Aiden McGeady nudged Lee Johnson towards Hibs as he reveals role in new manager's Easter Road decision
The winger reckons the Easter Road side is a perfect fit for him with the move in the pipeline before Johnson was even in charge.
New Hibs signing Aiden McGeady has revealed he gave boss Lee Johnson a 'nudge' when the job came up. The winger has worked with Johnson previously during his time at Sunderland, and he was keen for the gaffer to fill the Easter Road vacancy.
Before the new Hibees boss was even in charge, McGeady's move to the capital was in the pipeline, according to the player. Speaking to Johnson before his appointment, the two discussed the potential reunion and things seemed to fall perfectly into player for the ex- Celtic man when his old pal was announced as Sean Maloney's replacement this summer.
The 36-year-old says that he has always been keen to make a return to Scottish football as his career neared an end, with a move to the capital an ideal fit for him. The ex-Republic of Ireland international's Hibs deal looks to fit the bill of right place, right time and more importantly right people with the arrival of Johnson this summer.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "With Lee getting the job, I played under him before at Sunderland and done well for him and we worked well together. It is just the perfect fit really.
"When he [ Lee Johnson ] got the job, I was hoping something might happen. It wasn't my idea, I wouldn't say that, but I did give him a tentative nudge now and again."
Discussing his desire to make his way back north one day, McGeady added. "I've always had in the back of my mind that I would try and come back to Scotland one day, towards the end of my career. Outside Celtic and Rangers I don't think there is any bigger club really. All the things have kind of tied in, with the manager and the club and being close to Glasgow where I'm from, it is the perfect opportunity for me."
The former Hoops star becomes the new manager's eighth summer recruit and the biggest name so far this summer. He joins the club on a one year deal as Johnson continues to put this stamp on the Easter Road squad.
During the Sky Sports interview, the winger went on to discuss exactly what he wants out of his time at Easter Road. With new additions to the squad staring off the Lee Johnson era, McGeady expects good things to come.
He said: "For me, the experiences I've had in football, I want to be able to give something back to the players that are coming through. I've got too much experience to not pass on to other players to help them.
"Improve on last season, no doubt. Finish as high up the league as possible.
"My ambition would be to win something, win some silverware. I don't see that as being out the question because even the team last season, you say it is disappointing, but the team still got to a cup final. So it is well within our reach."
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