Out of Contract

[Highwayman]

Is it not about time that there was some clarity about what is happening over the players who are out of contract at end of season being :-

(1) Lewis Stevenson :- Easy one first.Definitely new contract for Lewis.Is it to be one year as a player or similar to Gray and McGregor with a view to him taking on a coaching role.
(2) Ofir Marciano :- Have posted before that would be surprised if he signs a new deal.He is 31 years old and will be looking for a final pay deal.If he is going Hibs need to know.Any suggestions for keepers on a pre contact agreement or one on loan if his injury is ongoing.
(3) Joe Newell :- Not so long ago Newell said he was happy at Hibs and would not be hard to deal with re.a new contract.Apparently talks have now stalled.Depends on what Jack Ross sees as his future midfield if Cadden does arrives and plays inside. right to Boyle a fit Magennis in the centre with a fit Murphy to his left where does Newell fit in.
On possible incoming players is a concern that St Mirren allegedly beat of Hibs and Aberdeen to sign Eamonn Brophy on a pre contract.

[Speedy]

Not sure on Lewis. Maybe a year but depends what the other options. Any idea what his football allegiances are? Wouldn't be surprised to see him move to a say Raith Rovers to see out his career.

Other 2 I'd happily extend if they were willing (and within budget)

[CropleyWasGod]

Not sure on Lewis. Maybe a year but depends what the other options. Any idea what his football allegiances are? Wouldn't be surprised to see him move to a say Raith Rovers to see out his career.

Other 2 I'd happily extend if they were willing (and within budget)

He's a Lang Toun boy, so it may happen.:wink:

[MWHIBBIES]

Struggle to find a better, more experienced squad player than Lewis. Should be kept on.

[Allez Hibs]

Struggle to find a better, more experienced squad player than Lewis. Should be kept on.

Absolutely not. Let's free up a wage so the team can move forward.

[ekhibee]

Although I think Stevenson is past his best he's still okay to bring on as a sub IMO, unless Ross has thoughts about bringing in another left back, in which case Stevenson should maybe think about moving on. I always thought Bogdan (for example) was just as good as Marciano, who's a good keeper but not irreplaceable IMO, so if he wants to leave, fair dues. I like Newell, it'd be good to keep him but there's something in the back of my mind which suggests some clubs (i.e. RC and Livingston) have cottoned on to the way he plays and closed him down so that he can't spread the ball, although there's more to his game than just that. It's tough times financially for all the clubs, but we do need to have players that can implement a Plan B when the A game isn't working. Just my opinion.

[Dmas]

Absolutely not. Let's free up a wage so the team can move forward.

Guys been praised numerous times this season for his influence off the field well worth a new contract

[Allez Hibs]

Guys been praised numerous times this season for his influence off the field well worth a new contract

So do we keep Hanlon, Gray and McGregor on as well? The club has to move forward at some point on from 2016.

[Peevemor]

Is it not about time that there was some clarity about what is happening over the players who are out of contract at end of season being :-

(1) Lewis Stevenson :- Easy one first.Definitely new contract for Lewis.Is it to be one year as a player or similar to Gray and McGregor with a view to him taking on a coaching role.
(2) Ofir Marciano :- Have posted before that would be surprised if he signs a new deal.He is 31 years old and will be looking for a final pay deal.If he is going Hibs need to know.Any suggestions for keepers on a pre contact agreement or one on loan if his injury is ongoing.
(3) Joe Newell :- Not so long ago Newell said he was happy at Hibs and would not be hard to deal with re.a new contract.Apparently talks have now stalled.Depends on what Jack Ross sees as his future midfield if Cadden does arrives and plays inside. right to Boyle a fit Magennis in the centre with a fit Murphy to his left where does Newell fit in.
On possible incoming players is a concern that St Mirren allegedly beat of Hibs and Aberdeen to sign Eamonn Brophy on a pre contract.

It'd be nice to have clarity on player contracts in January, but I doubt we'll get answers on everyone. The club can negotiate and make offers but ultimately it's the players' decision.

As for the Brophy thing, I really wouldn't bother too much. We may have been interested but only at the right price and there's no way he'd be a guaranteed starter.

[MWHIBBIES]

So do we keep Hanlon, Gray and McGregor on as well? The club has to move forward at some point on from 2016.Hanlon should be going nowhere, our best central defender.


Absolutely not. Let's free up a wage so the team can move forward.

Sorry, will we suddenly not need cover at left back?

