Hibs face competition for Tim Clancy

Fir Park boss Stuart McCall confirmed yesterday that the player had told him that he would not be renewing his contract at Fir Park, revealing that the defender had told him he had been “offered a far better deal from elsewhere”.

The 27-year-old is believed to have rejected a new deal in favour of a move to Hibs, although he is also believed to have been attracting the attentions of a club south of the border.

Having seen his team escape relegation with just one game to spare and suffer a 5-1 defeat to their rivals Hearts in the Scottish Cup final last weekend, Fenlon knows that he faces a major rebuilding task over the summer.

The club announced over the last few days that they have allowed club captain Ian Murray and goalkeeper Graham Stack to leave – and more players are expected to be jettisoned.

Loanees James McPake, Leigh Griffiths, Matt Doherty, George Francomb, Tom Soares, Richie Towell and Roy O’Donovan have also returned to their respective clubs.

Fenlon is believed to be keen on bringing both McPake and Griffiths back to Easter Road and sees Clancy as a major part of his plans for future.

Former Kilmarnock player Clancy told www.motherwell fc.co.uk: “It was a very hard decision for me to leave as I loved my time at the club so much.

“I have read online that I have been quoted as saying that any move away would be a step up – I said nothing of the sort and have no idea where it has came from.

“I have too much respect for the club, the manager and the fans for that.

“I want to thank everyone for making me feel so welcome and I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for the boys when they embark on their European run in July.”