Hibs: John Hughes to use old pals act to bring in new talent

HIBS boss John Hughes today revealed how he's planning to build a network of former team-mates to act as his "eyes and ears" throughout the world.

During his playing career at Easter Road Hughes rubbed shoulders with stars from around the globe including Russell Latapy from Trinidad and Tobago, French ace Franck Sauzee and Mathias Jack and Dirk Lehman from Germany.

Now he is hoping an old pals' act will help him bring fresh talent to Edinburgh as he seeks to continue strengthening his squad.

Hughes already remains in regular contact with Latapy, even although the "Little Magician" has returned to the Caribbean.

And, Hughes disclosed, he hopes to bring Jack, now a scout with German second division side Arminia Bielefeld on board as well.

He said: "It's all about networking, keeping my finger in as many pies as possible. The great thing about my old team-mates are that they played for Hibs, they know the city, the size of the club, the standard of player I am sure they'd know exactly what we are looking for.

"I speak to Russell regularly, the last time being about three weeks ago. He's keeping his eyes and ears open for us – I wouldn't mind him finding another Kenwyne Jones or possibly the next Russell Latapy.

"Russell also knows the market in Portugal from his days playing there and it was because of that we managed to bring Pedro Moutinho and Vitor Lima to Falkirk. Russell certainly has an eye for a player." Revealing there's also been contact between Hibs and Jack, Hughes admitted he'd love to have the former midfielder operate on the club's behalf in Germany. He said: "It wouldn't be a case of Mathias working for Hibs as such, more keeping an ear to the ground over there for us.

"It's all about building up contacts. If someone was to phone me up and ask about this or that player in Scotland I'd know who they were speaking about instantly because, having been in the game here for so many years, I know it like the back of my hand."

• HIBS have announced their season ticket launch will take place next week, promising a number of "innovative developments" including a free ten-month payment plan.