Hibernian

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Hibs academy pair goalkeeper Freddie Owens and forward Dean Cleland have joined East Kilbride on cooperation loans for the upcoming season.

The 19-year-old keeper impressed last season at Civil Service Strollers in the Lowland League and makes the move to the newly promoted League Two outfit for the forthcoming campaign.

Cleland, 17, also impressed last term scoring 38 times for the Edinburgh club's Under-18s side and helped them to the CAS Elite Youth League title.

As a result of the new Cooperation system, the pair will be able to continue playing for Hibs while also gaining experience with their partner club.

"Freddie did very well at Civil Service Strollers last season in what was a good campaign for them, and Dean really impressed in our Under-18s team," Hibs' Academy Director Gareth Evans told club media, external.

"Challenging themselves in League Two, and playing for a good club like East Kilbride, is great for Freddie and Dean in terms of their development and hopefully both will now get minutes at a higher level."

Austria Vienna are among the clubs interested in Kwon Hyeok-kyu, with the 24-year-old Celtic midfielder who was on loan to Hibernian last season available for a fee of between £173,000 and £260,000. (Fussball Europa), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Jamie McGrath says he got off to "a dream start" by scoring the first goal for Hibernian in their friendly win against Rot-Weiss Essen.

The Republic of Ireland international made his mark inside two minutes against the third-tier German side, tapping in from close range after visiting goalkeeper Jakob Golz saved his initial shot.

Goals from Junior Hoilett and Martin Boyle secured a 3-2 win for David Gray's side.

"It was a good game, it was a good workout," McGrath told HibsTV. "I think at this stage of the season that is the main thing.

"We all got stuff out of it and we had some good moments as well, but a lot to improve on."

Midfielder McGrath, 28, who joined this summer on a four-year deal from Aberdeen admits he is still "learning" the ropes at Hibs.

"Still learning how the gaffer and how the lads play but a really enjoyable night at Easter Road in front of the crowd," he added.

"It kind of felt like a European game, it didn't feel like a friendly at all so a really positive experience.

"It was probably a dream start, the first touch, I should have scored and then I scored with the rebound.

"Millsy (Lewis Miller) done really well down the wing and put in a lovely ball.

"He was raging that he didn't get the assist because I missed the first one but a great start."

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Head coach David Gray said there are "positive signs" to the knock Lewis Miller suffered in Hibernian's pre-season friendly win over Rot-Weiss Essen is not serious.

The defender had a "contact injury" in the first half and was substituted after just 32 minutes at Easter Road.

"He's obviously had a bit of a knock in the first half," Gray told club media. "We think that's just a contact injury.

"I don't want to tempt fate, but there are positive signs on that one."

There were also positive signs in Hibs' play as they fought for victory against the German third-tier side.

Despite losing a two-goal lead, Martin Boyle would go on to net the winner to secure a 3-2 victory.

"I think it was a fantastic exercise," Gray added. "I thought we started really well, the first half especially we were excellent.

"We were slow in the second half. We lost a couple of poor goals and we changed the shape a bit.

"The subs came on and then we got a bit more of a foothold in the game again. It's great to then go and win the game.

"I know it's only pre-season, but it's not a bad habit to get into, especially here at Easter Road where our form has been good."

Hibernian head coach David Gray has warned top transfer target Nectar Triantis that the Easter Road club have multiple targets for the key role in central midfield as the 22-year-old contemplates his future with Sunderland after last season's loan in Leith. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

The Hibs boss is looking for "the right type of player" to enhance his squad before the summer transfer window closes. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, Gray hopes having taken Lewis Miller and Elie Youan off with knocks quickly in the friendly win over Essen will have protected the Hibernian duo from more serious injuries. (Sun), external

Scott Allan, formerly of Hibs, has joined SPFL newcomers East Kilbride's coaching staff. (Sun), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

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Hibernian celebrated their 150th anniversary with a 3-2 friendly victory over German third-tier side Rot-Weiss Essen at Easter Road.

Club legend Pat Stanton commemorated the renaming of the East Stand in his honour by delivering the match ball before kick-off as summer signings Raphael Sallinger, Josh Mulligan and Jamie McGrath were handed their first starts of pre-season.

