Former Hibs duo become free agents after release from EFL duo as 'plenty of offers' expected for star
One of the former stars has since featured for Sunderland and Middlesbrough while another has dotted about the EFL.
A former Hibs duo are seeking pastures new this summer after their respective releases from English Football League clubs.
Duncan Watmore had a loan at Easter Road during his formative senior years and has since featured for Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Millwall and most recently Rotherham United. The winger has been released by Rotherham and is joined in free agency by Tom James after his exit from Leyton Orient.
The right-back was at Hibs between 2019-2021 and has spent his time since Easter Road with the League One club. Rotherham have been relegated out of that division and caretaker boss Lee Clark has helped seal ex Hibs, Sunderland and Middlesbrough man’s release.
Who does Duncan Watmore play for?
A statement from the Millers reads: “Following careful consideration between a number of departments within the football club, and taking into account the feedback provided by Lee Clark and his assessment of our playing staff towards the latter stages of the 2025/26 campaign, Rotherham United has confirmed it’s retained list.
“No fewer than 11 senior first team players will depart AESSEAL New York Stadium upon the expiration of their contracts on 30th June. The club also places on-record its gratitude to those departing at the end of their contracts with our thanks for their contributions during their stints here in South Yorkshire.”
Leyton Orient meanwhile sent a personal message to James after his exit comes after almost five years of service. Head Coach Richie Wellens said: “Tom James has been a vital part of our success in the last five years. He is a brilliant person and I can’t speak highly enough of him. The profile of full-back we are looking for now is different to the qualities that Tom has, which is why we have decided to not offer him a contract. I have no doubt that he’ll have plenty of offers for his services.
What did Tom James say about time at Hibs?
“Simmo [Jack Simpson] contributed to a really successful season last year; Diallang Jaiyesimi is someone I have worked with twice before and he helped establish us as a League One club last season. They are both great lads and I wish them well.
“Tobi Oluwayemi has been unfortunate with injuries since he joined us in January, and I wish him well with his next move, too. For the younger lads, this is one of the realities of professional football and I hope it will be an experience they can grow stronger from.”
James said of an initial Hibs loan exit to Wigan in 2021: “I’m delighted to be here. I didn’t have to think about it much, it was a straight yes. I’m looking forward to playing. I haven’t played a whole lot over the past few months, but I’m ready to get going. I want to impress and see how things go. Everyone has been biting to get back playing. I am in the same boat as everyone else, I just want to get back out there.”