Tim Clancy moves from Motherwell to Hibernian
Former Republic of Ireland under-19 defender Tim Clancy has become the latest Irishman to join Hibernian, after turning down a new contract with Motherwell.
Clancy, 28, signed for Motherwell last summer, but rejected an extension on his one-year-deal, despite playing 26 league games as the Steelmen qualified for the Champions League. The Trim-born footballer can play across the back four, but was mostly used at centre-back last term in the Scottish Premier League.
He started his professional career at Millwall, after signing from Belvedere in 2002. Clancy was called up to the Ireland u18 and u19 squads by Brian Kerr, and was involved in qualifying for the 2003 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship. He played for Walton & Hersham, Weymouth and Fisher Athletic before moving to Scotland in 2007 to join Kilmarnock.
Clancy will team up with Irish boss Pat Fenlon at Hibernian, and wants to help the club climb back up the table. “Hibs are a big club in Scotland and I jumped at the opportunity when I was given the chance to sign,” he told the club’s official website. “Ever since I first came up to Scotland, Hibs are a club that I’ve always liked. Now moving forward we’ve got a fresh start and hopefully we can begin the season well. Obviously the second game into the season (the Edinburgh Derby) is a massive one. Hopefully we can all kick on and enjoy a much better season than last year.
“It was a tough decision in some respects. Last season at Motherwell we had a very tight squad; we didn’t use many players, which I think helped us. All the players knew each other’s game and we were lucky with injuries as well. It was very enjoyable because we won our fair share of games and finished with the highest ever number of points that Motherwell have had in their SPL history. So qualifying for the Champions League qualifiers was a pull to stay, but as soon as it was nailed on to come here to Hibs I was delighted to sign. I can play all across the back-four. My aim is to help the team to start winning and to get to a position that a club like this deserves. Last season, I think everybody was surprised to see where Hibs finished in the table, so we need to put that right this year.”
Hibernian Pat Fenlon says that Clancy what the club needs to improve: “Tim fits the bill – he is exactly the type of player and character that we’ve been looking for. He had a fantastic season for Motherwell and he will be a sound addition to the squad, so we’re pleased to announce his arrival – the first one of what promises to be a busy summer transfer window. I think Tim will play at right-back, but he can also play at both centre-half and left-back. His versatility will be a major plus for us and so will his attitude and application around the place. He left Motherwell and European football to come here to the club and he is an ambitious and driven individual – he has all the attributes we’re looking for.”
Hibernian kick off the 2012-13 SPL season on August 5th against Dundee United.
Related posts:
Leave your response!