Hibs – Starting to show real ambition
Easter Road, photo The Celtic Star
Bill Foley’s Black Knight already back Hibs. They’ve backed Bournemouth too, and that is very much an EPL sustainable success story with foundations in data and analytics. They have strengthened infrastructure and now are starting to show real ambition.
However, Hibs now must translate investment into form across a full campaign. Expect them to be right in the hunt for top‑four and possibly challenging to replicate that 3rd‑place momentum.
Verdict: They’re serious challengers in the long-term, and may even show Hearts, they won’t have it all their own way in Edinburgh, never mind Scottish football as a whole. Sustainability will depend on maintaining continuity and not simply relying on one-season magic.
Aberdeen – Can Scottish cup glory lead to league consistency?
Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Aberdeen will be asking themselves, can an unexpected cup final win lead to league consistency? The Dons, claimed the Scottish Cup for the first time in 35 years and finished 5th in the Premiership under Jimmy Thelin, securing Europa League play-off spot. They’ve added reinforcements but lost a few squad regulars too. Competing on four fronts will stretch depth, but momentum is clearly with them.
Verdict: Fans will expect a strong league showing and deep cup runs. Their European involvement could be double-edged though. Exposure to more top-level football brings the risk of league drop-off due to fatigue.
