Former player returns to face Rangers 17 years after drink-driving conviction and brief Hibernian spell
David Grof, a 36-year-old goalkeeper, is preparing to face Rangers in a Europa League match tonight while playing for Ferencvaros. His journey spans nearly two decades since his brief involvement with Scottish football in 2008.
Grof joined Hibernian’s youth academy in 2006 and served as third-choice goalkeeper at Easter Road. His sole competitive appearance occurred during a League Cup loss to Morton in August 2008, a 4-3 defeat that went to extra time, marking an inauspicious debut.
His early career faced significant obstacles when a drink-driving conviction in December 2008 resulted in a two-year driving ban. Following his departure from Hibernian, Grof embarked on an extensive career across multiple countries, representing clubs in England, Germany, and Hungary before eventually settling with Ferencvaros.
After initial departures and stints abroad, including time with Debrecen and Greek side Levadiakos, Grof returned to Ferencvaros in January 2025. He primarily serves as backup to the club’s primary goalkeeper but will start tonight due to the regular starter’s injury.
Speaking about the upcoming fixture, Grof emphasized the magnitude of the occasion. He acknowledged Rangers as an exceptionally significant challenge to demonstrate his capabilities to manager Robbie Keane and supporters. The goalkeeper noted that few career opportunities compare in importance, while remaining confident in his team’s preparations and supporters’ enthusiasm for progression in the competition.
