Hibs boss David Gray says he can relate to Josh Landers and moving down south at such a young age.
The 17-year-old forward sealed a £100k exit from the Hibs academy to Premier League side West Ham United on Thursday.
Landers had made three first-team appearances for the Hibees before his huge switch, all of which came in the 2023/24 campaign.
He has struggled with injuries this season but still managed to secure a life-changing move to the Hammers’ U21 squad.
Landers will play in the Premier League 2 for West Ham and Hibs manager Gray is enthused by the transfer.
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Gray on Josh Landers to West Ham United
Gray experienced similar as a youngster when he made a £50k leap from the Hearts academy to English giants Manchester United in 2004.
Initially a winger, Gray then adapted to a defender at Old Trafford and spent six years in total on the books at United amid a number of loan spells.
Gray left in 2010 and his career finally kickstarted when he moved to Preston North End.
Speaking on Landers’ on move, Gray said: “When I was 16, I had the opportunity to play in Scotland and stay in Scotland. But the opportunity to go down south was something I decided to take.
“It’s going to be very different for him. He’s away from his family, his friends – living down in London where there is a completely different way of living to what he’s used to from up here.
“I wish him all the best, because it’s a great opportunity for him to really go and try something new – and hopefully kick on and move on to bigger and better things one day.
“It’s also fantastic for the academy to have a player that’s attracted that level of interest, but also making sure that the club are protected in terms of the deal works for the football club as well. Because that money goes back into the academy again to make sure we keep progressing that.
“With young players coming through, we want to get them into our first team as early as we can – because that’s what the club’s always done. But sometimes at certain stages there’s an opportunity for them to move on as well.
“It’s still a success story as well as long as everyone’s happy with the outcome and I think that’s something that, with Josh as I say, we wish him all the best. I’m looking forward to seeing how he does.
“He’s a young player that’s had opportunities. He’s had a few injuries actually this season as well, but he’s been presented with an opportunity that works for everybody and one that he was looking forward to go and try a new challenge.
“I can relate to it a little bit because when I think back to when I left home and moved away.”
Gray learned valuable life skills at Man Utd
Gray made one appearance for the United first-team as he featured against Crewe Alexandra in the English League Cup.
But he doesn’t consider his time in Manchester a failure whatsoever. Reminiscing about his time down there as a teenager in the 2000, Gray learned valuable life skills.
He understands how it daunting it may be for Landers’ family but sees it as an opportunity to relish.
Gray continued: “I was 16, had just done my standard grades and then left school. I’d gone down a couple of times beforehand to get an idea of what I was going to be doing and where I was staying.
“I lived in digs with a family that I still speak to, Marion and John – a massive part of my life between 15 and 18 before I moved out.
“They taught me how to iron, taught me how to cook, taught me all these things and I’m very grateful for that.
“And it was massive for my mum and dad. I’m now a parent myself so when I think back, I think: ‘How could I let my son leave at 16 and go down south?’
“I can imagine how hard it would have been for them. So I even think back to Josh’s family now. He’s going away down there himself – but it’ll be really good.”