David Gray signed former England Under-21 goalkeeper Josef Bursik as his first Hibs manager after being pleased by the 6′ 3″ stopper’s “technical ability, pedigree, and positive character references.” It was confirmed today that the Club Brugge keeper has committed to a season-long contract.
After four stints as interim head coach, Gray is eager to make the Hibs defense a top priority in his first managerial attempt. In addition, the Edinburgh club urgently wants another center-half and free agent central defender, Warren O’Hora.
After an agreement was reached with the Belgian Pro League winners, Bursik—who is of Czech descent but has played for England at all youth levels—arrived. Gray welcomed his arrival, saying: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Josef to the football club.” We have been keeping an eye on him for a while because of his technical prowess, background, and glowing character references we have heard about. My coaching staff and I are excited to collaborate with him.
In January 2023, former England midfielder Scott Parker signed Bursik, a former Stoke goalkeeper who made over 50 appearances for the Potters in the Championship, as his first signing for Brugge. Bursik’s prospects of succeeding were further hampered by Parker’s termination from the position in March of last year, and a serious knee injury he suffered the previous summer made matters worse.
The former AFC Wimbledon prospect is looking to revive his career after suffering cruciate ligament damage. He has only played for the Brugge academy team while in Belgium, and he has played alongside current international stars Marc Guehi, Cole Palmer, and Connor Gallagher while winning international honors with England up to the Under-21 level.
