Mass exodus as Hibs slash costly squad

HIBS yesterday reacted to a week of speculation by admitting the club was in the process of slimming down the squad by as much as 14 players in anticipation of adding new recruits this summer.

Club captain John O’Neil’s expected departure is now set to be followed by Derek Townsley and Freddie Arpinon as Hibs seek to continue drastic cost-cutting measures. A press statement released yesterday sought to answer criticism that Hibs had all but invited players to voice their disquiet in public instead of aiming to clear the air with an official acknowledgement of the club’s intentions.

Townsley, one of the players informed that his contract will not be renewed this summer, spoke of being "led up the garden path" by managing director Rod Petrie, who had apparently promised the midfielder a new two-year deal in January. No player can now expect such security, with Townsley joined on the lookout for a new club by O’Neil and perhaps as many as 12 others.

Alan Dempsie, Paul Hilland, Craig James, Gary Smith, Mathias Kouo-Doumbe, Mathias Jack, Janos Matyus and Mixu Paatelainen are all out of contract this summer, while Grant Brebner, Jarkko Wiss and Nick Colgan, all set to enter the final year of their deals, are described as being "currently in discussions with the club regarding their futures".

Manager Bobby Williamson has issued an ultimatum to those further eight players who, like Townsley, are out of contract this summer: "Some of these players have three or four games left to convince me that they deserve another contract, and we will see how they react," he said, in a clear effort to motivate players who have under-performed this term, and who tomorrow, against Aberdeen, begin the task of earning themselves a future at Easter Road. The assumption must be made that others have already been declared surplus to requirements, with Paatelainen and Jack almost certain to leave Easter Road, the former for the second time in his career.

Even those who remain tied to the club by contracts have been made aware that Hibs will not stand in their way should an acceptable bid be forthcoming. Colgan has been told he can leave if a suitable offer is tabled, with the former Chelsea goalkeeper conceding that he expects to be starting next season in new surroundings. Colgan is one player who Hibs will be looking to cash in on, the Republic of Ireland international having made his second appearance for his country during the midweek win against Norway.

"The club has made no secret of the fact that they need to make funds available by getting players off the wage bill," said Colgan. "I have never asked to leave the club because I am happy here. But I am open to any offers and if something was to come up that would appeal to me, I would be interested. All clubs are cutting back at the moment and Hibs are clearly no different."

The Easter Road club, who announced a record 2.3million loss in the last financial year, are eager to stress it is not all doom and gloom, and fans can look forward to new additions being made to the squad.

After a disappointing season which has seen the team restricted to a bottom-six finish in the Bank of Scotland Premierleague, Williamson is eager to bring new blood in. To do this he must shed high-earning members of staff, but the manager hopes to operate with a reduced squad of around 22 next season.

"It is a difficult time for me but then it is a difficult time for every one at the club," said Williamson yesterday. "I have told the agents of the players to go out and see if they can get their players a better deal. If not we can start talking again. I’ll have spoken to everyone at the club by the end of the season. They will know what the future holds."

Williamson has already identified potential signing targets in England and abroad.

"The bottom line is that supporters can expect the manager to bring several new faces to Easter Road next season," said Petrie. "The club wishes to make it clear to supporters that, while costs are being reduced to ensure the long-term sustainability of the football club, the player-pool budget for next year will ensure that Hibernian FC will compete in the market for players with other Scottish clubs outwith the Old Firm."

In order for this to happen the exit door will be swinging on its hinges at Easter Road this summer. O’Neil is likely to be the first to go, his 3,000 a game appearance money, in addition to his weekly wage, deemed unsustainable in the present climate. "John and his agent have been given permission to speak to other clubs," said Williamson. "In an ideal world I would like to keep John at Easter Road but he is a high earner, and I have to decide how the player pool budget can be best used. These are the difficult decisions a manager has to make. [In addition] Freddie Arpinon has been told he can look for another club and Derek Townsley has been told he will not be given a new contract offer."

Paul Fenwick, however, is one player hoping to remain at Easter Road, having already taken a cut in wages.

"I initially came to Hibs on a two-year contract and extended that under Franck Sauzee," the Canadian international said. "But at the end of last year I was asked to drop my wages, which I agreed to do as the club gave me another year on top of my contract, meaning I am hopefully safe until 2005."