Hibs lure Clancy from Motherwell

Friday 22 June 2012 HIBERNIAN have announced the signing of defender Tim Clancy after his contract at Motherwell expired.

The 28-year-old has agreed a two-year deal at Easter Road and becomes manager Pat Fenlon’s first summer signing. “Hibs are a big club in Scotland and I jumped at the opportunity when I was given the chance to sign,” Clancy said on Hibs’ website. “Ever since I first came up to Scotland, Hibs are a club that I’ve always liked. Now moving forward we’ve got a fresh start and, hopefully, we can begin the season well. Obviously the second game into the season [the Edinburgh Derby] is a massive one. Hopefully we can all kick on and enjoy a much better season than last year.”

Irishman Clancy, who had joined Motherwell from Kilmarnock in the summer of 2011, turned down the opportunity to stay at Fir Park despite the prospect of playing in the Champions League qualifying rounds. Clancy, who can play right-back or centre-back, added: “It was a tough decision in some respects. Last season at Motherwell we had a very tight squad. We didn’t use many players, which I think helped us. All the players knew each other’s game and we were lucky with injuries as well. It was very enjoyable because we won our fair share of games and finished with the highest-ever number of points that Motherwell have had in their SPL history. So qualifying for the Champions League qualifiers was a pull to stay but, as soon as it was nailed on to come here to Hibs, I was delighted to sign.”

Fenlon said: “Tim fits the bill – he is exactly the type of player and character that we’ve been looking for. He had a fantastic season for Motherwell.”