Adam Le Fondre joins Hibs as Lee Johnson explains logic behind signing

The Stockport-born 36-year-old left the A-League side after a successful few years during which he netted 73 goals in 128 games and contributed to three trophy wins, and was keen on a return to the UK, as well as seeking a new challenge. Le Fondre played a key role as Reading won promotion to the English Premier League ten years ago under the tutelage of current Hibs director of football Brian McDermott, and he has the goalscoring instinct and character to be a useful addition to the Easter Road squad.

Hibs have an option to extend his one-year deal for an additional 12 months and the player, nicknamed ‘Alf’ thanks to his initials, is expected to join up with his new team-mates when they return to pre-season training at East Mains on Thursday June 22.

Manager Lee Johnson said: “Adam brings craft to our new front-line and his experience and nous in the game will help develop our younger strikers. Throughout his career he has a proven goalscoring record and physically he’s in good shape. We look forward to working with him.”

Johnson is on the hunt for further attacking reinforcements following Kevin Nisbet’s transfer to Millwall earlier this month and Le Fondre won’t be the only addition to his options in the final third as the Hibs boss aims to iron out some of the problems that dogged his team last season. An attacking midfielder who can chip in with a few goals is also on the shopping list but despite links with Jamie McGrath of Wigan, who is no stranger to the cinch Premiership after spells with St Mirren and Dundee United, Hibs are understood to have turned their attentions to other targets.

Hibs are also pursuing a second season-long loan arrangement with Manchester United for centre-back Will Fish. The 20-year-old impressed during the second half of last season when he replaced Ryan Porteous as Paul Hanlon’s partner at the heart of the Hibs defence, scoring three goals and contributing to six clean sheets in 21 appearances. Championship sides in England are thought to be interested in Fish but Hibs chiefs are hopeful of securing the defender’s services for another campaign.