Hibs sign goalkeeper Mark Oxley

Last updated : 29 June 2015 By Steve Forbes

Hibs have, this afternoon, announced the signing of goalkeeper Mark Oxley.

Oxley, 24, has signed a 2-year-deal, that will keep him tied to Easter  Road until summer 2017.

The former Hull City keeper returns to Edinburgh, after a loan spell with the club, after the Tigers released the player.

The Sheffield born keeper had other offers on the table, and is thought to have turned down Walsall to sign for the Hibees.

Speaking to the official website, Oxley said:

"I’m really pleased to have agreed to join Hibs on a permanent basis – this was the move I wanted.

“I enjoyed my experience with Hibs last season; we’ve started something here and now we want to build on it by achieving promotion.

“There were other options available, but I wanted to continue to be a part of what the manager is building here at the club.

“It’s a fantastic club with great supporters – the reaction at the end of the play-off match was incredible – and a brilliant manager, who I believe will get the best out of me.

“This season our aim is to hit the ground running and experience a winning start and the fact that we’ve got that continuity in defence will help us to hopefully do that.”

Hibs boss Alan Stubbs added:

“We’re delighted that Mark has agreed to sign – we’ve worked hard to get the deal over the line and now we’re really pleased to welcome him back into the squad permanently.

“There were other clubs interested in him, but the fact he has pledged his future to our club is a real coup and speaks volumes about his commitment.

“He is a great age for a keeper and last season’s experience will stand him in good stead for the upcoming challenge – he will continue to get better.

“This is another piece in the jigsaw falling into place and another reason to get excited about the new season.”

Oxley started his career at Rotherham, before moving to Hull City, He has also had loan spells with Walsall, Grimsby (x2), Burton Albion & Oldham Athletic.

He is also capped at U18 & U20 for England.

Hibs have been on the look out for a goalkeeper, or two, after Oxley's loan deal ended, and they released youngster Kleton Pernetrou.

Oxley is still the only keeper on the Hibees books, and they will surely be looking to bring in another.

Ben Williams has been linked with a return to Easter Road, having left the club after relegation last summer, and has apparently held talks with the club about a return, and is keen.

There has also been rumours about Jamie McDonald, who has signed for Kilmarnock, and freed Leicester keeper Conrad Logan.