WITH THE SUMMER SHUTDOWN WELL AND TRULY HERE as far as the League campaign is concerned, part time reporters of Hibs-related news such as websites have to look hard to find anything of note to report on their club.  Indeed, the only real piece of news over the last 24 hours has been the launch, to a mixed reaction, of the club's new home strip for the coming season.

Whilst the club has retained elements of what the fans want to see, white sleeves and green socks, it's the small details that seem to have gained the most mixed reaction from those who may have been looking to purchase this year's effort.  Moving the Hibs badge into the middle of the chest area as opposed to one side has certainly had fans talking while the inclusion of a white panel on each side has opened up a debate on whether these have actually been seen on the strip before.

The most controversial inclusion on the new strip however, has to be the, well whatever it is, on the front of the socks!  Resembling the look of a coat hanger, these appeared a few weeks ago on the socks that will be worn when Hibs have to change.  It's hard to see from the official photograph what these are actually meant to be but with the club about to send out details to all those who are on their database in the next few days, it may become clearer.

De La Cruz in happier times at Hibs (sns)

Meanwhile, reports linking former Hibs defender Ulises De La Cruz with a move to Rangers have been shot down this morning by his agent Eric Manasse.  Since the change in management at the Birmingham club, the Ecuadorian international has been deemed surplus to requirements and had been quoted as saying that Rangers and Middlesbrough had expressed an interest in signing him.  However, Manasse has denied at least half of this saying, "No on from Rangers has contacted us."  In what seems to be a replay of last summer's shenanigans, Manasse added, "It is maybe a little wishful thinking on Ulises' part that he might work with him (McLeish) again some day".

The decision to deny Falkirk promotion to the SPL is set to rumble on again today as Chairman Campbell Christie takes the matter further on two streams.  Christie will lodge an appeal on behalf of the First Division Champions with the SFA and the Office of Fair Trading in London this morning.  "The SPL had no justifiable reason for denying us our rightful place in the Premier League." Campbell said last night.  "This decision has seriously prejudiced our business and an important matter of principle is at stake.  It is our intention to pursue every course open to us."  So once again the summer break could turn into an interesting affair after last year's 'will-they-won't they' although this year it's a club looking to join the SPL as opposed to 10 leaving!