Hibernian

Hibernian want to bring 32-year-old striker Simon Murray back to Easter Road from Ross County. (Alan Nixon on Patreon), external

Hibs are eager to bolster their forward line and Ross County's Simon Murray is on their shortlist as a potential signing. (Scotland On Sunday), external

Ross County manager Don Cowie and chairman Roy MacGregor have made it clear they want top scorer Simon Murray to remain at the club amid interest from several Scottish Premiership rivals. (Daily Record), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

Hibs kicked off David Gray's tenure as permanent head coach with a 5-0 friendly win at Edinburgh City.

With the visitors fielding a different XI for each half, they led by three at the interval after Harry McKirdy netted from 30 yards.

Chris Cadden had opened the scoring by slotting home a through ball from Dylan Levitt, who soon added the second.

Reuben McAllister made it four shortly after the restart and Josh Campbell wrapped up the win over the League 2 hosts at Meadowbank.

Gray, who now takes his squad to a training camp in the Netherlands, told Hibs TV: "Very positive performance after a tough week for the players."

Hibernian head coach David Gray plans to give Martin Boyle more responsibility in the dressing room amid speculation that the 31-year-old winger wants to move to the A-League. (The Scotsman), external

Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay says he is introducing a "recruitment process" designed to reduce the risk of signings not working out. (The Scotsman, print edition)

Paul Hanlon, the 34-year-old centre-half freed by Hibs, has revealed he knocked back the chance to move abroad or stay in the Scottish Premiership to "put down roots" at Raith Rovers. (The Courier), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

We asked for your thoughts on Hibs' fixtures for the upcoming season, as well as where you think the side might end up in the league.

Here's what you had to say:

Steven: Hibs have a big rebuild project ongoing and it might take sometime for any new arrivals to gel. Four top-six teams in the first five games will be an excellent litmus test for the new head coach and his side.

Kenny: It all depends on recruiting the right players and not filling up the team with loan deals. We need to be bringing in academy players season after season gradually building a strong Hibs team that will be able to compete at the top. We need a plan in place so we need to hang on to our manager for at least five years to see it through.

Alkan: I feel David Gray and Malky Mackay will be a good partnership. Progression is a must since 2019. He knows Hibs and support them both.

Gary: Supported them for 55 years boy and man. We all love and appreciate Gray and I admire Mackay but I'm concerned about the appointment and slow acquisition of recruits. The potential loss of Martin Boyle and Elie Youan would be a disgrace. Hibs should be signing Emiliano Marcondes, two goalkeepers and a striker ASAP. Say goodbye to Rocky Bushiri.

Scott: Wanted nothing to do with Mackay. Gray was part of the defensive problems and is untested as a manager. Underwhelming signings thus far. Mid-table mediocrity beckons.

Darren: Nobody can say for sure until we get bodies in the building. Good recruitment is vital, so we wait.

Image source, Hibernian on X

Marvin Ekpiteta says the "history" of Hibs was a big selling point after the defender signed a three-year contract at Easter Road.

The 28-year-old centre back was most recently with Blackpool, making over 100 appearances for the Bloomfield Road outfit.

Conversations were sporting director Malky Mackay were key to making the deal happen, according to Ekpiteta.

"There was a bit of initial interest at first, then my agents spoke to Malky and it progressed quite nicely," he said.

"I liked everything that I heard about the club and I liked what I have seen so far, so it’s definitely a good move for me.

"I have really enjoyed my career so far. I have come all the way up from non-league to the Championship down south, now I am up in the Scotland and I feel my whole career I have been on an upward trajectory.

"The history (of the club) was a bit thing for me and to play at this level against some really good teams was a big thing for me.

"It’s something different for me, a new challenge that I am looking forward to."

Image source, Getty Images

Hibernian have signed centre-back Marvin Ekpiteta on a three-year contract after the 28-year-old was released by Blackpool.

The Enfield-born defender, who has played for Nigeria Under-20s and England C, spent four years with the League One club, making 103 appearances.

Hibs head coach David Gray told his club website: "He has great experience at a good level in England and adds extra leadership to the dressing room.

"Physically, he has all the attributes that fit the demands of Scottish football; he’s big, strong, dominant, very athletic and will be an asset in both boxes."

Ekpiteta came through the youth ranks with Oxford United before spells with Chelmsford City, Witham Town, Concord Rangers, East Thurrock United, Leyton Orient then Blackpool.

Last season, he made 39 appearances, all but three of them starts, as Blackpool finished eighth in the third tier having also been a regular starter in the Championship the previous two seasons.

New Hibs head coach David Gray sets out his aims as he looks to revitalise the club after last season's disappointment.

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Hibs head coach David Gray says he has “no fear” about taking on the top job at Easter Road.

Gray was appointed earlier this month after his fourth spell as interim manager. He ended last season in temporary charge following Nick Montgomery's dismissal after the club failed to secure a top-six finish.

