Hibs player names the ex Easter Road star who helped seal exit after 'a couple' of deadline day options
Midfielder completed loan switch to Premiership rival
Hibs player Josh Campbell claims former Easter Road teammate Jamie Gullan convinced him to sign on loan for St Johnstone amid ‘a couple’ of deadline day options.
Campbell, 26, has struggled for regular minutes this campaign and has been farmed out to Perth on a season-long deal to improve his minutes. The midfielder will join Gullan - a fellow Leith academy graduate - at McDiarmid Park, along with two other former Hibees in defender Zach Mitchell and striker Ruari Paton.
In his first interview with the Saints, Campbell claims it was the Hibs connection at the newly-promoted Premiership side that swung his thoughts amid other potential suitors. Saints boss Simo Valakari has put together a team that haven’t looked out place in the top flight so far with four points from four. The Hibs fan favourite also admires the manager’s ambition.
Campbell on Hibs connection in Saints camp
When asked why he chose St Johnstone instead of other options, Campbell told Saints TV: “Yes there were (other options) but from speaking to the manager, how much he wanted me to be here, he really made the decision for me. Obviously my mate, ‘Hammer’ (Jamie Gullan) was in my ear every minute, texting me saying ‘what's happening?’
“But the two of them spoke very highly of the club and it made the decision easy. I know a couple from my time at Hibs as well, obviously Ruari (Paton). Zach (Mitchell) was at Hibs last year, so there's a couple I already know. I know Holty (Jason Holt) from playing against him all the years, the little tussles we've had. But no, it seems like a good group.”
Despite not acquiring the minutes he’d like this season at Hibs, Campbell has still been a contributor to the team’s recent success. In his five appearances he scored a memorable penalty at Ibrox against Rangers to help earn a historic 2-1 win for the Hibees. Overall in his Easter Road career, he’s made 184 appearances and registered 43 goal contributions.
What can St Johnstone fans expect from Josh Campbell?
As Hibs fans will be well aware of from the past seven years, the midfielder is a selfless player, who also has a knack of producing for the big occasion. Campbell told Saints fans what they can expect from him for the campaign ahead. He continued: “I like to get into the box and attack and I would like to defend as well. I like winning and I hate losing, that's just how it is for me. I'll drive standards every day in training and in the matchday. But ultimately, I just want to win and make this team successful.”
Ironically, Campbell won’t be in action this weekend as St Johnstone host his parent club at McDiarmid Park in the first league meeting between the sides on Sunday afternoon. In turn, he’ll be raring to go on Wednesday night when they will face champions Celtic at home.