Hibernian

Image source, Getty Images

Hibernian have signed wing-back Adam Mayor from English Championship side Milwall.

The 21-year-old, who began his youth career with Tranmere Rovers and Preston North End, becomes David Gray's fifth signing of the summer window.

Mayor joined Milwall in January 2024 before loan spells as English League Two sides Bromley and, most recently, Cambridge United.

"We're delighted to bring another exciting young player into the building and welcome Adam to Hibernian," head coach David Gray told club media of the defender's arrival.

"He is a promising young player to add to the group, and he has already made successful strides in his career so far.

"There's no doubt Adam will bring real athleticism to the squad. He's a wing-back who really loves attacking and putting crosses into the box and can contribute at both ends of the pitch.

"We're all looking forward to him joining the group and working with him going forward."

Image source, Hibernian FC

Nathan Lowe believes in setting himself high targets - and the striker is aiming to be the Scottish Premiership's top scorer at the end of his season on loan to Hibernian from Stoke City.

Only 20, the Englishman describes himself as "an old head on young shoulders" and is not making any promises to fans he realises would have been disappointed with last season's fifth-place finish.

But he told Hibs TV: "One thing about me, you can say what you want, but I will be in the area to score goals because that's the only reason I play football.

"That's what gets me up every morning to go and train.

"I don't think I could be a right-back or left-back or anything like that - I was born to be a striker."

Lowe scored 18 goals in half a season on loan to League Two's Walsall, then seven in half a season with Stockport County in League One and four to finish off last season with Wycombe Wanderers, also in England's third tier.

"By no means am I the finished article and I won't be at the end of this loan," he admitted.

"But every season I go into, my aim is to be the top goalscorer in the league.

"At Walsall, I was. Last season, not so much. Hopefully I can add to my tally significantly here."

Lowe was attracted to "a new challenge" of playing different teams and experiencing European football with Hibs.

"Hibs' aim should be third or higher and there's no reason why we can't do that and a good run in Europe and the cup competitions," he added.

Image source, Getty Images

Hibernian have signed Nathan Lowe on a season-long loan from Stoke City, with head coach David Gray saying the forward was the "physical presence" and "natural goalscorer" he had been seeking.

The 20-year-old England Under-19 cap came through the Championship club's youth ranks and has already had loan spells with Walsall, Stockport County and Wycombe Wanderers.

Lowe made his senior debut in February 2023, signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract with Stoke the following January and has agreed an extension until 2029 to coincide with his loan to the Scottish Premiership.

He has made eight starts and 21 substitute appearances for Stoke, scoring twice, but it was with Walsall in League Two where he was most prolific, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists in 30 appearances as he earned the English League Two Young Player of the Year Award.

Last season, he scored 11 as he spent the first half of the season with Stockport and the second with League One rivals Wycombe.

"He brings a great energy and enthusiasm about his play, as well as a physical presence," Gray told his club website.

"He is a natural goalscorer and he has proven that he can score a range of different types of goals.

"He has good experience too, having already played a substantial amount of games at a competitive level despite his young age."

Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters told his club website: "Nathan has no doubt benefitted from the experiences he's had in Leagues One and Two and it speaks to his mature character that he wants to test himself in a new environment in Scotland.

"That he will also gain exposure to playing in European competition is something new and will only help his development.

"We will keep a close eye on his progression."

Image source, SNS

Hibernian are "one step closer" to being ready for European football following their 1-1 draw with Porto in Portugal, says head coach David Gray.

Borja Sainz gave Porto the lead shortly before half-time but Felix Passlack levelled during the second period.

"I'm really pleased, and it was a really good exercise for what we set out to do," Gray told club media.

"It was a really good test for the players against a very good side. It was a positive result in the end, but there are a lot of things within it where we can improve."

Saturday's closed doors game at the Jorge Costa Training and Sports Development Centre gave Hibs' valuable game time before they enter the Conference League at the second qualifying round against either Vllaznia lead Malisheva.

Albania's Vllaznia lead their first qualifying round tie 2-1 before Wednesday's second leg in Kosovo and the first leg of the next round takes place on 23 July, with Hibs away from home first.

