The optimism that followed Hibs' win in Dundee has well and truly drained from the support after two subsequent performances that fell well short of expectations.
The first Edinburgh derby of the season is always crucial, helping set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
Win it and you've got momentum to go with the bragging rights; lose it and you are looking for a reaction in your next match.
We've lost to Hearts before and we'll do so again. It was the manner of the defeat this time that stung.
A hapless first half, where Hibs chased shadows, was followed by a second half that started brightly but ended prematurely with a ridiculously self-inflicted red card.

#edinburgh #optimism

Aberdeen boss Stephen Robinson is actively looking to bolster his squad with free agents, one of whom could be former Rangers midfielder Greg Doherty, who left Charlton Athletic earlier this month. (Press and Journal)
Celtic new boy Oliver Sorensen has a similar "energy and hunger" to Kieran Tierney, according to the club's former defender Erik Sviatchenko, who played with Sorensen at Midtjylland. (Daily Record)
Midfielder Josh Mulligan believes the strong leaders in the Hibernian dressing room will help David Gray's side bounce back from the disappointment of Thursday's defeat by Hearts. (Hibs Observer)
Rangers' kit manufacturer Castore has received several takeover approaches and is considering a sale. (Sky News)
Former Rangers midfielder Brahim Hemdani has been appointed Algeria manager. (Glasgow Times)

#former #sorensen #robinson

Simo Valakari is "a happy man" after adding midfielders Josh Campbell and Joel Cotterill to his St Johnstone squad this week.
German forward Danny Schmidt has also been recruited and has obtained a work permit in time for Sunday's Scottish Premiership visit of Hibernian (15:00).
However, as Hibs are loan player Campbell's parent club, he will not feature at McDiarmid Park this weekend.
"I'm a happy man," Valakari told Saints TV.
"I was very happy to be able to get those two players. I was very happy with the squad and players we added. Joel and Josh were on our radar at the start of the window. Things don't always happen as fast as you wish but we were not in a rush.

#players #simo

Move over SWPL Sunday, it's SWPL Friday this week as Hibernian host Glasgow City under the lights on Friday night.
While the rest of this weekend's games get under way on Sunday the first, and arguably, the pick of the bunch is at Meadowbank tonight.
Glasgow City and Hibs are both sitting on six points after three games, the former lost to Celtic on the opening while the latter were also beaten by Celtic more recently.
The sides met five times last season across the league and cups and Hibs just edge the head to head from the 2024/25 campaign.
The first two games last season ended in draws - a 1-1 at Meadowbank last October before a goalless affair at Petershill Park the following month.

#swpl #hibs #celtic

Hibs fans, we asked for your views after Thursday's Edinburgh derby defeat to Hearts.
Here's what some of you said:
Michael: Apart from 20 minutes in the second half, it was a pretty dire performance. Like many times before, there doesn't seem to be a game plan or any tactics. Ante Suto and Thibaut Klidje did more in their cameo appearances than Nathan Lowe has done all season, I don't understand why he is our first choice striker.
Kenny: Pathetic performance especially the first half. Too many poor performances to call. We lost the second goal to a free header and although we got a goal back we never really looked like getting anything from the game. The third goal ended any chance we had and the fans voted with their feet. I'm sorry to say this but David Gray needs to go as things are just not improved and only going to get worse.
Scott: Absolute dross first half. Better start second half until a stupid sending off. No wingers or a goalscorer brought in, not good enough. Unacceptable. Lightweight. Manager seriously under pressure now however the players shoulder most of the blame for this.

#goal

Hearts have signed Swiss teenager Leart Kabashi from Grasshoper Club Zurich for an undisclosed fee.
The 18-year-old midfielder has penned a four-year deal at Tynecastle and could make his debut in tonight's Edinburgh derby clash against Hibs.
"A fast player on the ball with good technique and good finishes and a team player," Kabashi told HeartsTV about what fans can expect from him.
"I love to fight for the team, give my all for the team and have a big mentality."
Kabashi came through Grashopper's academy before linking up with the first team and made his debut in February last year. He scored his first senior goal in his second appearance for the club and has featured six times for the Swiss side since then.

