In what was Johnson’s first job in management at Oldham in English League One, Obita was signed on a two-month loan deal and went on to make 10 appearances, scoring in the FA Cup against Everton.
Whilst under McDermott he was in and around their Premier League squad before fully breaking into the starting XI and being named the Club’s Player of the Year, the season after.
Having successful periods under the pair before certainly played on his mind when the call came in this summer.
“I played under Lee for just over a month, and then with Brian in the Premier League year and in the Championship. They’re both very experienced and hopefully we can do well together.
“They both had me on their list to bring me up here, which is a good sign, so I’m looking forward to working with them again.”
It's not only those two that Obita links back up with, he’s also reunited with his former Reading teammate Adam Le Fondre.
“Alf is a great guy. It always helps when you come to a club and already know someone there. But to be fair to the boys, they’ve been really good.”
The left-back had a number of options in the summer including one to stay with Wycombe Wanderers, but he explained why he decided to move out of his comfort zone and join Hibs.
“The league stood out and there’s a lot of quality teams. Playing in Europe was also a big pull and then there was the chance to test myself in another country.
“In my career so far, I’ve been quite lucky because I haven’t had to move, but when this opportunity came up, I wanted to test myself.”
Having his first 45 mins under his belt against Edinburgh City, Obita is working his way back to fitness.
“Pre-season has been tough. I’ve had a longer time off than all the boys because in League One our season finished really early.
“I’m working hard and getting back to fitness as quicklu as possible.”
