Josh Doig in brilliant Hibs message as star discusses Easter Road brotherhood that's formed at Serie A club
A former Hibs duo have linked up in Italy and keep up to date with all things Easter Road.
Josh Doig says he and Kieron Bowie have bonded at Sassuolo over their joint love of former side Hibs.
The left-back and the striker have landed at the same club in Italy’s Serie A. Their latest match, a 2-2 draw away at Bologna in which Doig opened the scoring, was beamed through BBC Alba with a rising number of Scottish players in the division. Doig left Hibs for Hellas Verona in 2022 after emerging as a key player in Leith and has been at Sassuolo since 2024.
Bowie has mirrored Doig’s journey after moving to Hellas Verona for a club record fee earlier this year before their relegation to Serie B prompted a summer swoop by I Neroverdi. Now together at the side managed by former Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani, the pair are constantly tuned into matches at Hibs, with Doig given a sense of comfort watching action in Leith.
Josh Doig on Hibs
Doig said: “I didn't believe it at first because I know so much has going to happen. Then Kieron texted and said ‘I'm on my way’. I was like ‘this it's got to be mental.’ I didn't know how it was going to be, having someone Scottish in the changing room, but it's been brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I've been friends with Kieran for so long now, through the U21s with Scotland, and just always kind of knowing him.
“It's amazing, I can't ask for any more now, I've got a Scottish man as well in the changing room. It's brilliant, me and Kieron now, both of us are Hibs men, we always speak about it. I've got my Hibs TV account so I try and watch as many games as possible. Obviously I've still got a lot of friends who play there.
“But yeah, it's nice, it's homely watching Hibs, because it's nearly 10 minutes from my house. It's obviously brilliant fond memories for me, being younger, playing there. I think watching Hibs definitely gives me a sense of comfort, so it's something I'll always do.”
Bologna 2-2 Sassuolo verdict
Aquilani said of the draw with Bologna who also have Scotland star Lewis Ferguson in their ranks: "It's a shame, we're past the 90th minute and we wanted to take it home, but I really liked the spirit and the management. There are some interesting ideas, we have significant room for improvement and the knowledge that we're already doing it. We don't like sterile possession. When we win the ball back, we want to manage it.
“The lads are learning quickly. I say there's room for improvement because we have plenty of scoring opportunities and many strong players up front; they need to be aware of this because they can make an even bigger impact. I'm lucky to have found serious and curious lads who have made themselves available by accepting and sharing an idea. Then everything has to be finalized to the result; today we're angry, but this is the path. I'm fortunate to have good players."
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly