Hibernian

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Hibernian sporting director Malky Mackay insists the club are in a good place after the summer transfer window but didn't rule out dipping into the free transfer market.

The Edinburgh club signed six new players this summer while also securing new deals for important players such as Rocky Bushiri and Junior Hoilett.

And Mackay was thrilled to keep together the core group of players that secured a third place finish in the top flight last term.

"Going into the new season with the group that finished third mostly still here is terrific for the club," the sporting director told HibsTV, external.

"I think it's very important for the manager, for the club, for the continuity, the fact that group all came back in here on day one of pre-season, they've had really good success together and understanding how to win.

"Any manager will tell you if you can manage to keep a good group together for a period of time then really good things can happen. I was delighted to get the core of that group back in here on day one of pre-season."

Mackay also shed some light on the Hibs' pursuit of Scotland international Lyndon Dykes.

"We had conversations with Lyndon and Birmingham and we didn't manage to get there in the end," he added.

"So we move on from that. We have a good squad, I'm delighted with the squad we've got for the first half of the season. We have a leaner squad but a much stronger squad."

Even though the transfer window has closed, there's still an opportunity for deals to be done for out of contract players and Mackay suggested Hibs are still open to new arrivals.

"We will look at that to see if there's anyone we feel could add to our group," he said.

"I need a high bar to come into this football club and play for this football team so we'll see if anyone manages to attain that.

"To get anywhere near a first team jersey at this football club you have to be at that level."

Manchester City have agreed a deal to buy Hibernian goalkeeper Ben Vickery, 17. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, Hibs midfielder Jacob MacIntyre, 19, has moved to Arbroath on loan. (Edinburgh Reporter), external

Hibernian's Scotland defender Grant Hanley says games like Friday's 0-0 draw with Denmark "suit me". (Record), external

Midfielder George Hall, 21, turned down Aberdeen and Hibernian before joining Port Vale from Birmingham City. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Hibernian have announced the loan signing of Zach Mitchell from Charlton Athletic for the duration of the 2025-26 season.

Mitchell, 20, has previously had loan spells with Colchester United and St Johnstone.

"We're delighted to bring Zach into the building," Gray said.

"Zach is a player that caught my eye during his brief spell at St Johnstone last season. He is a young defender with some great attributes and will add extra versatility, strength and depth to our back line.

"He is a young defender who is comfortable on the ball and has a good physical presence. We're all looking forward to working with him."

New Hibernian player Miguel Chaiwa, 21, has "all the right tools to be a top midfielder", says head coach David Gray. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

We asked for your views on Hibernian's business in the summer transfer window.

Here's what some of you said:

Craig: I am deeply disappointed the club was unable to secure the loan signing of Lyndon Dykes. He was an ideal fit for the position we urgently needed to fill following Mykola Kukharevych's departure. The delay in opening negotiations and leaving matters until late on Monday evening significantly reduced the likelihood of a successful outcome. This was a missed opportunity that should have been handled with far greater urgency.

George: Looks good but, as always, players have to step up and perform, both in training and when selected. As we remember well, it hasn't always turned out that way. Those who have been selected so far, look the business, so hopes for a successful season are high. Is second do-able? We need to start putting away chances for that hope to solidify.

Kenny: I would like to think so but I would have preferred a centre forward. We have been lacking in this position for a while now. Kieron Bowie is an inside man and would flourish playing off a good centre. We create lots of chances but don't put them away. There are plenty of players out there we could have had on loan.

Mark: The Scottish and home-based signings, the type of signings we should be making, seem to have settled in well. Missing out on Dykes is a big disappointment, as I think he would have given us an extra edge that we need. It's weird that we can't get a loan like that over the line, yet once again we seem willing to throw lots of money at signings from abroad who are much less likely to settle in and do well for us.

Albert: Overall, it has been a great transfer window for Hibs. Not getting Nectar Triantis back seemed a big blow at the time but after the first few showings of Miguel Chaiwa those feelings have subsided. Good experience signed in Grant Hanley at the back and Josh Mulligan looks equally as useful at right wing-back as he does in the middle of the park. Jamie McGrath has also looked good and the more I see of Thibault Klidje, the more I like. Getting Dykes would have made it a 10 out of 10 window but nine out of 10 is still good.

