McGregor is overcome by sweet relief
The sight of Darren McGregor chasing a hattrick prompted many inside easter Road to wonder what magical ingredients he had consumed and no doubt left those in hospitality asking themselves whether all those extra alcoholic beverages had started to mess with their minds.
Once the dust had settled, the lifelong hibernian fan began to chew over a display which saw him score his first two goals of the season as the easter Road club secured the Championship title with three games to spare.
Clinching promotion to the Premiership at the third attempt has turned out to be one of the sweetest moments of the lot — quite literally.
The defender let out a huge sigh as he revealed a trip to the cinema had led to him consuming a few treats the night before hibs’ crucial clash with Queen of the South.
It worked as he headed home John McGinn’s free-kick and converted from Jason Cummings’ corner to set Neil Lennon’s men on their way before captain David Gray added a third.
‘I was at the cinema with my mates on Friday night watching the new Fast & Furious film and one of them bought an extra-large pick’n’mix,’ revealed McGregor. ‘I don’t normally eat sweets before a game. Maybe that gave me the energy to get up there.
‘he brought back about £15 of sweets. I went for the toffee ones and the cola bottles.
‘I hadn’t scored many and I was getting plenty of stick. Before John took the free-kick, I told him to ping it to the back post. There was just something in me. I knew I had the appetite to score. his delivery made it.
‘The second one was a great delivery from Jason and I caught it with the outside of my foot. The boys said it was a clearance but I’m claiming it.’
The journey has been tough, but McGregor is able to savour his time since he joined hibs from Rangers in 2015. Last season’s Scottish Cup win, this Championship title — it backs up his decision to head to Leith.
‘People ask what it means to be a hibs fan and it’s hard to sum up in a couple of lines,’ he said. ‘I pinch myself every day.
‘Leaving Rangers to come here was a great achievement. Winning the Scottish Cup was massive. To play for the club that I’ve supported and get promoted… I’m on cloud nine.
‘I’m trying to take it all in. I’ve such a hunger and a desire to do well for the club and the fans. It’s not just me. My family and my friends are all hibs fans.
‘It goes without saying this has been the best two years of my career — 110 per cent. It’s been hard to take all of it in.
‘As a boy, you grow up playing in the back garden with friends. You’ve jumpers for goalposts with ambitions of playing at whatever level. But to play for the club you supported, given the road I’ve had, I’m so thankful every time I’m on the pitch.
‘I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I probably haven’t scored a hat-trick since I used those jumpers for goalposts!’
The scenes of celebration at easter Road were in stark contrast to the boos which were directed at hibs in 2014 when they were relegated after losing the Premiership play-off final against hamilton on penalties.
On the day of the second leg, McGregor was in a celebratory mood at a wedding — but he still felt the shock of his favourite team’s relegation.
‘I was actually at a friend’s wedding when the second leg was being played,’ said McGregor. ‘I never gave it a second thought because we were 2-0 up from the first leg. I took it for granted we’d be fine.
‘I was told halfway through the wedding. It was a sore point! The connection was there because I was a fan, but it’s much stronger now I’m playing.
‘We’ve missed out in the last couple of years and I’m so grateful we’ve got it done and dusted.’
McGregor is out of contract in the summer but he does not hesitate when asked if he wants to stay. ‘100 per cent, I see myself here next season,’ he stated. ‘I couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be. I’m so happy here and I think that shows in my football and my family life.
‘every footballer aspires to play in the top league, to play against your rivals at the best stadiums. We’ve got a great stadium and training ground. We’ve got the foundations to be a big force in Scotland.’
Once the celebrations ease, hibs’ focus will be on Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at hampden.
‘After waiting 114 years to win it once, it would be a massive achievement to win it again,’ added McGregor. ‘As rare as me scoring two goals in a game.’