An awful campaign eventually ended in a tenth place finish, but not before club favourite Franck Sauzee had been sacked as manager as Hibs flirted with relegation.

Bobby Williamson came in from Kilmarnock and steadied the ship, but further bad news has materialised in the last week with the departures of Ulises de la Cruz and Ulrik Laursen.

While De la Cruz flattered to deceive last season, his attacking talent was there for all to see at the World Cup, and Laursen was a highly effective and mobile defender.

The club's inability to come up with the cash to sign Gary Caldwell, who impressed at the heart of defence on loan last season, was also a blow.

However, Williamson thrives in adversity and his teams are not known for their tendency towards capitulation.

In Garry O'Connor and Tam McManus he has two of the most exciting young forwards in the country and there is plenty of talent left at the club.

A top six finish must be the aim and a good cup run would give the fans something to cheer again.