Hibernian

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Midfielder Jamie McGrath says the "upward trajectory" of Hibernian was a key factor in his decision to join the club.

The 28-year-old left Aberdeen at the end of last season to pen a four-year deal with the Dons' Scottish Premiership rivals.

The Irishman is happy to have "more stability" and is determined to help the side build on last season's third-placed finish.

On what encouraged him to join the Leith club, he said: "The direction the club is going in, an upward trajectory. Seeing how they finished off the season, it looked a great place to be.

"I've been linked with Hibs a few times in the past, I'm just happy to be here now. There are big European games to look forward to. We want to build on last year."

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Joe Newell described his first season as Hibernian captain as "a rollercoaster" as his team overcame a dire start to finish third.

The 32-year-old, who is yet to play in 2025, missed the second half of the campaign through injury as David Gray's side surged up the table.

"It was really, really hard at the start," said the midfielder. "It was a quick learning curve.

"Obviously, with the boys doing so well, but then me being out, I had to manage that situation as well.

"I learnt a lot in the first year, but it's something I absolutely love. It really is such a privilege to do it."

Newell, who has been out with a groin issue, is hoping to return to training by the start of August.

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Captain Joe Newell challenged his Hibernian team-mates to "do it the hard way" after Aberdeen's surprise Scottish Cup victory dented their hopes of guaranteed European football until December.

Hibs looked set for main-phase continental competition – either in the Europa or Conference League – after finishing third in the Premiership last season.

But, Jimmy Thelin's side instead earned that reward after their stunning penalty shootout win over champions Celtic last month, meaning the capital club must start with a challenging Europa League second qualifying-round tie with Danish Superliga side, Midtjylland next month.

Newell admitted it was a blow, but he remains confident the "momentum and feel-good factor" David Gray's side generated last season can help them enjoy a positive European campaign nonetheless.

"I'm sure I speak for thousands of Hibs fans out there, it wasn't a great Saturday afternoon, I'll be honest," he said, reflecting on the cup final. "It's out of our control, isn't it? You control the controllables.

"We weren't in the cup final, we couldn't change anything. Fair play to Aberdeen. Amazing, they won the Scottish Cup and they thoroughly deserve to be where they are. All credit to them. We'll have to do it the hard way now.

"There'll be six games before we're definitely in the groups. Three ties, home and away. There's a lot of football we play before we even think about group stages.

"All the gaffer's message was last year was game at a time, game at a time. Even when we were down at the bottom, it was a case of catching the team in front and catching the team in front. This little European adventure we're about to go on, it'll be the same.

"We won't be looking at the groups. We won't be looking at the play-off rounds. We'll just be looking at Midtjylland and whatever comes after that, we'll face it head on.

"The momentum, the feel-good factor, the environment around here at the minute is obviously really good.

"It's about embracing that and using that to our advantage and hopefully we do all right."

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David Gray hopes the "feel-good factor" at Hibernian can continue with victory in their Europa League qualifier against Midtjylland, which he adds they "absolutely" can do.

Hibs travel to Denmark on 24 July before welcoming the Danish Superliga runners-up to Leith in the second leg on 31 July.

"It's a difficult draw but one the players need to look forward to, I'm certainly looking forward to it, the fans will be looking forward to it - we all really need to look forward to it," the head coach told Sky Sports.

"There's a real feel-good factor around the club.

"We've demonstrated already that we're a very good side, there's a reason why we finished where we did in the league, the run we went on doesn't happen by accident.

"We've got a very good group of players here who are constantly trying to get better.

"We know we need to keep improving, that we don't rest on our laurels. There are a lot of improvements still to come but this is what you want to do when you come to this football club.

"The opportunity to try and play in Europe and test yourself against top teams.

"We're definitely going to be tested, we need to be at the very top of our game but are we capable of getting a result? Absolutely.

"And we'll be going there with a game-plan and belief to try and get into the next round."

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Captain Joe Newell is unlikely to feature in Hibernian's Europa League qualifier with Midtjylland after revealing he is targeting a return to training by the start of August.

The 32-year-old midfielder has not played since the end of December last year after suffering a recurrence of a groin injury.

David Gray's side travel to face Danish club Midtjylland on 24 July before welcoming them to Leith in the second leg on 31 July.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Newell said: "[My recovery] is going well. End of July I'll hopefully be back training, probably early August.

"I've been out a long time now, it's obviously been tough for me to watch the boys do so well. As thrilled as I was, it was tough.

"It's hard to come in every day and show that enthusiasm and make sure you're not bringing everyone down.

"You just want to get out there with the boys winning every week. But it's never about any individual player, I was just as thrilled as anyone else."

We asked for your views on Hibs' Scottish Premiership fixtures and how they will be faring after 10 games.

Here's what some of you said:

Keith: We could realistically get four wins from our first four games. A good start this season is a must.