Former skipper Gray, 36, played his final game for Hibs at the end of the 2020-21 season but is mostly remembered as the captain of the team that lifted the Scottish Cup in 2016 when he scored the winning goal against Rangers at Hampden.

“I think the challenge and the expectation within the club is the same every year," said Gray.

"It’s slightly different from when I joined because we were in the Championship and it was a rebuild at the time.

“The challenge I have set the players is what I always had in front of me - realistic expectations and goals. To try and win a trophy and to try and finish in Europe. Those are the challenges at the start of the season.

“Everything is in place to go and do that, the infrastructure, the facilities, the fanbase is there. They will be with you every step of the way. They are 100% behind you and craving to take the club forward.

“If we can get this right it’s a great place to play and an exceptional club to be part of."

Image source, Getty Images

Centre-back Warrren O'Hora says he was in "disbelief" that Hibs wanted to sign him.

The Irishman, 25, has arrived on a three-year deal at Easter Road after four seasons with MK Dons.

"I’m delighted to be here," O'Hora told Hibs TV. "I couldn’t believe it when the call came, to be honest.

"It was excitement and a small bit of disbelief that a club this size wanted to come and sign me.

“I came up and saw the facilities, the stadium was amazing, the city of Edinburgh is lovely; I was really taken aback by it.

"I couldn’t say no, it was a no-brainer for me and my family. I am really happy and really looking forward to it."

Image source, SNS

Hibs' sporting director Malky Mackay presented new head coach David Gray to the media in a news conference on Thursday afternoon.

Here are the key points:

• Gray says it's a "proud moment" to be the club's permanent head coach and he wants to bring "good times" back to Easter Road.

• Admits it wouldn't have been "right" for him to take on the role previously but he feels he has learned enough from his predecessors to make his mark in the top job.

• Gray says he doesn't fear tarnishing his legacy at the club, adding there is separation between him as a footballer and a head coach.

• The 36-year-old "fully understands" the expectations of Hibs supporters and insists their fortunes must improve compared to recent seasons.

• Believes winning a trophy is a "realistic target" and says the fans "crave" and "demand" success at Easter Road.

• Expects incomings and outgoings to take place in the next few weeks.

• Mackay confirms there were 50 "credible candidates" who applied for the role, saying Gray's final interview was two-and-a-half hours long but the sporting director knew with 15 minutes to go that Gray had "nailed it".

• Asked about the reaction to his appointment, Mackay insists he wants the best for the club, just as the supporters do.

• On rumours around Martin Boyle's potential departure, both Gray and Mackay praise the Australia international, with the head coach calling him a "big asset" to the side.

Now the fixtures are out, how are you feeling about your side's start to the season?

Where do you think Hibs will be after the first 10 games of the campaign? Can David Gray make a positive start to life in the dugout on a permanent basis?

Give us your thoughts. , external

For many Hibs fans on fixture release day, attention immediately turns to the dates of this season's Edinburgh derbies.

The first meeting of the capital rivals will take place at Easter Road on the weekend of Saturday, 26 August, while Tynecastle will be the venue for a Boxing Day clash at 12:30 BST.

New head coach David Gray's men host Hearts in Leith before the split on the weekend of Saturday, 1 March.

After their opening-day trip to St Mirren, Hibs' first home game of the campaign sees champions Celtic make the trip to Easter Road on Sunday, 11 August.

Their first fixture against a side that finished outside the top six last season comes on matchday five when St Johnstone are the visitors.

Hibs complete their pre-split fixtures in April with a trip to face Rangers followed by a home game against Dundee.

Hibernian are keen on Marvin Ekpiteta, the 28-year-old defender who has left Blackpool. (Daily Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Fixtures for the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season have been released.

The campaign will kick off with Hearts hosting Rangers at Tynecastle, a repeat of the sides' final league game of last season which ended in a 3-3 draw.

Newly-promoted Dundee United entertain derby rivals Dundee, while Celtic begin their title defence with the visit of Kilmarnock.

Jimmy Thelin's first Premiership game as Aberdeen boss is a trip to Perth to face St Johnstone.

David Gray starts his reign as permanent Hibs head coach away to St Mirren, while Motherwell are to home to Ross County.

The opening round of fixtures will be played from 3-5 August.

Hibs begin their 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season with a trip to St Mirren on the opening weekend.

Due to the Paisley side's involvement in Europe, the match will take place on Sunday, 4 August at 15:00 BST.

You can find all of Hibs' fixtures here

Image source, Getty Images

Hibs have signed Warren O'Hora on a three-year deal, with the defender becoming the first permanent signing under sporting director Malky Mackay and head coach David Gray.

The 25-year-old started his career with Bohemians before signing for Premier League side Brighton.

From there, he moved to MK Dons where he made 177 appearances before his contract expired earlier this summer.

