Hibs’ defender Paul Hanlon has been granted a testimonial in recognition of 10 years loyal service.
Paul has made over 335 appearances for the club after making his debut under Mixu Paatelainen in January 2008 in a 3-0 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
He has scored 19 goals including the historic last minute equaliser at Tynecastle en route to the Scottish Cup victory.
The Testimonial Committee will now begin planning a series of events to be held over the coming year, with details to be announced in due course.
Typically Paul has requested that part of the proceeds are donated to charity and the recipients will also be announced in due course.
Paul said: “I’m delighted to receive a testimonial.
“Starting off as a 16 year old leaving school it’s something I could only dream of – playing for the club I supported for so many years.
“Pulling on the strip is something I’m so proud to do every week, and hopefully I can continue to do that for many years to come.
“The club has evolved so much from the time I’ve started, and we’re in a great position now to keep progressing.
“We’ve got a lot to play for between now and the end of the season and everyone’s focus is on finishing as high up the table as possible, but when the time comes it’ll be nice to reflect on the last 10 years.”
Graeme Cadger, Chairman of the Testimonial Committee, said: “Paul is a top class professional and a great role model for our younger players.
“He is a private person who avoids attention and lives his life the way a dedicated footballer should.
“Hibernian FC means everything to Paul and he is proud to be ‘One of Our Own’.
“It is an honour to be Chairman of Paul’s Testimonial Committee and I am delighted that all of my fellow members from Lewis Stevenson’s Testimonial Committee have agreed to join Paul’s Committee.
“Dedicated social media channels are currently being created and will be announced in due course.
George Craig, Head of Football Operations at Hibernian, said: “Paul is a manager’s dream – a fantastic footballer and great professional who gives everything for the club day in, day out.
“He has lived the highs and the lows at Hibs over a number of years and fully deserves all the praise that comes his way.
“Our current Academy players can look up to the likes of Paul and Lewis Stevenson as perfect examples of what can be achieved with hard work and commitment.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
