Borchgrevink ( Merged )

[hearts00]

1 hour ago, Seymour M Hersh said:

 

I am 100% sure you have no idea what McInnes's thoughts on Borch are. 

Correct.
 

Pure speculation, piecing a few comments together. 

[boag1874]

Steinwender & Kingsley are not Right Backs, they can cover but we shouldn't be relying on them long term. The window's still open so I'm pretty sure McInnes, JTA & Hearts will do the right thing & find someone to come in who's naturally a RB. 

[SPG]

Shame that Calum Paterson went to MK Dons as he would be a pretty good stand in right back in this team - he’s surely better than League Two level?

Edited August 11, 2025 by SPG

[Chimp]

With Forrester being recalled, I don't understand why he needs to play in a bounce game tomorrow to evaluate whether we keep him or not? Makes no sense. 

[Smithian]

51 minutes ago, Chimp said:

With Forrester being recalled, I don't understand why he needs to play in a bounce game tomorrow to evaluate whether we keep him or not? Makes no sense. 

McInnes probably wants to get anoth look where his evaluation is more “do I need to buy a player?” versus “I knows he’s on my loan list, but do I think he is a 26-27 options?”
 

That’s my best guess unless it’s also fitness based. 

[busbyfth]

14 hours ago, tartofmidlothian said:

Apologies if mentioned in another thread, but McInnes says Borchgrevink is out for six to eight weeks? Has to be Steinwender or a new signing then.

..re the right back scenario eg injury etc...Last year the exact same thing happened - our right back who started well, got hurt so then Forrester stepped in (and did a bloody good job for a teenager - unspectacular but showed great promise !!) so why on earth would our hierarchy leave us wide open for the same to occur again, but this time with the potential stand in farmed out ? Did we learn nothing ? (Steinwender playing there against Ross County midweek could answer a few questions, as DI already knows what F can do - at least, he knows what the laddie can do in training) )......or will we NOT persevere with Forrester and admit that if you are young, and coming through the ranks,  you have little place at Hearts ? (DU's menace at the weekend from what I saw, came down our right flank, so if they could see the problem, you can make damn sure that every other team will have as well) 

Edited August 11, 2025 by busbyfth

[pettigrewsstylist]

1 hour ago, SPG said:

Shame that Calum Paterson went to MK Dons as he would be a pretty good stand in right back in this team - he’s surely better than League Two level?

Stand in? For who?

[Chimp]

4 minutes ago, Smithian said:

McInnes probably wants to get anoth look where his evaluation is more “do I need to buy a player?” versus “I knows he’s on my loan list, but do I think he is a 26-27 options?”
 

That’s my best guess unless it’s also fitness based. 

 

Hmm. Hopefully he opts to buy another player. 

[Portable Badger]

1 hour ago, SPG said:

Shame that Calum Paterson went to MK Dons as he would be a pretty good stand in right back in this team - he’s surely better than League Two level?

Obviously he’s not better than L2 level otherwise someone from higher leagues would have signed him.

 

If JTA had identified him then we would have signed him 

 

I genuinely don’t understand the obsession with getting him back. 

[Chuck Berry]

13 hours ago, cosanostra said:

 

He could but I'd rather leave him at St Johnstone and get in another right back and him be the best we can afford.

Forrester needs to learn at a lower level and gain some experience and confidence before coming back. 

 

 

He's played well over 30 first team games inc European games. I think he has experience and confidence.

[Chuck Berry]

4 hours ago, The Mercer Takeover said:

Nope. 

 

Was hopeless last season, and so bad that most teams actively targeted him at right back. It cost us games. 

 

We are clearly not short of money this season. We also have the world class analytics, so much so that every other team in the league world bite you arm off for. 

 

We need a new right back.

 

You're the worst Hibs poster on here though, so the fact you call him hopeless is actually a compliment to the lad.

[Smithian]

4 hours ago, Portable Badger said:

Obviously he’s not better than L2 level otherwise someone from higher leagues would have signed him.

 

If JTA had identified him then we would have signed him 

 

I genuinely don’t understand the obsession with getting him back. 

I don't think we'll see Patterson ever back at Hearts unless he signs as a bit player at the end of his career.

 

I understand the attraction. 100+ appearance, academy grad, he did well in Championship and I think conducted himself well in his one season in the Premier League. Post-COVID, and post-Hearts getting back to top flight, he's been a rotation player for a lower half Championship side, which is probably the level of players Hearts wouldn't be too overambitious to look at and wonder, if they're not super highly paid, if they'd be open to a Hearts move. That "too good for League 1, probably not every game Championship quality" player.