And Gray said: "It's been a short but beneficial camp and part of the reason we set the trip up was a test for the European campaign in terms of travelling the day before, training when we come over here, then playing the game and flying straight home because some of our players have not played in Europe before.

"I'm really grateful to FC Porto for taking the game on and putting a real strong side out as well. It was a real good test for the players and we'll take a lot of confidence from that and a lot of things to work on moving forward as well.

"We're definitely that one step closer to being ready for the European game."

Recent signings Azeem Abdulai, Jason Kerr and Callum Wright started in a Hibs team captained by Martin Boyle.

"The big thing is always about minutes in the legs and players getting fitter and stronger," said Gray.

"I know we've got the home fixture next weekend against Brondby to look forward to now, where the players are all in really good condition for that one.

"It's our last chance to get significant minutes into players before we go into the real stuff the following Thursday. It'll be a brilliant game.

"Callum missed the first couple of games when he joined, but we got a good 45 minutes out of him today. Azeem went and played 45 minutes during the week for us, and then we pushed him to 60 minutes today.

"Josh Mulligan got 90 minutes today, which he'll massively benefit from, especially when you think back to how his season ended last year.

"The squad is starting to take shape."

Former Easter Road player Liam Fontaine tips fellow defender Jason Kerr to shine at Hibernian. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required, external)

Saturday's Scottish football gossip

Albania's Vllaznia lead Kosovo's Malisheva 2-1 after the first leg of their Conference League first qualifying round tie in Shkoder, with Hibernian awaiting the winner.

Laurent Xhylani gave visitors Malisheva a third-minute lead but Klinti Qato levelled before half-time.

Malisheva had defender Andreas Skovgaard sent off in the second half and Emiljano Musta soon put Vllaznia in front for the first time.

The return leg takes place in Podujeve on Wednesday (15:30 BST).

The first leg of the second qualifying round tie with Hibernian is scheduled for 23 July, with Hibs away from home, and the return is at Easter Road seven days later.

Image source, SNS

Hibernian defender Warren O'Hora, 27, puts concerns over his future to one side as he focuses on helping the Easter Road side progress in Europe. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required, external)

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

Hibernian head coach David Gray has played down fears of a serious injury for Joe Newell after they finished their pre-season friendly win over Cliftonville with 10 men.

The midfielder went off injured before the end of the end of the 5-1 behind-closed-doors victory in Kildare, Ireland.

"At the end of the game, Joe Newell felt a little bit in his groin - more precautionary more than anything else," Gray told Hibs TV.

"We just finished the game with 10 men rather than putting a player back on, which gave the players another physical and tactical challenge.

"They handled it really well and it was pleasing to see the younger boys, like Zach Bruce, Lewis Gillie and Joseph McGrath, step up and help see the game out without conceding."

Jack Iredale had missed Hibs' first pre-season friendly - a 1-0 defeat by Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday - but the centre-half returned along with players who had been given extra time off due to international duties.

"He got good minutes today and felt no reaction, which is another real positive," Gray added.

"It's been a really good week and it's always nice to top it off with a real good emphatic performance. It was a big step forward from Tuesday night."

Image source, SNS

Thibault Klidje scored twice as Hibernian continued their pre-season preparations with a 5-1 friendly win away to Cliftonville.

The 24-year-old Togo striker was signed for a club-record fee last summer but moved to Danish side Randers on loan in January after scoring four goals in 30 appearances.

New arrival Jason Kerr headed the Edinburgh side in front from an Owen Elding cross.

Cliftonville captain Rory Hale levelled before a deflected shot from Nicky Cadden restored Hibs' lead.

With the visitors creating a host of chances, Martin Boyle drilled in a third before half-time.

Klidje was introduced immediately after the interval and soon nodded in from close range as Kerr helped the ball on from a corner.

Playing the final 20 minutes with 10 men after a knock for skipper Joe Newell, Klidje wrapped things up with an emphatic finish from a Chris Cadden pass.

Image source, Hibernian FC

Azeem Abdulai has targeted joining new Hibernian teammate Josh Mulligan in the Scotland squad after his transfer from Leyton Orient.