#swiss

Hibernian and Hearts will meet at Easter Road this evening for the first Edinburgh Derby of the season.
Both sides have enjoyed a solid start to the league season, winning two of their first three matches despite losing the other. Hearts have bounced back from their opening day defeat to Aberdeen by beating Dundee United and St. Johnstone, as well as reaching the league phase of the Europa Conference League. Meanwhile, Hibs have beaten Rangers and Dundee following their home defeat to Motherwell on opening day. They fell at the final hurdle for European qualification, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Gent.
Last season, as we all know, Hearts came incredibly close to lifting their first league ***** le since 1960, but a controversial defeat at Celtic Park on the final day of the season saw them lose out to the Hoops. Hibs enjoyed a strong season themselves, finishing fifth with 57 points, securing back-to-back top-half finishes for the first time this decade.
There were four Edinburgh Derbies last season; Hearts won three whilst Hibs won one, that being a 3-2 victory at Easter Road shortly before the turn of the year. In fact, Hearts' win in the final derby of last season was the point at which many thought they were finally going to topple the Old Firm and go on to lift the ***** le, but of course, it wasn't to be in the end.
That Hearts team has since been largely dismantled, with manager Derek McInnes and top scorer Lawrence Shankland departing for Rangers. However, Claudio Braga remains at the club and has looked just as impressive so far this term as he did last, registering a goal and two ***** ists in his first three league outings.

#hearts #season #league

Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan is backing David Gray's side to make history by dispatching Gent at home on Thursday to reach the Conference League.
The play-off tie is on a knife-edge after a goalless first leg in Belgium, where Hibs defended stoutly and could have won had Owen Elding's early penalty not been saved.
"Obviously a slender scoreline and, yes, it would have been ideal to come back with a 1-0 win if Elding scores the penalty," said Allan.
"But I just feel Easter Road next week, the atmosphere, the crowd fully behind you, Hibs will manage to come through that and make a bit of history."
Former Partick Thistle striker and boss Kris Doolan agrees that Hibs will progress from the qualifying rounds for the first time - and says the Easter Road factor is key.

#history

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Magpies just a short time ago.
The 23-year-old is a product of the Newcastle United development squad and she went on to make her senior debut for the club in the 2022/2023 season. McQuade was a back-to-back promotion-winner with The Magpies in the FA Women's National League system and she has continued to turn out for the club in Barclays WSL2. In total, McQuade has made 68 appearances for Newcastle United in all competitions.
McQuade will now test herself north of the border with Hibernian. She joins a Hibs side that were SWPL champions in 2024/2025.
After joining Hibs, McQuade told the club's official media team "I'm really excited to be here at Hibs. The opportunity to come here came out of the blue but I knew right away it sounded like a great move.
"I always knew I would make the move to Scotland at some point in my career and Hibs is the perfect club for me to join."

#mcquade #magpies

There was a lot to like about Hibernian's performance last week in North Macedonia.
Playing on a difficult surface in a hot and stifling atmosphere, they rarely looked in trouble and, when Shkendija did press late on, the defence stood strong.
The tie could easily have gone the other way, but the discipline and spirit shown by everyone on the pitch were a joy to behold.
Scottish clubs have often struggled after returning from a demanding European trip, but Hibs got the job done against Partick Thistle to maintain their pursuit of League Cup silverware.
Now it is on to another European encounter, where Gent await in Belgium.

#macedonia #shkendija #scottish

Celtic have been handed a significant opening in the pursuit of a Hibernian midfielder, Miguel Chaiwa, with the player's representative claiming that a £3m fee could be enough to complete the transfer.
According to CeltsAreHere, agent Boudjemai Youcef believes his client can leave Hibs for £3m, despite reports that the Edinburgh club value him above that figure. The midfielder remains keen on a switch to Celtic, while the Glasgow club's next move depends on how its midfield recruitment develops.
That distinction matters. The £3m figure comes from the player's camp, rather than confirmation that Hibs have accepted it. The Scottish Sun reported today that Hibs continue to seek more than £4m for the 22-year-old, who remains under contract until 2028. So, for now, supporters should treat the £3m claim as a negotiating position rather than a settled transfer price.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Miguel Chaiwa of Hibernian battles with Claudio Braga of Hearts during the William Hill Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian at Tynecastle Park on February 10, 2026 in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
A £3m deal would make sense for Celtic, provided the club view the midfielder as more than a squad body. He played 28 Scottish Premiership matches for Hibs in 2025/26, started 22 and scored once, according to Opta. Those numbers don't scream attacking midfielder, but they do show a young player who became a regular presence in a demanding league.

