Jamie McGrath will be a Hibs player next season after signing a pre-contract to move from rivals Aberdeen.
The Hibees announced they had secured McGrath on a four-year deal meaning he will jump ship in the summer when his Dons contract comes to an end.
Aberdeen insisted the Irishman did want to stay with them but they weren’t keen on offering him the same length of deal as the Easter Road club and that was that main factor behind his decision.
Their own fans backed the decision and felt, especially with the assumption he is on high wages, it wouldn’t have been worth offering a 28-year-old with a bad injury a long-term contract.
Hibs boss David Gray insisted signing McGrath is a ‘statement’ of intent from them as they push on and look for more additions in the summer.
But pundits Jonny Hayes and Neil Lennon found it a “strange” and “surprising” move, especially with the timing of the announcement.
While it was revealed McGrath will earn £1million across four years at Hibs after signing a lucrative deal.
Junior Hoilett helped convince McGrath to sign for Hibs
Hibs’ former Aberdeen forward Junior Hoilett has now revealed he acted as a go-between in McGrath’s decision to move to Edinburgh.
A former Pittodrie teammate of his, he received a call asking all about the club, manager and coaches and what it was like to play there.
The Canada international sung the praises of the club and helped sell McGrath on a move there.
And he’s delighted a deal was ultimately done to bring him to Leith.
In a press conference previewing today’s Scottish Cup clash with Celtic, Hoilett said: “Jamie did speak to me. He gave me a call to talk about the coaching, the manager and the group of players. I told him it’s top.
“It’s a family-orientated group and everybody’s for each other. It’s a humble team and Edinburgh is a nice city – so I think that sold it as well.
“Jamie’s a quality player and a great person as well. You can see what he’s been doing early on in the season, the quality he brings on and off the ball – he’ll be a great addition to the squad. I’m happy he came over to this side.
“The run we’re on, the way we’re going into games and the style we’re playing would suit anybody. And to have somebody quality like Jamie coming in, it’s a big bonus for the club and attracts more players.”
Hoilett on his own Hibs future
Hoilett may not actually get the chance to play with McGrath again as his own contract is up in the summer.
Asked about his future, the 34-year-old said: “I’m enjoying my football here. I feel comfortable training day-in, day-out.
“I’d love to see what the future holds but right now I’m focusing on the here and now. To be in the position we’re in now, to try and finish in the European qualification spot, is not only a good achievement for the team but a personal achievement for me as well.”