Exclusive:Inside track on five Hibs transfer recruits sent as star states what can't happen at Easter Road this season
Central defender itching for Easter Road return as first impressions of new arrivals issued
The hard yards have been put in over the course of pre-season. New faces are in the door. The competitive action is just around the corner and it’s time to get down to business at Hibs.
For defender Jack Iredale, the return to Easter Road this weekend marks the start of what he hopes will be a campaign full of positives. He is itching to get back out on the pitch after David Gray’s side clinched a return to European football last season.
It was done through a fifth placed Premiership finish, and a helping hand through Celtic’s Scottish Cup triumph in May, but all focus is now on a Conference League trip to Kosovo next Thursday. KF Malisheva lie in wait in the first leg of their second round qualifier.
.jpeg?trim=0,54,0,54&crop=&width=640&quality=65)
Before then, though, one last friendly outing against familiar Danish Superliga opposition. Brondby are back in the Scottish capital for the first time in ten years since they went head-to-head in the Europa League. Iredale is aware the two clubs have locked horns in the past after hearing how the tie panned out from the two surviving members of that team - Martin Boyle and head coach Gray.
“Yeah, I’ve been listening to those stories from Boyley and the manager this week,” the Aussie said in an exclusive interview with the Edinburgh Evening News. “Brondby will be another exciting opposition to play against as well. It's a team I've not faced before, but I know Hibs have a bit of history with them so it should be a good test for us.
“It's really starting to sink in now that the new season is getting pretty close. We obviously found out who our European opponents are (on Thursday), so it's an exciting time and we’re all looking forward to getting the competitive games underway next week. I didn't actually realise the game (between Malisheva and Vllaznia) was on until I checked my phone close to kick-off. I just thought it would have been a normal evening kick-off time, but I think in that part of the world, it's a bit different. I’m sure we’ll get all the information on them from the coaching staff about exactly what's in store for us.
“I’m just really excited to get back to Easter Road on Saturday, I’ve missed it and I think all the other boys have as well. It's always a great place to play and I'm excited to see the fans. Hopefully we can put on a really positive performance to take into the European game.”
Hibs urged to learn lessons from underwhelming season
Iredale senses a feel-good factor and camaraderie is developing among the group, with new arrivals Nathan Lowe and Adam Mayor both integrated into Gray’s squad this week. He has stressed the importance of learning lessons and building on last season’s fifth-place finish.
Reflecting on pre-season as a whole, the former Bolton centre-back said: “The Ireland trip was really beneficial. It was super important to go away with the group, especially with a few of the newer lads coming in. It's always a good space, so that was really good to set the groundwork and go over some tactical and physical stuff early doors.
“We had a great test out in Portugal against Porto, a really good experience with the travel, playing a game and travelling back. I think it mirrored what it would be like in Europe in terms of playing against top, top opposition as well. They were a very good team, so it was a worthwhile exercise.
“The new lads have settled in really quickly. I know Nathan and Adam are just in the door, but the other three have been here a bit longer. Callum and Jase were away with us in Ireland , both really good guys. And then Azeem came in towards the end of it as well, so we're starting to get all the personalities together.
“We had a bounce game on Wednesday, which Nathan and Adam played in, so we got to see what they're like. It's a pretty easy change room to settle into, it definitely was for me when I joined. So that's what we've been making sure of this week and everyone seems to be finding their feet and feeling as comfortable as they can, so that they can go out and do their business on the pitch.
“We can't stagnate. We need to keep progressing as a group, keep improving and make this a successful one. We want to be competing and doing well on all fronts again, including in Europe and cup competitions. We’re an experienced group, we’ve been semi-finals and finals since then the club’s big day at Hampden in 2016. So having a really strong domestic season is definitely something that we'll be striving for as a group.”
Iredale refuses to give up on Australia cap dream
Iredale returned Down Under for a period of reflection and to visit family over the summer, all whilst keeping a watchful eye on the Socceroos’ World Cup progress. Now aged 30, he hasn’t given up hope of earning a first senior cap for his country but acknowledges that time is against him.
“I have a few friends in that group and have always been an Australian fan,” Iredale admitted. “So I was definitely keeping an eye on the World Cup. I was actually back home when the tournament started as well, so it was a good environment to be in.
“It always has been (one of my goals), I've never been shy in saying that throughout my whole career. Representing my country at international level would sit right at the very top of possible achievements that you could do, especially competing at a World Cup. I'm probably the wrong age for it now, but it is still something that remains right at the very top of my goals list.”