The Welsh striker is a real fan favourite and he’s loving his time in Edinburgh.
For Doidge, the decision to sign the two-year contract extension was a very straightforward one.
“I am delighted. I did not have to speak to my agent for very long about it. It is a club that I want to play for.
“In my career, I have enjoyed my time here (at Hibs) more than anywhere else. It is a massive football club with a big following.
“The coaching staff have been brilliant with me since they came in and I am really enjoying my football, so the decision was a no-brainer.
“It certainly is worrying (entering the final year of a contract), every footballer wants that security. When you have that security, the weight is off your shoulders a little bit and you feel more comfortable out there.
“I am 29 and a couple more years at Hibs is great for me. I just want to concentrate on the footy and get back to full fitness and play games.”
This is Doidge’s third full season at the club, and he has shared some insight on his time at Hibs as well as praising the coaching staff’s involvement throughout.
“It has been amazing; this is my third season at Hibs, and I have enjoyed it. I have played a lot of games for the club and scored a few goals too.
“Last year was a bit disappointing, we had a great season in the league but unfortunately did not have any fans. I remember my first season here and those wins at night with all the fans behind you were amazing. So, I am looking forward to getting back out there and seeing those nights again.
“The gaffer has been great with me too. I had a difficult start to my career at Hibs and it took me a while to find my feet. But, as soon as I found them, I have done well. You get a lot of support from the coaching staff, especially David Gray, they are great lads and I enjoy working with them.”
One of the reasons Doidge was delighted to sign the new contract was due to his love of Edinburgh. In fact, his parents love the city too.
“I feel settled, I love where I live, and Edinburgh is beautiful. I always say to my parents do you want me to come home? and they say, no, we will come up and see you.”
Despite the fond memories, Doidge has had a very difficult start to the 2021/22 season. He caught COVID-19 on the first day of pre-season and later suffered from a bad achilles injury early in the season.
“Getting Covid in the summer was a bit of a killer. I was badly affected by it, so I was in the house for around two and a half weeks which was frustrating.
“From there I was trying to play catch-up with the lads to get fit for the start of the season – It was perhaps too much too soon. I played a few games, broke down, and got the achilles injury.
“The achilles is now feeling good, the medical team here are outstanding and got me in a good position to get back fit. Hopefully, I can play more games for Hibs in the next couple of weeks.”
Following his achilles injury, Doidge is now back in training, ready to get back into the action.
“It has been good (to get back to training). It took me a while to get back into it as you are a bit rusty. To go back in after not playing for a while was difficult but you find your feet very quickly and it has been enjoyable. The lads have all given me a lot of banter since coming back in.”
Doidge may be able to return to action as soon as this weekend when we meet Rangers in the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden.
“I am looking forward to it. It is a massive game, and you want to play in these games. I am looking forward to Sunday to try and squeeze on the bench.”
