Newell sets sights on Hibs cup glory as pal’s Gray tattoo inspires skipper

Hibernian captain Joe Newell has declared that lifting a major trophy remains his overriding ambition at Easter Road, as he looks to put an injury-ravaged campaign behind him.

The 33-year-old, now in his eighth season with the Hibees, told the Daily Record that a cup win is the one thing that has eluded him during his time in Leith, despite the club’s growing consistency in continental competition.

Newell revealed that his manager, David Gray, remains something of a legend at the club a decade on from his dramatic headed winner that secured Hibs’ famous 3-2 Scottish Cup final victory over Rangers in 2016, ending a 114-year wait for the trophy.

Tattoo tribute to Hampden hero

Speaking to the Daily Record, Newell explained just how deeply that moment is embedded in Hibs folklore, revealing that a close friend has had Gray’s image tattooed on his thigh in tribute to the goal.

“The goal will never change here – European football and a cup,” Newell said. “Consistency is starting to get there with the European football, top six finishes, always striving to do as well as we can in the league. Then a good cup run, a cup win, is something we have fallen short on.”

He added: “That’s already been mentioned. It will be on the front of everyone’s minds. I can only imagine how magical it is. The gaffer speaks about it rarely, he doesn’t mention it as much as you’d think. But looking back on the 10-year anniversary of it, these boys will be remembered forever. That’s something I’m desperate for. Then I could sail off into the sunset!”

Newell continued: “A cup win would be unbelievable. You’re remembered forever. It gives the fans something. There’ll be tattoos to commemorate it. In fact my mate’s got David Gray’s tattoo on his thigh!”

Return from long injury lay-off

The Hibs skipper missed 11 months of action between December 2024 and November 2025 after undergoing surgery to correct a groin problem, a spell that cost him major European nights against Midtjylland, Partizan Belgrade and Legia Warsaw last summer.

Now back and fit, Newell says he is relishing the fresh challenge that lies ahead as Hibs return to continental action, with Gray’s side set to face either Vllaznia of Albania or Malisheva of Kosovo in the Conference League second qualifying round later this month.

“When I was on holiday I was just buzzing to get back. I missed out on a lot,” Newell said. “I just love playing football for this club and I have missed out on a lot of good nights and big moments in the last few years. I’m just full of optimism and excitement and just trying to move the club forward.”

He also spoke of what European football means to a player who grew up in England, where such nights are rarely on the radar outside the very top clubs.

“You don’t really think of it as a kid growing up down south. Unless you’re going to play for Man United it’s not thought of,” Newell said. “It’s a different challenge. In Scotland you are used to playing against the same teams but these are different challenges and always really special nights. And because they’re so early in the season it means you’re not sleepwalking into the season, you have to hit the ground running.”