 

And during that same period, Hearts have had a constant mess at RB and at times we've wanted a more direct forward to play next to Shankland. Both roles Paterson could step into.

 

I wanted Paterson back as well. Mentally, I closed turned that hope off earlier this year. Paterson was seemingly on outs at Wednesday, Hearts had a manager in Critchley desperately needing a midseason stabilization who wanted a more direct striker and attacking wingbacks, and Paterson's name didn't really come up when he seemed to fit a perfect bill in either spot. Hearts got Kabangu which I considered JTA and then once Borch I considered it over.

 

I have no idea what the MK Dons move is. I obviously don't understand Paterson's value right now. It's possible he did his time in Scotland and now he enjoys the English league and wants to finish his career and start life in London, not at home in Edinburgh. Otherwise the professional side I don't get it.

[Doc Rob]

6 hours ago, SPG said:

Shame that Calum Paterson went to MK Dons as he would be a pretty good stand in right back in this team - he’s surely better than League Two level?

Apart from anything else, Paterson isn’t a RB. He did play RB for Hearts but I don’t believe he’s ever played there regularly since. He’s been mostly used in an AM role and MK Dons list him as a forward.

[tartofmidlothian]

See as well as the Ageu injury news on SFSC last night, McInnes said Borchgrevink is back up to speed and ready to play? He said they didn't sign a new RB because the injury was only a few weeks and he's our main man in that position, he'll be getting at least until January to make it his own.

 

Sounds like he'll be starting against Falkirk then. I can't wait to see him, he showed a lot of promise in the League Cup games.

[GinRummy]

3 hours ago, tartofmidlothian said:

See as well as the Ageu injury news on SFSC last night, McInnes said Borchgrevink is back up to speed and ready to play? He said they didn't sign a new RB because the injury was only a few weeks and he's our main man in that position, he'll be getting at least until January to make it his own.

 

Sounds like he'll be starting against Falkirk then. I can't wait to see him, he showed a lot of promise in the League Cup games.

I agree. He’s shown promise so far Hope he stays fit and makes the position his own. 

[Uncle Buck]

3 hours ago, tartofmidlothian said:

See as well as the Ageu injury news on SFSC last night, McInnes said Borchgrevink is back up to speed and ready to play? He said they didn't sign a new RB because the injury was only a few weeks and he's our main man in that position, he'll be getting at least until January to make it his own.

 

Sounds like he'll be starting against Falkirk then. I can't wait to see him, he showed a lot of promise in the League Cup games.

I thought it sounded like McInnes really rates him.

[tartofmidlothian]

47 minutes ago, Uncle Buck said:

I thought it sounded like McInnes really rates him.

 

It did, yeah. He looked really promising in the League Cup games. I'm trying to cast my mind back, it's already ages ago, but I think Kyziridis was the standout new signing for me in July, with Braga and Borch the others who looked like they might have something extra special in their locker.

[Watt-Zeefuik]

7 hours ago, tartofmidlothian said:

See as well as the Ageu injury news on SFSC last night, McInnes said Borchgrevink is back up to speed and ready to play? He said they didn't sign a new RB because the injury was only a few weeks and he's our main man in that position, he'll be getting at least until January to make it his own.

 

Sounds like he'll be starting against Falkirk then. I can't wait to see him, he showed a lot of promise in the League Cup games.

I'm still thinking he comes off the bench against Falkirk. But I won't be shocked if he starts, certainly.

[Tynecastle Valhalla]

1 hour ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

I'm still thinking he comes off the bench against Falkirk. But I won't be shocked if he starts, certainly.

He will be like a new signing !

Edited September 23, 2025 by Tynecastle Valhalla

[Dido of Consequence]

8 hours ago, tartofmidlothian said:

See as well as the Ageu injury news on SFSC last night, McInnes said Borchgrevink is back up to speed and ready to play? He said they didn't sign a new RB because the injury was only a few weeks and he's our main man in that position, he'll be getting at least until January to make it his own.

 

Sounds like he'll be starting against Falkirk then. I can't wait to see him, he showed a lot of promise in the League Cup games.

I missed the Ageu injury news latest. What was said mate?

[sac]

Just now, Dido of Consequence said:

I missed the Ageu injury news latest. What was said mate?

Saving him for the last 30 minutes of the derby so he can get his hat trick I believe.

[hearts00]

Excited to see what Borch has. 
 

If he starts on Sat who plays ahead of him at RM? 
 

My guess would be McEntee playing narrow, Devlin and Beni in the middle and Kyzi on the left.  