[Jones28]

I love Lewis and under normal circumstances would be more than happy for him to get a new deal, but when money is tight and we’ve got 2, albeit young, left backs on the books already is it a priority? I’m not so sure. Plus we’ve already got McGregor and SDG on player/coach kind of deals, do we really need another one?

[Allez Hibs]

I love Lewis and under normal circumstances would be more than happy for him to get a new deal, but when money is tight and we’ve got 2, albeit young, left backs on the books already is it a priority? I’m not so sure. Plus we’ve already got McGregor and SDG on player/coach kind of deals, do we really need another one?

Agreed.

[Since452]

I'd keep Lewis at the club but for me Doig is ahead of him. Been really impressed by the young lad and he needs the game time to become the new Lewis Stevenson. What a brilliant guy for Josh to learn from though. On and off the park.

[Allez Hibs]

Hanlon should be going nowhere, our best central defender.

Hanlon, see Lewy.

Sorry, will we suddenly not need cover at left back?

We already have two young Left Backs.

[Speedy]

Hanlon should be going nowhere, our best central defender.



Sorry, will we suddenly not need cover at left back?

Depends what the view is on Doig and Mackie. Don't really need more than 2 established players per position

[The Count]

Gordon,O Rourke and Stanton club legends were probably moved on a year or two early.Now we are keeping club legends beyond there sell by date.They will always be legends as a result of 2016 but the team has to evolve and improve.Ferguson being a good example of a manager that kept the team fresh.

[jeffers]

Saturday aside (and who wasn’t poor) I think Stevenson has been decent this season and I’d give him another year. I don’t see it with Mackie plus I don’t think Lewis is on a lot.

I don’t expect Newell to sign an extension though.

[J-C]

Lewis has spoken about his enjoyment of helping the two young lads, Doig and Mackie this season and has openly said he realises he's in the twilight of his career. Give him a 2 year deal and allow him to continue his coaching of the young lads and let him act as cover for them.

[J-C]

Depends what the view is on Doig and Mackie. Don't really need more than 2 established players per position


I think a few of the guys with more knowledge of the set up at Hibs stated that they see Doig as Hanlon's successor, he's still a bit skinny as he's a young lad, was Hanlon not a left back until he moved to CB?

[Onceinawhile]

I love Lewis and under normal circumstances would be more than happy for him to get a new deal, but when money is tight and we’ve got 2, albeit young, left backs on the books already is it a priority? I’m not so sure. Plus we’ve already got McGregor and SDG on player/coach kind of deals, do we really need another one?

But Sean mackie is almost entirely untested. Even doing has only played about 15 games.

[Jones28]

But Sean mackie is almost entirely untested. Even doing has only played about 15 games.

So was Lewis at one point in his career. I don’t want him gone, I’m just wondering if we can afford to keep 3 players in for the same position when we are sorely lacking in other areas.

[Stokesy's on fire]

We should be looking to secure Rockys future hes a brilliant keeper

[blackpoolhibs]

Normally I'd say another year was a certainty for Lewis, but now I don't know. I'd obviously like him to stay, but money is very tight and there are other positions we are perhaps weaker in?

[hibee-boys]

Given the current financial position the time for sentiment is gone. Let’s be honest Gray and Mcgregor are making up the numbers on the bench, how many times have either actually came on during a league game? Add in the reserve keeper and it’s like going back to 3 subs on the bench. Appreciate that the guys chipped in for the league cup game but as much as I respect them we need people on the bench who are either challenging the first XI or a potential game changer. I just can’t see any of them, including Lewis, falling into that bracket next year. Although well intended the deals given to SDG and Darren must now seem regrettable as how would it look to not offer Lewis the same!

[Allez Hibs]

Given the current financial position the time for sentiment is gone. Let’s be honest Gray and Mcgregor are making up the numbers on the bench, how many times have either actually came on during a league game? Add in the reserve keeper and it’s like going back to 3 subs on the bench. Appreciate that the guys chipped in for the league cup game but as much as I respect them we need people on the bench who are either challenging the first XI or a potential game changer. I just can’t see any of them, including Lewis, falling into that bracket next year. Although well intended the deals given to SDG and Darren must now seem regrettable as how would it look to not offer Lewis the same!

Agreed, it's business. No time for sentiment.

[Forza Fred]

I love Lewis, but as a club we must look forward and not be blinded by sentimentality.

I’d let Lewis go with our best wishes and hope that when his playing days finally end, we see him back at East Mains in some kind of coaching role.

Fantastic club servant and wonderful role model.

[Dmas]

We already have two young Left Backs.