It had been 70 years since Rot-Weiss Essen visited Leith in Hibs' first-ever European tie and McGrath would fire Hibs ahead after just 70 seconds this one.

The former Aberdeen midfielder finished from close range on the rebound after goalkeeper Jakob Golz saved his initial effort.

Veteran forward Junior Hoilett increased the lead with a curling drive, but the visitors reduced the arrears 40 seconds into the second half after replacing their entire starting XI during the break.

Striker Dominik Martinovic swept home a low cross and, five minutes later, fired past Sallinger from long range.

Home winger Martin Boyle restored the lead from 18 yards before Sallinger saved a Torben Musel penalty in the closing minutes, much to the disappointment of a large visiting support who had been hoping for a repeat of the European Cup draw the sides fought out in Leith in 1955.

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Few folks will feel the love around Easter Road more than Rocky Bushiri.

The 'will he, won't he' trepidation around a contract extension was ended at the end of last month when the defender penned a new three-year deal.

Broadcaster Grant Stott was just one of many Hibs fans who were buzzing when the big man committed his future to the club as he's someone the team have been "crying out for".

"What's come to light with his contract extension was the influence he has in the dressing room, the character that he is," Stott said on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"We've been crying out, for a sort of Yogi-type personality in the back there that will shout and ball, but has everybody's respect.

"I think Rocky is the man for that.

"He's got a mistake in him, of course he has, every player will have a mistake in them. at some point... It's just that he, like a goalkeeper, is in such a crucial position where if he makes a wee fluff, then it can be potentially quite scary.

"But the amount of times he's recovered and pulled it back is impressive as well.

"I'm just delighted that Rocky's back on board."

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Hibernian were beaten 6-3 by Ajax in the second behind-closed-doors friendly of their Dutch pre-season camp.

Experienced striker Steven Berghuis scored the first two goals at the Amsterdam club's training centre, with impressive winger Mika Godts also grabbing a brace after a reply from visiting skipper Martin Boyle.

Kian Fitz-Jim made it 5-1 to the hosts before the interval as Hibs struggled to deal with an aggressive press.

Ahmetcan Kaplan nodded in Ajax's sixth goal with a free header from a corner early in the second half as both sides made a raft of changes.

Junior Hoilett, who agreed a new one-year deal this week, added a lovely second goal for Hibs, set up by summer signing Josh Mulligan, and Kieron Bowie scrambled in from close range late in the game to make the scoreline more respectable.

Kyle McClelland is set to remain in Northern Ireland by signing for Glenavon after the 23-year-old defender was released by Hibernian following his loan to Coleraine. (Daily Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Listen as Martin Dowden previews new season for Hibernian with fan and broadcaster Grant Stott and podcaster Harry McArthur.

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Hibernian have renamed the East stand of Easter Road as the 'Pat Stanton Stand' in honour of one of their greatest sons.

A boyhood Hibee, Stanton made his debut at 19 and went on to make 617 appearances during a 13-year stay, scoring 78 goals - one of which was the opener as Hibs won the League Cup in 1972, defeating Celtic.

The Pat Stanton Stand will "serve as a lasting tribute to his achievements and legacy, inspiring future players and supporters for many years to come." said chairman, Ian Gordon.

The official unveiling will take place on Wednesday, 9 July ahead of Hibs' anniversary match with Rot-Weiss Essen.

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Hibernian were held to a goalless draw by German outfit MSV Duisburg in their first pre-season friendly in the Netherlands.

Summer signing Raphael Sallinger started in goal for David Gray's side - who were a mixture of youth and experience - while midfielder Jamie McGrath came off the bench.

Youngsters Dean Cleland, Lewis Gillie, and Jacob MacIntyre all completed 90 minutes, with under-18 player of the year Cleland coming closest to a goal in the behind-closed-doors game.

Hibernian face Dutch giants Ajax on Saturday.

New Hibernian midfielder Jamie McGrath, 28, came close to joining the Easter Road club from St Mirren on the summer transfer deadline day of 2021. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Nectarios Triantis will begin pre-season with Sunderland this week while Hibernian remain in talks about a return to Easter Road for the 22-year-old Australian following last season's loan. (Daily Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Dan Barnett will start as Hibernian chief executive officer on 1 August.

Barnett leaves Leicester City, where he was commercial director for six years, and replaces Ben Kensell.

