Patrick McPartlin
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Editor of the @HibsObserver_
Asian-Irish fusion 🇲🇾🇨🇳🇮🇪
I'd rather have hope than sadness 💛
Articles by Patrick McPartlin
Hibernian file proposals for East Mains training centre
News update PLANS for a major expansion of Hibernian’s East Mains training centre are beginning to take shape, with proposals for a full-size indoor pitch and a dedicated first-team building now...
Hibs already taking on new boss’ ideas, insists Passlack
HIBERNIAN defender Felix Passlack believes signs of Marink Reedijk’s influence were already visible despite the Dutchman’s first match in charge ending in a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Dundee United.
Reedijk hoping to hit ground running as new manager gets set for debut
Dundee Utd v Hibernian Patrick McPartlin Football writer MARINK REEDIJK has revealed the conversations that persuaded him to become the new Hibernian head coach rank among the best of...
Hibs keen to do deal for Matondo after successful trial
HIBERNIAN are keen to do a deal for Rabbi Matondo, after the former Rangers and Schalke winger impressed during a trial period under new coach Marink Reedijk.
The inside track on David Gray's Hibs sacking and key moment
David Gray was sacked by Hibs on Wednesday (Image: Hibs Observer) This article was originally published in the Hibs Observer. By the final whistle, a sizeable portion of Easter Road had already reached its verdict. Some supporters made for the exits long before the players disappeared from view. Others remained in their seats, determined to make their frustrations heard.
No Gray area
Hibs part ways with manager after poor start to Premiership campaign D as a culminating in a defeat by Kilmarnock on Tuesday night.
A love letter to the fragile magic of the Highland League
There's nothing quite like the Highland League (Image: Pete Summers / Shutterstock) Connall Ewan’s scruffy stoppage-time finish for Brora Rangers on a cold Wednesday night was hardly a thing of beauty, but it nudged them ahead of Brechin City and turned the Highland League title race into a last-day free-for-all between a former SPFL side and a club from a village of fewer than 2,000 people.
David Gray Hibs pre-match press conference: Ibrox tickets, Youan, injury update
David Gray speaks to the media ahead of Hibs' trip to face Rangers (Image: SNS Group) David Gray spoke to the media on Thursday ahead of Hibs' trip to face Rangers at Ibrox - here's everything the head coach had to say...
Jack Iredale teases Hibs debut date and reveals deadline-day dash to sign deal
Hibernian defender Jack Iredale has detailed the hectic nature of his move to Easter Road, revealing that he was still at home in England with four and a half hours left until the summer transfer window slammed shut.
Underwhelming Hibs transfer deadline day raises questions rather than answers
We won't know for a while how successful Hibs' transfer window truly was (Image: Ross Parker - SNS Group) Hibernian closed out transfer deadline day with the signing of Jack Iredale on a two-year deal but the arrival of the versatile defender and, some hours earlier, the return of Nectar Triantis from Sunderland on a season-long loan, were overshadowed by the club's pursuit of Luke McCowan which hit the buffers once reigning Scottish Premiership champions Celtic made an official approach.
Hibs Observer subscription: Why now is the perfect time to join us
Now is the perfect time to join the Hibs Observer subscriber family (Image: SNS Group / Newsquest) So close, you can just about reach out and touch it. You've got your ticket, made your travel plans, and arranged where to meet your mates beforehand. Your scarf lies folded on top of the dresser, ready for another rollercoaster ride through thick and thin, up and down the country, on Saturday afternoons and Tuesday nights. Hope. Fear. Optimism. Expectation. Uncertainty. Patter. Misery. Happiness.
Hibs move quickly to bring in Jojo Wollacott replacement Jordan Smith
Hibernian have moved quickly to add to their goalkeeping ranks following Jojo Wollacott's permanent transfer to Crawley Town in England's League One. Jordan Smith, a free agent formerly of Nottingham Forest and Stockport County, is the fourth signing of the David Gray era and has agreed a two-year deal with the Scottish Premiership side, joining Joe Bursik and Max Boruc as the first-team goalies at Easter Road.