#hibernian #scottish #february

Shkendija will aim to make a fast start in intense heat on Thursday, says head coach Artim Pollozhani, as the North Macedonian side look to wipe out Hibernian's first-leg advantage.
David Gray's men take a narrow 2-1 Conference League qualifying lead with them to Skopje and travel buoyed by a late victory at Rangers on Sunday.
"Hibs start the game with an advantage so we want to score early," says the Shkendija boss. "One goal and we will equalise and then try to close the game in 90 minutes.
"The psychological part will be very important. We want to be in the next round, we want to repeat the success of last season in Europe."
Shkendija qualified for the Conference League last term and made it through the league phase before being dumped out by Turkish side Samsunspor in the first knockout round.

#shkendija #advantage #round

David Gray took a massive risk at Ibrox with a team selection that hinted heavily at prioritising our Conference League fixture on Thursday over one of the most difficult away games in the league.
He brought in several players from the cold, notably Ante Suto, Thibault Klidje, Josh Campbell and Kanyo Megwa, raising more than a few eyebrows among the Hibs support.
But the gaffer's brave choice was vindicated with a battling performance from a Hibs side that won away to Rangers for the third successive season for the first time in our history.
Gray has made a habit of breaking unwanted records - Sunday was also the first time Rangers manager Derek McInnes had lost a home game to Hibs.
We looked every bit the well-coached, motivated team Gray's critics have suggested we are not.

#away #first #ibrox

Nine days, three games, zero victories and five goals conceded - Rangers are yet to get going under Derek McInnes.
Dundee United, Jagiellonia Bialystok and now Hibernian have all taken first-half leads against the Ibrox side as they struggle to find a semblance of form during a rocky start to the campaign.
While issues persist across the park, from their profligacy in front of goal to their inability to penetrate organised defences, their continued defense lapses will undoubtedly be a growing cause for concern.
As former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan said on BBC Radio Scotland after the 2-1 home defeat by his former side: "Based on today, I'd be very surprised if Derek McInnes knows what his best 11 is and we're into the big games already - and that's a problem."
Rangers news, views, and ***** ysis

#rangers #games #jagiellonia

Where to watch Rangers vs. Hibernian live stream, TV channel, start time for Scottish Premiership match originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Matchday two is just around the corner in the Scottish Premiership — Rangers and Hibernian will clash at Ibrox Stadium on Sunday.
Rangers had an underwhelming campaign last season, finishing third and a whopping 10 points behind rivals Celtic, who went on to win the 2025-26 ******* le. Manager Danny Rohl was ousted shortly thereafter, and Derek McInnes now sits at the helm. The Gers will be looking for their first win of this season, after drawing 1-1 with Dundee United last week.
Hibernian have had mixed results to start the 2026-27 season, winning two and losing two across all competitions. The Hibs lost their first match of the league term to Motherwell 2-1, conceding a late winner in the 85th minute. They'll also be looking to secure their first points.
Who will prevail in Glasgow?

#sporting #start #last

Rangers lost their last league meeting with Hibernian 1-2 at Ibrox in May but have not lost successive top-flight matches against Hibs since November 2005 under Alex McLeish.
Hibernian have won two of their past three league visits to Rangers (L1) and could win successive trips in the top-flight for just the fourth time, previously doing so in September 1902, October 1985, and February 2018.
There have been 35 goals scored in Rangers' past seven league games at Ibrox, an average of five per game. Their most recent game was a 2-1 defeat by Hibs in May – they have never lost consecutive home league games against the same team both times. They last duplicated the same result and opponent in April/August 1990, back-to-back wins against Dunfermline Athletic.
The past six results in Hibernian's Scottish Premiership matches have been away wins – they have lost four home games and won their two away games in this streak. The last side to have a longer run was Rangers between February and April 2025 (7), with the seventh game in that run ending Rangers 0-2 Hibernian.
Thelo Aasgaard has scored in each of his past three Premiership appearances for Rangers – the last Ibrox player with a longer streak was Cyriel Dessers in April and May 2025 (5 in a row).

#lost #league #ibrox

Chris Cadden described his move to Aberdeen as the "perfect fit", admitting: "I was ready for a new challenge."
The right-back arrived at Pittodrie on a two-year deal at the end of last month after five years at Hibernian and made his Dons debut in last weekend's Scottish Premiership win over Hearts.
"In terms of the stage in my career, my age - I think I am just coming in to my prime years hopefully," said the 29-year-old Scotland cap.
"So all that from my side of things, but also the size of the club, the fan base, everything that comes along with that, I know how big Aberdeen is, I played up here against them plenty of times away from home, I know how big the club is so as soon as I heard about the interest it was something I was really keen to get done and just sort of felt it was a perfect fit for me at this stage of my career."
Cadden played 166 times for Hibs and was asked if it was a wrench to leave Easter Road.

