THERE WILL BE NO SPANISH SUNSHINE FOR
DAVID ZITELLI, as the striker released by Hibs a few weeks ago
revealed last night that a proposed move to Spanish side Seville had
collapsed - because the club chairman did not fancy him! There is
however better news for Allan Dempsie, with Hibs boss Bobby Williamson
making it clear he would like the defender to remain at Easter Road.
Dempsie made his first team debut as a substituted against Motherwell in
Hibs 4-0 romp at Easter Road, before starting an SPL game for the first
time in the 2-2 draw against Dundee last weekend. The youngster however
finds himself just one of many players out of contract this summer, with
doubts over if any new deals will be on the table as every SPL club cuts
back on their wage bill. However Bobby Williamson had some reassuring
words for Dempsie last night as he said: "Alan is a player I do want to
keep at Easter Road. He did fine against Dundee but I think he can play
better than that.
"He
had a reasonable debut and it is now up to him to take it on from there
and push for a regular place in the side. He had been doing well in the
Under-21s and that is why he got his chance, he has proven he can play
at this level so his agent will now speak to managing director Rod
Petrie when Rod feels the time is right." For
Zitelli of course there
is no future at Easter Road, the striker having been axed by Williamson
shortly after the new boss arrived from Kilmarnock.
Zitelli however
continues to train with the club until he finds a new club, but that
will not, after all, be in Spain. "I spoke with the Spanish club and
the manager wanted me," Zitelli revealed, adding: "But not the
chairman! That is the reason why I am not now going to
Spain. It is
strange when a chairman overrules a manager and I am disappointed, but
there is nothing you can do about it.
"I
have to keep myself fit training with Hibs until the summer and hope
something comes up soon." Zitelli will now turn his attention back to
his native France in his search for a club.
Meanwhile Hibs fans are being offered an opportunity to take on some of
the Easter Road first team squad - at golf! The club have organised a
Golf Day at the Dalmahoy course outside Edinburgh, with all proceeds
from the event going towards Hibernian Youth. The day is being
organised by the club's new Youth fund-raising coordinator Jennifer
Reid, who told Hibs.net: "We are organising a Golf Day on Tuesday 30th
July 2002 at Dalmahoy Golf & Country Club (East Course) and are lucky
enough to have Bernard Gallacher (previous Masters Captain and one time
Club captain at Dalmahoy). We will also be joined by actor Dougray
Scott and some of the Hibernian First Team players and of course, would
like to extend an invitation to Hibs.net's readers."
The
club are looking for teams of 4 players who will compete in a four-ball
better-ball competition. Anyone wishing to enter a team should contact
Jennifer on 0131 661 2159 (ext 7146) for details.
