'Miscommunication': Premiership keeper reveals how he nearly joined Hibs
Bournemouth stopper was heavily linked a year ago
New Motherwell goalkeeper Alex Paulsen has confirmed that he came close to joining Hibs a year ago.
The 24-year-old New Zealand goalkeeper has joined Motherwell on loan for the upcoming season and made his debut in the Steelmen’s 2-0 Conference League second qualifying round first leg win over HB Torshavn at Fir Park on Thursday night.
It was his first taste of playing in Scotland; however, he could have been turning out for Hibs after being heavily linked with the Easter Road side last season.
Paulsen’s parent club in Bournemouth, who 12 months ago were affiliated to Hibs through Bill Foley’s Black Knight group. That partnership has since ended, but prior to that, the keeper was recommended to Hibs by the consortium’s chief Tim Bezbatchenko. Hibs eventually plumped for Austrian keeper Raphael Sallinger, but Paulsen confirmed that discussions took place.
Speaking after the win over Torshavn, Paulsen explained: "Yeah, there was interest from for Hibs but I think there was a bit of miscommunication as well in that aspect but again, you know if there was to be or whatnot.
“I'm kind of just grateful to come back to Scotland here at Motherwell as well, and I think it's more to focus on the fact that they would help me take me in for, two big arms as well, and really integrate me into the team."
Paulsen eventually moved to Lechia Gdansk in Poland last season and while he suffered relegation from the Ekstraklasa, he believes he learned a lot from his time on the continent.
"It was definitely character building as well and again it's another great experience for me to go to a Eastern European country as well and to experience what the atmosphere is like over there in Europe,” continued Paulsen.
"Although I felt like I wasn't the best and I could have performed, it was just a great learning curve for me and to kind of experience some top sides there as well."
Paulsen is now excited about playing for Motherwell and is keen to continue the club’s European adventure. They head to the Faroe Islands next week defending a 2-0 lead, with a tie against either HJK Helsinki or Coleraine the prize on offer.
"It's great for us to have that lead heading into the away fixture next week and we know that it's going to be a tough game going over there and playing in the Astroturf as well,” added Paulsen. “It's going to be very difficult.
"So we know that we're just leading half time and we've got to finish off the game next week as well with the heads down and continue to work hard as well."
Paulsen was one of six debutants for Motherwell against Torshavn and they are under a new manager in Alfred Johansson. “I think that's a testament to the environment that we have here,” added Paulsen. "Me coming in as well. They've been really welcoming as well.
"So all the players have been supporting everybody. Those injured and those are who are playing as well. It's been great to have some of the academy boys there as well and they've really stepped up. It's been it's been really great to see them out there."