Hibs to take on Dundee United in pre-season clash

Hibernian will face Dundee United in their first pre-season friendly at Easter Road for two years after both clubs’ plans to face Watford fell through.

The visit of United will provide Alan Stubbs with a further opportunity to hone his squad ahead of the competitive kick-off. Picture: Neil Hanna

The Scottish duo were in discussions with Watford over possible warm-up games, with the Hornets pencilled in for a trip to Tannadice next Friday and Easter Road two days later.

However, the English Championship outfit opted against coming north for a training trip – leaving Hibs and United to play each other on Sunday 27 July.

Due to last year’s ill-fated Europa League meeting with Swedish side Malmo, Hibs did not host any pre-season friendlies last summer. Their last one at Easter Road was the 2-2 draw with Huddersfield Town in July 2012.

The visit of United will provide new head coach Alan Stubbs with a further opportunity to hone his squad ahead of the competitive kick-off..

With season-ticket holders getting in for free and adults charged just £10, the match, as well as the newly-announced trip to face East Fife on 30 July, will also give Hibs fans the opportunity to see new signings Farid El Alagui and David Gray in action, with further signings expected.

Supporters will have another opportunity to see the players up close on 31 July when the club holds a free open training session at Easter Road. After managing just five wins from 25 games on home soil last term as they succumbed to relegation, Hibs say they are eager to do what they can to “galvanise the bond with the home crowd and make Easter Road an enjoyable place to play and watch football”, and will also be holding a half-hour photo and autograph opportunity at the end of the session.

Stubbs said: “Easter Road is a fantastic stadium and I can remember being blown away by the atmosphere whenever I played there – we need to use that to our own advantage this season.

“Hopefully, supporters attending this training session will see first hand what we’re trying to achieve and that will help to get everybody onside and pulling in the same direction when the season kicks off.

“There is an exciting season ahead and we want to make coming here to Easter Road an enjoyable experience for our supporters.”