[Dido of Consequence]

1 minute ago, sac said:

Saving him for the last 30 minutes of the derby so he can get his hat trick I believe.

[tartofmidlothian]

19 minutes ago, Dido of Consequence said:

I missed the Ageu injury news latest. What was said mate?

 

Quite a mild hamstring injury, but in a place where it could get worse if they don't take care. Definitely out of Falkirk, could be back for the derby, we have two more weeks until Killie after that so he might not be risked. But the player's desperate to make the derby.

 

18 minutes ago, sac said:

Saving him for the last 30 minutes of the derby so he can get his hat trick I believe.

 

[Watt-Zeefuik]

4 hours ago, sac said:

Saving him for the last 30 minutes of the derby so he can get his hat trick I believe.

 

First start of the season against Celtic. Don't want him to miss out on the next 4-0.

[DxB Hearts]

12 hours ago, Uncle Buck said:

I thought it sounded like McInnes really rates him.

 

I was a little surprised at how much McInnes seemed to like him in that interview because I hadn't really heard him being too glowing previously. With playing him RWB in the 3-5-2 I got the impression McInnes didn't really trust him (yet) in a back 4 but sounds like I've totally jumped to my own conclusion there.

 

If he comes in and solidifies that as his own and can be better than McEntee has been over the past 2 games then we are on to a winner.

[Watt-Zeefuik]

7 hours ago, DxB Hearts said:

 

I was a little surprised at how much McInnes seemed to like him in that interview because I hadn't really heard him being too glowing previously. With playing him RWB in the 3-5-2 I got the impression McInnes didn't really trust him (yet) in a back 4 but sounds like I've totally jumped to my own conclusion there.

 

If he comes in and solidifies that as his own and can be better than McEntee has been over the past 2 games then we are on to a winner.

 

Listening to him on that podcast yesterday, McInnes is still going to opt for the back 3 at times not because of selection problems but because he thinks it's tactically appropriate. I know some won't like that but he was pretty clear he wants to flex between a back 3 and back 4.

 

I think it's a bit of the reverse—we've hewed closer to a back 4 because we don't have a good RWB without Borchgrevink. McEntee was far, far better at RB than he was at RWB.

 

With Borch I think we'll play both.

[Luckies1874]

10 minutes ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

 

Listening to him on that podcast yesterday, McInnes is still going to opt for the back 3 at times not because of selection problems but because he thinks it's tactically appropriate. I know some won't like that but he was pretty clear he wants to flex between a back 3 and back 4.

 

I think it's a bit of the reverse—we've hewed closer to a back 4 because we don't have a good RWB without Borchgrevink. McEntee was far, far better at RB than he was at RWB.

 

With Borch I think we'll play both.

 

The reality is that when they are all fit we have some very good centre backs at SPL level too so he will want to utilise 3 instead of 2 for rotations reasons, keeping players on board etc etc. Kent is now out short term and McCart has returned but if you consider Halkett and Findlay are likely the  current first choice and we still have Steinwender who has been improving each time he plays and Kingsley we are very well off in this area of the squad. 

[Watt-Zeefuik]

7 minutes ago, Luckies1874 said:

 

The reality is that when they are all fit we have some very good centre backs at SPL level too so he will want to utilise 3 instead of 2 for rotations reasons, keeping players on board etc etc. Kent is now out short term and McCart has returned but if you consider Halkett and Findlay are likely the  current first choice and we still have Steinwender who has been improving each time he plays and Kingsley we are very well off in this area of the squad. 

 

[pettigrewsstylist]

41 minutes ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

 

Listening to him on that podcast yesterday, McInnes is still going to opt for the back 3 at times not because of selection problems but because he thinks it's tactically appropriate. I know some won't like that but he was pretty clear he wants to flex between a back 3 and back 4.

 

I think it's a bit of the reverse—we've hewed closer to a back 4 because we don't have a good RWB without Borchgrevink. McEntee was far, far better at RB than he was at RWB.

 

With Borch I think we'll play both.

I think the Tannadice and Motherwell at home experiences support this opinion.

I also suspect 3 CBs, at set plays, has its place.

An up and coming RWB would be a good find in Jan window IMO.

[Watt-Zeefuik]

3 minutes ago, pettigrewsstylist said:

I think the Tannadice and Motherwell at home experiences support this opinion.

I also suspect 3 CBs, at set plays, has its place.

An up and coming RWB would be a good find in Jan window IMO.

 

I mind when we brought in Milne last January and it seemed a bit of an odd buy, given Penrice's dominance at the position and Kingsley's availability.

 

Masterstroke.

