There will be European football in the capital next season after Celtic’s Scottish Cup triumph ensured that Hibs’ fourth place finish was enough to guarantee a place in the Europa League qualifying first round.
Hibs’ fans have had a nervous wait since last Sunday’s amazing 5-5 draw with Rangers but they can now enjoy the summer holidays safe in the knowledge that they are able to represent Scotland in the competition.
The Easter Road side have a long and distinguished history in European competitions, being the first British club to compete in the European cup in 1955.
On two occasions the club have reached European semi-finals, losing to FC Reims and Roma.
Older fans remember glory nights against European giants Barcelona, Porto, Napoli, Sporting Lisbon and Videoton whilst Leeds, Liverpool Hamburg and Juventus have also graced the Easter Road turf.
Hibs last qualified two years ago after winning the Scottish Cup but lost out on penalties against Brondby.
Hibs will now play the first leg of the Europa League qualifying first round on 12 July with the return leg one week later.
Should they win the tie, Hibs would then play the second qualifying round first leg on 26 July with the second leg on 2 August.
The third qualifying round first leg takes place on 9 August with the return leg on 16 August.
The play off round first leg will be held on 23 August with the second leg on 30 August.
The draw for the first and second qualifying round takes place in Nyon on 19 June, the draw for the third qualifying round will be held on 23 July and the play-off draw will be held on 6 August.
Should Hibs qualify for the group stages, the draw will take place in Monaco on 31 August.
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.