Sandy: I think we will only lose one game out of our first ten, that is obviously Celtic away. A draw with Rangers and Aberdeen and the rest wins, but in the SPFL anything can happen.

Kenny: The first five games we should be looking to win them, but in order to do that we need to see the defence and midfield strengthened. We can't afford the start we had last year. A centre-forward is a must.

Laurence: A lot may depend on how many European games we have, but after 10 games I'd hope we are third or fourth and looking to narrow the gap to those above us heading into the winter.

Hibernian head coach David Gray says talks to sign Sunderland midfielder Nectatrios Triantis on a permanent deal are progressing well following the 22-year-old Australian's loan last season. (Sky Sports via Daily Record), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Head coach David Gray revealed Hibernian have held positive talks as they bid to secure the services of Rocky Bushiri and Nectar Triantis for the upcoming season.

Both players were instrumental in helping the the Leith side finish third in the Scottish Premiership last term.

Centre-back Bushiri has been with Hibs since January 2022, but the 25-year-old is currently out of contract and weighing up his future.

"Rocky's season was prolonged by going away on international duty, so he's been away doing that," Gray told the Press Association.

"A couple of weeks off for him, a lot of positive talks in the meantime, and he's someone who did incredibly well for Hibs last season.

"Naturally, there will be interest in him from elsewhere, but as I said, there have been real positive talks on that one. It's certainly something we're trying to do and working towards."

Australian midfielder Triantis was one of four nominees for the Scottish Football Writers' Player of the Year award after excelling during his season-long loan from Sunderland, where he is contracted until 2027.

"His parent club obviously got promoted to the Premier League, so there are conversations going on there about what's next for Nectar," Gray added.

"Clearly, he's someone who was really, really good for us last year and someone you'd like to bring back.

"There are positive chats going on again, but sometimes it just takes a little bit longer and you need to make sure you're doing everything you can to try and replace him if he doesn't come back, or whatever we need to do."

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Dylan Vente's time at Hibernian did not work out as planned, says head coach David Gray, as the striker seals a permanent move away to Eredivisie side SC Heerenveen for a "significant fee".

The 26-year-old's arrival at Easter Road for a "notable fee" two years ago was described by the Leith club as part of a "significant investment in the playing squad".

But the forward went on to play just 43 games, scoring 11 goals, during his time at Hibs.

Vente spent the majority of last season on loan PEC Zwolle in the Dutch top flight and netted an impressive tally of 13 from 30 Eredivisie matches.

On his departure, Hibs boss Gray said: "Dylan performed well in the Eredivisie with PEC Zwolle last season and felt more comfortable back in his homeland, playing football with a smile on his face.

"His time at Hibs didn't quite work out the way we'd all planned, but I'd like to thank him for all his hard work and hope he goes on to achieve his ambitions and full potential."

Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay added: "There was a lot of interest in Dylan this summer after his performances last season, and he had a clear desire to continue playing and enjoying his football in the Eredivisie.

"We had to make sure we got the right deal for Hibernian, and after a number of conversations, we're happy with the deal we've got for him."

Opta have crunched the numbers to rank the difficulty of each Scottish Premiership club's first four fixtures of the 2025-26 season.

According to their data model, St Mirren have the toughest start, followed by two clubs helmed by new managers, Dundee and Motherwell.

As for the easiest, Hibernian and capital rivals Hearts should got off to a flier, right?

Take a look below to see where your side places...

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Aside from the first game of the season against Dundee, all dates are subject to change as a result of broadcast and other requirements.

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See Hibernian's full fixture list here

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The first Edinburgh derby of the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season will take place on Saturday, 4 October.

David Gray's side make the cross-city trip to Tynecastle to face Hearts in a 15:00 BST kick-off a week after hosting champions Celtic.

Hibs' first home derby in the league is set to be a festive cracker on Saturday, 27 December at 12:30.

One week before that, they travel to take on Dundee United in their final league outing before Christmas. Gray's men see out 2025 with a home game against Aberdeen.

The final derby of the pre-split season is pencilled in for Wednesday, 11 February at 19:45 in Gorgie.

Hibs round off the pre-split campaign away to the Dons on Saturday, 11 April.

Looking at the fixtures, where do you think Hibs will be after 10 game? Tell us here.

Hibernian will travel to Dundee in their opening game of the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season.

The match will take place on Sunday, 3 August at 15:00 BST, with Hibs' first home fixture against Kilmarnock on Saturday, 9 August at 15:00.

See Hibs' Scottish Premiership fixtures in full here.

Where do you think David Gray's side will be after 10 games and what do you make of how the fixtures have fallen? Tell us here.

Hibernian striker Dylan Vente has completed a medical ahead of a move to Dutch club Heerenveen and the 26-year-old will move for fee up to £900,000. (Sky Sports), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

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No sooner does the season finish and we start looking forward to key dates for the next campaign - and that will be a lot easier to do on Friday when the Scottish Premiership fixtures are released.