The Glasgow-born 23-year-old started as a youth with Celtic, but it was with Swansea City that he first tasted senior football.

"Playing down in England is what a lot of people want to do. I started down there and I managed to get a good number of games to stand me in good stead for playing at Hibs," the midfielder told Hibs TV.

"As soon as I heard about the interest, I wanted it done straight away.

"Coming back home is a big thing and the club's massive as well. It was a no-brainer."

Abdulai hopes the switch from England's League One to playing alongside the likes of Mulligan will improve his chances of international recognition.

"It is a massive ambition of mine," he said. "I have a few friends playing in the league, so I was just intrigued to see it for myself.

"My aim is just to do well with Hibs and from there go to the national team."

Abdulai added that Hibs fans can expect a player who is all about "pure running", describing himself as "a defensive midfielder or I can play anywhere in the midfield".

"I like to win the ball back, I like to play forward, I like to get on the ball and just help my team," he added.

Image source, Getty Images

Hibernian have signed "athletic, aggressive, technically secure" former Scotland Under-21 midfielder Azeem Abdulai from Leyton Orient for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old has been given a three-year contract by the Scottish Premiership club.

Born in Glasgow, Abdulai came through the Celtic, Leicester City and Swansea City youth ranks before making his first-team breakthrough with the Welsh club.

He was sold to Orient in January 2025 and has since made 65 appearances for the League One club, 41 of them last season, 22 of them starts, as they finished 20th of the 24 teams.

Hibs head coach David Gray told his club website: "Azeem is exactly the profile we wanted – he's athletic, aggressive, technically secure on the ball and will play box-to-box.

"He gives us more options in the midfield area and that creates a healthy competition for places."

Abdulai, who had a year left of his Orient contract, becomes Hibs' third addition this summer following the arrival of centre-half Jason Kerr from Wigan Athletic and midfielder Callum Wright from Plymouth Argyle.

Hibernian are continuing their search for a traditional number nine but are not expected to revive interest in Scotland and Charlton Athletic 30-year-old Lyndon Dykes. (Hibs Observer, external)

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

Hibernian opened their pre-season programme with a 1-0 defeat by Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday, as head coach David Gray reported encouraging news about Rudi Molotnikov.

Luke O'Regan's goal in the first half was enough to secure victory for the hosts.

Gray gave minutes to Hibs youngsters Zach Bruce, Lewis Gillie, Josh McDonald, Joseph McGrath and Jacob MacIntyre in Dublin.

And the head coach told club media: "We probably looked like a team that's been working hard in the last seven days versus a team that has been playing together probably for the last three or four months and is up to speed.

"There were no severe injuries but a few bumps and bruises because it was a physical game, but it was a really good test and that's exactly what we needed at this stage of pre-season.

"Of course we're disappointed to lose the game, as there was no such thing as a friendly, and I just said that to the boys as well, and the players know that, but it is about the minutes in the legs at this stage of the season."

International players Martin Boyle, Grant Hanley, Jamie McGrath and Jordan Obita did not feature while Josh Campbell, Owen Elding and Callum Wright missed out.

And Gray said there had been "really positive news" regarding long-term injury absentee Rudi Molotnikov.

"He's trained fully with the international boys, the smaller group this morning, and came through that, which is excellent, and by the end of the week, he'll be fully integrated into training, which is excellent for him," Gray explained.

"We probably won't see him play this weekend [against Cliftonville]. It's a bit soon for that, but it's really good to have him around the group again, and he'll benefit from a real strong pre-season now."

A toe issue prevented new Hibernian defender Callum Wright featuring in Tuesday's friendly loss to Shamrock Rovers. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

Celtic remain keen on Zambia midfielder Miguel Chaiwa and would consider a £5m bid for the 22-year-old but are unwilling to meet the reported £7m price tag set by Hibernian. (Football Insider), external

Hibernian have told potential suitors that they have no interest in selling Miguel Chaiwa this summer, despite the 22-year-old Zambia midfielder being consistently linked with Celtic and a host of English clubs. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, Getty Images

Hibernian have agreed the signing of midfielder Callum Wright on a three-year deal.

