Hanlon

Paul Hanlon signed for Raith Rovers on 20th June 2024.

Paul started out at Hutchison Vale in Edinburgh.

Initially an attacking midfielder, Paul was converted to a defensive role after joining Hibernian, his boyhood club.

He made his first senior appearance for Hibs on 12 January 2008, in a Scottish Cup match against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Despite being a regular feature in the team early on, Paul found himself out of the starting lineup during the 2008/09 season, with Ian Murray taking over as Hibs’ left-back.

This led to a loan spell at St Johnstone in December 2008, where he impressed and Hibs recalled him shortly after.

In the following seasons, Paul became more involved in the first team, particularly when Sol Bamba was unavailable and after the departure of Chris Hogg, Paul captained the team on several occasions.

His performances earned him a new contract in May 2011.

Paul had notable moments with Hibs, including scoring a key goal in the 2011/12 season against Dunfermline, which contributed to Hibs securing their place in the Scottish Premier League.

In the 2013/14 season, Paul was awarded the club’s Player of the Year, but a knee injury ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign as Hibs faced relegation to the Scottish Championship.

The 2015/16 season saw Paul play a key role in Hibs’ success, scoring crucial goals, including a match-winner against Rangers and an injury-time equaliser against Hearts in the Scottish Cup.

In June 2016, Paul signed a three-year contract with Hibs, but was sidelined for much of the second half of the 2016/17 season due to a pelvic injury.

He played an important role in the team’s promotion back to the Premiership and Paul was awarded a testimonial in 2018, following which he signed another new contract with the club.

Paul reached milestones with Hibs, making his 400th appearance in November 2019 and his 500th in May 2022.

After the retirement of David Gray, Paul was appointed Hibs’ club captain in July 2021, and he signed a new long-term contract in November 2021, keeping him at the club until 2024.

In May 2024, Hibs announced that Paul and long-serving teammate Lewis Stevenson would be leaving the club at the end of the 2023/24 season, a decision which led to both tying up contracts with us.

Paul featured 41 times last season, scoring three goals.

His current contract runs until May 2027.