Every word from Nick Montgomery Hibs Q&A ahead of St Johnstone

Does Joe Newell being suspended give you a decision to make?

“It’s a pretty easy decision, and it gives Joe a chance to have a little rest. He’s played a lot of games and took a few big knocks that he’s recovered from. Jimmy Jeggo will come back in, he’s been chomping at the bit. Based on his performances, it’s been really hard to leave Jimmy out. He’ll be straight back in this weekend.

Togetherness even when players are out

“It’s really important when you talk about culture. You can only pick 11 players and my job is the hardest job because I have to pick the starting team. But it’s not always about the starting team, that’s what I always tell the boys – it’s also about the subs and players not in the squad, everybody’s in it together. We try to build that culture where, no matter what happens, everybody is supporting the team to get a result on matchday.

Does it feel like you're building some real momentum at the moment?

“Yeah. I’ve said it many times but the boys have been really receptive to the change in the way we play, and in trying to build an identity. We still have a lot to improve on. There’s been games early in my reign where we’ve played really well – better than some games we’ve won – but that’s football. What we have now is a real structure, and belief in the camp that we can win anywhere home or away. That’s something that’s taken a little bit of time to build, but we don’t focus on what has already happened, we focus on St Johnstone this weekend. It’s going to be a tough battle, as always.

From your first win against St Johnstone to now, does it feel like that progress is ahead of schedule?

“Not really. You know it’ll be a little bit up and down, with players coming in and out, and them getting to know me. The progress has been steady. If you look at the games we drew from winning positions, especially when we were 2-0 up, maybe that would not have been a real true reflection of where we’re at if you add those points on. But, again, it’s irrelevant – where we are now is about where we should be. There’s lots of improvement to be made. It’s really tight in the league table, as well, so week-on-week things can change. But we’ll focus on what we’re doing without worrying about anyone else.

The meeting with the SFA about investment from Bill Foley, does it feel like there could be a real step change in the club's fortunes?

“I actually didn’t know there was a meeting today, so thanks for that! To be honest, maybe it was mentioned but I don’t know what day it is at the minute, it’s all rolling into one. It’s exciting for any club to have external investment. What that will look like, I’ve no idea because it’s just conversations that are going on. Ben, Ian, Brian and the club will deal with stuff like that, they’ve kept me pretty much out of the loop – I would rather know stuff that’s concrete other than speculation. There’s speculation every day in football, about players and everything else, so the less the better for me. I’m purely focused on right here, right now and what I have at the training ground.

People talk about the potential for a 'third force' in Scotland, could that be Hibs?

“We know the history, the fanbase, and what a fantastic club this is. There’s other big teams in the competition and we’re definitely down the pecking order, in terms of budgets, from those top teams. We want to be one of the biggest teams every season fighting for those top three or four spots.

READ MORE: Hibs optimistic as Bill Foley investment D-day arrives

To do that we have to perform on the pitch. What goes on off the pitch, there’s been a lot of work on that since Ron took over the club, and now with Kit, Ian, and Ben as CEO. They’re always working hard, looking at ways to continue to grow the club off the field, because we know the reward can then come on the field where we can possibly upgrade the training ground, look at players out of our reach and maybe build a stronger squad moving forward. These are things that will possibly progress in the future, but right now we’re in a good place and we’re happy with where we’re at. What will be, will be.

Have you spoken to Bill Foley?

“No, I’ve never spoken to Bill. I’ve followed him buying the team in Auckland, I know people involved in that. That’s exciting for Bill and his group. I’ve got some good friends at Bournemouth, as well. Simon Francis is a good friend of mine and an ex-team mate. I’ve kept in touch with him over my career. It’s nice to be talked about with other clubs, but I’ve never spoken to Bill, unfortunately.

What did they tell you about him?

"That he's obviously a really successful guy and loves football. If he's willing to invest his money in football ... it's fantastic that he's putting his money into Auckland City. New Zealand is a beautiful country and it's only got one A-League team in it. I think it's definitely exciting for New Zealand and for Auckland, which is an amazing city. That multi-group set-up is part and parcel of football. There's a lot of that now and a lot of positives involved in that.

Is it a big compliment to the club that he's looking to invest here when there are so many other options?

"That's the most exciting thing of all, you're talking someone of Bill's stature who could realistically choose any club in the Premiership to sponsor or be involved in, but that fact he has chosen Hibs doesn't surprise me because of the history and size of the club, and the fanbase. There's a lot of things to like about Hibs but my job is to make sure I get it right on the pitch and try to win games of football

You've mentioned tracking Musa Toure, his manager at Adelaide United has now said he's not ready for a move...

"I can't really give anything concrete, it's just speculation. What the manager of another club says is nothing to do with me. That's his opinion, football is opinionated and I could give you opinions about Rory Whittaker.

READ MORE: Hibs target Musa Toure set for Adelaide contract trigger

Some would say he's not ready at 16 but that's not my opinion, that's why he's started three games of football in the Premiership. Everybody has opinions on players. I can't comment on that speculation - there's nothing there.

Are plans advancing on the January transfer window?

"Not really. I've told you about the players who are coming back fit. In terms of the budget, right now, we don't have the means to go out and bring players in at the minute, but we know we are going to lose a couple of players in January as well {to AFCON and Asian Cup] so it's a bit of a balancing act at the minute in terms of looking at the squad depth coming into that February period. But I know if the right players come up, they fit the club and the budget and the structure, then I know I can have those conversations with Brian [McDermott], Ian [Gordon] and Ben [Kensell]. But as of now, we haven't had any serious conversations.

Was selling Elias Melkersen a case of it being good business for the club?

"With Melkersen, it was one of them: I'd never seen him, never met or worked with him but we felt that the offer was good. Speaking to Elias, he was adamant that he wanted to play week in, week out, and that's not something I can guarantee anybody. And I don't guarantee anybody that here. It wasn't a demand but I think the opportunity for him to play week in, week out at his age was something that he really wanted to do. When we looked at everything, we felt it was the right opportunity for him and the club - and also good business.

In terms of striking options, how is Adam Le Fondre's recovery progressing?

"He's still not in training. I think he's probably a little bit ahead of schedule, probably looking at some time in January/February to be fit. That's another one that we'll hopefully get back soon.

And how is Harry McKirdy getting on?

"He's up and down. He's been through a serious situation and we are not rushing him. We've just got to wait and see. He's trained a couple of times and he's with the physios, trying to build up his stamina and his confidence. We won't be rushing him but we'll definitely welcome him back when that time comes.

Is there potential there for a similar turnaround as Jair?

"Jair is a great example of coming in and he wasn't really involved but now he's the most consistent player in the team. It just shows, if you work hard and if you get an opportunity, you take it. I don't think there's any doubt that Jair has been a great story. He's still got a lot to go in terms of his development as well."