Hibernian name former club captain and record appearance-holder Joelle Murray as new head coach

Hibernian have announced that former captain Joelle Murray, who made a record 507 appearances for the women’s team, has been named as the club’s new head coach.

Murray has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract and succeeds Grant Scott, who left to join Celtic earlier this week. Current women’s assistant head coach Stewart Hall will remain in place as part of Murray’s backroom staff.

The 39-year-old, who earned 48 caps for Scotland during her playing career, won two league titles, seven Scottish Cups and five League Cups with Hibs and is the women’s side’s most decorated player of all time, as well as their most successful captain.

Murray has been working as a first team coach since the start of last season and played a key role in the team’s title success. She’ll now look to deliver more silverware as head coach.

“It’s a real honour and privilege for me to become Hibernian FC Women head coach.” she said.

“Everyone knows about my association with this magnificent football club and how much Hibs means to me. This moment is certainly up there with one of the proudest moments in my career.

“We had great success as a coaching team last season, and have a group full of youth and experience, with a collective hunger to drive this club forward. I look forward to continuing working with everyone as head coach.”

Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay said: “We are delighted to announce Joelle as the new head coach of Hibernian FC Women.

“We are constantly planning for the future, and following Grant Scott’s departure, there was no doubt in our minds that Joelle was ready to step up and lead the women’s team as head coach.

“We have been watching her progress closely, and have backed her coaching journey enabling and supporting her to gain her UEFA A License coaching badge.

“She already has good relationships with the current playing squad, staff, knows the Scottish women’s game inside out, and lives and breathes Hibernian FC.

“Everyone is looking forward to continuing to work closely with Joelle for the rest of the season and beyond.”

Hibs chairman Ian Gordon added: “Joelle thoroughly deserves this opportunity for everything she has given the Football Club and the Women’s game in Scotland.

“Throughout her career, she has shown an incredible commitment to Hibernian FC and has been a standout member of our team. We have always had the belief that she would be Hibernian FC Women’s head coach, and she has worked incredibly hard, and diligently, to get herself into this position.

“She knows what Hibernian FC is all about, and we can’t wait to see her guide the women’s team forward.”