Hibernian

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.

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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

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Hibernian will be brushing up on their Albanian no matter which of the two sides they could face in Conference League qualifying make it through to the second qualifying round.

The Leith side will have to wait until the second leg between Vllaznia of Albania and Malisheva of Kosovo on 16 July before knowing who they will be travelling to face in their own first leg a week later.

It is a bit of a stretch to call it a local derby given it is a three-hour drive from Shkoder, where Vllaznia are based, and Malisheva, but their countries share a border and most Kosovans speak Albanian.

Their two football clubs also share the indignity of being knocked out by Vikingur of Iceland in Conference League qualifying last season - Malisheva in the opening round and Vllaznia in the second.

Whichever side progresses this time, Hibs will start as favourites, albeit the Albanians are actually ranked higher than Scotland's other Conference League combatants, Motherwell.

Being seeded in Wednesday's draw meant Hibs were going to avoid the most hazardous ties.

Of their possible opponents, the winners of Penybont of Wales against Santa Coloma of Andorra would probably have been more favourable, but they did also avoid meeting the losers of the Europa League tie between Qarabag of Azerbaijan and Vestri of Iceland.

Vllaznia finished third in the Kategoria Superiore, six points behind Egnatia, who were winners for a third year running.

They have played Scottish opposition once previously, losing 6-0 on aggregate to Dundee in a Uefa Cup qualifier in 2003.

Although they have lost their opening qualifier in five of the last six seasons, they did beat Daugavpils of Latvia a year ago.

That should make them slight favourites against Malisheva, who have only ever played two previous European ties - losing to Buducnost Podgorica of Montenegro two years ago.

The Kosovo Superleague runners-up play at the 1800-capacity Liman Gegaj Stadium. There is more room for Hibs fans brave enough to travel at the 16,00-capacity Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkoder.

Whichever direction Hibs must take, head coach David Gray will be hopeful of progressing further in qualifying.

Image source, Uefa

Hibernian now know more clearly who their first opponents will be in Conference League qualifying.

From a list of 86 clubs, European governing body Uefa on Wednesday morning narrowed it down by splitting it into nine groups ahead of the draw at 13:00 BST.

Hibs are one of five seeded clubs in a group of 10, although the total number of potential opponents is nine.

Croatia's Varazdin are one, but the other four potential opponents depend on who wins first qualifying round ties.

It means they could meet the winner of the tie between Vllaznia of Albania and Malisheva of Kosovo, Penybont of Wales against Santa Coloma of Andorra, Mondorf-les-Bains of Luxembourg against Dinamo Tbilisi of Georgia, plus the losers of the Europa League tie between Qarabag of Azerbaijan and Vestri of Iceland.

The two legs of the second qualifying round ties will be played on 23 and 30 July.