Hibernian

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There is something rather surreal about looking at a picture of Efe Ambrose attempting to get heavy-handed with a teenage Erling Haaland.

Ambrose, now at English non-league side Workington, and Manchester City's Haaland, arguably the world's top striker, have seen their careers take different paths since they faced off in 2018.

It was the night the Norwegian phenomenon "killed" Hibernian, former manager Neil Lennon recalls.

The Leith side met Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Molde in Europa League qualifying and travelled to Norway with the tie in the balance after a goalless first leg in Edinburgh.

Haaland missed the Easter Road clash because of talks over a £9m move to Red Bull Salzburg, but he started the second leg with his future still in limbo.

The 18-year-old sensation delivered a bullish display against a Hibs defence consisting of Ryan Porteous and the experienced trio of Ambrose, Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson.

Haaland's first goal came from a simple back-post header, before a blistering run in behind - one we've become so accustomed to seeing now - resulted in him turning provider for Fredrik Aursnes. The forward then rounded Adam Bogdan to seal a 3-0 win.

"Yeah, he killed us," Lennon tells BBC Scotland. "We were going well, 0-0 at home, and when he played in the second leg we were like: 'Who's this guy?'.

"He was 18 at the time, and funnily enough straight after he went to Salzburg. I said to Solskjaer: 'Could you not have sold him a couple of days earlier?'. He was amazing."

Lennon took charge at Easter Road in 2016 and led Hibs out of the Championship in his first season - a feat he is now attempting to repeat with Dunfermline after signing a two-year deal to remain at the Pars, whom he joined on a short-term basis in March.

"I had a real happy time at Hibs. It was a fabulous couple of years, I loved it and I get the same feeling here although it's a different challenge because that Hibs team had the nucleus of a really good team," Lennon adds.

"We've got some good players in the building but we need to add a lot more to that, whereas the Hibs team had won the cup so there was still a feelgood effect there around when I came in. And we were more than enough quality to get out of the division once we added a few players to the team already.

"So that was a very happy time and I want to experience that again but you only do that by doing the work in the background and doing the hard yards."

Listen to the full interview with Lennon in a bonus episode of the Scottish Football Podcast

Colin Moffat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Hibernian made 11 signings before the start of last season but preparations for the next campaign should be quieter after David Gray survived a turbulent start to his managerial career to deliver an impressive third-place finish.

Having lost just four of their past 28 games - three of those to champions Celtic - continuity and momentum are sure to be the watchwords, along with progress.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Jamie McGrath has already been recruited from Aberdeen, while conversations continue with out-of-contract pair Junior Hoilett and Rocky Bushiri.

Of the departing loan contingent, Hibs would welcome back Nectarios Triantis and Mykola Kuharevich for third spells at Easter Road.

A summer bid for Triantis is a sure thing. The 22-year-old Australian is under contract at Sunderland until 2027 and may not be part of their plans in the Premier League, but his composed performances will not have gone unnoticed by others.

With Dwight Gayle hanging up his boots and uncertainty over the futures of Kuharevich and Hoilett, competition is required for Martin Boyle and Kieron Bowie in attack.

Elie Youan and Dylan Vente remain on the books but for how much longer? Both are entering the final 12 months of their deals and there may be plans to sell to fund new faces. The latter scored 13 goals on loan at PEC Zwolle in his native Netherlands.

In defence, Bushiri has been a revelation as a warrior at the heart of a back three and his powerful displays will make it hard to keep the DR Congo international. If the 25-year-old moves on, Hibs have the experienced Marvin Ekpiteta waiting in the wings, although Gray might want to add to his centre-half options.

Jordan Smith confounded expectation when promoted to the starting XI, having been a back-up goalkeeper for the best part of his career. At least one more goalie will be required though as Josef Bursik and Max Boruc depart.

Hibs are well served in central midfield if captain Joe Newell can get over his groin problems since Dylan Levitt improved immensely in the second half of the season, which meant January signing Alasana Manneh had to be patient.

However, if there is a Triantis-shaped hole in the squad, a top drawer replacement could be the top priority at Easter Road.

Hibs fans, what is your take on the business the club must do? Is there an area of the squad that needs improving? Or maybe holding on to Bushiri and trying to bring Triantis back are the priorities? And what about sales - who needs to go?