[SIWYPod]

31 minutes ago, Luckies1874 said:

 

The reality is that when they are all fit we have some very good centre backs at SPL level too so he will want to utilise 3 instead of 2 for rotations reasons, keeping players on board etc etc. Kent is now out short term and McCart has returned but if you consider Halkett and Findlay are likely the  current first choice and we still have Steinwender who has been improving each time he plays and Kingsley we are very well off in this area of the squad. 

 

It's a cracking problem to have to be honest.  Multiple dependable options that can fit into a 2 or a 3.  Granted the RWB situation hasn't been ideal with Borchgrevinks absence but we have reliable options at the back to the point where I'm not particularly worried whichever combination we pick.   

[tartofmidlothian]

57 minutes ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

 

Listening to him on that podcast yesterday, McInnes is still going to opt for the back 3 at times not because of selection problems but because he thinks it's tactically appropriate. I know some won't like that but he was pretty clear he wants to flex between a back 3 and back 4.

 

I think it's a bit of the reverse—we've hewed closer to a back 4 because we don't have a good RWB without Borchgrevink. McEntee was far, far better at RB than he was at RWB.

 

With Borch I think we'll play both.

 

I think the keys to playing a 3 are Borchgrevink and Schwolow, it looks like he gives us that wee bit more stability and security at the back to be more open.

[boag1874]

1 hour ago, Luckies1874 said:

 

The reality is that when they are all fit we have some very good centre backs at SPL level too so he will want to utilise 3 instead of 2 for rotations reasons, keeping players on board etc etc. Kent is now out short term and McCart has returned but if you consider Halkett and Findlay are likely the  current first choice and we still have Steinwender who has been improving each time he plays and Kingsley we are very well off in this area of the squad. 

Thats how I see it. You could argue that every single one of our CB options would slot in as a starter now although the Findlay - Halks partnership looks to be our best on paper.

 

If we go a 3 I think I'd go Findlay - Halks - Steinwender as that'd give us the best balance - Steinwender & Findlay are both pretty quick & can both cover FB positions to allow Milne & Borch to get right up to the byline on the overlap, Halks we obviously know is an absolute monster in the middle of a 3

[DS98]

13 minutes ago, boag1874 said:

Thats how I see it. You could argue that every single one of our CB options would slot in as a starter now although the Findlay - Halks partnership looks to be our best on paper.

 

If we go a 3 I think I'd go Findlay - Halks - Steinwender as that'd give us the best balance - Steinwender & Findlay are both pretty quick & can both cover FB positions to allow Milne & Borch to get right up to the byline on the overlap, Halks we obviously know is an absolute monster in the middle of a 3

It’s mental to think that our 5th and 6th best centre backs would start for any other team out with the OF. And that’s no maroon-tinted specs. 
 

The strength and depth is insane for this level. Hibs for instance don’t even have a 5th or 6th choice centre back!

[parwj]

Come on the Hibees have Rocky …….

[hearts00]

5 hours ago, Luckies1874 said:

 

The reality is that when they are all fit we have some very good centre backs at SPL level too so he will want to utilise 3 instead of 2 for rotations reasons, keeping players on board etc etc. Kent is now out short term and McCart has returned but if you consider Halkett and Findlay are likely the  current first choice and we still have Steinwender who has been improving each time he plays and Kingsley we are very well off in this area of the squad. 

Do you really think that’s the case? I just don’t understand how this makes sense. So we have a lot of CHs so let’s play 3 at the back!?!

 

That is not a good reason to play 3 at the back.  I could accept other reasons but not that one. 

[hearts00]

And we should very rarely play 3 at the back. Full stop.  

[OTT]

3 hours ago, DS98 said:

It’s mental to think that our 5th and 6th best centre backs would start for any other team out with the OF. And that’s no maroon-tinted specs. 
 

The strength and depth is insane for this level. Hibs for instance don’t even have a 5th or 6th choice centre back!

 

Despite that we've shipped a number of regrettable goals. 

 

So we went out and signed a 200 appearance Bundesliga keeper!!  Its nice having a the ability to actually solve problems instead of just staring at the oncoming train... 

 

Loving how we're operating this season, although I might go and hide when the financials are announced  

 

 

[InternationalJambo]

Good game to bring him back in. Looking forward to him getting a wee run in the team tbh, liked the look of him in the league cup games. Got something about him. 

[dsk1210]

He is a good crosser from deep, does not really need to past his man.

 

Looking forward to him hopefully getting a good run.

[Luckies1874]

7 minutes ago, hearts00 said:

Do you really think that’s the case? I just don’t understand how this makes sense. So we have a lot of CHs so let’s play 3 at the back!?!

