Former Hibs’ star ‘Super’ John McGinn scored the goal which secured promotion to the English Premier League for Aston Villa against Derby County at Wembley Stadium this afternoon.
Anwar El Ghazi headed the opening goal just before half-time in the game dubbed the richest in world football and McGinn doubled the lead on the hour mark.
El Ghazi cut inside from the left to unleash a powerful drive which looped into the air as it deflected off a Derby player. Derby keeper Roos looked certain to claim it, but McGinn jumped in front of the keeper to send a close-range header over the line, sparking wild celebrations from the massed ranks of supporters at Wembley’s West Stand.
Villa looked comfortable but Derby’s sub Jack Marriott reduced the deficit to make it a nerve-racking finale.
Aston Villa will reportedly pocket at least £170m after their win, including a cash boost of £95m just for playing in the Premier League, and parachute payments of £75m – paid out over the next two years.
That amount could rise further should they manage to stay up next season.
Aston Villa join Norwich City and Sheffield United, who secured automatic promotion to the league.
Reports suggest that Hibs will receive a significant undisclosed payment from Villa as part of the transfer deal for McGinn last summer.
It was a memorable weekend for the McGinn family as brothers Paul and Stephen helped St Mirren retain top flight status after beating Robbie Neilson’s Dundee United in the play-off final in Paisley.
Today’s promotion is the latest success in McGinn’s remarkable career. In 2013 he helped St Mirren beat Hearts in the League Cup final then three years later won the Scottish Cup with Hibs. The following year he helped Hibs to the Championship title and subsequently a top four finish before his big money move south.
His performances for Hibs also earned him deserved international recognition.
Hibs fans took to social media in their droves to congratulate him on today’s victory.
Liverpool and Scotland full back Andrew Robertson took time out from preparing for the Champions’ League final to tweet. “Well done Super @Jmginn7 well deserved my friend. Good couple of days for the McGinns.”
Former team mate Simon Murray tweeted “Yasssssss!!! Super John McGinn.”
Irvine Welsh tweeted: “What a guy @jmcginn7. I’m sure I speak for most Hibs fans in congratulating John and Aston Villa on a fantastic climax to their season.”
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.
