Joe Newell spoke to the media after being named Hibs captain and signing a new contract. Here's everything he had to say...

You're the new Hibs captain... a proud moment?

"Definitely, for the new contract and to be captain of the club. It's a big honour. I've loved my time here since I first arrived. The gaffer got the job and made it clear to me what he wanted. It's a pleasure to be asked."

When did you find out?

"From the start of pre-season. The gaffer brought me in quite early and said he wanted me to be club captain. And then with the contract, we got it sorted and over the line so we could announce it all at the same time."

Was there any hesitation in your mind?

"No hesitation. 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."

Have you told all the family about it?

"Yeah, three more years away from home, they're buzzing! Me and my wife just got married in the summer and since we've moved here we've loved it and we're more than happy and it's a great place to come up and visit for family so they're always up and visiting. Hannah (wife) is from Birmingham, she's a Villa fan unfortunately. She's got a few bad traits but that's probably the worst. Blues got relegated, they got Champions League, it was a bad year for us." 

Do you feel you have big shoes to fill?

"Massive. 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.

Five years ago tomorrow you made your Hibs debut against Stirling Albion, if someone had said to you then that one day you'd be club captain, what would've been your reaction?

"How many have you had!?"

It wasn't an easy start for you here...

"No it wasn't. I've spoken about it previously - it was hard, it took me time to adjust, living and playing up here. It's been a rollercoaster, as football is. My team here has been the same, both as a team and individually. It's a very proud moment and I probably wouldn't have believed you at the start, but now we are here."

But you must feel settled now?

"I have done for a while. 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."

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It was the gaffer who gave you the armband first, back in 2021...

"Yeah, St Mirren away, one of the first games he took as caretaker. I think Lewis Stevenson and Darren McGregor were playing and I remember thinking 'I really did feel a bit of a fraud leading those two out'. But again it shows that the gaffer always believed in me and what I have to lead the team. That was a nice moment."

Does it become an ambition after getting a taste? 

"Yeah, I think so. Paul was obviously club captain but he must have been injured or suspended that day so I never really thought about it too much because you think Paul and Lewis will be here forever. Like I said, last year when I was on the pitch and stuff it gave me a real sense of wanting to do it long term and to be asked it's amazing. 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. 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." 

How do you think it will change your life? 

"I'd say it's probably mainly more off the pitch than on the pitch to be honest. 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." 

Any plans to personalise the armband?

"Nah, I don't think so. I can't put any [Birmingham] blue on it, that's for sure."

What do you expect from Elgin? 

"It's obviously the first competitive game of the season. We've had a few good weeks now, a couple of friendlies that we've all don

e well in and it's just excitement to get going now. The weeks we've had away in Holland have been very good, the new boys have settled in well, the boys from last year obviously with that disappointment are coming back with a fresh attitude and enthusiasm and the place is jumping again and everyone is ready to go. 

Do you remember your last time at Elgin? 

"I do yeah, a tap in - my first goal! Other than that I can't really remember much but yeah, looking forward to it." 

What are the team's realistic targets this season?

"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.