We already have 2 young left backs but Stevenson still seems to be getting games ahead of them both or when they do play Stevenson is often brought off the bench to replace them, I like doig he looks a prospect but the eveidence shows he’s maybe not ready to play every game every week at a level consistent enough to replace Stevenson, as for mackie he’s at an age where if he was going to be good enough he’d have replaced Lewis already and an 18 year old kid wouldn’t be ahead of him in the pecking order.

12 years we’ve been having the argument of getting better than Stevenson in at left back and god knows how many managers have failed to do that, Stevenson should be finishing his career at Hibs if that’s on a deal like gray and mcgregor or just another playing deal it’s fine by me.

[Nakedmanoncrack]

Although well intended the deals given to SDG and Darren must now seem regrettable as how would it look to not offer Lewis the same!

Or Paul Hanlon for that matter.

[scoopyboy]

So do we keep Hanlon, Gray and McGregor on as well? The club has to move forward at some point on from 2016.

Only until their state pensions kick in:greengrin

[MWHIBBIES]

I love Lewis, but as a club we must look forward and not be blinded by sentimentality.

I’d let Lewis go with our best wishes and hope that when his playing days finally end, we see him back at East Mains in some kind of coaching role.

Fantastic club servant and wonderful role model.

Tam McCourt is a fantastic club servant. Lewis is a Hibs legend who still has a role to play.

[JimBHibees]

Tam McCourt is a fantastic club servant. Lewis is a Hibs legend who still has a role to play.

Agree think he should get another contract think his form this season has been very good and that the competition for his place has helped him.

[Stuart93]

Agree think he should get another contract think his form this season has been very good and that the competition for his place has helped him.

Really? I don’t think he’s been too good this season. We’ve not gave anyone a regular game at LB yet and switched between Lewis & Doig with Mackie making a couple of appearances. Obviously LS was injured for a period of time as well.

But I disagree that his form has been very good this season. It’s been pretty patchy, he’s had a few decent games but also had a couple poor games. Livi game was the worst I’ve seen from him in a good while, as it was for the whole team

[Juniper Greens]

Although I think Stevenson is past his best he's still okay to bring on as a sub IMO, unless Ross has thoughts about bringing in another left back, in which case Stevenson should maybe think about moving on. I always thought Bogdan (for example) was just as good as Marciano, who's a good keeper but not irreplaceable IMO, so if he wants to leave, fair dues. I like Newell, it'd be good to keep him but there's something in the back of my mind which suggests some clubs (i.e. RC and Livingston) have cottoned on to the way he plays and closed him down so that he can't spread the ball, although there's more to his game than just that. It's tough times financially for all the clubs, but we do need to have players that can implement a Plan B when the A game isn't working. Just my opinion.

The bogdan point is a good one. Not getting a game in Hungary, I'd happily have him back if rocky leaves

[ahibby]

Lewis as a player doesnt go past defenders now and so the back pass is too often predictable. Defensively prone to get into trouble these days. Dont know how useful Lewis is in a coaching role but as a player ww are not very strong with him in the side but you could argue the two young left backs
are not as all round as good as he was when he broke into the team.

[Hibernian Verse]

Lewis as a player doesnt go past defenders now and so the back pass is too often predictable. Defensively prone to get into trouble these days. Dont know how useful Lewis is in a coaching role but as a player ww are not very strong with him in the side but you could argue the two young left backs
are not as all round as good as he was when he broke into the team.

I think that's a given. You couldn't put either in centre mid and get a MOTM performance in a national cup final quite yet.

[Gaffer1875]

I think Lewis’ time is sadly coming to an end. Let him leave as a legend and spend a couple of seasons at Raith or the pars.

I think we will keep Newell and I think Marciano will go due to a larger offer.


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[hibbysam]

I think that's a given. You couldn't put either in centre mid and get a MOTM performance in a national cup final quite yet.

Mackie came on at centre mid against Celtic and ran the show, setting up Flo’s goal, cup final or not that Celtic team was far better than Kilmarnock.

[Hibernian Verse]

Mackie came on at centre mid against Celtic and ran the show, setting up Flo’s goal, cup final or not that Celtic team was far better than Kilmarnock.He didn't run the show. He got an assist and Celtic battered us the rest of the game. Not a patch on that cup final.

Additionally, Mackie replaced Slivka yes but he played wide left. A difficult place to run the show. Watch the highlights back, I may be wrong but I recall that game quite fondly.

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[lord bunberry]

I think Newell and Marciano will leave, Stevenson will most likely get a new contract as I think Mackie will also be released.

