Marshall on a mission to put Hibs in Europe again
DAVID MARSHALL insists he will do everything in his power to help Hibs rebuild their confidence and start challenging for European football once again.
As exclusively revealed by Sportsmail earlier this month, the veteran goalkeeper has agreed terms on a two-year deal at Easter Road and will join on a free transfer from Queens Park Rangers.
The 37-year-old was yesterday named in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the upcoming World Cup play-off against Ukraine at Hampden.
He will officially link up with his new Hibs team-mates on July 1 — and becomes Lee Johnson’s first signing since he took charge as the club’s new manager.
His second followed hot on the heels of Marshall’s announcement with 19-year-old midfielder Nohan Kenneh arriving from
Leeds United on a three-year deal.
Marshall (below) admitted that an eighth-placed finish in this season’s Premiership, which saw them sack two managers in Jack Ross and Shaun Maloney, was nowhere near good enough for a club of Hibs’ stature.
He has vowed to restore them as the third force in Scottish football, as well as challenging for major silverware and European football.
‘I am delighted to be here,’ said the former Celtic man, who had spells with Norwich, Cardiff, Hull, Wigan, Derby and QPR after moving down south in 2007.
‘Coming into the place on the back of a difficult season, I understand that people will want to put that behind them.
‘The lads will be hurting after last season but I have more than enough confidence that we can turn that round quickly.
‘There’s an excitement building with the new manager being announced. I’m delighted to be a part of that and hopefully we can have success next season.
‘Ultimately, Hibs should be looking to be the third best team in this country. That’s a necessity, really.
‘With the (Europa) Conference League now a thing, European football has got to be a minimum aim for the club. Competing in cup competitions as well, I think that should always be the aim.
‘It’s been a disappointing season and there’s a hell of a lot of hard work to get there, but there’s no reason we can’t.
‘Everything at the club lends itself to being a strong top-six side and battling for Europe every year. That should be the demands we put on ourselves.’
Marshall started all three games for Scotland at the Euros last summer, but has since lost his place in the team to Craig Gordon.
But he believes he can follow the example set by 39-year-old Gordon and 40-year-old Allan McGregor by playing at the top level for several more years.
Marshall, who turned 37 in March, added: ‘Both of those guys have done great. But you just have to focus on yourself.
‘I was in a good run of form prior to an injury. I’m fit now and I want to get back to that.
‘A lot is made of age sometimes. But, across a number of sports, you’re seeing athletes go a bit longer at the top end. Hopefully, I can be the same.
‘I want to help the squad do a lot better than last season because it was disappointing with where they finished in the league. There was a lot of upheaval with the managers.
‘But you’re never as far behind in football as you think you are. We’ll be looking to put that right and fire in at the start of next season.’
The deal for Marshall had been agreed in principle earlier this month despite Hibs having dispensed with the services of previous boss Maloney.
But new manager Johnson was quick to give the move his seal of approval — revealing that he had actually tried to sign Marshall in the past.
‘I’d like to offer David a very warm welcome,’ said Johnson, who was previously the boss of Sunderland and Bristol City. ‘He’s an excellent goalkeeper and actually a player that I’ve tried to sign before. His experience will be invaluable for us on and off the pitch.
‘It’s vital that our senior players aren’t just great characters, but also help us set the standard around the training ground and on match-days. ‘He is a fantastic addition to this squad. I look forward to working with
him.’