Jojo Wollacott reacts to Hibs exit as Easter Road side close in on new 'keeper
Hibernian are close to bringing in a new goalkeeper after Jojo Wollacott completed a permanent move to Crawley Town in League One. The Ghanaian internationalist signed a three-year deal last summer, reuniting with Lee Johnson, but leaves having made just eight appearances for Hibs in all competitions and failed to dislodge David Marshall and convince the club's hierarchy that he should get the gloves.
Hibs kid Rudi Molotnikov keeping his feet on the ground after 'special' goal
The smile couldn't be wider; the considered answers in the post-match press conference belying his tender years. 'Special' is the word that keeps coming up, and 'special' would be the perfect way of summing up Rudi Molotnikov's first competitive start for his boyhood heroes Hibernian at Easter Road: his first senior goal, in a 5-1 victory.
Joe Bursik Hibs Q&A: Jack Butland friendship, being vocal, senior training at 14
Hibernian goalkeeper Joe Bursik was on pre-match press conference duties ahead of the Premier Sports Cup game with Queen's Park - here's all he had to say... How are you settling in at Hibs? "It’s been good, and it feels I’ve been here longer than I have, really. The lads and the staff have been great so it has made it seamless to step in and it’s exactly what you want when you come to a new club - you want to hit the ground running.
Hibs head coach David Gray hopeful over Élie Youan fitness amid transfer 'noise'
Élie Youan has a chance of featuring against Queen's Park (Image: Mark Scates / SNS Group) Hibernian head coach David Gray insists Élie Youan is ignoring outside noise as speculation mounts over his future. The Frenchman, who joined Hibs last summer on a permanent basis from St. Gallen in Switzerland after an impressive season on loan, has been linked with top-tier clubs in France and Italy but remains at Easter Road.
Hibs chiefs 'didn't speak to Adam Le Fondre' over Easter Road contract U-turn
Adam Le Fondre in action for Hibs (Image: SNS Group) Former Hibernian striker Adam Le Fondre has opened up about the club hierarchy's decision to alter his contract - and why he felt he had to agree, just in order to play every week. The experienced forward joined the Scottish Premiership side in the summer of 2023, signing a one-year deal with the option of a second, and performed well in the first few weeks before a complex knee injury kept him sidelined for three months.
Hibs' Luke Amos speaks on 'disaster' year, Bali trip, and Harry Kane influence
Luke Amos is hoping for a better year after managing a first pre-season in two years (Image: SNS Group) The tape has only been running for about 30 seconds when Hibernian midfielder Luke Amos brands the 2023/24 season a 'disaster'.
Hibs linked with FC Copenhagen goalkeeper as recruitment search continues
Theo Sander has been linked with Hibs and Blackburn Rovers (Image: FCK / YouTube) Hibernian have been credited with an interest in FC Copenhagen goalkeeper Theo Sander. The 19-year-old, who has seven caps for Denmark Under-19s, is reportedly a target for Blackburn Rovers as well.
Hibs instant analysis: Defensively strong, light in attack, another clean sheet
Martin Boyle takes the plaudits after scoring the only goal of the game (Image: Cameron Allan) Martin Boyle's early goal gave Hibs a 1-0 victory over PAOK in Swolgen on Saturday afternoon.
David Gray talks tactics as Hibs head coach recalls John Blackley advice
David Gray saw first-hand the intense scrutiny placed on predecessor Nick Montgomery's tactics when he was Hibernian head coach. The two men are aligned in dismissing the idea of a 'philosophy' and preferring a flexible formation. Montgomery bristled at times when asked about playing his version of 442 in the Scottish Premiership, and went to great lengths to stress that the most important element was how the players fared on the pitch.
