The highs of last season’s surge to a third-place finish are a fading memory for Hibs fans amid this term’s up-and-down form.

The Easter Road club have five wins from their 15 Premiership games and occupy fifth place before Saturday’s visit of Falkirk.

Hibs legend Joelle Murray, the defender turned coach, told the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast: “I think the inconsistency in performances [is why fans are unhappy].

“Last season, the second half of last season in particular, we had a fantastic run of form and results and I think the expectation was that we would pick up from there and really use that as a springboard into this season, especially off the back of the retention of players and the new signings.

“Whether it be injuries, illness or just a genuine dip in form, we’ve not really had the consistency that we showed towards the tail-end of last season so I think that’s why the fans are frustrated.

“However, when you do look at the table, sitting on 21 points, we’re fifth, but a few points takes you right up there.

“It’s a difficult one because it’s a results-driven business. We of course want to play nice football, but we are still in and among the top end of the table.”