Dwight Gayle On Joe Newell, Scottish Links & the PFA

Hibernian FC new boy Dwight Gayle lifted the lid on his pre-season with the Professional Football Association, his relationship with Joe Newell, and his Scottish link!

The 34-year-old penned a one-year deal with Hibs earlier this week and feels fit and ready to go after spending the summer with the PFA.

The Professional Football Association launched a special 10-week pre-season programme for out of contract players, providing them with specialist training, sports science support, and matches over the summer.

Now ready to get started at Hibs, Gayle told Hibs TV how much he benefitted from that.

“The PFA programme was absolutely amazing to be fair. I was told about it at the end of last season, and I thought it was such a good idea for boys out of contract.

“Some guys find it difficult to train at home when they’re out of contract mentally and physically, the environment that the PFA created was vital. It’s a great opportunity for players and I’m really grateful for the PFA for that.

“They had a lot of UEFA A & B coaches that worked with us, and they created a nice environment. They had physios and sports scientists for us too. It gave us the chance to have a proper pre-season.”

Alongside this, Dwight has also been in constant communication with Joe Newell over the summer!

The pair played together in the English Championship for Peterborough United and immediately hit it off. The striker explained how Newell helped him make his decision to come to Easter Road.

“He’s someone I spoke to a lot. We spoke most days about the potential move to be honest. I think he spoke to the gaffer about me too. He had a lot of good things to say about the Club and played a big part in me coming.”

Scottish football is something that Dwight is more than familiar with due to his family relations!

“My wife is from Scotland and her family aren’t too far away, so they will be at more games supporting me, which will be fun!

“This is such a high level to be playing at and a great club to be playing for. As soon as I heard about my ears perked up. I’ve always known a lot about Scottish football because I’ve followed Joe’s career. I know how well supported the game is, how passionate it is, and all about the rivalries.”