Really interesting development, and the more I think about it, the more I think it’s probably a really good fit.
Michael Appleton made mistakes, but unlike almost all football managers before and since, he actually learned from them. He spotted and attracted good young players, made them Football League ready, and gave them value. He was tactically flexible. He interview well and with intelligence. He gave Oxford (relative) success.
But he only did half a job here, and his departure demonstrated a lack of ambition, particularly when we were the first club to give him a decent chance.
The trick will be - what will be considered success at Easter Road? I think he could take Hibs to Europe in time, and pop up with a League Club. But to really make his mark, he’ll need to compete genuinely with I-Can’t-Believe-it’s-not-Rangers for second. Which is possible but as others have said, won’t happen ‘til his second or third season. Will he stay that long? Or decide after 18 months the assistant job at Tynecastle is more his style?
Well worth the punt. Interesting times.