Hibernian sporting director Malky Mackay defends Ian Gordon's role in recruitment at Easter Road, insisting the representative of the club's majority shareholders should be involved in how the club is run. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external
In: Marvin Ekpiteta, defender (Blackpool); Warren O’Hora, defender (MK Dons).
Loan in: Josef Bursik, goalkeeper (Club Bruges).
Out: Lewis Stevenson, defender (Raith Rovers); Paul Hanlon, defender (Raith Rovers); Jacob Blaney, defender (Crusaders, undisclosed); Daniel MacKay, forward (Partick Thistle); Dylan Tait, defender (Falkirk); David Marshall, goalkeeper (retired); Adam Le Fondre, forward; Jamie Bulloch, defender; Robbie Hamilton, midfielder; Owen Hastie, defender; Jay McGarva, midfielder; Alfie Smith, midfielder; Harry Wright, midfielder.
Loan ended: Myziane Maolida, forward (Hertha Berlin); Emiliano Marcondes, midfielder (Bournemouth); Will Fish, defender (Manchester United); Eliezer Mayenda, forward (Sunderland); Nectarios Triantis, defender (Sunderland).
Loan out: Kyle McClelland, defender (Coleraine); Murray Johnson, goalkeeper (Airdrieonians); Murray Aiken, midfielder (Airdrieonians); Oscar MacIntyre, defender (Queen of the South).
Read the Scottish Premiership ins & outs in full here.
Image source, SNSEvery new manager wants the fans on side, and it appears David Gray has one of Hibs' big-hitters in the stands behind him.
Even though Jamie Murray is preparing to pair up with brother Andy in the the Men's Doubles at Wimbledon later this week, the Hibernian supporter had a spare minute to back the recent appointment at Easter Road.
"He's a club legend, he knows what the fans want, what it means to play for the club and hopefully he brings in players and staff who are passionate about playing for Hibs, that's what I want at my club anyway," the 38-year-old told BBC Scotland.
When asked if the former defender is the right man for the job Murray replied, "yeah, I think so."
"Hopefully they can achieve that and they get guys there that are fighting for the team and for the shirt and desperate to do well."
Image source, SNSDefender Oscar MacIntyre has rejoined Scottish League 1 side Queen of the South on loan for the upcoming season.
The 19-year-old spent the first half of last season at the Doonhamers, making 15 appearances before moving to Annan Athletic in February under Peter Murphy.
Now in charge in Dumfries, Murphy has decided to call on the youngster's services again in a move that Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay believes is a huge benefit.
"This is a good move for Oscar, playing in a competitive league that he knows well," Mackay told Hibs' website.
"The fact he has worked with their manager [Peter Murphy] before is a positive and shows that he holds Oscar in high regard."
Hibernian forward Harry McKirdy says he has "a lot to prove" as he continues his comeback from long-term illness absence. (Scotsman - subscription), external
Image source, SNSFormer Hibs player and manager John Collins says the club have to get this summer's recruitment right if David Gray is to succeed as head coach.
Gray finished last season in caretaker charge following Nick Montgomery's sacking, before being handed the role on a permanent basis.
"I like young coaches getting opportunities; I hope he does well," Collins said.
"Malky Mackay has come in as director of football - does he want an experienced manager in front of him? He wants a younger manager.
"He’ll have to get off to a good start. The fans will back him because he’s a club legend.
"The key thing for Hibs now is the recruitment. I’m interested to see how he sets up, but the key is signing better players than they have got."
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, SNSHibs forward Harry McKirdy, centre, celebrates his superb goal
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 XMarvin 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 ImagesHibernian 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.
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSHibs 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 ImagesWarren O'Hora (centre) has joined Hibs on a three-year deal
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, SNSHibs' 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?
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.
All kick-off times BST
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.
Image source, Getty ImagesHibs 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 ImagesThe 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.
