Former Hibs defender David Murphy has today thanked the supporters of the club, following messages he recieved, after the announcement of his early retirement.
Murphy announed his retirement last week at aged just 30, due to on-going knee problems, and he has revealed that the kind messages coming from Edinburgh have helped him during a dark period.
The former Middlesbrough, Barnsley and Birmingham full back played over 100 games at Easter Road, before a £1.5m move to Birmingham City in 2008.
He said:
"I've had some lovely messages from ex-Hibs team-mates and the fans, which just shows what great people they are.
"All I can do is thank them because their messages have meant a lot to my family and me at such a tough time.
"I'm cut up inside, but it helps to know old friends from Hibs are thinking about me.
"It's memories of my time at Hibs, and the friends I was lucky enough to make on and off the field when I was there, that have helped me in a very difficult phase of my life.
"I made the transition from being a boy to a man when I was at Hibs after leaving Middlesbrough at such a young age.
"I loved it there. I had a great time. The players, staff and fans were brilliant with me.
"The SPL was a really good competitive league and the passion of the fans for their clubs was unbelievable.
"Celtic and Rangers were firing on all cylinders in Europe, but we finished 3rd and brought European football back to Easter Road.
"Winning the League Cup under John Collins still ranks as the highlight of my career.
"We had a great young side and it was a privilege to play along side the likes of Scott Brown and Steven Fletcher."
Hopefully we see Murphy back at Easter Road in the not too distant future.