The 26-year-old moves to the Edinburgh club as a free agent after the expiration of his contract at Plymouth Argyle.

He spent last season on loan with Wigan Athletic and played 49 games for the League One side, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists.

"He has all the traits you want in a midfielder; high energy, excellent work-rate, creativity and an eye for goal," said Hibs head coach David Gray.

"He is coming off the back of a very impressive season at Wigan and it is extremely beneficial that he has arrived with a full pre-season ahead of him and a good opportunity to gel with the group."

Wright is the second summer arrival at Easter Road, following centre-half Jason Kerr from Wigan.

"Callum is a player who attracted a lot of interest from various clubs, so we are delighted to get this deal over the line at the beginning of the window," said Hibs' sporting director Malky Mackay.

"He is exactly the type of character that we want to bring into the building and he has fantastic attributes as a player too.

"He knows what it takes to win, and he has a brilliant work ethic and willingness to do well."

Middlesbrough are the latest Championship club linked with Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan as they prepare to sell Hayden Hackney to Everton. (Daily Mail), external

Middlesbrough will not be firming up their interest in Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan as the 23-year-old is likely to attract more lucrative offers amid interest from West Ham United and Southampton. (Teeside Live), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Southampton, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all showing interest in 23-year-old Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan. (TeamTalk), external

Hibs are keeping tabs on 24-year-old St Patrick's Athletic midfielder Kian Leavy. (Sun), external

Former Hibernian striker Kenny Miller is poised to become Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach permanently after leading his side to an Israeli Cup final victory over Hapoel Beer Sheva as caretaker after Ronny Deila left. (Glasgow Times), external

Sunday's Scottish gossip

Midfielder Callum Wright has joined Hibernian's list of targets after the 26-year-old was released by Plymouth Argyle, having ended the season on loan to Wigan Athletic in League One. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Friday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

A new season brings new drama and an opportunity for city rivalries to renew once again.

Despite finishing in the bottom half of the table, both Dundee clubs successfully avoided the drop and will play at least three more derbies in this season's Premiership.

Last term they contested four derbies, United won two, Dundee won one and the other was a draw.

The Dundee pair are the first of the three rivals to meet this term as United host Steven Pressley's side at Tannadice on 22 August. There's a new year meeting at Dens Park on 2 January before another match at Tannadice on 13 March.

On 2 September, it's the turn of Hibernian and Hearts to go head-to-head in the first Edinburgh derby of the season.

Hearts won three out of four Edinburgh derbies last term, including the dramatic post-split game at Easter Road where Hibs, having gone a goal in front early on, found themselves reduced to nine men for almost a full half.

It's Hearts' turn to host on 26 December before another Easter Road meeting in the final pre-split game on 10 April.

The first Glasgow derby of the new campaign is on 20 September at Parkhead. The sides met six times across all competitions last term - Celtic won three, including both the cup matches, while Rangers won one and the other two ended in a draw.

The pair meet at Ibrox on 2 January before returning to Parkhead on 27 February.

Image source, SNS

Eddie May is to leave his coaching position at Hibernian at the end of June, ending 12 years of service at Easter Road.

The 58-year-old made over 100 appearances for the club between 1985-89 and returned in 2014, working across different roles in the academy, player development and with the first team.

He had two spells as caretaker manager in 2019, winning three of the five matches he oversaw.

In June 2024, May he was chosen as an assistant coach, along with Liam Craig, as David Gray took on the position of head coach.

Last week, Hibs announced the return of John Potter, who was assistant manager to Jack Ross from 2019-2021.

"I would like to personally thank Eddie for everything he has done for the club and for the support he has given me over the years, both as a player and a coach," said Gray.

"He has been a fantastic mentor, colleague and friend to me over the years and I am extremely grateful for all his support, advice and commitment."

May, who managed Falkirk from 2009-10, said it had been "an incredible privilege to work alongside so many dedicated players, coaches, supporters and friends who have made this journey so special".

Hibernian have been drawn against the winners of the tie between Vllaznia of Albania and Malisheva of Kosovo in the Conference League second qualifying round.

Happy with that? Fancy their chances of progress?

Give us your thoughts.