Hibs latest summer signing Grant Hanley has admitted he was’ over the moon’ after signing a two-year deal with the Club.
Hanley becomes David Gray’s fifth new recruit of the transfer window, following in the footsteps of Jamie McGrath, Josh Mulligan, Raphael Sallinger and Thibault Klidjé who all joined the Club this summer.
The 33-year-old has had an established career to date, playing the majority of his career in the English Premier League and Championship as well as representing Scotland over 60 times internationally.
Hanley helped Birmingham win the 2024/25 League One title before becoming a free agent in the summer and after weighing up a few options, the experienced defender opted to join Hibs.
“I am delighted,” Hanley told Hibs TV!
“It has been a different time in my career for me personally – being a free agent – so I had a bit of time to think about it all, but I am over the moon to get it done and to be here.
“I had never been in that situation before, so for me it was about being patient and waiting until the right opportunity came up – and thankfully I managed to get that here.”
The Scotland international was spotted around Easter Road in the weeks leading up to officially signing and the defender admits that it was those interactions and experiences which helped him make his decision.
“I took my time to meet everybody properly, I came to a few games last week and I saw the atmosphere from the fans and what the Stadium is like – from there it was a very easy decision for me.
“A big part of my decision, at this period of my career, was to get a real feel for the Club and the people within it. I have been properly welcomed and made to feel properly part of it all, all those conversations really helped make my mind up.
“The stage of the career that I am at, I am looking for a really positive experience and I can see where the direction of this club is going.”
Despite earning 62 caps for Scotland, this will be Hanley’s first taste of domestic club football in Scotland, having featured predominantly down south with Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United, Norwich City and latterly, Birmingham City.
“It’ll be another totally different challenge – one that is different from anything I have experienced before. But that was another thing that attracted me to playing up here.
“I know the size of the Club, I know what is expected of me, I know how difficult the league is and the quality within it – so I am really looking forward to the challenge.
“I have played a lot of games so I will bring a bit of experience first and foremost. Hopefully, I can bring that both on and off the pitch and help the team to be successful.”