[hibbysam]

He didn't run the show. He got an assist and Celtic battered us the rest of the game. Not a patch on that cup final.

Additionally, Mackie replaced Slivka yes but he played wide left. A difficult place to run the show. Watch the highlights back, I may be wrong but I recall that game quite fondly.

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He never played wide left, he played left side of the diamond, and they never ‘battered’ us at all. In fact it was rather comfortable. Mackie was also playing against the best midfield in the country beside Hyndman, Mallan and Horgan, Stevenson was playing against Kilmarnock, with Brown and Beuzelin. An entirely different proposition and although he was very good, he wasn’t in the top 3 players on the pitch that day and got man of the match due to his age, Fletch, Benji and Brown were exceptional.

Stevenson was back then what he is now, just younger. Tidy, gritty but never had the greatest of natural ability. He would need to be on very little wages (Whittaker style) for us to give him a new contract.

[wookie70]

Lewis is more defensively minded than Doig or Mackie so that alone should get him another year. He is still fairly injury free and has had some very good games this year. He has also stated a few times that he isn't on a big wage compared to some so why take the risk or bringing someone else in who might cost more and be less effective when the plan should be to get the best out of the two younger players.

[delbert]

Hanlon should be going nowhere, our best central defender.



Sorry, will we suddenly not need cover at left back?

The point made about Hanlon above is exactly our problem, he probably is the best centre half at the club right now and he is bang average, a converted midfielder who was made a centre half because of his height but his overall stature has seen him bullied and bossed by opposition centre forward for more seasons than I can remember with the added certainty of mistakes like the last minute Celtc one cropping up far too often. Wholehearted for sure, committed to the club undoubtedly but why in all that time here has nobody looking to bolster a failing defence come in for him? Time to sort out the most glaring deficiency in our team, central defence, good teams build from the back !

[MWHIBBIES]

The point made about Hanlon above is exactly our problem, he probably is the best centre half at the club right now and he is bang average, a converted midfielder who was made a centre half because of his height but his overall stature has seen him bullied and bossed by opposition centre forward for more seasons than I can remember with the added certainty of mistakes like the last minute Celtc one cropping up far too often. Wholehearted for sure, committed to the club undoubtedly but why in all that time here has nobody looking to bolster a failing defence come in for him? Time to sort out the most glaring deficiency in our team, central defence, good teams build from the back !

Eh, because he is quality? Thats why he has never been replaced? The highest high this club has reached in 50 years was with him a key player.
Bullied thing was true, about 8 years ago.
Converted midfielder? Pish. Quality defender more like.
Really decent passer, scores a decent share of goals, very good in 90% of games, bizarrely singled out when the team plays poorly because he isn't a blood and snotters yogi type.

Its not exactly our problem. Hanlon has been part of a really solid defence this season that has had a stinker of a week.

[hibbysam]

The point made about Hanlon above is exactly our problem, he probably is the best centre half at the club right now and he is bang average, a converted midfielder who was made a centre half because of his height but his overall stature has seen him bullied and bossed by opposition centre forward for more seasons than I can remember with the added certainty of mistakes like the last minute Celtc one cropping up far too often. Wholehearted for sure, committed to the club undoubtedly but why in all that time here has nobody looking to bolster a failing defence come in for him? Time to sort out the most glaring deficiency in our team, central defence, good teams build from the back !

He’s not been bullied for a long time to be fair. He wins his duals against big centre forwards. He struggles at times when he gets dragged out into the wider areas (see the Ross County goal) and that’s mostly due to a lack of pace.

[Hibernian Verse]

He never played wide left, he played left side of the diamond, and they never ‘battered’ us at all. In fact it was rather comfortable. Mackie was also playing against the best midfield in the country beside Hyndman, Mallan and Horgan, Stevenson was playing against Kilmarnock, with Brown and Beuzelin. An entirely different proposition and although he was very good, he wasn’t in the top 3 players on the pitch that day and got man of the match due to his age, Fletch, Benji and Brown were exceptional.

Stevenson was back then what he is now, just younger. Tidy, gritty but never had the greatest of natural ability. He would need to be on very little wages (Whittaker style) for us to give him a new contract.I dont think he's worth a new contract but I can clearly see that Mackie is nowhere near the level of a 19 year old Lewis Stevenson. And Mackie is older.

Looks like you're arguing for the sake of it, as you can't possibly think Mackie is as good as Lewis was. Certainly won't be playing him at centre mid in the cup final if we get there and want to win it but bash on.

