.
