Every word from David Marshall's Hibs Q&A ahead of Dundee

How does Nick Montgomery compare to other managers you've worked under?

“It’s hard to compare, he’s made a great impression.

“Results-wise we have hit the ground running in such a short space of time.

“I have been really impressed with his staff, the goalkeeping coach who came in was actually on my A-Licence last year, so I kind of knew him a little bit.

“He’s been great. In terms of comparisons, with the Spanish and Portuguese staff and the way he wants to play there is a slight likeness to Marco Silva at Hull.

“Just some of the defensive work we do, not specifically the people. 

“How the goalkeepers play and connect with the backline. I have really enjoyed it so far and I am sure it will only get better.

“He’s been great with all the players and the results have followed.

Even with your experience, has there been anything new?

“It changes a lot, it depends on who you work with.

“How we build from the back changes, and there are slight details in that which change every week depending on how teams set up and look to press us.

“And I’m sure that will continue to change as we evolve.

“I feel more involved. The goalkeepers all feel more involved and connected to the team under this regime.

“That’s something I enjoy.

Not every keeper would enjoy goal-kicks being taken to them, how has that developed?

“There are reasons behind it and that will evolve depending on who we are playing and how they want to press us.

“I’m sure there are teams who will look to take advantage of that and see it as a chance to go and press.

“And there will be others who sit off.

“I enjoy it. I enjoy as a goalkeeper being involved as much as possible.

“It keeps us connected even though some fans might have their hearts in their mouths!

“There’s method in the madness! We’re following orders but it’s ultimately to gain an advantage and get us up the pitch and get our creative platers on the ball.

“It may start with me but ultimately we are looking to affect their backline and get our exciting players on the ball.

Dylan Vente's scored five goals from five shots, is he like that in training?

“He just saves it for games! Someone sent me that stat and fair play to him, I didn’t realise that.

“He’s very calm in front of goal. Since has has come in he’s horizontal, he’s the calmest guy in the building.

“I think that’s shown with his finishing. I’d like him to get a few more chances if that’s his ratio.

READ MORE: Hibs press conference analysis ahead of Dundee clash

“But he’s started well. There must have been a bit of turmoil with him just being in the building with the manager changing. He’s been great.

“Everybody talks about the striker position at clubs and when you do have a top striker like Kevin Nisbet and he goes, it’s difficult to go and buy a striker at that level.

“But Vents is playing really well and hopefully there is improvement to come with the way the manager has come in and set up.

“We’re three weeks into the regime so hopefully there’s improvement in everyone.

Ice cold a great way to describe a striker, isn’t it?

“Exactly. If he’s scored five goals with five shots, long may it continue.

Is there an annoyance that there's still goals being conceded?

“Of course, it annoys you to lose goals. It’s easier when you’re winning games.

“But we went through a bad spell at the start of the season and that’s why the manager was changed.

“We’ve worked really hard on that. WE have a couple of international breaks coming up in October and November and I’m sure we’ll work even harder then.

“You don’t want to be losing two goals a game. You can’t always score three and four at this level, so it’s something we will tighten up on.

“I’m sure it will come. Overall, the team has improved a lot in the last few weeks – but there is always room for improvement and the defence is an area.

“There will be little nuances, little changes, depending on who we’re playing. But we want to be a team that attacks and entertains.

“I don’t think we’ll change that for anyone. But there is still a real emphasis on defending well when we don’t have the ball.

Can you tell us about your involvement with the community foundation and the work they do?

“I think all community foundations really struggled during Covid. Obviously that face-to-face contact stuff was missing.

“Mags McPherson, the chairman’s wife, has taken over as chair and she’s been fantastic in trying to raise the profile.

“Having the game is a testament to the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes.

“The reach it has in the local community is huge, not just among football fans but in the entire community.

“I mean, they’re feeding people who need food, giving homeless people shelter, getting kids playing football. The reach it’s got and the reach it can have huge.

“The work I’ve been privy to has been fantastic so having this game for the Foundation is phenomenal. It’s a big moment.

“It helps thousands and thousands of kids and families. That’s how it should be, because the club is huge – and it should be involved in that.

What made you want to get involved with it?

“I got involved because I’m just finishing a Masters in sporting directorship.

“When Mags came into the club to explain that she was taking over the Foundation, one of my assignments was on change – and she was changing strategy, so I kind of worked with her.

“She helped with one of my assignments and then asked if I wanted to be part of the board. She’s been great, brilliant for me, and it’s been great to sit on the board and get that experience.

“Unfortunately, the players are the ones the fans want to see. But the more players who get engaged in it, the better.

READ MORE: Every word from Nick Montgomery's Hibs press conference

“We had half the squad at the Kiltwalk last week, which was a great day for the Foundation.

What was your thinking behind doing the Maters?

“I started it when I was at Derby, it was during Covid and I wasn’t playing. I just wanted to try something new.

“Davie Weir had done the course, I spoke to him and he highly recommended it.

“I’m at the dissertation stage now, so nearly there. Well, the hardest bit to come – 15,000 words …

“I’ll get there. It’s been a great eye opener, I’ve met some fantastic people and it’s been a tremendous learning experience, obviously.

Is it the same course as Aiden McGeady?

“I’m studying at a different place from Aiden, I’m at Manchester Met and I can’t remember where he was doing his.

“But he’s done his dissertation, so I’ll need to copy and paste off him!”