From the short-term loan players with attractive options elsewhere to the veterans entering the final stages of their contracts, the Hibs training HQ out at East Mains could witness a festival of farewells, leaving parties and exit interviews this summer. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Should billionaire Bournemouth owner Bill Foley’s tie-in produce the promised benefits, it’s not as if Nick Montgomery will be short of options as he looks to replace some of the departing talent. And, without making too many judgements on his predecessors, he’ll probably fancy clearing out some of the unsuitable spare odds and ends left behind by previous misadventures in the transfer market.
But Monty would undoubtedly be thrilled if one or two of the existing loan arrangements could be extended, or even parlayed into permanent transfers. Nor is it guaranteed that absolutely all of the out-of-contract old-timers will be shooed out the door as soon as their registrations expire. And this is before we factor in the other guys, the players out on loan but still under contract and due to return to Hibs – whether they want them or not – at the end of the season.
Here we take a look at details of a potential exodus, focusing on key players facing uncertain summers – and assessing their chances of kicking of next season in Hibs colours:
5. Lewis Stevenson – contract expiring: UNLIKELY
A magnificent club servant who underlined his quality with a spectacular goal in Wednesday night’s win over Championship title contenders Raith Rovers, nobody would be overly surprised if Stevenson kicked off next season in dark blue at Stark’s Park. Jordan Obita signing a contract extension this week underlines the Englishman’s status as first choice left back. Kirkcaldy boy Stevenson won’t be short of offers elsewhere, with Raith the most obvious suitors. And he can definitely still play. If he wants more first team action, it’ll just have to be somewhere else. | SNS Group
6. Myziane Maolida – on loan from Hertha Berlin: A HARD SELL
The guy is obviously talented. Already his team’s joint top scorer in the league, alongside Le Fondre, Maolida has certainly made an impact since signing for Hibs in January. The problem is that he’s under contract with Hertha until 2025. While they clearly don’t want a player they’d relegated to their B team way down in the German regional leagues, he’ll be on a big salary. How much do you gamble on one player? | SNS Group
7. Paul Hanlon – contract expiring: UNLIKELY
Club captain and, like Stevenson, a living legend at Hibs, the central defender has found it difficult to nail down a starting place since Rocky Bushiri’s return from international duty. That he can still play is beyond question. He’s just not the manager’s first choice. He’ll have options on and off the park this summer, including the possibility of moving into the coaching set-up at HTC. Maybe he earns himself a one-year contract to play on. But, if he’s not in the first team, would he really want that? | SNS Group
8. David Marshall – contract expiring: UNLIKELY.
What else does the veteran goalkeeper have to approve? What else might he achieve that would top his previous career highs? Sure, there’s a possibility that the 39-year-old decides to play on for another year. If he does, Hibs should jump at the chance to tie him down for next season. But he sounds increasingly like a man content with his lot – and happy to walk into the sunset at a time of his own choosing. | SNS Group