Jamie McGrath explains why he sees Hibs as best fit after snubbing Aberdeen stay.

The 28-year-old Ireland midfielder had the option of staying at Pittodrie, but he signed a pre-contract with Hibs when the Dons refused to match the length of contract on offer at Easter Road.

Jamie McGrath is determined to have a long and fruitful relationship with Hibernian after turning down the opportunity to continue at Aberdeen.

The 28-year-old Ireland midfielder had the option of staying at Pittodrie, but he agreed a pre-contract with Hibs in February, signing a four-year deal with David Gray’s club.

The Dons were hesitant to match the length of contract on offer at Easter Road, and McGrath’s time at Granite City ended in style when they defeated Celtic to win the Scottish Cup. McGrath, who joined Pittodrie in 2023 under previous manager Barry Robson, told Hibs TV: “Obviously, it was a difficult decision, a watershed moment in my career.

“I was coming off an injury and wanted more stability. I spoke with the manager [David Grey] and Malky Mackay [Hibs’ sporting director], and I’m obviously familiar with the club after playing in Scotland for so many years, so it was a combination of everything.

“The club is on a tremendous upswing, and given how the boys concluded last season, it looked like a terrific place to be.

“Looking in at all the scenes after games at Easter Road and stuff, it looked unbelievable, so l’m just really glad to be a part of that and hopefully I can settle here and spend the next four years and hopefully longer.” Sign up for our Aberdeen F.C newsletter to receive the latest stories, transfer news, and more in your inbox.

The former St Mirren, Wigan, and Dundee United player ended his career at Aberdeen on an open-top bus celebrating a Scottish Cup victory in which he played a minor role.

He now aspires for more occasions like that at Hibs. “I had a taste of cup glory last year and it was absolutely unbelievable so why can’t we do it this year?” asked him.

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