Arbroath are set to add two young midfielders from Hibernian to their squad as they aim to maintain their top-four position in the Scottish Championship. The Daily Record reports that Hibs manager David Gray has sanctioned loan exits for 20-year-old Jacob MacIntyre and Rudi Molotnikov, with both deals likely to run until January initially.
Why are the players moving to Gayfield?
David Gray believes both players will benefit from regular first-team football in the competitive Championship environment. MacIntyre returns to Gayfield for a second spell after a successful stint last season, while Molotnikov, a Scotland under-19 international, has already had some exposure to the Hibs first team. Gray rates the pair highly but wants them to gain experience by playing every week, a development path Arbroath has successfully provided for other Premiership talents in recent years.
How does this fit with Arbroath's strategy?
The move aligns perfectly with Arbroath's established track record of developing young talent on loan from top-flight clubs. Last season, the club helped develop Aberdeen's Findlay Marshall, who was subsequently named the Championship’s player of the year and earned a new long-term deal at Pittodrie. This reputation for player development was a key factor in securing the Hibs duo. The club is actively strengthening its squad this week, with Record Sport also revealing a move for former St Mirren, Hibs and Kilmarnock midfielder Kyle Magennis on a deal for the rest of the season.
What is the current state of the Arbroath squad?
Arbroath currently sit fourth in the Championship table with eight points from their opening five matches, a record of two wins, two draws and one loss. They have scored four goals and conceded four, leaving them with a zero goal difference but firmly in the play-off conversation, five points behind leaders Stenhousemuir. You can view the full league standings and the club's upcoming fixtures, which include a trip to face seventh-placed Ayr United on January 9th.
Who else is out on loan from Hibs?
Hibs have several other squad members gaining experience elsewhere. Goalkeeper Murray Johnson is at Irish side Shelbourne, defender Joseph McGrath is at Alloa Athletic, and keeper Ryan Mallon is with Bonnyrigg Rose. Midfielder Josh Campbell has joined Premiership rivals St Johnstone for the season, while the club's cooperation agreement with Stranraer sees Lewis Gillie and Zach Bruce on loan at Stair Park. The imminent arrivals at Gayfield are seen as a boost for a side pushing for the play-offs, with the next test coming at Somerset Park.
