Darren McGregor’s outstanding service to Hibernian FC has been recognised with a testimonial year!
A modern-day hero, Darren is a local lad who lived the dream, it’s hard to do his fairytale football story justice.
A relative latecomer to the professional game, Darren was handed his big break by former Hibee Danny Lennon at Cowdenbeath, who was so impressed by the powerful, wholehearted centre-back that he took him with him to St Mirren.
Perseverance is stamped all over Darren’s DNA and it will have surprised no-one that knows him that he was able to fight his way back from two cruciate ligament injuries.
A year at Rangers followed, where his impact was recognised with their Player of the Year and Manager’s Player of the Year awards, but all roads led to Leith.
The day after the expiry of his contract at Ibrox, Darren put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal with his boyhood heroes.
His name will go down in the history books as one of the leading lights in the team who lifted the Scottish Cup in 2016 while, a year later, he scored twice to help clinch a return to the top-flight.
In April 2019, Darren extended his stay at Easter Road by another four years, on the understanding that he would gradually transition from player to coach – ensuring the next generation of Hibs Kids would benefit from his drive, experience and professionalism.
Throughout the 2022/23 campaign, he was a regular for the Development Squad – combining his coaching responsibilities with playing time for the benefit of his young team-mates.
Darren is now Head Coach for the Under-18s, and supports Academy Director Gareth Evans and Guillaume Beuzelin with Hibs’ Development Squad.
His contribution has always extended far beyond the pitch and Darren recently accepted the offer to become an ambassador for the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation (HSF).
Graeme Cadger, Chairman of HSF, said: “I am honoured to be chairing Darren’s testimonial committee, and we look forward to organising a number of events throughout the next year.
“As an ambassador of the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation, Darren has chosen HSF as his Official Charity Partner.
“Subsequently, a portion of the proceeds from his testimonial fund will go towards community projects around the education and training of young people.”
The first two events in McGregor’s testimonial year will be a Ladies Day, held on Sunday 13 October (12.30pm start), and a Comedy Day on Sunday 17 November (details to be confirmed), both held at Easter Road in the recently-refurbished Behind The Goals!
For further details and to book tickets please visit DARRENMCGREGORTESTIMONIAL.COM!
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