Hibs Advance in Europa Conference League but Fans Split on Style
Hibernian are through. That, in the cold light of a Thursday night in North Macedonia, is all that really matters. A goalless draw against Shkendija sealed a place in the Europa Conference League play-off, and for many supporters, that was enough.
For others, it left a few awkward questions hanging in the air.
Relief, pride – and a shrug over the spectacle
“Job done. Not pretty but a clean sheet away in Europe is nothing to be sniffed at,” said Calum, summing up the mood of a large chunk of the support. It wasn’t glamorous, it wasn’t thrilling, but it was professional. In Europe, that still carries weight.
John struck a similar note. The 90 minutes were hardly one for the scrapbook, but he was in no mood to complain.
“Not the best of games to watch but who cares. Getting to the play-offs is all that counted,” he said, convinced Hibs were “never in any danger” and insisting Shkendija had actually looked better at Easter Road than on their own patch.
The tie was navigated without drama. That alone felt significant for a club that has known its share of European turbulence.
Momentum from Rangers win – but a warning on tactics
The backdrop to this result matters. It came hot on the heels of a statement win against Rangers at the weekend, and Kenny believes that should embolden David Gray, not encourage caution.
“A great result following on from the win against Rangers,” he said, before turning the spotlight on the manager’s approach in domestic games. In his view, Hibs need to trust themselves more against Premiership rivals.
Gray, he argued, “needs to have more faith that we can beat teams around us without resorting to the defensive tactics that we seem to deploy in the Premiership”.
Kenny’s message was clear: this squad should be on the front foot, not retreating into its shell.
“The fans will get behind the manager and the team if we can play off the front foot and stop losing goals when we give the ball away just outside the 18-yard box. The players are there, no good being too negative.”
The European clean sheet was welcomed. The fear is that an overly cautious template might follow Hibs back into league action.
Frustration over performances and signings
Not everyone bought into the praise for the opposition either. A Graham was unimpressed by Shkendija and even less impressed by Hibs’ level over the two legs.
“Gray says Shkendija were a really good side, they were awful and we played at their level over the tie with poor passing,” came the blunt assessment.
The cutting edge up front was another concern.
“We were lacklustre up front and our record signing can't get a game,” he pointed out, a line that will sting given the investment and expectation attached to that deal.
With the group stage still a step away, patience is already being tested on recruitment.
“Hopefully some more signings to come as I'm struggling to see improvements in the ones we have so far,” he added, admitting that the Rangers performance “seems the exception to the norm right now”.
The message: qualification is welcome, but it cannot mask stuttering form or unanswered questions about the squad.
Eyes on history – and one last hurdle
Amid the debate over style, Neil cut through with a simple verdict: “Well done Hibs, not pretty but a professional job.”
He, like many, is already looking beyond Shkendija to what comes next.
“Let's hope we can get over this last hurdle and into the next stage for the first time.”
That’s the prize now. A place in the Conference League proper, a chance to write something lasting in Europe. The tie in North Macedonia won’t be remembered for its drama, but if Hibs clear that final obstacle, nobody will care how this chapter looked on the night.
