Ex-Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty reflects on Hibs loan spell and explains why he chose Hull City over Easter Road return

Greg Docherty is pictured after the Ladbrokes Premiership match between Kilmarnock and Hibernian at Rugby Park on February 16, 2020. (Photo by Gary Hutchison / SNS Group)

Former Hibs loanee Greg Docherty has revealed why he turned down a return to Easter Road this summer in favour of a move to Hull City.

Docherty arrived on loan in January from former club Rangers, with then Hibs striker Florian Kamberi going in the opposite direction.

The 24-year-old scored three goals in eight appearances for Jack Ross’ side before returning to Ibrox following the culmination of the shortened 2019/20 campaign.

Hibs tried hard to lure the midfielder back to Easter Road during the summer but he instead opted to move to Hull on a three-year deal last month.

Prior to joining Hibs the former Hamilton youngster had impressed during a season on loan with Shrewsbury Town.

Docherty explained that his desire to move back to England was behind his decision to close the door on a return to Easter Road.

“It was great," he said, reflecting on his loan spell in Leith.

“I was originally told I was going to go down south and my bag was packed for about two and a half weeks, waiting for the call.

"But it never happened and when the Hibs opportunity came up to work under Jack Ross i was itching to get that done.

"I was ready to go and play football and I think it showed when I actually started playing. I was just desperate to perform and grasp that opportunity and I feel I did that.

"I was gutted with the Covid thing, how it came about, but I really enjoyed my spell there.

"They seemed to take to me as well so that was another positive.

"I think going back was an option but for me I think I needed to get back down here for a fresh start and a clean slate."

Docherty made his debut for Hull on Saturday, helping his new side to a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the EFL Cup first round after the 90 minutes ended in a goalless draw.

He is determined to help revive the fortunes of a club relegated from the Championship last season, just two years after dropping out of the Premiership.

“A massive part of it was the manager (Grant McCann), the way he spoke to me when he first got in contact with me," he told the Milngavie Herald.

"I'd been aware of their interest for a while, right before lockdown. I never knew my situation anyway so that was an attraction, that I knew he really wanted me.

"The size of the club as well, they're in a position they really shouldn't be in. It's an attractive prospect to come and help build it back up again and for me just to go and play games again and try and get back to my best.

"They've got the fan base and the infrastructure, they just need to get the right squad together and hopefully we can do that this year."