Hibs keep options open on assistant

HIBERNIAN manager Colin Calderwood remains on the look-out for a No 2, despite reports yesterday that youth coach Alistair Stevenson had been appointed as his assistant at Easter Road.

Calderwood was left without a right-hand man following the shock departure of Derek Adams after just six months at the end of the season. Adams stunned many with his decision to leave the manager's post at Ross County back in November and again caused surprise when he performed a u-turn to return to Dingwall last month.

Reports yesterday claimed that Stevenson, who guided the under-19s side to their unprecedented league and cup double two years ago, had been named as first-team coach to assist Calderwood and replace Adams.

The hugely-respected coach is credited with playing a key role in bringing a succession of talented youngsters through into the first team at Easter Road, most recently current regulars Callum Booth and David Wotherspoon. Along with Gareth Evans, he also took charge of Hibs as caretaker following the removal of John Hughes in October and led them to a crucial victory over Kilmarnock.

But sources at the club were last night adamant that the post of assistant manager had not yet been filled and that Calderwood is still weighing up his options.

Meanwhile, vice-captain Paul Hanlon is already looking forward to returning for pre-season training - and to teaming up with new signing Ivan Sproule - in just ten days' time.

The Easter Road squad are due to report again for training on 20 June. The break may have been a short one this summer, thanks to the earlier return to SPL action on 23 July but Hanlon insists he is relishing the challenge of improving on the team's tenth-placed finish.

And he reckons the return of Sproule will prove a good move both on and off the pitch.

He said: "I'm looking forward to it again. When you get to the last week or so of your holiday you are just dying to get back in again. So I'm looking forward to it and we will be doing everything we can to make sure we do far better than last year.

"Everyone knows how good Ivan is - he showed that last time he was here. He brings obvious pace to the team and he will be lightning in attack. He will also bring some experience and he is a good character to have in the dressing room."