Star sends message to Hibs after Easter Road exit as Leith 'privilege' not taken lightly
The midfielder on loan from Middlesbrough has sent a message to Hibs fans.
Dan Barlaser has paid tribute to Hibs and the club’s supporters after leaving the Premiership side at the end of his loan from Middlesbrough.
The midfielder arrived towards the end of the summer transfer window and only Martin Boyle, Jack Iredale, Jamie McGrath and Jordan Obita featured in more games than the Middlesbrough loanee. Barlaser played 37 times across all competitions and could be in for another move shortly, with his deal at the English Championship side up this summer, albeit Hibs’ retained list stated he’d return to his parent club for now.
Attached to a highlights reel of his best moments in a Hibs shirt, Barlaser has sent a social media thank you message to Hibs, for the support they offered him during his Leith stint. He also told fans that pulling on their beloved jersey was not something he took lightly. Munashe Garananga, Kai Andrews and Dane Scarlett also returned to Copenhagen, Coventry City and Tottenham Hotspur respectively at the end of their loans.
Dan Barlaser on time at Hibs
Barlaser said: “I want to thank the club for the opportunity and trust they placed in me. It has been a privilege to represent this team and play in front of such passionate supporters.”
A clutch of the Easter Road dressing room have responded to Barlaser’s farewell. Elie Youan - who’s departed Hibs at the end of his contract - said ‘come to my team’ while goalkeeper Murray Johnson said ‘was an absolute pleasure Daniel.’ Iredale said ‘tremendous stuff’ as O’Hora, McGrath and Kanayo Megwa alongside the club’s official account thanked the 29-year-old.
Head coach David Gray previously told the Evening News that Barlaser was in permanent Hibs contract talks. Barlaser said of why he initially opted for Hibs: “I'm delighted to be here. I was playing golf and my agent texted me saying that Hibs were interested, and I just gave them the go-ahead to proceed. Thankfully, we got the deal done 10 minutes before the deadline, so it was quite stressful, but I am delighted to be here!
Why did Dan Barlaser join Hibs?
“This will be my first taste of Scottish football, and I really wanted to do it here at Hibs – that was a big pull for me. I saw how well the club did last season, achieving European football and I have seen videos of the fans, so I just thought it was a great club to come to.
"Scottish football is obviously very different to English, but the league is getting better every year and I think it is very competitive. There are loads of great stadiums here too, including Easter Road and I am really excited to play there for the first time and experience Scottish football for the first time.
“I have never played up here before, but I know players who have and they say it is brilliant, so I thought I would give it a try. I played with Grant Hanley previously at Newcastle, and Dwight Gayle was there too. He actually texted me yesterday saying how much I would enjoy it and what a great club it was!”
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