Joe Newell signs new Hibs contract as Shaun Maloney rewards midfield 'leader' with three-year extension

Shaun Maloney reckons Hibs fans are about to see the best of Joe Newell after the midfielder penned a new deal in Leith.

The Englishman has extended his stay until the summer of 2025 after making a quick impression on Maloney who replaced Jack Ross in December.

And the manager reckons the 29-year-old is just about to hit his peak.

Paul Heckingbottom signed the playmaker from Rotherham in the summer of 2019 and Newell has gone on to become a firm fans' favourite since, making 94 appearances and scoring three times.

Twenty-nine of those appearances have come this season and Maloney paid tribute to his leadership qualities on and off the park.

He said: "I’m really pleased that Joe has committed to the club for what I believe will be peak years in his career.

“In terms of what we are trying to build here for the long-term, Joe is an integral and really influential player.

"Not only has he demonstrated a consistent high level of technical performance on the pitch, he plays a very important leadership role within the squad.

“He’s a real example to the young players we have in the squad, and he can be a big player as we continue to evolve moving forward, striving to achieve our goals.

"The strong competitive side of his game drives the team in the biggest of matches and I believe he can improve even more through the work he is doing with myself and my coaching staff.

“Joe has a real connection with the club and our supporters, and we’re all delighted that he’s signed this new deal.”