That's right, that special day in the calendar is almost here already. The day when you'll learn details of derby fixtures, Christmas opponents and the run-in to the split.

This page will bring you all the fixtures when they drop at 09:00 BST on Friday and we'll be giving you the chance to have your say on how things look.

The new campaign kicks off on the weekend of Saturday, 2 August and will conclude on Sunday, 17 May 2026.

We asked for your views on Hibernian's tough Europa League qualifying assignment against Midtjylland.

Here's what some of you said:

Sandy: What a draw, bang in the centre of Denmark. Top drawer Danish club, Edinburgh to Copenhagen and two trains. So bit of a hike. We can get a result there, but I can hear the doomed brigade saying 'that's us out'. Nonsense, I say it's an honour to play in Europe and it's no different to playing Celtic, Rangers or Hearts, tough but winnable. Bring it on.

Alex: As much as I would love Hibs to progress, I think it's unlikely. These games always come too early in the season for Scottish teams and they are a quality side.

Alistair: We'll give it our best shot whoever we play. It's Europe. Let's just go for it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Scott: To go through will be a tough ask, but not impossible. It's probably the equivalent of having to beat Rangers over two legs. Again, hard - but definitely do-able. If we can keep it tight in the first leg and get a draw in Denmark, I think we have enough about us to beat them at Easter Road. We will need to get a few signings in before the game though, Nectar Triantis returning and Rocky Bushiri agreeing a new contract would make me much more confident.

Conor: It'll be a tough tie, especially with them only losing out on the title by a point. But if we can get a decent result over there and bring it back to a packed Easter Road, then it should make for an interesting tie. But there will not be any disappointment if we do not progress, because we'll get a second bite at it falling into the Conference League third round qualifiers.

Heerenveen are hopeful of completing a deal for Hibernian striker Dylan Vente by the end of the week, with talks at an advanced stage and the Leith club expected to make a profit on the 26-year-old Suriname international who cost them around £700,000 in 2023 from Roda. (Sky Sports), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Daldeep Kaur
BBC Sport Scotland

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Hibs' Europa League qualifying opponents Midtjylland are owned by Denmark's richest man, Anders Holch Povlsen, who just happens to be Scotland's largest private landowner.

The four-times Danish champions are renowned for their data-driven and analytical style in player recruitment, development and tactics.

Midtjylland are managed by 50-year-old former player Thomas Thomasberg, who returned from Randers in March 2023 for a second spell in charge.

Despite six wins and a draw in their final seven Danish Superliga outings last season, Thomasberg's men were pipped to the title by FC Copenhagen, who finished a point clear.

On the European front, Midtjylland were beaten in the Champions League play-off round by Slovan Bratislava last term and dropped down to the Europa League.

A 20th-place finish in the league phase sent them through to the knockout stage play-offs where they succumbed to La Liga side Real Sociedad.

The Danes have faced Scottish opposition twice before. Rangers claimed a 7-3 aggregate win in the Europa League third qualifying round in 2019-20, while Midtjylland dispatched Celtic 3-2 over two legs in the Champions League second qualifying round in 2021-22.

Guinea-Bissau striker Franculino is a player Hibs should be wary of after the 20-year-old finished last season as the Danish club's top scorer with 16 goals in 41 appearances while also delivering six assists.

And Poland striker Adam Buksa, 28, had a fruitful first season after his £4m move from Lens, netting 15 times in 39 games.

Hibernian face a difficult task in Europa League qualifying after being paired with Danish Superliga runners-up Midtjylland.

The first leg of the second round qualifier will take place in Denmark on 24 July, with the return at Easter Road the following week.

Midtjylland lost the Superliga title by just a point to Copenhagen last term and finished 20th in the league phase of the Europa League.

They were then dumped out of the competition by La Liga side Real Sociedad in the knockout stage play-offs.

Hibs fans, we want your thoughts on the draw. Do you fancy your team's chances of progressing? Share your views here.

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Midtjylland, Anderlecht and Shakhtar Donetsk are among a refined group of potential opponents for Hibernian in today's (12:00 BST) Europa League draw.

David Gray's side are unseeded for the second round qualifying draw, meaning their narrowed-down possibilities are tough looking assignments.

Danish top-flight runners-up Midtjylland and Belgian club Anderlecht are two potential pairings, while Shakhtar could lie in wait if they get past Finnish outfit Ilves Tampere in their first-round qualifier.

On paper, the most favourable possibility looks to be the winner of the tie between Moldovan top-flight side Sheriff Tiraspol and Prishtina of Kosovo.

Discussions are ongoing between Heerenveen and Hibernian over Dylan Vente, with the Dutch club aiming to take the 26-year-old striker, who was on loan to Eredivisie rivals Zwolle last season, on a permanent deal. (Sky Sports), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.