hibs forward Martin Boyle will leave the club when his contract expires this summer, Hibernian boss David Gray confirmed. Gray said Boyle is determined to “go out on a high” and will focus on finishing the season strongly. The announcement comes as Hibernian chase fourth place with nine games remaining and a home match this weekend against Livingston.
Hibs immediate reaction and the numbers
Gray made clear the contractual situation: “The situation is, he’ll be out of contract at the end of the season and he’ll be moving on, ” David Gray, Hibernian boss, said. He underlined Boyle’s record at the club — 108 goals in 398 appearances — and noted Boyle is “only a couple of games away from 400 games, 100-odd goals. An incredible servant to the club. ” Gray added that Boyle’s mindset is to “go out on a high, as high as he possibly can. “
What Gray said on the run-in and motivation
Gray framed the exit within the team’s broader objectives, saying the chase for fourth place remains the priority. “We’ve still got to play Motherwell twice before the end of the season. There’s nine games to go, 27 points. We’re seven points behind. It’s well within our capabilities, ” David Gray, Hibernian boss, said. He stressed the squad will concentrate on themselves as they attempt to close the gap, with a European place tied to fourth and with fifth only sufficient in specific cup outcomes.
Immediate quotes and voices in the dressing room
On Boyle’s personal drive, Gray pointed to additional incentive: “Also he’s got the carrot of trying to be in the best possible form going into the end of the season with a World Cup coming up, which is something that is a big driving force for a lot of players. ” The manager emphasised Boyle “deserves to go out that way as well for what he’s done for the football club. ” On the weekend fixture he added that facing Livingston is “an opportunity at home against a good side, fighting for their life. ” Marvin Bartley, now manager of Livingston and a former team-mate of Gray’s, was mentioned as the opposing coach Gray looks forward to seeing.
Quick context: club career and recent history
Boyle joined Hibernian initially on loan in January 2015 and has spent the bulk of his career with the club, with league appearances and goals noted above. Gray described Boyle as an “incredible servant to the club, ” underlining the length and impact of his time at Hibernian.
What’s next for the team and for Boyle
The immediate focus for hibs is the remaining nine fixtures and the chase for fourth spot, including two matches with Motherwell before the season ends. For Boyle, the priority is to finish the season strongly and “go out on a high, ” both for the club and to carry form into the upcoming international tournament he is aiming to reach. Expect the club to confirm further details about Boyle’s departure once the season concludes and for the team to press for results as the run-in continues.
