Nottingham Forest’s Riley Harbottle signs for Hibernian

Riley Harbottle leaves the Reds following a strong season out on loan at Mansfield Town, for whom he made 37 appearances for, managing to find the back of the net on six occasions during his time at the League Two side.

He posted on Instagram stating: Delighted to have signed for @hibernianfootballclub, very excited to get started. See you all at Easter Road (green heart emoji). Players and fans wished him good luck with the Hibernian Football Club responding, ‘Welcome Riley.’

The Nottingham born player also made two first team appearances, both of which came during this season’s Caraboa Cup.

It didn’t take long for Harbottle’s fellow Nottingham Forest players to react to his announcement on Instagram.

Tyrese Fornah, who is currently on loan from the Reds at Reading, commented on Harbottle’s post saying: “Buzzing for you bro.”

Alex Mighten, who played alongside Harbottle in their academy days together, commented: “All the best my bro.”

Brennan Johnson, now a household name for supporters at The City Ground, also commented: Congrats brother!!!”, adding an emotional feel to the post as the relationship between Johnson and Harbottle stems from years ago playing in Forest’s academy.

Hibernian’s manager, Lee Johnson, hasn’t been shy when it has come to bringing in players from England into the club and the centre back is no exception.

The manager was keen to have the youngster strengthen his back line after he was pivotal for Mansfield pushing for the play-offs last season.

Forest as a club and its supporters understand that the youngster’s decision to leave will allow him to play more minutes on the pitch so he can kick start his career at Hibernian and make a name for himself.