Share your views

Hibernian have made an offer for Hull City midfielder Xavier Simons, with the 22-year-old former Chelsea youth having a year to run on his Tigers' deal. (Daily Record), external

Out-of-contract Rocky Bushiri will make a decision on his future when he returns from international duty with DR Congo, with Hibernian having made a significant offer of a new contract but the 25-year-old also having offers from Championship and European mainland clubs. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

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Not only did Martin Boyle finish the campaign as Hibernian's top scorer, but he also created more goals and played more minutes than any other team-mate.

Across all competitions, the Australia international netted 20 goals, 15 of which came in the Scottish Premiership.

As well as that, the 32-year-old provided 11 assists, totalling a stellar goals and assists contribution of 31.

The forward racked up that tally while playing 3,248 minutes across 44 games, which is more than any other Hibs player managed in the 2024-25 season.

Sunderland midfielder Nectar Triantis, who has just finished his second loan period at Hibernian, has withdrawn from the Australia squad with his club future uncertain. (The Herald, external - subscription required)

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

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Hibernian manager David Gray insist he does not feel extra pressure in the job despite his iconic status at the club.

Gray led Hibs to just a third top-three finish this century last season, fighting back from a terrible start to the campaign before embarking on a stunning run of form that saw them go from bottom to Europe.

The achievement came nine years after Gray scored the Scottish Cup winner against Rangers when he captained Hibs to their first triumph in the competition in 114 years.

"A lot if people spoke about it when I was appointed," Gray told BBC Scotland.

"I think that was something that, when I applied for the job, it wasn't ever something I thought about personally.

"People always say that when you do this, you might get sacked so what does that do for you at the club and everything you've done for it?

"But I genuinely felt at the time I applied for the job it was about, I believe I'm ready apply for the job officially. If I get it, brilliant, because I felt I could make a difference."

Gray also opened up on the moment he realised his playing days at Easter Road were coming to an end while opening the pathway to management.

"Jack Ross gave me the opportunity when I had at least a year or so left on my playing contract," the 37-year-old added.

"Jack gave me the opportunity to be his first-team coach. Clearly I wasn't going to be playing many games if he's asking me to be on his coaching staff rather than one of his players.

"So I had the decision to make at that time and it was about what do I want to do?

"I felt that if I wanted to play for another couple of years, I'd have to leave Hibs or the opportunity to go in [to coaching] at such a good level and at a club I know the ins and outs of it. I saw that as a brilliant opportunity to get into coaching."

Read more from Gray here and listen to the interview in full on Saturday's Sportsound, BBC Radio Scotland, from 14:00 BST.

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Hibs legend Joelle Murray says it would "leave a massive hole" if Rocky Bushiri and Junior Hoilett leave Easter Road this summer.

The out-of-contract duo are in talks with the club over extending their stay.

"It would be a massive statement," said Murray on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Rocky has been spoken about a lot. He was the main player in that 3-3 draw with Aberdeen that was the turning point in the season. He scored the goal that turned the game on its head.

"From that point on he was absolutely magnificent. He was a top-class player for us.

"I'd imagine Rocky will have a lot of other clubs interested in him because he's a brilliant player but absolutely fantastic person.

"If we can retain Rocky, a key member of this season's success, along with Hoilett who David Gray can't speak highly enough of, it would be huge.

"Gray speaks about the culture and how Hoilett and Dwight Gayle in particular played a massive and significant part in that positive culture.

"If we can retain both, unbelievable. If we can retain at least one then I'd be happy, but if we see both leave, it'll leave a massive hole in that dressing room."

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Hibs are in talks with Rocky Bushiri and Junior Hoilett over new deals as seven players depart Easter Road this summer.

Defender Bushiri was a mainstay in the side that secured a third-place Premiership finish last season and is out of contract along with 34-year-old Canada winger Hoilett, who netted four times in 30 games after his arrival last sumer.

Striker Dwight Gayle, 35, retires from professional football having scored six goals in 29 appearances during his season at Easter Road.

Goalkeeper Max Boruc and midfielder Nohan Kenneh, who spent the final months of last term on loan at Ross County, also exit.

And loanees Nectar Triantis, Mykola Kuharevich, Hyeokkyu Kwon and Josef Bursik return to their parent clubs.

