First-team trio to leave Hibs next month
● Whittaker, Slivka and Bogdan to exit Easter Road when contracts expire
Hibernian players Adam Bogdan, Steven Whittaker and Vykintas Slivka will leave Easter Road when their contracts expire in June, the club has confirmed.
The trio are the only firstteam players who are out of contract and will be followed out the exit door by development squad members Jack Hodge, Kosovar Sadiki and Matthew Yates, while the four loanees at the club – Greg Docherty,stephaneomeonga, Marc Mcnulty and Jason Naismith – will all return to their parent clubs.
The door has been left open, however, for the return of Whittaker, the club stating: “Hibernian hope there will be an opportunity for Steven
to return in the future in some capacity, and he is held in the highest esteem by his colleagues.”
Whittaker, who turns 36 next monthandisstudyingtowards his coaching A licence, started his career at Hibs in 2002, gaining a League Cup winner’s medal before moving to Rangers, where he collected eight domestic trophies including three league titles.
He then transferred to Norwich City, where he won a Championship play-off final and made 41 appearances in the English Premier League, before returning to Easter Road in 2017.
Sporting director Graeme Mathie added: “Steven is someone whose development the club takes real pride in.
“One of a number of young players who emerged from the Academy at the same time and captured the imagination, he is a real role model and example of what can be achieved when you dedicate yourself to your profession.
“He has been a positive, strong influence on teammates – young and experienced alike. Given his association with the club over a long period of time, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him back at Easter Road in some capacity in the future.”
Bogdan joined Hibs for a second time in November on an initial short-term contract that was extended until the end of the season. However, the Hungarian international failed to make a first-team appearance on his return.
“Adam is someone I hold in similar regard,” Mathie said. “His pedigree speaks for itself, but his human qualities are what stand out. Like Steven, he is another who was always happy to spend time passing on advice to younger players looking to make their way in the game.”
Slivka, meanwhile, joined the club in the summer of 2017 from Juventus and solidified his spot in the Lithuanian international set-up in the process. He made 67 appearances for Hibs, scoring three goals, including two memorable strikes against Rangers and Celtic.
Mathie added: “Vykintas came to Easter Road as a young player, looking to establish himself as a first-team player after spending his formative years in the Juventus youth system.
“We’re delighted that, over the course of time, he’s become an international regular and enjoyed some great moments in a Hibs shirt.
“I’m sure the supporters will join me in thanking them for their contributions to Hibernian and we wish them all the best for the future.
“Similarly, we thank Jack, Kosovar and Matthew for their efforts. We hope they’ve been able to benefit from their time within our set-up and they apply the lessons learned for whatever comes next in their careers.”
Hibs also hailed the impact of their four loan players after confirming that they have returned to their parent clubs following the end of the 201920 season.
Defender Naismith returns to Peterborough United, midfielders Docherty and Omeonga go back to Rangers and Genoa respectively, while striker Mcnulty returns to Reading.
Hibs thanked the four players for their “important contribution to the club, on and off the pitch”.
The club stated: “All four have added something different to the group and were very popular members of the dressing room in their own way.
“Greg is a model professional, with maturity beyond his years. Jason has shown unbelievable resilience and, even after suffering his injury, was an important presence around the training ground and Easter
Road on matchdays. Marc and Stephane already had that strong relationship with the supporters from their initial loan spells and it was a pleasure to work with them again.”
Docherty and Omeonga paid tribute to the club following the end of their Easter Road deals.
Taking to Twitter, 23-yearold Docherty posted: “Thank you to everyone @Hibernianfc for the opportunity and experience during my time at the club. It was a brilliant dressing room to be part of! All the best in the future.”
Belgian midfielder Omeonga returned for a second loan spell at Easter Road in January and managed ten appearances, half as a substitute, his only goal coming in the 5-2 win over Inverness in the Scottish Cup.
The 24-year-old also stated his appreciation of the club on Twitter, posting: “As the season is over, my loan came to an end. Just wanted to thank you all for welcoming me back in such a beautiful way! I wish you all the best for the future. No matter what happens, I’ll be cheering you guys.”
“Givenhis[whittaker’s] association with the club over a long period, it wouldn’t surprise metoseehimbackat Easter Road in some capacity in the future”
GRAEME MATHIE