Hibs confirm signing of Liam Fontaine

HIBS have completed the signing of former Bristol City defender Liam Fontaine on a one-year contract.

Liam Fontaine could make his debut tonight if everything goes to plan. Picture: PA

The stopper becomes Alan Stubbs’ sixth signing of the summer, and could face Dumbarton in the League Cup tonight pending international clearance.

Fontaine was released by the Robins at the end of last season, having made close to 300 appearances.

The former England Under-20 international told Hibernian TV: “I’m really excited about the move and the challenge of getting Hibs back into the Premiership.

“There were a few factors that made me sign – the prospect of working with the manager, becoming part of a young, hungry squad and the opportunity of playing for such a big club with great supporters.

“Everything pointed towards this being the right move for me and, after spending the last eight years down at Bristol City, coming up here is a fresh challenge and one I’m looking forward to.”

Stubbs added: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring Liam to the club – this is a transfer that we’ve been working on for the past two weeks.

“So it’s very pleasing that all of that hard work has come to fruition and that we’ve recruited an excellent centre-half.

“Liam is a real quality signing, who will undoubtedly add a huge amount to the squad and further strengthen our defence.

“We did our homework on him – both as a player and as a person – and he ticked all the right boxes and he has immediately bought into what we’re trying to achieve at the club.”

Fontaine, a one-time target for Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, began his career with Fulham, but spent time on loan with Yeovil and Kilmarnock before signing for Bristol City in 2006.

Meanwhile, defender Michael Nelson has left the club and joined Cambridge United with immediate effect. He made 39 appearances for the club, scoring three goals.