David Gray talks tactics as Hibs head coach recalls John Blackley advice
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Hibs' Marvin Ekpiteta speaks on juggling work and football and keeping the faith
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Why Hibs head coach David Gray is such a big fan of midfielder Josh Campbell
David Gray has long been a big admirer of Josh Campbell (Image: Cameron Allan) There was almost an inevitability about Josh Campbell bundling home a header for the only goal of Hibernian's pre-season friendly victory over MSV Duisburg earlier this week. The midfielder scored the fifth goal against Edinburgh City last weekend and was visibly buoyant in the aftermath of that game - something influenced by the appointment of David Gray as head coach of the Scottish Premiership outfit.
Patrick McPartlin's Dutch Dispatches: Language barriers and zebra buses
Whenever I go away somewhere, I like trying to speak as much of the language as possible, as a show of respect to the people whose country I'm visiting and because I'm a bit of a language geek as well. I'm fine in France, passable in Portugal and Italy, and I've made a valiant effort in Vietnam. But Dutch? Dutch eludes me. Beyond 'dank je wel', which means 'thank you very much' (and admittedly has come in useful) and a handful of other phrases, I've struggled with conversation this week.
Martin Boyle: Why Hibs and new leadership role mean so much to me
Martin Boyle exchanges pennants with the Duisburg captain (Image: Cameron Allan) Martin Boyle is sitting in Hibernian's team hotel in the Netherlands, not long after notching an assist for Josh Campbell in the 1-0 friendly victory over MSV Duisburg. He is relaxed, if a little bruised after enduring some rough treatment from the German defenders unable to cope with his pace and trickery, and tired as a result of David Gray's triple sessions during this summer training camp.
Martin Boyle: Why Hibs and new leadership role means so much to me
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Martin Boyle declares love for Hibs as winger confirms he's not leaving club
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Hibs players eyeing fast start to put things right, admits Nathan Moriah-Welsh
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Hibs players eyeing fast start to put things right, admits Nathan Moriah-Welsh
As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.
Gray reflects on Duisburg win and makes 'driving standards' plea to key player
Hibernian head coach David Gray declared himself satisfied with his side's performance as they recorded a 1-0 victory over German side MSV Duisburg in the Netherlands on Wednesday afternoon. A first-half goal from Josh Campbell was all that separated the two sides and as he had done on Saturday against Meadowbank, the Easter Road boss selected two different XIs, one for each half.
Warren O'Hora speaks on high standards at Hibs, Irish hopes, and MK Dons respect
Warren O'Hora is ready to give everything for Hibs (Image: Mark Scates/SNS Group) Warren O'Hora knows a thing or two about big steps. His debut for his hometown side Bohemians in the League of Ireland; leaving Dublin for Brighton at 18; asking to go out on loan; signing for MK Dons; becoming a free agent and, most recently, making the move to Edinburgh to sign for Hibernian.
Warren O'Hora speaks on high standards at Hibs, Irish hopes, and MK Dons respect
Warren O'Hora is ready to give everything for Hibs (Image: Mark Scates / SNS Group) Warren O'Hora knows a thing or two about big steps. His debut for his hometown side Bohemians in the League of Ireland; leaving Dublin for Brighton at 18; asking to go out on loan; signing for MK Dons; becoming a free agent and, most recently, making the move to Edinburgh to sign for Hibernian.
Patrick McPartlin's Dutch Dispatches: Grandma bikes, rain and Josef Bursik
A general view of a windmill in the Netherlands (Image: Patrick McPartlin) I am riding a bike along a rough track in the woods in a remote part of the Netherlands, the rain pelting down, and visions of Anthony Gordon's bruised face in my mind as I navigate my way through mud, puddles, and the entire Hibernian first-team squad, who are cycling towards me in the opposite direction, fresh - so to speak - from the first of three gruelling sessions on the first full day of the club's summer...
