Ex-Hearts defender Adam Eckersley joins Hibs

HIBERNIAN have strengthened their squad yet further with the signing of former Hearts full-back Adam Eckersley.

Adam Eckersley has joined Hibs on a short-term deal. Picture: hibernianfc.co.uk

The left-back was a pivotal player in the Tynecastle club’s push to the Championship title last term and their promotion back to the Premiership and was a favourite with the fans but was declared surplus to requirements by Robbie Neilson at the end of the campaign.

Despite rubbishing rumours suggesting he was ready to make the switch in the summer, taking to social media to deny any link to the Gorgie club’s city rivals, he has followed former team-mate James Keatings in crossing the capital divide.

The 30-year old left back started his career with Manchester United and had a spell in Denmark before signing for Hearts last year, where he made 27 appearances and scored twice.

Currently recovering from a knee operation, he will be unavailable for selection for the next three or four weeks, but he has until January to prove himself and convince the club that the contract should be extended.

Speaking to the club website, Eckersley said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Hibs. We have a strong squad here and I’ll be working hard to push myself into the manager’s plans. I know I can do well here and am looking forward to helping the team in the coming months.”

Manager Alan Stubbs has talked positively of the response he had received from his squad in light of recent additions, saying the competition for places has focused minds. With a much swollen strikeforce, Stubbs said he was pleased that the arrival of the experienced defender will now give him more choice at the back as well. He said: “We’re very pleased to have Adam join the club. He strengthens our defensive options and adds to the competition for places in defence. He has shown his ability at this level in the past and I’m confident he’ll make a positive contribution here.”