New Hibs man Adam Le Fondre has asked the club's youngsters to show hunger and desire if they are to work for him as a mentor.
Le Fondre, 36, signed from Sydney FC on Saturday, despite being 36 years of age, to end a five-year hiatus from football in the UK after spells in both Australia and India. Beginning his career in 2004, Le Fondre made his name in the lower leagues before lighting u the Championship and Premier League with Reading - though he was ultimately relegated, before bagging 73 goals in just 128 games in Sydney.
It's unlikely that he will be Kevin Nisbet's direct replacement, though he could feature for Hibs with a busy season ahead - especially if they do qualify for the Europa Conference League. But it's not so much the on field benefits that Lee Johnson could be looking for in the Stockport-born star - with his age, nous and experience coming in handy for younger stars at the club.
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Le Fondre said: “I’m a player who’s hungry in what I do and I’m here to help the younger players as well. I’ll try to input some of my knowledge and help them improve.
"They’ve got to be open to it, I’m not going to ram it down their throat. But it’s something I’ve done in Sydney, I’ve always been willing to talk to young players and help them.
“If I see things that can help them and make us a better team then I’m willing to have those conversations. As an older player, you have to do those things and help out other people, help them out on their journey. You get gratification from that as well. It’s not just going to be about me playing. It’s about helping the younger players as well.
"I’ve had good conversations with the manager. His teams are always very attacking, the strikers score lots of goals. To get myself in those positions is normal but the service is what’s key.
“He said there’s going to be plenty of that, so I said there’s going to be plenty of goals. I’m just looking forward to enjoying myself here.”
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