Michael: Every player we have brought in will be a quality addition to the squad, I just wish there was more of them. I still think the squad is quite thin in terms of numbers and cover. We haven't relaxed Lewis Miller and disappointed not to get the Dykes deal over the line.

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

Hibs' transfer deadline day was dominated by the ultimately futile pursuit of Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes.

It was reported the player was keen on the move, but Hibs couldn't agree the terms of the loan with Birmingham.

As with the last summer transfer window, where Hibs pushed to sign Luke McCowan only to lose out on the midfielder to Celtic with no time to source a replacement, the club's unwillingness to meet Birmingham's demands - which you have to assume changed late in the process - means David Gray exits the transfer window without the extra striker he wanted.

It would be hard to believe, though, that Hibs aren't working on options that didn't need rushed through last night.

Hibs have been pretty good about going about their business recently, and we did make one last-minute addition as midfielder Dan Barlaser joined on loan from Middlesbrough, so I think they've earned the benefit of the doubt that they did the right thing last night.

We've had a great window overall. Re-signing Rocky Bushiri was massive and real quality was added in Josh Mulligan, Jamie McGrath and Miguel Chiawa – not to mention breaking our transfer record on Thibault Klidje.

Like every manager, Gray will have wanted another couple in but I think he'll be happy with what he has to work with.

And with Europe now out the way after a magnificent effort in Poland last week, Sir David can now focus on repeating last season's successful league campaign.

On that note, Gray needs VAR to work as it should as much as he needs the right players. The decision to deny Hibs a late penalty on Sunday for what looked an obvious handball had punters and pundits alike scratching their heads.

Surely we can finally have a season where VAR isn't taking centre stage?

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast., external

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Hibernian have signed Middlesbrough Daniel Barlaser on a season-long loan deal, with head coach David Gray confident the 28-year-old will bring "calm" to his midfield.

Barlaser has extensive experience in English football, playing over 250 games, predominantly with Boro and Rotherham United.

He is the seventh summer arrival at Easter Road, following record signing Thibault Klidje, Miguel Chaiwa, Raphael Sallinger, Jamie McGrath, Josh Mulligan and Grant Hanley.

"We're delighted to add someone of Daniel's experience to the middle of our midfield," Gray said.

"We wanted to add another versatile midfielder to the squad, and Daniel has proved that he is capable of playing that role at a very high, competitive level.

"He has good positional awareness, reads the game well, and is calm in possession of the ball. We are looking forward to working with him for the rest of the season."

There were no new arrivals at Hibs on deadline day as a move for Scotland and Birmingham City striker Lyndon Dykes collapsed.

Middlesbrough midfielder Daniel Barlaser could still join on loan - with the paperwork reportedly completed before the deadline last night - while Elie Youan remains at Easter Road despite interest from European clubs in the striker who has less than a year left on his contract.

Hibs have added six players this summer, record signing Thibault Klidje among them, with Lewis Miller and Marvin Ekpiteta among the departures.

So with the window now closed, are you pleased with the club's transfer business? Does it leave the squad in good shape for the season ahead - or is David Gray light in certain positions?

Share your thoughts here.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hibernian are still hoping a deal can be struck with Birmingham City for striker Lyndon Dykes however there is also interest from Aberdeen and at least two English Championship clubs in the Scotland striker.

Dykes is part of Steve Clarke's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers away to Denmark and Belarus.

One player who now looks destined to remain at Hibs after the window closes this evening is Elie Youan.

The winger was left out of the matchday squad against St Mirren on Sunday with a deal to Hibs' European conquerors Legia Warsaw almost concluded.

However the deal collapsed earlier today and as things stand he will remain at Easter Road with a year left on his contract.

We asked for your thoughts after Hibs drew 1-1 with St Mirren in the Premiership.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Dougie: Take that result against a big organised team, especially after Thursday night. How that's not a penalty I'll never know, he literally parried the ball away with his hands - the VAR situation has to get sorted, it's far too inconsistent.

Darren: Why can't we get decisions right? That was a clear penalty. The people making those decisions need to be held to account.

Bobby: It's a simple game but we overthink it. Just play our strongest team in every game. No need to rest players on Saturday with the break coming up, two points needlessly lost again.

Kenny: After the game on Thursday this one was always going to be difficult. St Mirren are a good team and any kind of result was good. After we lost the goal we came right back and scored which shows the grit in the team. The international break has come at the right time. Watch out for a fitter quicker Hibs team.

