Former Hibs captains James McPake and Kevin Thomson were the first big name casualties as the Easter Road side prepares for life in the Championship.
Following yesterday”s capitulation in the Premiership play-off against Hamilton, both players were deemed surplus to requirements with their contracts due to expire in a few days.
The release of former Livingston man McPake comes as no great surprise with the centre half being overlooked for the final few games of the season despite returning to full fitness with Terry Butcher preferring to use left back Ryan McGivern to partner Michael Nelson in the heart of the defence.
“The manager has told me I’ll not be part of his plans,” McPake told Sky Sports News.
“The blame lies with the players as we got the club relegated but you cannot look entirely at the players.
“I’m gutted. I love playing for this football club. It was some good and some very bad times as well but I’m more disappointed I never got the chance to help the club stay in the division.”
Thomson is the one player almost all supporters were hoping would re-sign however rumours of a falling out with the back room staff made his return to the club a shorter stay than most would have liked.
Tommo told Sky Sports “I won’t be staying.
“I’m obviously disappointed. It’s hard. Everyone knows how much I love the club.
“Unfortunately the manager has got a different opinion to a lot of people so I have got to respect that and I will be looking for a new job.
“I’m a Hibs fan and it breaks my heart to see the club be in a situation that they are.
“I wish I could have come on and changed the game. I tried my best to try and get hold of the ball and calm us down a wee bit but I think unfortunately from the first minute to the last we were second best to Hamilton.
“I’ve tried to put in some good performances. Yesterday was not one of them but I think it’s hard to judge somebody on one game of football.”
More players are likely to be told they are leaving as the day progresses – Vital Hibs will keep you updated as the cull continues.
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I’d had loved it if Thommo could stay but his falling out with Malpas was the beginning of the end. Both players would do a job easily in the Championship. Another bad judgement call from Butcher. His damage could be everlasting.