There was a time, not all that long ago, when Josh Campbell would seem almost uncomfortable talking to the media. The Hibernian midfielder's answers were brief, and his demeanour occasionally suggested he'd rather be anywhere else than answering questions from journalists - understandable, some might claim.
But, just as there has been a notable change for the better in his performances over the past couple of years, he has become a lot more relaxed during press conferences. Jokes and tongue-in-cheek remarks intersperse his considered responses about his role as a 'senior' player at the Scottish Premiership side - borderline laughable considering he only turned 24 in May, but logical when he reveals he's the second longest-serving player behind Martin Boyle - and the improvements in his game.
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When David Gray stepped up for an unprecedented fourth interim spell as caretaker manager towards the end of last season, it felt significant that Campbell was brought back into the starting line-up at the expense of Bournemouth loanee Emiliano Marcondes. It was a sign of things to come, with the boyhood Hibee starting as Gray's preferred option in the ten role in both a 4231 and 352. He scored three goals in four pre-season friendlies, including the winner against MSV Duisburg, and hit four assists during the Premier Sports Cup group games.
"I've been given targets from people in terms of goals and assists and I did quite well in the cup with a couple of assists. I got a couple of goals last year and the year before that but I want to add assists to my game. I want to be part of everything, I want to be part of that goal-scoring zone - whenever the ball goes in the net I want to be seen in the picture," he said.
The 'picture' in question comes from Gray, who is a long-time fan of Campbell and, in the player's words, stuck up for him under several managers.
“Every time we score a goal or get the ball in the box my challenge to Josh is, ‘Can I see you in that picture, in the box, every time?’ He’s got the capacity to do it. And then when we lose the ball and we’re defending our box or we lose a goal, can I see him in that picture every time as well," Gray said, during the club's pre-season training camp in the Netherlands.
But while Gray wants goals, assists, and energy from Campbell, there is an added expectation that the versatile midfielder - who has played every position on the park apart from in goals - assumes greater responsibility with new signings and younger players.
"It's a massive season for me. I need to step up now. I'm not a kid any more, although I still feel like I'm a kid around the place! I want to add numbers to my game, I want to be more vocal around the place, I want to help people out and help younger boys like Rudi [Molotnikov]. The manager has put that pressure [of responsibility] on me a wee bit. I've been here a long time, I know the place. Me and Martin Boyle have been asked to step up and help the new guys that have come in."
Campbell's first senior goal for Hibs came against St Mirren at the SMiSA Stadium in December 2021. No prizes for guessing who was in the away dugout that afternoon.
"The gaffer was in charge, wasn't he? I was just coming into the team; I'd just played a couple of games. I think we drew 1-1. I started the game, I scored, and then I got a bit excited about scoring and ran about too much. Then he took me off because I was knackered! I'll run through a brick wall for anyone who is in charge but the gaffer is important because he's done so much for me during my time at Hibs. He's always put his neck on the line for me and put me forward to past managers to play games. I think everyone in the dressing room would run through a brick wall for him."
It's not just Gray, either. You suspect the return of Liam Craig, a midfielder during his own playing days, can help get the best out of Campbell but it's the second assistant manager who gets a mention.
"Like the gaffer, Eddie [May] is someone who has always stuck their head on the line for me. When I was younger, I was coming in at 13, 14, and training with boys who were 22 years old in the development team. Eddie always pushed me up the age groups when I was younger. He's been like a father figure to me. He's a different guy now, he's changed - he's not as angry! But if you're at the game at the weekend, you'll certainly hear him shouting my name like a dad..."
The funny thing about Campbell developing into a useful, if slightly unconventional number ten, is that right up to, and including, the season he helped the Hibs development side to a league and cup double, he was operating a good bit further back on the pitch.
"I've actually played centre-half most of my time at the club. Under Eddie, we won the double and I played right centre-half. [Ten] is a bit of a change but I don't mind it. It was Jack Ross who put me there. I couldn't believe it - me, a ten! I've had the number 4 or 5 on my back virtually the whole career as a holding midfielder or centre-half. But I've adapted to the position now though. I feel like I can thrive in it. I've been working on it on the training ground, that sort of cool-headed zone where I can see the ball and receive a pass, and then judge the weight of the pass. It's paying off in the cups; now I have to take it into the league."
Of course, in a footballing era where the term 'utility man' is fading into obscurity, Campbell is used to featuring in different positions. Right-back, left-wingback, even a false nine on occasion. But that versatility is serving him well.
"Sometimes playing all the positions helps. I've played right-back a few times and struggled a few times there, but I've just done a job for the team. You get bits and pieces and you add them together and it has helped me play as ten, because I now know where players will be on the pitch because I've played their position."
With Hibs still lacking forward options - unless something can be done ahead of 3pm in Paisley on Sunday - Campbell might need to put that versatility to good use and run through a few more brick walls if David Gray is to get a result in his first league match as head coach. But the evidence so far this summer suggests that Campbell has a high chance of impacting the game in one way or another.
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