#cadden

Broony who joined Celtic from Hibs in a £4 million deal back in 2007, is the club's most successful skipper in the modern era, and made a total of 616 appearances for the club, winning a whooping 22 major honours.
The Quadruple Treble winning captain even stated that he would have left the club had Peter Grant, who was Mowbray's ******* istant, decided to stick around after the Englishman's dismissal in 2010.
Peter Grant and Tommy Burns at the 1995 Scottish Cup final. Photo The Celtic Wiki
Peter Grant who made 483 appearances for Celtic in a 15 year playing career in the hoops, has now responded to Scott Brown's unprovoked outburst, and did so in a measured and professional manner.
Speaking on Go Radio last night, Peter Grant said: "Everybody's entitled to their opinion. I have absolutely no problem whatsoever, it doesn't concern me in the least.

#broony

Hibernian head coach David Gray has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to face FK Shkendija in the first leg of their Conference League third-round qualifier.
Here are the main points:
Gray admits Shkendija are "certainly a step up" in quality from second-round opponents Malisheva but he is confident "we're going in the right direction" in terms of match sharpness.
He adds: "It will be a difficult test but a similar one in terms of an aggressive side that move forward quickly and a few players that can cause you a threat as well."
This time last year Hibs overcame Partizan Belgrade at the same stage and Gray says "it's going to take a level of performance like that again".

#round #terms

Can Motherwell topple HJK Helsinki to set up a Conference League play-off against Freiburg?
Alfred Johnasson's reign has begun with three wins from three, with HB Torshavn dispatched 5-0 on aggregate before a 2-1 Premiership win at Hibs.
The Steelmen are in Helsinki for Thursday's first leg, and Scottish coach and ****** yst John Walker fully expects them to progress in the tie.
"I think probably in previous years Helsinki were a stronger team in Finland," he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"I don't think they're quite as strong as they previously were. I think they're probably well matched in positioning. They are probably the fourth-best team in Finland just now and I think Motherwell have got too much for this side.

#helsinki

Hearts can confirm the club is appealing against Stuart Findlay's red card in Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Aberdeen.
The centre-half was shown a straight red in stoppage time following a foul on Toyosi Olusanya inside the penalty box, with Kevin Nisbet scoring the resulting spot kick to secure the Dons' victory.
"Given our player's genuine attempt to play the ball, we do not feel that a red card was merited and, as such, will be making that case to the Scottish FA," Hearts say.
"We note with interest a near identical incident during Motherwell's win over Hibs yesterday, which resulted in a yellow card for Oscar Preistman, not a red.
"Being forced to highlight the consistency, or lack thereof, in refereeing decisions after only one match of the new Scottish Premiership season is not a situation we wish to find ourselves in.

#scottish #kevin

Listen to Sportsound
St Johnstone v Kilmarnock (14:00) - Mitchell starts in second Perth stint; Ring makes league debut
Hibernian v Motherwell (16:30)
Scottish Premiership: St Johnstone host Kilmarnock before Motherwell visit Hibs

#kilmarnock #motherwell #Perth #ring

This will be Alfred Johansson's first league game in charge of Motherwell. Just two of the Steelmen's last seven managers (including caretakers) have won their first league match (losing three of them), Steven Hammell beating St Mirren 1-0 in July 2022 and Stuart Kettlewell beating the same side 2-1 in February 2023.
Motherwell have only won their league opener in one of the last nine seasons (losing four times), beating St Mirren 1-0 in 2022-23.
Hibernian have won their opening game in seven of the last nine Scottish Premiership seasons (losing the other two), although they have lost on the opening day in two of the last three.
Motherwell won away to Hibs 1-0 on the final day of last season. The Steelmen are therefore looking to successive away league wins over Hibs for the first time since August 2013 – when the second win was on the opening day of the season.
Hibs have won three of the last four occasions they have faced Motherwell on the opening day of a league season (losing the other), including both of the last two: 3-0 in 2018-19, and 3-2 in 2021-22.

#hibs

David Gray has gone from being slated to serenaded by Hibernian fans in the ****** e of seven days.
Make no mistake, the head coach was under pressure after his side's torrid display in Kosovo last week.
Supporters who had travelled to eastern Europe made it abundantly clear what they thought of their team's 2-0 first-leg defeat by Malisheva with their Conference League hopes on the brink.
The head coach stressed the result - and the manner of it - were unacceptable, but the only way to answer doubters is on the park.
In the second half at Easter Road on Thursday, with Hibs four goals to the good on the night and on their way to an aggregate victory, Gray's name was sung to the rafters.

