Hibs unveil Hall of Fame plan for 135th birthday, while Maribor await in Europe

HIBERNIAN have announced the creation of a Hall of Fame to celebrate the club's 135th birthday, and will induct the first batch of nominees at a gala dinner at Easter Road on 15 October.

The Hall of Fame has been established in partnership with four key organisations - the football club, Hibernian Historical Trust, the former players association and the supporters association. A list of nominees has been compiled and they will be announced to the public on 6 August - the club's actual birthday. Following the event in October the inductees will be commemorated in a permanent exhibition.

Meanwhile, assistant manager Brian Rice has been despatched to watch Europa League opponents NK Maribor in action at the weekend after the Slovenian side set up a third qualifying round tie after overcoming Videoton 3-1 on aggregate. Maribor, who settled the tie with a 2-0 home second-leg victory, will have home advantage in next Thursday's first leg, with the return at Easter Road on 5 August.

Hibs manager John Hughes watched last night's match on television at his side's Dutch training camp and Rice will see Maribor in person when they face Rudar in their second league match - their first resulted in a 5-0 win over Triglav Kranj. Hughes told Hibernian TV: "Maribor will play their first league game on Sunday, so Brian Rice will stay over there and watch them again. They look a decent side, we watched their match on TV. The two wingers look like they have got good pace."

Hibs wrap up their pre-season tour to the Netherlands with a match against Vitesse Arnhem this afternoon.