Hibs boss urges patience as fans await summer signings

The Easter Road boss is well aware supporters are desperate to discover the identity of the players he intends to bring to the club following the departures of Abdessalam Benjelloun, Patrick Cregg, Yves Ma-Kalambay and Darren McCormack as well as the on-loan Alan Gow.

But, he insisted, ensuring he lands the stars who can enhance a squad which will also be competing in the Europa League this coming season is more important than quick-fire signings.

He said: "When I first started in management I never used to take a holiday as I thought I could steal a march on other clubs when it came to signings. But I soon realised it didn't work like that, people go on holiday, the phones are off and very little gets done." Hughes was adamant, however, that the outward show of inactivity as Capital rivals Hearts unveil Darren Barr and Kevin Kyle should not be taken as a sign that nothing is happening.

He said: "We have been working very hard seeking to ensure we bring the right types to the club, players who will enhance the squad we already have, guys of the quality we feel the supporters deserve."

There has, of course, been much speculation as to who might be arriving and who might be added to the list of departures, but Hughes refused to be drawn into commenting. He said: "I have heard all the rumours of comings and goings but I have promised myself I am not going to get involved in all of that.

"I've always said that we could do with a bit more physical presence and experience, that there are areas we want to strengthen but you have to be patient."