Hibs thanked "all departing players for their hard work and contribution, wishing them all the best for the future".

Top Hibernian transfer target Alex Paulsen, the 22-year-old who has been on loan to Auckland from Bournemouth, has been named the A-League's goalkeeper of the year and also picked up the save of the year award. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Hibs head coach David Gray insists he will not risk upsetting the best squad chemistry he has ever known and new signings will therefore need to have the right personality as well as quality. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.

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We asked for your views on whether Jordan Smith should start next season as number one number one at Hibernian.

Here's what some of you said:

Keith: Smith has been excellent for us since he came in but is he the answer? I doubt it. We must look to improve all over the pitch and goalkeeper is one of those positions.

Billy: Jordan deserves to be Hibs' number one keeper next season. He has been exceptional since his introduction to the team, and it's a team game and he's so important to our current team, so whoever we buy will have to be his understudy as for me he's cemented the number one position.

Neil: Smith has done well overall, however he's still got room for improvement. He was at fault for some of the goals conceded and he's had a few shaky moments in games. We need to bring in someone to really challenge him or take his place. Competition for places is healthy.

Donald: Smith has earned the right to be number one, is there nobody at the academy to be an understudy?

Alan: I would get Kevin Dabrowski back from Raith Rovers, he was outstanding for them a season ago, best keeper in Championship by a mile. His face doesn't seem to fit since Barry Robson arrived. Smith has been good but still a bit suspect and not good with his feet.

David: Smith should deservedly retain the number one spot next term. However, he is prone to the odd error and it's clear we need a quality option to challenge for the gloves, especially given the strain that European football can bring. Overall though Smith has been very good since breaking into the side.

Kieron: While Smith was brilliant last season, there are some elements to his game that he needs to improve upon. He's a little hesitant on coming off his line to clear the ball at times which has cost us a few goals. That has been a problem for Hibs for a while, so if we can get someone in who can deal with that, it will be a big plus. As for our third-choice keeper, it will be interesting to see if Hibs bring anyone in or have one of our academy players to fill the spot, we'll have to wait and see.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Given the stellar job Jordan Smith has done for Hibernian since being brought into the side in November, it feels somewhat harsh to question his future in the team.

But with fellow goalkeepers Josef Bursik (loan from Club Brugge expiring) and Max Boruc (out of contract) set to be leaving, the Leith side will have to strengthen that position.

The question is whether Hibs look to upgrade on Smith, who was rewarded with a new deal until 2028 in March, or find an understudy for the 30-year-old.

Diving deep into the numbers, they suggest finding someone better than the former Nottingham Forest keeper could be a struggle.

Out of players to have played at least 10 Scottish Premiership games this season, only Celtic's Kasper Schmeichel (76%) boasts a better save percentage than Smith (73%).

As well as that, only Schmeichel and Rangers' Liam Kelly have a better goals-conceded-per-game average.

Meanwhile, according to FotMob, external, Smith has prevented an expected goals tally of almost three.

Those numbers mark a huge upgrade on Bursik, who started the first 13 league games of the season. Hibs only won one of those.

Remarkably, after Smith's introduction to the team, David Gray's side went on to lose just three of their final 25 Premiership matches.

Given the work the Englishman has put in to become number one and improve the team, he will not give that up easily regardless of who the club bring in this summer.

Hibs fans, what do you think? Is Smith the undisputed number one or should any new arrival play second fiddle to the 30-year-old?

Tell us your thoughts here.

Retiring striker Dwight Gayle has admitted that the Hibernian players were "almost begging" with the club's hierarchy not to part company with head coach David Gray earlier in the season when the rookie manager was under pressure. (The Scotsman), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Hibernian were all set for a place in the Europa League play-off round.

Win that, and they would have been in the competition proper. Lose, and it would have still been the Conference League until Christmas.

Either way, good games and good money.

Then Aberdeen stunned Celtic to win the Scottish Cup. And in a stroke, that guarantee had gone.

Instead, will go into the Europa second qualifying round, with the safety net of a second shot in the Conference preliminaries. But no assured league stage football.

The draw will be on June 18, with the ties on July 24 and 31.

Ukrainian striker Mykola Kuharevich, the 23-year-old who is under contract with Swansea City for another year, says he would consider making a third loan move to Hibernian next season. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Hibernian are closing in on the appointment of a chief executive, says owner and new chairman Ian Gordon.

