Monty reveals the ‘magic number’ of targets to bolster squad
According to Easter Road manager Nick Montgomery, Hibs will not spend any of billionaire investor Bill Foley’s money on transfers until the Bournemouth owner’s buy-in is signed, sealed, and delivered. But he’s optimistic that the current budget will cover FOUR more arrivals by the end of the month.
The Scottish FA Board is still debating whether to approve Foley’s purchase of a minority ownership in Hibs, which would benefit from an immediate cash influx as well as potential to collaborate with the American’s teams in England and France. Existing shareholders must also ratify any agreement with the sporting billionaire, who sees Hibs as the uncontested third force in Scottish football.
Pointing out that much of the reported £6 million being ploughed in by Foley will go to infrastructure, Montgomery said he expected the transfer budget to increase once the sporting magnate gets involved. But that doesn’t mean he’s being allowed to spend his promised millions in the current window.
“It’s been well-documented but not confirmed yet,” he said. “There are regulations to go through with the SFA, but until that’s guaranteed money…
“The club has been very clear on where that investment will go, it will go to improving the training ground and the stadium, and potentially some will go into the budget. Until that’s a guarantee, we’re working with what we’ve got, and that’s all we can do.”
Montgomery has been left desperately short of numbers for tomorrow’s visit of Motherwell, the final Scottish Premiership fixture before the winter break, with international call-ups and a fresh injury for Josh Campbell leaving Hibs struggling in key areas. Aware that established starters Martin Boyle, Lewis Miller and Rocky Bushiri could be absent on national service until well into February, depending on how they fare in the Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations respectively, Monty is eager to add bodies to his threadbare squad
“With Josh Campbell leaving, the magic number would be four,” he explained. “If we can get two or one, that’s what we’ll strive for.”
“We can only stretch the budget so far, so we have to be clinical in our recruitment.” We have a few targets, but it’s difficult to bring in quality players and find clubs willing to allow them come in for the cash we have.
“We’re working very hard, and perhaps one or two of us will go out to help that fund.” It’s a recurring problem, but it’s the same at every club this time of year. Depending on whether or not any players leave, there may be a knock-on impact in terms of freeing up space budget to bring another player in. It’s really hard to say.”
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