A Hibs legend joins Easter Road favorites in a transfer as a “excellent signing.”A Hibs legend joins Easter Road favorites in a transfer as a “excellent signing.”

A legendary Hibs team has reformed ahead of the 2024–2025 season at a new club.
Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson, two legendary club figures, left Hibs last month when their contracts expired.

Although it was a “uncomfortable” scenario to navigate, former manager Nick Montgomery predicted it will lead to beneficial development in the future. Together, Hanlon and Stevenson made over 1,100 senior appearances with the Hibees, having come through the ranks and spending the majority of their careers with the Edinburgh team.

“You lose two very professional characters who have contributed much to the club. When you look forward, it was a decision made by the club in consultation with the players, Montgomery stated after it was revealed that the two were going to be leaving Easter Road.

“We thought it was the right choice, but making changes is challenging. Although some people find change uncomfortable and unsettling, change is also beneficial and will help things move forward.”

Stevenson didn’t take long to take his career to the next level, as he signed a two-year contract with Scottish Championship team Raith Rovers at the end of May. Now, about a month later, the defender will finally get to play with his longtime partner again since Hanlon and the Rovers have reached an agreement.

The 34-year-old, who signed a three-year contract with the Kirkcaldy team, will reunite with Stevenson and Ian Murray, another former Hibee who has been Raith’s manager since 2022.

“I’m overjoyed to commit to the Rovers through 2027. “I’m excited to get to know the boys, begin training, and continue the fantastic work from last season,” Hanlon remarked. This season, as Raith compete for promotion once more, the defender will be looking to assist his new team win.

“Paul is an excellent signing for us and a lot of work went into getting him,” Murray said. “Left-footed centre halves are hard to find but Paul has played at the highest level in Scotland for a number of years and brings us real quality in defence and in terms of leadership, calmness and aggression. He reads the game exceptionally well and makes the squad stronger. We look forward to working with him and look forward to what he will bring to us also.“