Placid Junior Hoilett reveals key man behind Hibs move, has say on Aberdeen exit and names four Blackburn role-models.
The 34-year-old Canadian exudes a serene demeanour, possessing a composed head and well-seasoned shoulders. Hoilett played for his country at a World Cup and spent the majority of his illustrious career in England’s top division. He arrived in Scotland earlier in the year when Neil Warnock made a brief managerial change at Aberdeen and later made an impression at Pittodrie.
Under new manager Jimmy Thelin, there was talk that Hoilett would remain with the Dons. Hoilett was more focused on the Copa America than on local football, though, since an injury ended his hopes of playing for the national team during their run to the semifinals. Thelin’s mind had already been elsewhere by then.
Craig Samson, who was Aberdeen’s goalkeeping coach the previous season before being enticed back to Easter Road when David Grey was named head coach, made the move to Hibs possible. Grey was suggested to Hoilett by Samson, and two weeks ago, in a commanding second-half performance in the 2-0 victory over St Johnstone, he finally got his club debut. After years at the top, he is able to endure a beating on the ball, unlike many others on the pitch.
Regarding his transfer to Hibs, Hoilett said, “He [Samson] just told me everything about the manager and his plans moving forward.” I find it appealing what he wants to achieve out of the season and what I can offer the team. Collaborating with Sam,
“We have an excellent team here, with fantastic workers and management. We are able to get going. Although the season got off to a poor start, we’re going to move past it and approach each game with a positive attitude in order to reach three points and advance.
“I believe that my calm demeanour both on and off the pitch will be an asset to the club. especially considering my ability to quickly settle the match, take a break in each group, and then continue. Seeing the wider picture and drawing on my experience is, I believe, just my playing style.
There are many young players here, particularly in the form of young Rudi Molotov and Elie Young. I gain great satisfaction from sharing my expertise and enabling other players to realise their full potential, advance consistently, and improve. I really want to impart my wisdom to the younger generation since when I was younger, older people really helped me grow and improve.
When Hoilett first joined Blackburn Rovers as a professional in 2007, he entered a locker room full with colourful characters. Hoilett said, “I had guys like Jason Roberts, Benni McCarthy, El-Hadji Diouf, and David Dunn at Blackburn who supported me both on and off the pitch. “I was fortunate to have them in my life.”
It’s crucial to Hibs to give back to his children. “I am that person,” Hoilett went on. “As I mentioned earlier, I enjoy helping each player realise their potential. There is a tonne of talent in this group, and I enjoy sharing my experience and watching them grow every day. That’s not only for me, I believe; I’m not a self-centred person; I enjoy encouraging others to persevere and improve. thus I believe I have a significant role in that as well.
Despite Hoilett’s popularity at Aberdeen, the Dons—who are now tied for first place in the Premiership and on an 11-game winning streak—have not felt much of his absence. However, the former QPR player is not sorry he did not spend this summer in the northeast. “I hope the best for them,” Hoilett grinned. Nothing is wrong with it. I wasn’t a part of their goals or agenda; they had their own. I was therefore glad to come here.
Hoilett will press for a start for Hibs tomorrow when they visit Rangers. The Canadian never got the chance to play at Ibrox and is looking forward to visiting, although he will not be cowed by the venue. “I’m a calm character on and off the field and I think that’s what I can bring to the team,” he said, “Especially with my experience to help settle the game in moments, to get a breather in every group and go again. I think that’s just my style of play.”
To Hoilett’s credit, things weren’t always this way. A younger version of Junior thought some places scary. He laughed. “I remember being really nervous when I was heading to the Emirates for the first time, but as a young player, that’s how you learn and progress, so for me, like I said, I like to pass on my knowledge to the young players of today to help them when they go into these environments, know how to settle their nerves and keep playing to their game and playing to their strengths.”
Naturally, you still have anxiety, but I now know how to harness it and turn it into a power. I believe you don’t have the nerves if I wasn’t anxious.
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