Veteran Hibs defender Steven Whittaker has admitted that he’s been impressed by manager Paul Heckingbottom since he’s taken over at Easter Road.
The 35-year-old has played under some of the best managers in the country, such as Walter Smith, but admits he is learning a lot from Heck a Hibs.
As Whitts playing career winds down and his eye turns to coaching, the former Rangers and Norwich star told how Heckingbottom was “quite clear” that his short-term future remains as a player.
“The manager has been impressive. He’s a good coach, he’s approachable and it helps that we have a really good group at Hibs who are willing to learn and do the hard graft,” Whittaker said as quoted by Football Scotland.
“At my stage of career, when I’m looking at the coaching side of things, I’ll learn plenty from him too – his information is great, how to run session, manage yourself and the club.
“The gaffer was quite clear I should look at getting through pre-season and seemed pretty keen on me still being involved, using my experience with the young boys.”
Whittaker missed a big chunk of action last season after a aserious hip injury but is fit again and raring to go for the new season.
After playing 23 games last term, the defender was hurt in Heckingbottom’s first training session and is yet to play a match under the new boss.
With the season getting underway in just over three weeks, he won’t have long to wait for his chance to finally impress.