"I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring Warren to the club," Gray said.

"As a defender, he’s a brave, aggressive organiser, with great leadership qualities. He’s very comfortable on the ball and confident playing out from the back. We look forward to working with him."

Mackay added: "When I came to the club, it was clear that we needed to strengthen at centre-half and introduce more leaders into the first team group."

Image source, Getty Images

The 2024-25 SPFL schedule will be unveiled at 09:00 BST on Thursday, and we've got all the information you need before the return of domestic football.

The action in all four leagues kicks off on the weekend of 3 August.

Eight months later, the Premiership split happens on the weekend of 12 and 13 April and the top-flight season concludes on the weekend of 17 and 18 May.

And while it might be too painful to be thinking about the national team, there are international periods in September, October, November and March to bear in mind.

There will not, however, be a winter break this season.

The expansion of Uefa's club competitions - with the new league phase of the Champions League and Europa League running until the end of January - is the reason for that.

The SPFL said the format change "exerts additional pressure on the domestic calendar" and means no mid-season trips to the sunshine for Premiership clubs.

Jojo Wollacott could be on his way out of Hibernian following the arrival of Josef Bursik as the 27-year-old seeks more game time. The Edinburgh club have been made aware of interest in the Ghana player. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

Image source, PA Media

Former Hibernian boss Nick Montgomery has joined Tottenham as part of Ange Postecoglou's coaching staff.

Montgomery will be one of the ex-Celtic manager's assistant coaches, as will Sergio Raimundo, who worked alongside Montgomery at Hibs before their departures in May.

"Both Nick and Sergio have a wealth of coaching experience over a number of years," said Postecoglou.

"They have already demonstrated a strong desire to both develop young talent and implement a football style that I believe will further strengthen the environment we have established. I'm looking forward to working with them."

Meanwhile, Matt Wells has been promoted to senior assistant coach, replacing Chris Davies.

Davies, who was Celtic assistant during Brendan Rodgers' first spell in charge, was recently appointed manager of League One Birmingham City.

Image source, SNS

Winger Daniel MacKay has left Hibernian to join Partick Thistle on a free transfer.

The 23-year-old joined Hibs from Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2021 but only made seven appearances.

He spent most of his time out out on loan, most recently with relegated Livingston after stints back at his former club and Kilmarnock.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old midfielder Murray Aiken has also departed for the Championship, rejoining Airdrieonians on a six-month loan.

Aiken made 18 appearances last season for the Diamonds, who also have goalkeeper Murray Johnson on loan from Hibs for the new campaign.

Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay said: "Murray [Aiken] impressed during his first loan spell last season and this is a good chance for him to build on that."

Image source, Getty

Newly-signed Hibs goalkeeper Josek Bursik was "adamant I wanted to come" as soon as he heard of the club's interest.

The former England Under-21 international has joined on a season-long loan from Club Bruges where he has been unable to make the breakthrough since joining 18 months ago.

Bursik recovered from torn knee ligaments to make five appearances for the club's B team in Belgium's second tier last season.

The Wimbledon youth academy graduate previously played 53 games for Stoke City and had loan spells at clubs including Peterborough and Doncaster.

Bursik, 23, told Hibs TV: "I’m really happy to be here. It took a couple of weeks to get it done, but as soon as I heard of the interest, I was adamant I wanted to come.

"I played a lot of games at a young age and really pushed to go out on loan because I knew how important minutes were at that age. Ultimately that helped me get my chance with England and then at Stoke.

"It was a tough decision to leave Stoke, but I went to Belgium and didn’t really feature as much as I’d have liked. I played a load of games for the second team after recovering from my injury, so playing wise I’m in a good place and mentally I’ve learnt a lot.

"Now is a good time for me to come in, kick on, get back playing and enjoying myself; I have missed playing a lot."

Hibs say Bursik rebuffed interest from "several clubs" to become the first signing of new head coach David Gray's tenure.

Bursik added: "I spoke to [sporting director] Malky [Mackay] quite a bit over the last few weeks and he really sold the club to me.

"We spoke about the size of the club, the big games that the club are involved in, and that we want to do better than we did last season; it’s something I wanted to be a part of."

Hibernian are considering signing 25-year-old Irish defender Warren O’Hora, who was released by MK Dons after their 8-1 aggregate defeat by Crawley Town in the League Two play-offs. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Image source, Getty Images

Hibs have signed goalkeeper Josef Bursik on loan from Club Bruges until the end of next season.

The 23-year-old made 53 appearances for Stoke City in all competitions before moving to the Belgian side in January 2023.

"I'm delighted we’ve been able to bring Josef to the club," head coach David Gray said.

"He’s someone we’ve been monitoring for a long time due to his technical ability, pedigree, and the positive character references we’ve received.

"My coaching staff and I are looking forward to working with him."