 

That is not a good reason to play 3 at the back.  I could accept other reasons but not that one. 

 

We have a lot of CH's and they are all good players. That's the difference. So at times yes 3 will play. 

[hearts00]

Just now, Luckies1874 said:

 

We have a lot of CH's and they are all good players. That's the difference. So at times yes 3 will play. 

Agreed we have an excellent and deep selection of CHs. But I still don’t see why that should dictate a formation. 
 

Having more big guys on the park for set pieces is a reason. 
 

We play better with a 4 though. 

[bobby bombscare]

17 minutes ago, hearts00 said:

Agreed we have an excellent and deep selection of CHs. But I still don’t see why that should dictate a formation. 
 

Having more big guys on the park for set pieces is a reason. 
 

We play better with a 4 though. 

Absolutely! This grinds my gears. So often we have played a formation to get all our best players (on paper) on the park regardless of what the game or the league dictates. 

 

We need to play the best formation, tactics and players to ensure we score more goals than the team at the other end of the pitch. If we have 3 great strikers that doesn't mean we play 3 strikers or play one out of position. If we need 1 up top, unfortunately that means we drop 2 good strikers. 

 

Same goes with CH's just cause we've got a lot of them doesn't mean we should play 3 at the back, shoehorn them into other positions or ultimately alter the philosophy that is currently bringing the team success. 

 

In fairness to Del, he tends to play the best team as opposed to the best players. He will leave a good player out if the game doesn't suit them or a formation that includes them. 

Edited September 24, 2025 by bobby bombscare

[mitch41]

Why does this guy Borchgrevink worry me that he’s not going to fit into the team because he’s not good enough, never going to be fit enough, liable to let the team down in big games and never be a first team regular. 
I have no evidence at all it’s just a hunch but I just can’t stop worrying the lad will be a bad signing.

I hope I’m wrong.

[colinmaroon]

44 minutes ago, mitch41 said:

Why does this guy Borchgrevink worry me that he’s not going to fit into the team because he’s not good enough, never going to be fit enough, liable to let the team down in big games and never be a first team regular. 
I have no evidence at all it’s just a hunch but I just can’t stop worrying the lad will be a bad signing.

I hope I’m wrong.

 

Oh dear!  That's what thinking too much does and, like so many others, you'll put a player under an unbalanced microscope, just looking at all his failures.

 

Seen it before, from the abuse got on here in 2006 on particularly.  Robbie Neison, right back coincidentally, Zal in his first few seasons, "bombscare", and so it's gone on.

 

All three were good players and "bombscare" Zal is now a legend.

 

Give the player a break!  Give yourself a break!

 

 

[JamboGee92]

I thought he looked good vs Aberdeen. 

[WASTREL]

On 23/09/2025 at 22:32, Dido of Consequence said:

I missed the Ageu injury news latest. What was said mate?

Falkirk game is too early for him, DM not ruling out him playing at some point against Hibs but he has more chance of being a starter away to Killie

[Dido of Consequence]

1 hour ago, WASTREL said:

Falkirk game is too early for him, DM not ruling out him playing at some point against Hibs but he has more chance of being a starter away to Killie

Cheers for that

 

1st game back for our record signing after bring out injured ...

......away to killie on that pitch?

 

No thanks  😆 🤣 

 

 

 

Cool 

[scott herbertson]

6 hours ago, mitch41 said:

Why does this guy Borchgrevink worry me that he’s not going to fit into the team because he’s not good enough, never going to be fit enough, liable to let the team down in big games and never be a first team regular. 
I have no evidence at all it’s just a hunch but I just can’t stop worrying the lad will be a bad signing.

I hope I’m wrong.

 

 

Just a reminder of what the guy brings. Also was captain of his promotion winning side before coming to us. He's not one of those gamble/ potential signings

 

"An intelligent, versatile player, 25-year-old Christian has been a mainstay of Valerenga’s first team in recent years, making a total of 125 appearances and scoring nine goals. With a famed delivery in his locker, he’s registered 27 assists.

 

A product of the Oslo-based side’s youth system, he cut his teeth during loan spells at fellow Norwegian outfits HamKam and Notodden FK in 2018 and 2019 respectively, before establishing himself in Valerenga’s top team from 2020 onwards.

 

Christian was part of the 2020 Valerenga side that finished third in the top flight, securing European qualification in the process. He got his first taste of UEFA Conference League action the following campaign as Valerenga narrowly missed out on attaining consecutive European finishes.

 

Enga would succumb to relegation in 2023 but last season, with Christian as captain, they swept all aside to win the second tier and immediate promotion back to the Eliteserien."