Michael Weir: Contract talks are tough but Hibs players must remember grass isn't always greener

Both Ofir Marciano and Joe Newell are really important players for Hibs. They are players you want to have in your squad, and they are both needed.
Mickey Weir in action for Hibs after returning from his brief stint at LutonMickey Weir in action for Hibs after returning from his brief stint at Luton
Mickey Weir in action for Hibs after returning from his brief stint at Luton

A goalkeeper is such a prized possession; it is a position that a club needs to get right. If you can get a good goalkeeper it’s the start of a good side, and Marciano has certainly been good for Hibs.

I was lucky to play with three or four really good ‘keepers during my career and it’s such an important part of the team.

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As for Joe Newell, I can’t remember him having a bad game. I think his form has been really good.

It's a difficult one for Jack Ross to deal with but hopefully he can get the two of them over the line because they have been good members of the squad and will be vital in the run-in.

Players must perform

No matter if a player is looking for a move or wanting a new contract, the primary aim must be to keep on performing. The worst thing a player can do is overthink it all.

It’s important that players to go out and play their usual game and be as professional as possible because if the club they are with isn't looking to keep them on, maybe some other team will come in for them.

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It's in the players hands because if they perform well, they have both options: the club might offer them a new deal, or another team might be interested.

These days, the most important thing is performing to the best of your ability. If it doesn’t work out at one club there are nearly always other suitors watching the situation.

Everybody knows the contract situation; every club knows which players are going to be available. It's not a secret.

If you're a player it's about performing at the right time and if you’re playing well then it all works in your favour.

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Some people make mistakes and think that the grass is always greener on the other side but a big part of it is how ambitious clubs are. Players want to know what the club can offer them but family and finances obviously come into it.

Grass isn't always greener

In the late Eighties I left Hibs and joined Luton Town. I was young, maybe a bit impetuous.

I always wanted to stay at Easter Road for as long as I could but at the time part of me was thinking it might be my only chance to play at the highest level I could.

I had had a number of run-ins with the manager, and it was a strange time. I jumped into it but I should have thought about it more.

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It wasn't until I got down there that I realised they had an artificial pitch that didn't agree with me. I was getting injuries; wee niggles I hadn't got in the past.

But sometimes as a young man you can be impulsive and think the grass is greener when you make a choice.

I took a chance; I wouldn't say I regret the decision, but I should have thought it through a bit more, and when I went down there I realised it was maybe a rash decision.

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