Hibs boss confirms Le Fondre will leave

Nick Montgomery has confirmed that Adam Le Fondre is set to leave Hibs as he revealed his plans for a huge squad cull this summer.

Vastly-experienced striker Le Fondre joined on a one-year deal under old boss Lee Johnson last June and has notched five goals in 27 outings.

But Montgomery, whose side host Aberdeen on Sunday in a bottom-six deadrubber, admits the 37-year-old looks set for a return south of the border as he prepares for a summer clearout.

Montgomery, who has a total of 18 players out on loan, also plans to strip back the development squad after claiming he would need four training pitches to accommodate everyone.

On former Reading, Bolton and Sydney FC marksman Le Fondre, Montgomery said: “I’ve known Adam a long time. His family live down south and he spent three or four months out with a knee injury. Alfie’s a big character.

“Those discussions have been that there likely won’t be a contract for him here next season.

“Alfie’s the ultimate professional, an out-andout goalscorer – I’m sure he’s got a lot to offer.

“But he’s getting to the age now where he’ll be looking at what he’s doing moving forward.

“It’s not been a concrete decision but it’s been discussions where it’s likely he will move on and be back with his family down south.”

Hibs announced earlier this week that club legends Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson would depart this summer, but Montgomery admits no decision has yet been made on former Scotland No1 David Marshall.

He added: “I’ll sit down with Marsh at the end of the season and see what he’s thinking.

“He’s been absolutely outstanding for me this season.”