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Signings Stack up as keeper joins Hibs
Former Arsenal keeper Graham Stack yesterday agreed a two-year deal with Hibs to become new manager John Hughes’ fourth summer signing.
The 27-year-old is due to fly out to Belfast with his new team-mates today for their friendlies against Glentoran and Shamrock Rovers.
The Englishman, who was a target for Hughes at Falkirk in January, finally sealed the switch north after agreeing a settlement with Plymouth Argyle that allowed him to walk away from the final year of his contract.
The ex-Reading player endured a tough time with the Pilgrims last season after losing his place following a behind-the-scenes fall-out with manager Paul Sturrock, who then made it clear he had no future in Devon.
Stack, who played five times for Arsenal in season 2003/04 after joining as a trainee in 2000, is thrilled to be beginning a new chapter in his career.
He said: “I’m delighted Hibs have shown a lot of interest in taking me up to Scotland, especially the gaffer whom I had a conversation with last season when he was at Falkirk.
“I had offers from three or four League One clubs and a Championship club.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of trying to get myself in the first team and just playing football because I didn’t really settle last season.
“Having started the season with Plymouth I had some personality differences with the manager and he decided to leave me out.
“He then made it clear I didn’t have a future at the club, even though he said he thinks I’m a good keeper.”
Stack found himself farmed out to Blackpool and Wolves, where he provided back-up during a frustrating campaign.
Having previously spent loan spells at Belgian outfit Beveren, Millwall, Reading, Leeds and again Wolves, the 6ft 2in shotstopper will provide competition for Yves Ma-Kalambay.