Ex Hibs player becomes trialist at Premiership rival as possible transfer eyed after Easter Road frustrations
The former Hibs defender was a name mentioned with the Easter Road side plenty during 2024.
One former Hibs player is hoping to make it third time lucky in Scottish football as he goes on trial at a Premiership rival.
Owen Bevan featured for Dundee in a 2-0 loss to Livingston at Almondvale on Saturday as part of Steven Pressley’s side continuing pre-season preparations. He was replaced by Cherries teammate Harold William at half-time and impressed in the game as the 22-year-old seeks senior football for the first time since his Hibs stint went awry.
A central defender, Bevan signed for the club in January 2024 when Nick Montgomery was head coach. He had spent the first half of the campaign at EFL side Cheltenham Town but his stint with the League One club was hampered by injury, which followed him to Hibs, as the deal was soon cancelled.
Why did Owen Bevan not sign for Hibs again?
The Bournemouth prospect was then high on current Hibs boss David Gray’s wanted list in his first summer as permanent head coach two years ago. After scouting Bevan for the best part of a year, the club a received a pessimistic diagnosis on a thigh injury he sustained during Bournemouth’s pre-season tour of America. A move for Bevan was also intended to demonstrate the value of Hibs being part of the Black Knight stable under Cherries owner Bill Foley but he has since sold up and is no longer involved in Leith.
A move for him was again abandoned but he will hope lightning does not strike for a third time as he seeks senior football. He’s played on occasion for Bournemouth where he is contracted until 2028 on top of loans with Cheltenham and Yeovil Town.
Pressley said to The Courier of his involvement for Dundee: “I thought in particular that Owen Bevan did very well. He adapted and I thought he looked strong and physical out there, comfortable in possession. We’re really pleased with him. He’s impressed in training and I think that he took his training performances to the game today.”
What did Hibs think about Owen Bevan?
Montgomery said of Bevan upon signing him for Hibs: “Our relationship with Bournemouth allowed us to look closely at their young players, and Owen was one that stood out instantly. Having watched him during his loan spell at Cheltenham Town earlier this season, I was really keen to try and bring him in for the second half of this season. After a muscle injury saw him return to Bournemouth, discussions between the two clubs were on-going and we were able to get the deal done.
“Owen is a young centre-back with great attributes and a fantastic attitude. He can play either side as a centre-back and at right-back, which provides us with great depth and competition for places. We look forward to working with him.”
Hibs’ statement on his return to Bournemouth read: “We can confirm that Owen Bevan has returned to AFC Bournemouth following a further injury. The young centre-half joined Hibs on loan on Deadline Day with the plan to link up with Nick Montgomery’s First Team squad on Monday 5 February, 2024. Unfortunately, Owen had an injury setback during his rehabilitation programme, which means he will remain with the Cherries until the end of the 2023/24 campaign. Everyone at Hibernian FC wishes Owen all the best with his recovery.”