Watch all the highlights from Hibs' 1-1 draw against St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

UK users only.

Hibernian left Elie Youan out for Sunday's 1-1 draw with St Mirren after receiving a bid for the French forward - believed to be from Conference League conquerors Legia Warsaw. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

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Hibernian came from behind to rescue a Scottish Premiership point against St Mirren - but squandered several chances to win the game and were denied a late penalty.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say here.

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Hibernian head coach David Gray tells BBC Scotland: "We find ourselves a goal down, we have to settle with a point because at least the players fight right until the very end.

"I feel, for us to keep improving, the game should be out of sight. The chances we missed first half, big moments in the game. If we take our chances and we're more clinical, it's a very different afternoon.

"St Mirren are a constant threat, they're always in the game. We reacted well, pushed towards the very end. I can't fault the players' effort. Their character was tested again today and there's loads of positives to take from it.

"Over the course of the game, it's one we should be winning.

"I've never been one for blaming referees, they've got a really difficult job. The VAR could help the referee in that situation [at the end of the game]. I think Ayunga interferes with my player [for the St Mirren goal] so I need someone to explain that to me.

"I need someone to explain the handball to me [at the end of the game]. I don't think it's the referee's fault at all, and I won't labour on that point because if we take our chances it's a different afternoon anyway. Nothing changes off the back of that.

"VAR has been brought in to improve the game, and today I don't think it's helped."

The Scottish transfer window closes at 23:00 BST on Monday 1 September so there's still time for business to be done.

What do Hibs need to do before the window slams shut?

Have your say here

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• Hibernian are winless in their past seven league meetings with St Mirren (D3 L4) since a 2-1 victory in May 2023.

• St Mirren have won each of their past three league visits to Hibs, as many as their previous 20 beforehand in the top flight (W3 D6 L11).

• Hibs are unbeaten in 13 home league games (W9 D4), their longest run in the Scottish Premiership since October 2018 (14).

• St Mirren are winless in five league games (D4 L1), last going longer without victory in May 2023 (seven).

• Hibs have scored at least twice in each of their past 10 home league games (26 goals total), the longest run in the Scottish top flight by any side other than Celtic or Rangers in the 21st century.

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Hibs head coach David Gray will assess his squad following the Conference League exit to Legia Warsaw after extra time in Poland on Thursday. Joe Newell is working his way back to fitness after a groin injury.

St Mirren have a fitness doubt over Jonah Ayunga (knee) while fellow forward Roland Idowu is set to play through a similar problem. Conor McMenamin (calf) and Liam Donnelly (Achilles) remain out.

Hibernian and Salford City have made bids for Fleetwood Town midfielder Ryan Graydon, with Motherwell, Lincoln City and Port Vale also interested in the 26-year-old Irishman. (Pete O'Rourke on X), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

We asked for your views on the 3-3 draw at Legia Warsaw that consigned Hibs to a Conference League exit 5-4 on aggregate.

Here's what some of you said:

Matt: That's six European games against top opposition where Hibs have matched all three teams toe-to-toe, all while largely getting the business done in the league and cup in-between. We will say it quietly, but third is the least of our ambitions with the team we have and depth. Finally, remember the name - Miguel Chaiwa.

Ringo: Three minutes away from one of Hibs' best-ever results, we have a knack of never seeing a game out, can't fault the players for effort. Hibs just never get that luck to see it out. This could be a blessing in disguise, now we can concentrate on the league and cups. Hibs will be okay, we have a good team.

Mark: David Gray has done well for Hibs, but not for the first time, his substitutions have cost us. Taking Martin Boyle off weakened Hibs and boosted them, and replacing him with a nervous youngster who has yet to prove he is good enough ended up costing us the vital late goal which sent us into extra time. Gray needs to stop being so naive or we will keep throwing away games.

Scott: So cruel on Hibs, what a performance, what a game. I am proud of this Hibs team, the players gave everything and we are so unlucky to go out. Gray is building a good Hibs team here and I urge my fellow Hibees to get down to Easter Road on Sunday and get behind the team and get three points against St Mirren because at the moment with this group of players we are in for a great season.

Sandy: Hibs' performance made Scottish representation in Europe something to be extremely proud of. Not a single player left anything on the park. They performed for our badge with honour. The promise is, there's more to come from this squad under Gray this season, and beyond.

