Fletcher the latest to head for Hibs exit
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Steven Fletcher yesterday signalled his intention to become the latest young Scot to move to a bigger stage when the Hibernian striker, 20, a Scotland under-21 international likely to graduate to full honours soon, announced he wants to leave Easter Road in January. "It is a shame it has come to this," said the player's agent, Scott Fisher, who added that Hibs' latest contract offer was "insulting". Fletcher, who has scored seven times in 13 games, is likely to attract interest from the Old Firm and possibly further afield.
Hibs, who operate on a tight budget and cannot compete with major clubs' wage levels, have already lost 10 key first-team players in the past 18 months. Scotland's Scott Brown and New Zealand's Chris Killen went to Celtic in the summer, while Northern Ireland's Ivan Sproule went to Premiership-chasing Bristol City, Steven Whittaker to Rangers, goalkeeper Simon Brown to Brentford, and Michael Stewart to Hearts. Before that, Kevin Thomson went to Rangers in January, while last year striker Garry O'Connor went to Lokomotiv Moscow (and then Birmingham), and Derek Riordan and Gary Caldwell went to Celtic.
Despite such departures, Hibs lie third in the SPL table, within a win of the summit before they host fourth-placed Dundee United today. Celtic, leaders with 28 points, host Aberdeen.
The lunch-time kick-off sees Rangers, in second place, also on 25 points, travel to Falkirk, with key players among the Ibrox contingent – not least the rising Scotland star, Alan Hutton – hoping to put last weekend's Euro 2008 disappointment against Italy behind them.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments