The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Hibs mentorship role for tennis ace Murray
Andy Murray and boyhood heroes Hibernian are hoping to prove a match made in heaven after revealing a partnership that will see the tennis superstar act as a role model at the club.
Murray is to fulfil a mentorship role after his management company took on Hibs youngsters Ryan Porteous and Fraser Murray as clients.
The two-time Wimbledon champion and Olympic gold medallist has supported the Easter Road outfit since childhood thanks to grandad Roy Erskine having played for the club in the 1950s.
Having held discussions with Hibs staff during previous visits to the club’s East Mains training facility, the 31-year-old has been keen to assist the capital side as much as he can.
It is understood the relationship will be an open and fluid one, with his 77 Sports Management committed to working with coaches and staff in Hibs’ youth academy, as well as Porteous and Fraser Murray, but with other avenues open.
Murray, former world number one, said: “Ever since my grandad played for Hibs in the 1950s my family have supported the club.
“We were impressed with the quality of the facilities and the people working there. It feels like a natural and authentic partnership.
“Football is a huge passion of mine and I’m looking forward to working with the club and with Ryan and Fraser and helping them 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.”
Murray previously cited former Hibs defender and manager Franck Sauzee as his favourite football player but has also joked that supporting the club as a youngster taught him to “get used to losing”.
However, chief executive Leeann Dempster hopes Murray’s experiences as a winner on the tennis court can rub off on Hibs.
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 who knows exactly what it takes to perform at the highest levels possible.”
She added: “It is another very exciting development for the club.”