Title: Rebuilding Hibernian's First Team with Young Talent: The Temporary Call-up of Youth Academy Players
Introduction:
Hibernian, one of the most successful football clubs in Scotland, has been in existence for over 150 years and has produced some of the best players in Scottish football history. However, in recent times, Hibernian has struggled to find enough quality talent to compete at the highest level of the Scottish Premier League (SPL). As a result, the club has had to rely on temporary call-ups of youth academy players who have not yet reached the senior squad.
This approach was taken after Hibernian suffered relegation from the SPL in 2018-19 due to poor performances in the league. The club's board decided that it would be more effective to recruit young talent and develop them into professional players rather than relying solely on temporary call-ups. This decision was made after extensive research and analysis of the player pool available, as well as a review of the club's performance record.
The first team manager, Brian Borthwick, believed that by developing young talent through training and selection, the club could improve its chances of success in the future. He also highlighted the importance of investing in the development of young players, as this would allow them to become more versatile and contribute to the team's overall strategy.
One of the key benefits of using temporary call-ups is that they provide a fresh perspective and fresh blood to the team. This can help to prevent the club from becoming too reliant on older players and can help to create a sense of excitement and anticipation within the squad.
Another benefit of using temporary call-ups is that they give the club the opportunity to bring in new talent and develop it further. This can lead to better results both on and off the pitch, as well as increased confidence among the coaching staff and other members of the management team.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to using temporary call-ups. One of the main concerns is that they may not always produce the same level of performance as permanent signings, particularly if the player does not fit into the team immediately or if the club is short of suitable replacements.
In conclusion, using temporary call-ups of youth academy players has been a successful approach for Hibernian, providing a fresh perspective and fresh blood to the team. While there are potential drawbacks to this approach, it has proven to be an effective way to develop young talent and improve the team's overall performance.