For the past month, Hibs boss Pat Fenlon has been linked with dozens of potential new signings, including names that the Irishman has never even heard of. Whilst continually refusing to react to speculation, he has always insisted that his objective for the transfer window was to retain the three loan stars, Leigh Griffiths, Ryan McGivern and Jorge Claros for the remainder of the season. That was achieved after considerable negotiations between the clubs involved, and in an added bonus, a further two midfielders have arrived, Scott Robertson on a two and a half year deal from Blackpool and at the last minute Matt Done from Barnsley on a six month loan. In addition, St Johnstone’s Liam Craig has signed a pre-contract and will join the club in the summer.
Fenlon told Hibernian TV:- “At the start of the window, our main objective was to extend the loan deals of Jorge, Leigh and Ryan, which we’ve managed to do, so it has been very productive.
“Full credit to everybody involved in making those loan deals happen and we’re also pleased to be able to add a player of Scott Robertson’s quality to the squad.
“Finally we were pleased to be able to add another loan signing on the final day, Matt Done, who will offer us another wide option in midfield.
“We’re now looking to press on and generate some momentum in the second half of the season; starting with Sunday’s massive Cup tie against Aberdeen.”
Now the winter transfer window has officially closed, Hibernian FC have confirmed the following player movements during the month of January:
Players in (alphabetical order)
Jorge Claros (loan extension until the end of the season)
Matt Done (loan from Barnsley FC until the end of the season)
Leigh Griffiths (loan extension until the end of the season)
Ryan McGivern (loan extension until the end of the season)
Scott Robertson (transfer from Blackpool FC)
Players out (alphabetical order)
Calum Antell – extended loan at East Fife until the end of the season
Danny Galbraith – contract terminated by mutual consent
Harry Monaghan – extended loan to Annan Athletic until the end of the season
Euan Smith – loan to Arbroath until the end of the season
Scott Smith – loan to Dumbarton until the end of the season
Ivan Sproule – permanent move to Ross County
Sammy Stanton – extended loan at Cowdenbeath until the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Fenlon has confirmed that full-back Tim Clancy is a doubt for Sunday, whilst Ryan McGivern should be available for selection. Matt Done has arrived in Edinburgh and will train with the squad on Saturday and his fitness will be assessed before a decision is made as to his inclusion.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
