Source: FOOTYMAD
Mols Generated Interest For De Graaf
John Hughes had an unexpected ally in Michael Mols when he made his move for Edwin de Graaf Hibs newest player Edwin de Graaf was persuaded t take a chance on signing for the Easter Road side by former Ranger Michael Mols. The midfielder, who has represented the Holland B team, joined Hibs earlier in the month on a two-year deal. The former NAC Breda skipper claims he first had an inkling he would end up in Scottish football after a couple of trips to Glasgow with close friend Mols. De Graaf said: "When I knew Hibernian were interested at the end of last season, I came over to the Motherwell versus Hibernian at Fir Park, the 6-6 game. It was a crazy game but I spoke to the manager (John Hughes) who gave me a good feeling about playing for the club. But I had been in Scotland before to see some Glasgow Rangers games with Michael Mols. A few seasons ago I watched Rangers versus Hearts at Ibrox, when Ronald Waterreus was in goals, Buffel was in midfield and Jan Wouters was the assistant coach and I also saw a Rangers game against Celtic at Hampden. Michael was a couple of years out of Scotland by the time he came back but the fans showed him a lot of respect and the passion was so high that I said that I wanted to play in Scotland. When I found Hibernian were interested, I called him and asked what should I do. And he told me that after Rangers and Celtic, Hibs are one of the biggest clubs in Scotland. I will invite Michael over to see me play for Hibernian and of course he will want to see us play against Rangers." The former Feyenoord player claims his style of midfield play is more SPL than Eredivisie. He said: "I think that playing in Scotland will be good for me because I am a player who works very hard and I can play box to box. Everyone in Holland knows me as a player like that. People were surprised that I signed for Hibernian because it was never mentioned in the media. People thought I was staying, or going to play in Germany or the USA. But everyone that I spoke to told me that Scottish football was the type of football that I like to play and that it would be great for me. Maybe in Holland they play better football but the passion for the game is higher in Scotland than in Holland. Everyone in Holland knows that in Scotland the players fight for 90 minutes but they play a lot of long balls, whereas in Holland we play combinations via the midfielders. But the Hibs coach wants to play the European way so we will see." De Graaf is aware that Hughes is looking for his experience to complement a youthful Hibs squad. He said: "My experience is one of the reasons they brought me here. I am 30 years old, I was captain of my old team for three years and was always coaching on the pitch. I have played in the Europa League, I have played for Feyenoord so I hope I can bring some experience to the younger guys." Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is Scottish-Fitba Net
