Darren McGregor: I'm Grateful To Be A Part Of Hibernian

Darren McGregor insists the "most important thing" to him are the memories made for his children from Saturday's Testimonial Match in his honour.

The former Hibernian defender, and current Hibs Under-19s Head Coach, reached 10 years with the Club this summer and was granted a testimonial for his excellent service to the Club. 

He watched on at Easter Road Stadium with his family and friends as Hibs went down 2-0 in a competitive encounter to Bolton Wanderers. 

"I am really, really grateful," he told HibsTV. "I came here as a fan at the age of 29 and I've been lucky enough to stay here for 10 years.

"I've been a player, a mentor and a coach. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to be at a club I've been a supporter of since I was a kid.

"And I'm grateful to still be here trying to influence the next generation and try and get as many younger lads into the First Team as possible."

Daz, who was initially intending to play in match, was able to walk out with the match ball alongside his family, as well as speak on the pitch at half-time alongside a number of fellow Hibs heroes. 

On a special day for the 2016 Scottish Cup winner, McGregor insisted all that mattered was his family enjoying the occasion and making memories for the years ahead. 

"My kids can't quite remember me playing, I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing!

"But for them to see the pitch today, to have the strip with my name written on the front of it which is a wee memento for them.

"In years to come, they can always look back and say, 'My Dad got a testimonial at the Hibees'. That is the most important thing for me."

Plenty has changed at the Club since Daz's time as a player at Easter Road, but these changes are all for the better according to the man himself.

"The Club has came on leaps and bounds. You only need to look at the infrastructure.

"You look at the pitch, the stadium, the fan experience, the training ground - which massive investment is being put into, which is largely down to the Gordon family, who have been unbelievably kind and generous to Hibs - so hopefully we can get success, because ultimately that is what you want.

"You want to play European football, win cups and finish as high in the league as you can. I think with this squad, having seen it, there is two players for every position.

"We are definitely in a good place."