#coach #supporters #Europe

Hibernian's "history of overturning a poor first leg in the second one" could prove crucial in Thursday's Conference League second qualifying round tie at home to Malisheva, according to women's team head coach, Joelle Murray.
The Kosovan side head to Leith with a 2-0 lead from last week's first leg and Murray says it is crucial that Hibs start on the front foot to get the home fans on side.
"I know the Easter Road crowd can be unforgiving at times," she told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "So I think forward passes, penetrating passes and just really playing with that intent from the very first whistle is important.
"With an early goal, that should hopefully see them progress. They've obviously got history of overturning a poor first leg in the second one.
"So hopefully we can replicate that this evening with a similar result and a really good performance."

#overturning #home #side

How long does it take for pre-season optimism to disappear? For Hibernian, one game.
As head coach David Gray and captain Martin Boyle tried to make sense of their shocking defeat by Kosovan side FC Malisheva in the bowels of the Stadium Fadil Vokrri, Hibs fans were gathered outside.
You could hear the shouts of anger and demands for an apology from the irate travelling supporters as the rest of the squad headed for the team bus.
"You know what we put in for this club," shouted one furious fan.
Gray was clear that such anger was justified and that there was "no excuse" for an abject showing.

#hibernian #boyle #kosovan #malisheva

Hibernian's summer recruits are looking good and it's down to the "fantastic job" being done by sporting director Malky Mackay, reckons Andy Halliday.
Ahead of the Leith side's return to competitive action in the Conference League second qualifying round first leg against Malisheva in Kosovo, head coach David Gray has some selection headaches.
Key creator Nicky Cadden is one of the core squad members ruled out with injury, but former Hearts and Motherwell midfielder Halliday anticipates the summer reinforcements filling the void well, particularly at the top end of the park.
"Under David Gray, especially over the last couple of seasons, a big part of their strategy is to utilise the wing-backs and put crosses into the box," Halliday told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"I think I'd probably make a strong case that Nicky Cadden is arguably the best crosser in the league and a huge output for Hibs in terms of their chances created on that left-hand side.

#halliday

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Magpies this morning.
The 24-year-old attacker joins Newcastle United on a free transfer after recently leaving Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) club Hibernian. McGovern spent two seasons on Leith, making 65 appearances for Hibs in all competitions and scoring 51 goals. She was a SWPL ***** le winner with the club in 2024/2025.
McGovern has also turned out for Celtic, Hamilton Academical, SC Sand and Hearts earlier in her career.
On the international stage, McGovern has been capped by Scotland on 14 occasions in which she has scored 10 goals.
After joining Newcastle United, McGovern said “I’m absolutely buzzing to be here. I know how big the club is and I couldn’t wait to be part of it, I knew this was the next step for me.

Rangers have confirmed Scotland international Kirsty Smith has returned to home soil, signing a two-year deal ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The experienced defender returns to Scotland after spending the last eight years playing in England. Smith joins Rangers following the expiry of her contract at Nottingham Forest, where she spent the 2025/26 campaign, having previously represented both Manchester United and West Ham.
The move sees Smith return to Scottish football for the first time since leaving Hibernian in 2018. Since then, she has established herself as one of Scotland's most experienced defenders, both at club level and on the international stage.
Before making the move south, Smith came through the ranks at Hibs, where she enjoyed a successful spell that included several domestic trophies and Champions League experience. During her eight years in England, Smith featured across both the Women's Super League and the Women's Championship.
Alongside her club career, Smith has earned more than 60 senior international caps, making her one of the most experienced players in the Scotland squad.

The Tractors Girls announced the news via a post on their official club website this afternoon.
The 22-year-old attacker joins Ipswich Town from Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) club Hibernian. Adams made her Hibs debut back in 2019 at the age of just 15. She went on to star for the Leith-based club, making more than 170 appearances in all competitions and scoring almost a goal every other game. Adams won the SWPL ***** le with Hibs in 2024/2025. She helped the club end an 18-year wait to regain their league crown.
On the international stage, Adams has been capped by Scotland on four occasions.
After joining Ipswich Town, Adams said "I wanted to take that next step in my career and after talks with the manager [David Wright] it just felt like the right place for me to do that.
"It's my first time away from home and Ipswich seems like a really nice place to be so I'm really excited to get going."