Former Hibs star ends free agency as he makes latest transfer as ex Hearts captain addresses sacking chances
The latest Hearts and Hibs headlines round-up ahead of the weekend’s action.
Hearts and Hibs return to Premiership this weekend in big matches at the top of the league.
The Jambos face third-placed Motherwell at Fir Park as they look to cement their grip on the division’s top spot. They’ll seek a favour from their rivals on Sunday as Hibs host second-placed Celtic at Easter Road but they have their own ambitions on responding to a defeat at Motherwell midweek.
Ahead of the games, there have been former Hearts and Hibs mean in the headlines. Goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski has ended his spell in free agency by signing for Slovakian top flight side FC Kosice. They are rooted to the bottom of the table and the former Hibs shot-stopper joins to provide depth between the sticks, having been without a club since exiting Raith Rovers.
Who has Kevin Dabrowski signed for?
FC Kosice sporting director Terry Westley said: "I think we are in an unusual situation at the club. First of all, because of our position in the table, but also the situation with goalkeepers. We have a really young goalkeeper Filip (Kalanin), who is doing a great job and has huge potential. But at the same time, we are just one injury away from finding ourselves in a really difficult situation. So the opportunity to bring in a goalkeeper outside the transfer window is very important for us. Kevin fulfils what we needed - he has experience, is still very promising and definitely has something to offer. We welcomed him with joy and he will certainly help not only the younger goalkeepers, but will also bring a lot of experience to the dressing room."
Dabrowski said: "The project that they presented to me at FC Kosice is very interesting. It is clear that professionals who want to achieve something work here. And despite where the club is currently, I see how hard they are trying to get out of this position. I already think that this club does not deserve to be where it is, but at least in the top six or top five. I feel that with a lot of changes introduced here, we can go in the right direction and move higher in the table. I believe that I will help them in this.
“After the first day, I felt like I had been here for a month. I really acclimatised, my teammates are great. I didn't expect the language to be so similar, so I feel at home here. There are also a lot of guys who speak English. And since I lived in Britain for nine years, I feel at home here. I can speak English, but also Polish, so I have two languages that I can communicate in completely fluently. It's the perfect combination.”
Steven Pressley addresses Dundee sack possibility
Meanwhile, former Hearts captain Steven Pressley has addressed the chances of him being sacked at Dundee. While a win over Celtic and draw at Ibrox have been impressive, the side Pressley became boss of in the summer are 11th with nine points from 13 games. Fans are also unhappy with the style of play but addressing his future, Pressley said ahead of facing St Mirren on Saturday: "I don't see lots of John (Nelms, managing director at Dundee). He's operating with other aspects of the club. But we communicate.
“We have regular, weekly meetings and I've sensed nothing different. That's not to say that's the situation. I don't know that. Yet my feeling is at this moment in time there's been no pressure or indication from them that anything's not right. Is this job tougher than I expected? Absolutely. Yes, it's an exceptionally tough job. Trying to put the jigsaw together, trying to find the solutions within.
“It has all been incredibly challenging. But I'm in quite a good place just now because we're working towards a certain way and I've seen some improvements in that. It doesn't mean my decisions have been right. But what I do know is that my staff and I have worked every minute of every day to try to find the solutions and put things right. I don't regret taking this job at all. Have I enjoyed it? At times, no. But do I regret it? No I don't.
"It's a pivotal game in terms of our league position. And it's a pivotal game in terms of confidence and belief about the squad. We know that St Mirren are a physical, robust and strong side. There was very little in the game when we played them earlier this season. It was decided by fine margins, and we've just got to ensure we try to get the result."