Dwight Gayle revealed that Hibs captain Joe Newell played a major role in his move to Easter Road after signing a one-year contract with the club.
The 34-year-old English Premier League veteran arrives as a free agent having been without a club since departing Derby County at the end of last season.
Gayle played 145 times in England’s top flight for Crystal Palace and Newcastle United, scoring 26 goals. He was even more prolific in the Championship where his record stands at 63 goals in 146 appearances for clubs including Newcastle, West Brom and Peterborough.
He spent last season with Stoke City and Derby County, scoring three goals in six games for the Rams and helping them earn promotion from League One.
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Gayle kept himself fit over the summer by completing a pre-season programme with the Professional Football Association, which included training and matches led by the PFA’s coaching team.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for me and I’m really excited to be here,” Gayle told Hibs TV. “Having arrived at the training ground and seen the facilities and the people here, I’m glad to be here. It took a bit longer than expected but I’m grateful to be here.”
Gayle revealed was in regular contact with his former Peterborough team-mate Newell during the transfer discussions.
“He was the probably person I spoke to most,” he said. “We’d speak most days about it to be honest. He was helping pushing it with the gaffer as well. He had a lot fo good things to say and was a big reason for it happening.
“This is such a big level to be playing at, and a club to be playing it so it interested me massively, and I soon as I heard about it my ears perked up.
“I know quite a bit about Scottish football because I followed a lot of Joe’s career since he’s been here and I know how well supported it is, and the rivalries and stuff.
“I’ve been looking through the fixtures and getting excited for the big games coming up.
“My wife is from Scotland and all her family are not too far so I’m sure they’ll be supporting a lot more than normal, which should be fun.”
Asked what he will bring to the club, Gayle added: “Just an attitude to work hard and hopefully score some goals and help the team in that way. What they might not see is the way I’m going to be around the dressing room and how I’m going to get everyone improving, working hard in a nice environment for us to do well as a team.”
Hibs boss David Gray expressed his delight at signing a player who was commanded a £10million transfer fee when he joined Newcastle from Crystal Palace in 2016.
“It’s great to be able to bring Dwight to the club,” he said. “He’s performed at a top-level throughout his career and has a real desire to show his abilities here in Scotland.
“He’s a different type of striker to what we currently have in the building. He’s a real penalty box type of striker, a great finisher, and his experience will be of great benefit to us. I look forward to working with him.”
Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay added: “We’ve been keen to add another striker to the First Team squad. We were aware of Dwight’s availability, and we’re delighted that he has the desire to test himself in Scottish football.
“He’s another good character to add to the group, and his experience will really benefit our young players. I look forward to seeing him in Hibs green and white.”
