by Stuart Crowther

Date: 21st June 2002

Waiting game continues for Hibees Johnson may be set to join Livi WHILE MOST IN THE SPL PLAY A WAIT AND SEE GAME, a few clubs, notably Livingston, are not hanging around in snapping what they see as the best out of contract players this summer.  The West Lothian side, set to play in the UEFA cup for the first time, have been busy almost from the last kick of the ball that saw them finish as 'best of the rest' in the last campaign.  Not for them talk of doom and gloom in the face of limited television income - and that could prove costly for Hibernian and their reported interest in former Celtic and Kilmarnock striker Tommy Johnson. Johnson is one of many players yet to sign terms with any club, having completed a 1-year deal at Kilmarnock after Bobby Williamson snapped him while in charge at Rugby Park.  It is of course little more than speculation that Williamson retains an interest in the striker, but the loss of Craig Brewster to Dunfermline brought about by Hibs inability to take a chance on new signings has left a gaping hole in Williamson's squad.  That will prove to be an even greater problem is, as has been reported, Garry O'Connor is also the subject of a move out of Easter Road.  Livingston look set to add further to their squad early next week, with another striker said to be the target for Davie Hay and Jim Leishman who are reported to have held talks with the player they want.  And Hibs.net's spies in West Lothian assure us that Johnson was certainly in the vicinity of Almondvale recently! De La Cruz and agent Eric Manasse, who has been touting the player around Europe it seems Hibs will not be making any immediate moves in the transfer market at least until Bobby Williamson returns from holiday later this month, and the club are also remaining tight-lipped over continued interest being shown in Ulises de la Cruz.  The Ecuador international, currently at home relaxing after his efforts in the World Cup Finals, clearly does not wish to return to Edinburgh and his agent is actively, and very likely to the great annoyance of the management at Easter Road, seeking a new club for his client.  French side Lille are the latest outfit to be touted by De La Cruz's agent as possible purchasers of the remaining 3-years De La Cruz has at Easter Road, although one does wonder at the communication problems he might face in France having never come close to mastering English in his year at Easter Road. Lille are said to have asked for video recordings of De La Cruz in action, while Italian side Chievo had him watched during the World Cup finals.  The only club it seems who are not being credited with an interest in De La Cruz is Hibernian.  With the World Cup finals drawing to a conclusion, attention will soon turn once again to the domestic game with Hibs due back for pre-season training in just over two weeks.  De La Cruz is not expected to return with the rest of the squad, having been giving permission to remain on holiday a little longer after his World Cup efforts, but it seems increasingly likely that his return will be simply to pick up his belongings. Mathias Jack meanwhile will hope to hear from Easter Road next week if he is expected to join his team-mates for pre-season training at Easter Road.  The German has been patiently waiting for any offer of a new deal, but his patience has to end sometime and a week before training is due to restart is perhaps more than a little fair on the player's side!  Jack has other options including a few possibilities to remain in Scotland, his is another gamble that might yet backfire on Bobby Williamson.