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[Centre Hawf]

Lewis definitely should be given another year. Mackie is still yet to consistently prove himself at Hibs and although looked good before his injury he's been missing since and Lewis has stepped in.

Doig is still VERY young and has been brilliant, be he's also been ran ragged in some games and needed taken out the firing line. I think we're definitely seeing the beginning of the end for Lewis but he still has a lot to offer us around the club as a pro and as a back up.

[hibbysam]

I dont think he's worth a new contract but I can clearly see that Mackie is nowhere near the level of a 19 year old Lewis Stevenson. And Mackie is older.

Looks like you're arguing for the sake of it, as you can't possibly think Mackie is as good as Lewis was. Certainly won't be playing him at centre mid in the cup final if we get there and want to win it but bash on.

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Correct me if I’m wrong but it was you that stated that none of Mackie or Doig could come in and impact ‘a National cup final’ like Lewis did. I’m sorry but that’s nonsense. Firstly they’ve not had opportunity, but secondly they’ve done it in far tougher games alongside far worse players than Lewis did.

Sean has far more ability than Stevenson did and does, he’s more athletic, he’s quicker, he’s got a better delivery and strike, he’s not as good defensively. Stevenson won’t be playing in front of either of them in the semi or the final coming up either if we want to play our best side.

[Hibernian Verse]

Correct me if I’m wrong but it was you that stated that none of Mackie or Doig could come in and impact ‘a National cup final’ like Lewis did. I’m sorry but that’s nonsense. Firstly they’ve not had opportunity, but secondly they’ve done it in far tougher games alongside far worse players than Lewis did.

Sean has far more ability than Stevenson did and does, he’s more athletic, he’s quicker, he’s got a better delivery and strike, he’s not as good defensively. Stevenson won’t be playing in front of either of them in the semi or the final coming up either if we want to play our best side.

They couldn't at centre mid is what I said. You countered that with Mackie playing 45 mins against Celtic at the left hand side of midfield.

I think Sean is your mate as he's not shown that he has the ability many times in the last few years. He certainly won't be the answer to finishing 3rd consistently if that's our aim. Neither is Stevenson I agree.

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[hibbyfraelibby]

Tam McCourt is a fantastic club servant. Lewis is a Hibs legend who still has a role to play.

Tam McCourt did the washing. Lewis did the business.

[hibbysam]

They couldn't at centre mid is what I said. You countered that with Mackie playing 45 mins against Celtic at the left hand side of midfield.

I think Sean is your mate as he's not shown that he has the ability many times in the last few years. He certainly won't be the answer to finishing 3rd consistently if that's our aim. Neither is Stevenson I agree.

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He played centre mid against Celtic, it’s really that simple. Our formation never changed when he came on. If your saying left side of a diamond is left midfield, then left side of a three is as well and that’s where Stevenson played in the final.

Mackie hasn’t shown ability in 3 years? Apart from games against Rangers at Ibrox, Celtic at Easter road etc. He’s been unfortunate with injuries but to say he’s not shown ability is a tad mental.

[superfurryhibby]

They couldn't at centre mid is what I said. You countered that with Mackie playing 45 mins against Celtic at the left hand side of midfield.

I think Sean is your mate as he's not shown that he has the ability many times in the last few years. He certainly won't be the answer to finishing 3rd consistently if that's our aim. Neither is Stevenson I agree.

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Mackie has done nothing to suggest he can become a regular choice at Hibs.

[MrRobot]

Going to be utterly gutted when the day comes that Lewis Stevenson is no longer a Hibs player.

[J-C]

Addressing the rise of Doig and Mackie Stevenson said: “It was always going to happen at some point.

"I'm 32 now and I don't think there are many 32-year-old full-backs in the Scottish Premiership but I genuinely feel physically as good as I have in years.

"When I have stepped in this season I think I've done alright but Sean and Josh have done brilliantly this season.

"Maybe it is time for somebody to come through and play more games but whenever I'm required I'll give it my best.”

Taken from the EEN last month, Lewis knows he's at the end portion of his career and understands the youngsters will take over. The consummate professional will be great for at least another year to help these young lads grow, he's still very fit but I expect him to eventually go into coaching like McGregor and Gray.

[Highwayman]

I think Newell and Marciano will leave, Stevenson will most likely get a new contract as I think Mackie will also be released.

I’m open to be persuaded otherwise,but I tend to agree with you that I can’t see Mackie having a long term future at Hibs.

[Brooster]

If money is as tight as we are led to believe I wouldn't be giving Stevenson a new deal. Great career but we are now at the stage where we can live without him on and off the field.