Tennis hero Murray in mentorship role at Hibs

HIBS last night unveiled a star summer signing as they announced Scottish tennis hero Andy Murray is taking on a ‘mentorship role’ at the club’s youth academy. Murray’s 77 Sports Management company recently signed Hibs duo Ryan Porteous and Fraser Murray — both 19 — as clients. Defender Porteous played for Scotland Under-21s in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Togo at the Toulon Tournament, while midfielder Murray has featured in the Scotland Under-19 squad. Now 77 Sports Management will work with coaches and staff at Easter Road to help the club improve its conveyor belt of young talent. Last night, Murray hailed the latest tie-up in a family link with Hibs that stretches back over 60 years. ‘Ever since my grandad (Roy Erskine) played for Hibs in the 1950s, my family have supported the club,’ said the 31-year-old, who has won three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals. ‘We were impressed with the quality of the facilities and the people working there. ‘Football is a huge passion of mine and I look forward to working with the club — and helping Ryan and Fraser with every aspect of their careers. ‘Hibs have a great youth set-up and with the team of people I have around me, we’ll be helping them in any way we can.’ Last night Hibs chief executive Leann Dempster hailed the innovative tie-up. She said: ‘We are delighted to be working in partnership with a world-class sportsman like Andy and his team. ‘It offers our young players a chance to learn and be inspired by an elite athlete.’ Murray once had trials for Rangers as a boy but was brought up as a Hibs fan and once listed Frenchman Franck Sauzee as his hero. However, his 77 Sports Management agency has concentrated mainly on tennis and athletics. Last week, Porteous spoke about becoming one of the first footballers to join up with Murray. ‘It’s surreal,’ he said. ‘I’m a sports fan and I’ve grown up watching Andy Murray. I think every Scottish person has seen him as an inspiration. ‘You’d never think a Scot would win Wimbledon. He’s a great person to have as a role model and to be there for you. ‘I maybe wouldn’t text him for advice yet but maybe that’s down the line if I meet him in person and I have a proper chat with him. ‘That’s something he wants to bring on board, that you can ask him questions not just about the stuff on the park or court, but the stuff off it like diet and lifestyle.’