‘Feeling like a fraud’ is how Joe Newell recalls wearing the Hibs captain's armband for a day three years ago.

In fairness, he had the not-inconsiderable presence of Lewis Stevenson and Darren McGregor at his back that day, and yet David Gray – in the first of four interim managerial stints – putting his trust in him against St Mirren in 2021 is now a precursor to one of the biggest, yet simplest, decisions he’s taken since being given the job full-time. As well as becoming club captain on Friday, Newell has extended his stay at Easter Road until at least 2027, and now feels ready to take on the responsibility placed upon his shoulders.

He's certainly come an awful long way since Paul Heckingbottom stuck him out on the left wing following a move north from Rotherham United, a fact that still jars considering how the 31-year-old has become such a mainstay of Hibs’ engine room. Making his debut against Stirling Albion back in 2019, however, he’d have presumed drunk anyone who told him then that he’d eventually follow in the footsteps of Gray and the recently departed Paul Hanlon.

"To be asked from the gaffer is an honour itself and Paul last year gave me his blessing on many occasions, including the summer at my wedding after a few drinks, we had a good conversation and I know that he'll be thrilled for me,” said Newell. “Obviously this club will always mean a lot to Paul so for me to kind of fill his shoes he will be more than proud." 

“I've had a few weeks where I've kind of known it might happen. I've thought about the last two club captains - Paul and the gaffer - legends who have written their names into the club's history. To follow them, you kind of feel a little bit like you'll never live up to what they are. So to be asked is a massive honour.

“I got a little taste of it last season with Paul not playing as much. He was still obviously club captain. I've had plenty of good moments in my career but it's definitely the biggest honour I've ever had. I've been up here for five years now. The size of the club and what it means to everyone and how much I've enjoyed it - it's the biggest honour of my career really.”

Taking the captaincy puts Newell, known for his charity work and community endeavours, into the ‘living and breathing Hibs’ category, and he does feel very much like the natural successor to Hanlon, whose leadership was as much about how he represented the club 24/7 as it was being an excellent servant on the pitch. Newell says he understands that being ‘club captain’ is a very different proposition to being the guy who shouts loudest during games.

“Will it change my life? I'd say it's probably mainly more off the pitch than on the pitch to be honest,” he said. “On the pitch, whether you have the armband or not, you're going to be trying to help out, lead by example and give information. There's 11 players that can do that, we can all talk and lead. It's more off the field stuff like managing the dressing room, making sure the boys are okay, being that voice in the dressing room to the manager if we aren't happy with stuff or if we feel there are things that need tinkering then I'll be the one to voice that. It's the stuff that doesn't get seen that's probably more important.”

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The new contract, too, ensures Newell remains a key part of Hibs’ future, and in Gray’s plans for the coming season.

"I feel settled here and have done for a while,” said Newell. “I've always managed to play under the managers here and feel settled. The new contract and captaincy were no brainers. I love being a part of this club, but probably most importantly I'm excited about where the next two or three years can go. 

"The realistic targets will always be to compete in the cups and to try and finish in the European spaces. It always has to be that at this club and I think it's realistic this year with the players we've already brought in are going to add real quality and whether we make new signings or whatever I'm sure they'll add depth and quality to the squad. It has to be European spaces and a cup, that's something personally I'm dying for, I'd love to win a cup here. Everyone is really enthusiastic and positive.”