Stuart: Regardless of the result, among us Hibs fans we should be proud of that performance. So many positives to take from that game. Gutted to be out but it still feels great to be a Hibee at the moment.

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Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan on BBC Sportsound

Obviously it's a bit raw but what a performance from the second half onwards. Hibs took the game to Legia and were three minutes from making the league phase.

This is a proper Hibs side. They are building something. They should have been out of sight.

But you've got to credit David Gray and his team – they've shown they can compete. They had 24 attempts away to Legia – that tells you how forceful they were. So proud of what these players have given.

They did enough to qualify but just miss out. Gray and his squad will take huge belief from this run against good sides.

Former Hibs midfielder Michael Stewart on BBC Sportsound

It's fine margins, little moments and small mistakes that have cost them. The second-half performance in Warsaw was full of character.

They deserved to get into the league stage and I really feel for them. Their performances in these games have been more than good enough to show they can compete. I would have loved to see them in the league phase and think they would have done really well.

You can only give them huge amounts of credit but that counts for nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Former Hibs striker Tam McManus on X

Sickening. The guys gave absolutely everything on the night and got zero luck. If Martin Boyle's shot goes in tie is over. Had them beat and just couldn't see it out.

Scunnered but proud of the team, was an outstanding performance and also the fans who travelled heard them all night.

Broadcaster Craig Telfer on BBC's Scottish football podcast

Wthout the distraction of European football, Hibs can just concentrate on the domestic league. And at this stage, I don't think it's outlandish to suggest that they could finish in second place.

Hibs are in a good place. Gray has done a great job there and they'll be looking at kicking on and having a really extraordinary campaign domestically.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter in Warsaw

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Captain Martin Boyle admits the Hibs players "will hurt" after their devastating Conference League play-off defeat, but the forward insists "there are good times coming" for the Edinburgh club.

Boyle scored Hibs' second goal away to Legia Warsaw as they came from a goal down to lead 3-1, moving in front on aggregate.

However, the Polish hosts scored in stoppage-time and again in extra-time to edge a thrilling tie.

Having come so close to the group stage, Boyle said the loss was a "sore one", admitting it was "going to take a little while to get over."

When the dust does settle, the 32-year-old skipper believes there are many positives to take from their European experience, which included beating Partizan Belgrade and pushing Midtjylland all the way in Europa League qualifying.

"We've learned a lot," he told BBC Scotland. "We've learned the togetherness of the squad.

"We've made some really good recruits and the manager, he's been brilliant. You can see the passion. We're fighting together.

"There are good times coming for us."

Now attention turns to Sunday's Premiership meeting with St Mirren as Hibs plan to train in Warsaw on Friday before flying home.

"We have to go again," added Boyle. "The league is most important. Hopefully we can get a good cup run and a good opportunity to win something."

Domestic success would bring another crack at Europe and Boyle says he and his team-mates certainly have the appetite for more.

"Yes, absolutely," he said. "We were so close tonight, minutes away.

"It was much better than playing Aston Villa last time (an 8-0 aggregate loss in 2023), the hurtful moments of that.

"I'm extremely proud of what we've achieved. We showed a great character coming out of the second half. It's nearly the comeback of comebacks, but it wasn't to be.

"If we don't defend the box properly and see out games, we get punished at this level.

"We were nearly there. Hopefully, we can have a great campaign in the league this year and get back to this stage."

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Hibernian head coach David Gray: "That's as good a performance I've seen in Europe from a Hibs team in my lifetime. I'm immensely proud of that. It's hard to take because of that. We need to make sure we come back stronger.

"Obviously I'm very deflated, I'm devastated for the players. I'm really, really proud of that level of performance. The bravery of every player, everyone who came on the pitch, I'm really proud.

"We need to remember this feeling. It's a really sore feeling and I've also just reminded the players of how far this group have come.

"Eight or nine months ago, bottom of the league after 13 or 14 games, to being where we are right now, minutes away from [the Conference League]. A lot to be proud about, even though we never accept losing games of football."

Hibernian's Conference League dream was crushed in heart-breaking fashion as Legia Warsaw denied the Scottish side one their great European results in an incredible six-goal play-off thriller.

Have your say on the match here.

Read the match report here.