Hibernian have perhaps had the most rollercoaster season of all the sides in the division, but new manager Paul Heckingbottom still managed to steer them to fifth place.
It all started with Neil Lennon struggling to get the best out of his new signings. The likes of Mark Milligan, Charalampos Mavrias, and Daryl Horgan arrived to much fanfare. Only Horgan made a positive impression, with Stevie Mallan another notable acquisition from Lennon.
But, as was the problem with Hibernian last season, they were playing plenty of pretty football with a lack of end product. Florian Kamberi and Oli Shaw were failing to strike up a partnership, whilst despite their attractive style, Hibs often looked sluggish at the back. There was a lack of organisation there, and Lennon was seeing his side go on a run of just one win in 12 before the Winter break.
Lennon quickly tried to freshen things up in January, but players such as Mark McNulty, Darnell Johnson, Ryan Gauld, and Gael Bigirimana weren't cutting it.
A bust-up between Lennon and members of the Hibs squad saw him depart, with Heckingbottom arriving and playing a more aggressive style. He took over with Hibs in eighth, but managed to get the best out of several top stars including Mallan, Stephane Omeonga, and McNulty respectively. Hibs managed to go unbeaten in his first eight games in charge, but ended the campaign without a win in five.
Hibs go into next season full of hope and in a position of both strength and stability. It'll be interesting to see what the close-season brings in terms of ins and outs.
