Hibs v St Johnstone: Stevenson signs Hibs deal as ten exits are confirmed

Published on Friday 29 April 2011 18:34

Hibs v St Johnstone Clydesdale Bank Premier League At Easter Road, today, kick-off 3pm

TEN confirmed departures, a new contract for Lewis Stevenson, and the futures of four players put on hold until the end of the season concluded a busy day for Hibernian manager Colin Calderwood, as he bids to reshape his squad for the 2011-12 campaign.

Calderwood has known for weeks who will be leaving Easter Road, but yesterday he took the formal step of publicly naming ten players who will definitely not be part of his plans next season. They are John Rankin, Colin Nish, Steven Thicot, Kevin McBride, Kevin McCann, Valdas Trakys, Thomas Flynn, Kurtis Byrne and Ewan Moyes, while Darryl Duffy will return to Bristol Rovers at the end of his season-long loan deal.

It was reported yesterday morning the top goalscorer Derek Riordan will be allowed to leave after failing to agree a new contract, but his name was omitted from the list and his fate remains uncertain. Calderwood has also opted to wait until the end of the season to announce the futures of goalkeeper Graham Stack, midfielder Liam Miller and forward Ricardo Vaz Te.

Rankin and Nish leave after four seasons at Hibs and having begun the campaign under Calderwood's predecessor John Hughes as regular members of the first-team squad.

However, they have been peripheral figures under Calderwood and it is no surprise that their contracts will not be renewed.

A statement from Hibs read: "The manager and everyone at the club wishes all the players the very best for their future careers and thanks them for their commitment and service to Hibernian FC.

"Discussions with other players out of contract this summer are ongoing, and further updates will be provided after the season has finished."

Stevenson's services have been retained by Calderwood, and the Kirkcaldy-born 23-year-old - who this season surpassed the 100-appearance mark and also scored his first goal for the club - is eager to repay the faith shown in him by his manager.

"My main aim this season was to earn a new contract, so I am delighted about being involved again next year, I love it here," said the former Scotland Under-21 international, who was man of the match when Hibs won the CIS Cup against Kilmarnock in 2007. "There is a buzz about what we can achieve next season if we can put together a consistent run of results and I would love to win another trophy with Hibernian."

Hibs' season has been a crushing disappointment, but Calderwood is determined to see his side finish on a high, especially after back-to-back home disappointments against Hamilton (1-2) and St Mirren (1-1).

Goalkeeper Jakub Divis is ready to make his debut in today's Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with St Johnstone after being made to wait for his chance.

The 24-year-old former Czech Republic Under-21 international joined on loan from Slovakian side Tatran Presov in January and his solitary appearance came in the friendly with Bohemians in March.

However, Calderwood confirmed Divis would start against Saints and the former Czech Republic Under-21 international is keen to demonstrate his talent. He said: "When I get my chance I will be very happy. It will be a big day in my career, in my life. I will do everything to win."

Divis began his career with Slavia Prague and played in the UEFA Cup group stage against Ajax in December 2008. After limited opportunity at Slavia Prague, he moved to Slovakia, before switching to Edinburgh as one of six new signings in the winter transfer window. He has taken time to adjust to Scotland, but believes he is now prepared for the rigours of the SPL. He added: "It's a new country for me, new language, new people. It was hard, but now I feel better. I think I'm ready to play for Hibs."

Saints' most recent SPL goal came in the March 5 1-1 draw with Hibs, but that was a Richie Towell own goal. The last time a Saints player found the net in the top flight was Stevie May's goal after 46 minutes of the 2-0 defeat of Hamilton on 1 February - making their barren run 11 games and more than 17 hours of football.