He previously worked for Uefa and has also had roles in sailing, skiing and the Olympics.

"We wanted someone with real business acumen that could help propel this fantastic club forward, and Dan's experience and expertise made him the outstanding candidate," said chairman Ian Gordon.

"Dan is an ambitious, forward thinking leader with experience not only in football but sports organisations across the world.

"His commercial nous and track record of implementing successful strategies will greatly benefit a number of areas."

And Barnett added: "This is a club steeped in a proud history, with an incredibly passionate fanbase, and with huge potential as we enter an exciting new era for the football club."

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BBC Sport has taken a look at which players will be free agents on 1 July.

The majority of major football leagues run from late summer to late spring, with pre-season in June and July. Therefore, contracts across most divisions typically expire at 23:59 on 30 June each year.

Those whose contracts are expiring but have already agreed transfers to new clubs are not included, as they will not become free agents.

Some Scottish Premiership contracts expire on 31 May rather than 30 June - the below players either already are or will become free agents.

Aberdeen: Tom Ritchie

Celtic: Greg Taylor

Dundee: Scott Fraser, Antonio Portales, Joe Shaughnessy

Dundee United: David Babunksi, Allan Campbell, Lewis Moult, Bryan Mwangi

Falkirk: N/A

Hearts: Jorge Grant, Barrie McKay, Lawrence Shankland

Hibernian: Maksymilian Boruc, Junior Hoilett

Kilmarnock: Kyle Magennis, Kieran O'Hara, Kyle Vassell

Livingston: N/A

Motherwell: Moses Ebiye, Harry Paton, Dominic Thompson, Davor Zdravkovski

Rangers: Adam Devine, Tom Lawrence, Ianis Hagi

St. Mirren: Dennis Adeniran, Elvis Bwomono

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Jair Tavares leaving Hibernian "makes sense" for both the player and the Leith club, says head coach David Gray.

The 24-year-old winger, who joined from Benfica three years ago, has departed by mutual consent.

The Portuguese forward failed to nail down a first-team place at Easter Road, making 41 appearances since 2022 and scoring just twice.

He spent last season on loan at fellow Scottish Premiership side Motherwell, where he also struggled to make an impact.

On his exit, Hibs boss Gray said: "Jair hasn't had as much game time as he'd have liked over the past few seasons, so it makes sense for both parties to come to this agreement.

"At 24, he still has the opportunity to develop, and we wish him nothing but the best with the next steps in his career."

We asked you for your views after Josh Mulligan signed a four-year deal with Hibernian.

Here's what you said:

Laurence: I'm loving the way that Hibs are quietly going out their business.

A solid looking back-up 'keeper, Rocky [Bushiri] re-signed for three years and now Josh Mulligan who caught the eye last season with Dundee.

If we can get Nectar Triantis over the line too, then the new season looks very positive for us.

Credit to David Gray and Malky Mackay.

Alex: Brilliant signing .Good young Scottish talent with good experience at a young age. He will thrive at Hibs.

Brian: Great signing of an excellent player and prospect.

However, I think we can forget about Triantis, we cannot compete with the fee or wages involved in any deal.

Tom: So far, so good. Reasonable signings. Let's get a good centre-half now and enter the fray. It's time to get up there and offer a serious challenge.

Kev: Very good signing who will add strength to an already very good squad. Hopefully Hibs push on and put a stronger challenge to the Old Firm next season.

David: Looks like a brilliant signing. A very versatile player who can play in multiple positions, so it will be very interesting to see how he settles in. 😄

Jair Tavares has had his Hibernian contract terminated a year early and the 24-year-old winger is now a free agent. (Pedro Morais on X), external

Read the rest of Saturday's Scottish gossip.

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According to data from Opta, last term Mulligan had 83 dribble attempts in the Premiership, the second most of any midfielder to have played at least 25 games and start a minimum of 15.

He completed 32 of those, which puts him third in the same category and shows how he likes to drive forward with the ball.

Playing a mixture of midfield and out on the right gave him the opportunity to do that and he ranks in the top 10 in the league last season for assists and chances created from open play.

He also sits favourably in terms of ball recoveries, although passing accuracy and his success in duels is lower down than the other attributes mentioned.