The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
SIGNING: Winger says Easter Road is the right place for him to further career
Liam Craig and Danny Swanson played a part in convincing Drey Wright that Hibs was the right club for the next stage of his career.
The former St Johnstone winger has signed a two-year deal with the Easter Road outfit after his time at Perth came to an end – and he revealed that the words of ex-hibees and Saints team-mates Craig and Swanson had stuck in his mind.
“I’m quite close with Liam,” Wright told Hibs TV. “And both him and Swanny said this is a great place to play football.
“My most enjoyable game for St Johnstone was actually here when we won 1-0 with a late goal.
“It’s good to finally get things over the line.
“It was quite an easy decision for me to make. I had a few options but I’m settled in Scotland and this was the one I wanted.”
Hibs manager Jack Ross, who also secured the signing of Dunfermline striker Kevin Nisbet yesterday, said:
“Drey’s quick, he’s direct and enjoyed a really good season with St Johnstone.
“He was one we’d identified a long time ago, so we’re pleased – despite everything that’s been going on in the world – that we’ve been able to get him in.
“He’s been good in training, settled in well with the group and I’m looking forward to seeing him in action properly.”
Wright told Hibernian’s official website: “No one had to explain the size of Hibernian as a club to me and as soon as I got off the phone from speaking to the gaffer and Graeme Mathie (sporting director) I knew it was the move I wanted to make.
“I spoke to a few boys who have played here and it was an easy decision in the end.
“First and foremost, I’ll give it everything I’ve got in every game.
“I know I’ll be expected to bring goals and assists, to help bring drive and energy to contribute in the attacking areas, but I also want to build a good relationship with the full-backs and make sure I can offer them some protection.
“They’ve made me feel really welcome and I can’t wait for the games to get up and running.”
Nisbet, 23, scored 23 goals in 32 games in his only season at Dunfermline.
He told the club’s official website: “It’s a new challenge for me and I’m confident – with the help of the staff here – that I can continue to improve as a player and help the team.
“I’ve been working hard on my fitness during the break and I can’t wait to get going.”
The Hibees completed their third signing of the day after Alex Gogic arrived from Hamilton on a two-year deal.
Gogic impressed at Hamilton last season before leaving when his contract expired at the end of the campaign and will link up with his new team-mates on Monday.
He told the Easter Road club’s official website: “I’m really happy to have everything sorted and to be a Hibernian player.
“I had opportunities to go and play elsewhere throughout Europe, but I love the game in Scotland and I know already what a big club this is.
“I am here to help make the team better in any way I can and I take pride in being able to win the ball back for my team-mates.
“I’ve missed playing and can’t wait to get going.”
Meanwhile, the Scottish Government has confirmed that Premiership clubs can play bounce games at club training grounds and friendly matches inside stadiums with immediate effect, provided players are subject to weekly testing from Monday.
Saints will play a match among themselves today and a friendly on Wednesday as they step-up their preparations for the season-opener against Dundee United.