Hibs boss abroad for signing targets

Hibs boss Colin Calderwood is abroad identifying potential signing targets only days after the summer transfer window slammed shut, the Evening News can reveal today,

Calderwood was conspicuous by his absence as tribute was paid to skipper Ian Murray’s ten years at Easter Road with a testimonial match between the current squad – supplemented by the appearances of French World Cup winners Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires – and former stars, among them John Collins, Russell Latapy, Darren Jackson and Steven Fletcher.

Coaches Alistair Stevenson and Gareth Evans, who played half-an-hour for the “Legends” team in a ten-goal thriller which was settled in favour of today’s side on a sudden-death penalty shoot-out, were left in charge but it was the non-appearance of Calderwood which set tongues wagging.

Calderwood was said to be away on club business, but the News understands the Easter Road manager is taking advantage of the plethora of European Under-21 Championship qualifying matches around Europe to eye up possible future targets.

The Under-21 campaign got underway at the end of last week and with further matches tonight and tomorrow, there’s plenty of action available for Calderwood’s attention.

Although he brought in eight players over the summer, Richie Towell and Leigh Griffiths arriving on loan from Celtic and Wolves respectively on deadline day, Calderwood has insisted the recruitment process is one that never ends.

So while there may be nearly four full months before he can make any further signings – apart from free agents – Calderwood is already looking ahead not only to January’s transfer window but next summer’s.

Meanwhile, Adam Mitter, recruited from Blackpool to join the Easter Road Youth Academy set-up, made his debut as Hibs’ Under-19 side travelled to beat Kilmarnock 3-0.