Hibernian

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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.

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After loan spells at Cove Rangers and Peterhead, Josh Mulligan's breakthrough campaign at Dundee came in 2022-23.

He played 42 times in all competitions to help the club win the Championship title and return to the top-flight.

Mulligan only played 23 times the following season under Tony Docherty, but was a more important part of the side least season.

Arguably his best game came against Hibernian in a 4-1 win at Dens Park in November.

Playing as a right wing-back, he consistently used his strength and rangy stride to power down the flank, causing havoc for the Hibs defence.

"I'm quite a powerful player, I'd say," Mulligan said. "I'm good with the ball at my feet, I like running at players.

"I create chances but I also have that other side of my game as well, I'm happy to get stuck in, which is needed in this league.

"I can't explain how happy I am to be here."

At just 22, Mulligan has played a decent number of senior games and has plenty of experience of the Premiership, and often stood out playing for the Scotland under-21s due to his early exposure to first-team football.

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Signing for Hibernian was "a no-brainer" for Scotland under-21 international Josh Mulligan.

The 22-year-old left Dundee at the end of the season when his contract expired, having coming through the academy at his home town club.

He made 122 appearances including 41 last season, setting up five goals from a combination of central midfield and right wing-back.

"I'm buzzing to be here and I can't wait to get going," he said. "Hibs were the first team that showed interest, and that is usually a good sign.

"They wanted me to come here and be in the first team. Playing against Hibs last season, seeing how good they were and how well run they were, it was a no-brainer for me.

"There are obviously loads of good players in this squad but it was more the way they were playing, that's what impressed me most. It's something I want to be a part of moving forward."

Hibernian head coach David Gray says the club have captured one of the most "eye-catching young players" in the Scottish Premiership in midfielder Josh Mulligan.

The 22-year-old left Dundee at the end of the season when his contract expired, having coming through the academy at his home town club.

He made 122 appearances including 41 last season, setting up five goals from a combination of central midfield and right wing-back.

Mulligan, who played 12 times for Scotland under-21s, has signed a four-year deal with Hibs.

Give us your thoughts on his signing here.

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"Home is where you feel loved."

Rocky Bushiri is certainly feeling the love at Hibs.

The centre-half signed his much-anticipated contract extension on Thursday - a three-year deal to boot - to continue his stay with his "family" at the club.

"I'm happy we could find an agreement that is good for both sides," he told Sky Sports.

"We've been talking for a long time but at the same time, it was just off-season, so it's like I never left and I'm happy to join back with the boys and with the family here in HTC."

Defender Bushiri has made 105 appearances for Hibs since his arrival from Norwich City in January 2022, and scored four goals in 35 games last season as David Gray's side finished third in the Premiership.

Gray said Bushiri "played a huge part in our success last season, not only on the pitch but off it in the dressing room, too" and the defender is keen to keep pushing on.

"I want to keep improving and keep being someone that affects other boys in a positive way," he added.

"I think everyone has a role to play in the team and I want to play my role as good as I can."

That role will be key when Hibs take on Midtjylland in their Europa League qualifier next month, before they try to replicate their third-place finish in the top flight.

"We are looking for consistency," he added.

"You see with the players that stayed, who extended their stay at the club, so we need to build on that.

"It's way too early to say things, but I know we want to continue on what we've started last season and the club has given people with new contracts, new tools to fight and we will use them."

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Hibernian are set to win the race to sign Dundee's Josh Mulligan (Fabrizio Romano), external.

Read Friday's transfer gossip in full.

Hibernian have agreed to sign free agent Josh Mulligan, the 22-year-old midfielder most recently at Dundee, with a medical imminent. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

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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."