The have announced a number of changes, with Gordon - previously an executive director since the death of his father Ron in 2022 - succeeding current non-executive chairman Malcolm McPherson as chairman.

Black Knight president Tim Bezbatchenko will assume billionaire Bournemouth owner Bill Foley's seat as an executive director, taking one of the two seats occupied by Black Knight Football Group, who forged a strategic partnership with the Easter Road club last year.

With the aid of Black Knight, Hibs have identified a new chief executive to replace Ben Kensell, who left by mutual consent in January.

"Tim and I and the board have, over the last few months, had many, many candidates and we're very pleased with the level of candidates that came forward," Gordon said in a club interview.

"So after a very thorough process, we're at the point now where we're very happy with the person we're moving forward with.

"We think he'll be a great fit for us to manage the business side of the club and a cultural fit. So he's working his period now at his current club and we should be hopefully announcing that in the coming months."

Bezbatchenko said it was a "natural transition" for him to take Foley's seat on the Hibs board.

He added: "So just because Bill is stepping away, he's still engaged day to day. Bill loves his football clubs. He's connected to all of them, including Hibernian so we're excited about that."

In another tweak involving the Gordon family, Ian's brother Colin will replace their mother Kit on the Hibs board.

"My brother and I are kind of leading the family businesses moving forward and so this was an appropriate time for my brother to get involved and Kit to step away a little bit," said Gordon.

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Jack Iredale is taking "really high confidence" into his first Australia training camp after his rise to prominence in Hibs' memorable season.

The defender is currently with new head coach Tony Popovic's Socceroos squad - alongside clubmates Martin Boyle and Lewis Miller - after his Hibs form was recognised with a first senior call-up.

Iredale, who moved to Easter Road from Bolton last summer, had to bide his time before playing a key role in the 17-game unbeaten run that helped propel David Gray's side to a third-place finish.

"It was a tough start but we managed to turn things around in November and went on a really good run," the 28-year-old said.

"At the start of the season we set ourselves a goal of European football and finishing third means we've hopefully got a qualifying place.

"Now I come into the camp with really high confidence after a positive season and I'm just trying to keep things going from there."

Iredale, born in Scotland before moving to Australia in his childhood, is eyeing a dream debut in next month's World Cup qualifiers with Japan and Saudi Arabia after fearing for his career following three ACL injuries as a teenager.

The former Australia youth international said: "I've been out of the system now for 13 years. I've been working away to try and get back involved. I'm very excited to be here.

"It's very rewarding. I had a tough time at the start of my career with injuries but to have this positive step in a good direction with the training camp, hopefully I can do well this week.

"For me, playing for my country is the only thing I've wanted to do in my career.

"It's been pretty good. It's been tough but everyone has made me feel really welcome. The boys have been really good.

"Obviously there's a few familiar faces but even the boys I hadn't met before have made me feel really welcome."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

What a rollercoaster of a campaign. Way back on a cold November night with the clock ticking towards minute 90, the future of David Gray looked bleak.

Trailing Aberdeen on the back of eight games without a win, there were more vultures than seagulls circling Easter Road.

But the unlikely point Hibs salvaged that night sparked an incredible revival.

In the following five months only Celtic were able to get the better of Hibs. Indeed, of their four defeats since that November night, three were away to the champions with the other being a narrow loss at Pittodrie.

While David Gray and his players have deservedly received many plaudits the board and Gordon family also merit an enormous amount of credit for sticking by their man when others may well have wilted.

They have undoubtedly learned from mistakes made over the previous campaigns with a number of poor decisions made.

The challenge for next season is how to cope with maintaining their excellent domestic form and trying to make an imprint on Europe.

The outcome of this Saturday's Scottish Cup final will tell us whether Hibernian will have a crack at the Europa League play-off or have to settle for battling their way to a Conference League spot.

Either way it's sure to be another exciting campaign and one the Hibs faithful can look forward to with hope, expectation and confidence after the way they finished this season.

Hibernian sporting director Malky Mackay says the Scottish Premiership club are open to either taking Nectarios Triantis back on loan or paying a transfer fee but are waiting on Sunderland to decide what they want to do with the 22-year-old midfielder. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.