Hibs midfielder nearing exit as deal agreed for permanent switch
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Hibs' Josef Bursik keen to emulate war-hero grandad and make family proud
You might think that winning the Under-17 World Cup, reaching the final of the Under-17 Euros with England, and breaking into the Stoke City first team all before the age of 20, would mark you out as the most well-known member of your family. But that's not quite the case for Josef Bursik.
Hibs' Josef Bursik keen to emulate war-hero grandad and make family proud
Josef Bursik is keen to enjoy his football again at Hibs (Image: Ross Parker / SNS Group) You might think that winning the Under-17 World Cup, reaching the final of the Under-17 Euros with England, and breaking into the Stoke City first team all before the age of 20, would mark you out as the most well-known member of your family.
Hibs instant analysis: McKirdy stunner, fringe players get chance, nine sit out
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Martin Boyle and Élie Youan latest as Malky Mackay gives Hibs recruitment update
Hibernian head coach David Gray has insisted Martin Boyle is a key part of his plans for the upcoming Scottish Premiership season. The Australian internationalist's apparent refusal to play down speculation touting him for a move to the A-League when asked about links with Melbourne City and Perth Glory earlier in June prompted many fans to fear he would be on his way out of Easter Road this summer - a sobering thought given the uncertainty over Élie Youan's future as well.
Hibs boost defensive ranks further with capture of 'leader' Marvin Ekpiteta
Hibernian have made their third signing of the summer transfer window ahead of Saturday's pre-season friendly with Edinburgh City and next week's training camp in the Netherlands with the capture of Marvin Ekpiteta on a three-year deal. Ekpiteta, 28, is Hibs' second central defensive signing of the summer, following Warren O'Hora's arrival on Wednesday.
'The most uninterested man' - How Hibs 'spoiled' David Gray's family holiday
David Gray has sat in this position many times before, in many different scenarios. Previewing a big match, fronting up after a chastening defeat, or carrying out press conference duties in place of the recently-departed manager. And now, in another new guise, as Hibernian's 38th permanent manager. Gone are the tracksuit trousers and drill top to be replaced by a smart half-zip, white shirt, grey trousers, and so-called 'pundit shoes'.
Character and leadership: Why Warren O'Hora chose Hibs - and why club wanted him
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Ex-Hibs boss Nick Montgomery and right-hand man Sérgio Raimundo to join EPL side
Former Hibernian head coach Nick Montgomery and right-hand man Sérgio Raimundo are set to join Ange Postecoglou's coaching staff at Tottenham Hotspur.
Hibs complete loan signing of Josef Bursik and weigh up move for defender
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David Gray names three-strong Hibs backroom staff as ex-players take key roles
Hibs head coach David Gray has confirmed his backroom staff - with three very familiar faces joining him in the dugout. Liam Craig, who spent two seasons at Easter Road between 2013 and 2015 and served as captain, returns to Leith as one of two assistant coaches. The former St Johnstone midfielder has held coaching roles at McDiarmid Park as well as at Arbroath and most recently Queen's Park, where he was Callum Davidson's right-hand man.
Murray Johnson loaned to Airdrie as Hibs prospect gets big chance
Hibs have loaned Murray Johnson to Airdrie for the 2024/25 campaign with the 19-year-old finally handed a chance to show what he can do as a first-choice goalkeeper. Rhys McCabe’s side needed reinforcements between the sticks after Josh Rae joined St Johnstone and with Johnson having previously starred for the Diamonds on loan, the Championship side have brought him back to the Excelsior. Johnson will spend the entire campaign in Lanarkshire, with no recall option in the arrangement.
Black Knights appoint former MLS transfer kingpin Tim Bezbatchenko as president
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Hibs appoint David Gray as head coach - deal length, Mackay comments, backroom staff
David Gray has been named the new head coach of Hibs (Image: SNS Group / Newsquest) David Gray has been named the new head coach of Hibernian, bringing an end to the search for Nick Montgomery's successor. The former Easter Road captain has signed a three-year deal after emerging as the club's preferred candidate following a 'robust recruitment process'. His backroom staff will be confirmed 'in due course'.
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