Adam Le Fondre set for Hibs exit as Montgomery reveals talks

The 37-year-old striker's contract expires at the end of the season and his manager has confirmed it's likely it won't be renewed amid reports a parting of the ways was on the cards. Montgomery says a final decision has not yet been rubberstamped, but he expects Le Fondre will not be part of his plans moving forward.

He would follow club legends Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson through the exit door after their dual departure was announced earlier this week. Le Fondre's expected exit will form part of a wider cull of players as Montgomery looks to reduce the number he's working with, and make space for new arrivals.

“I’ve known Adam a long time, his family live down south and he spent three or four months out with a knee injury," said Montgomery. "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-and-out goalscorer – I’m sure he’s got a lot to offer moving forward.

“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."

READ MORE: Hanlon, Stevenson, and the motto written for Hibs icons

With no fewer than 18 returning to East Mains at the end of their respective loan deals this summer, Montgomery wants to significantly downsize the number of contracted senior players on the books.  The manager says Hibs not having an U23 or reserve team means there will be no place at the club for them moving forward, and that several discussions have been held with individuals over what comes next.

“Obviously I’ve monitored the players out on loan throughout the season, with people at the club watching their games live," said Montgomery. "It’s obviously difficult for me to watch 18 players live out on loan, but thankfully I’ve been able to see plenty on Wyscout.

“We’ve been in constant communication. At times they have popped back into HTC when they’ve had time off. Like every club, at the end of the season, you look at the squad and speak to the players.

“The reality is some will come back, some may leave in the off season. But, while they’re under contract, they’re part of the club. You have to have those discussions with players and their agents. That’s a job in itself.

“The reality is players want to play football. As a club, we can be proud if these players move on and play at other clubs, help them on their way. You have to be honest in these conversations. If I don’t feel like they can come back and play in the first team next season, then they’re too old to play in the under-18 team. Because we only have an under-18 team. There is no 23s, there is no real reserve team, so that’s just the situation at the club.”

One current first team player whose future remains undecided, however, is David Marshall. The veteran goalkeeper is also out of contract come the summer, but Montgomery says the plan has always been to sit down with the 39-year-old after the final ball of the campaign has been kicked.

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“With Marsh, it’s always been that we’d get to the end of the season and sit down," the manager confirmed. "That’s what the man deserves, he’s been absolutely outstanding for me this season. When I came in, people questioned whether he should be number one but if anyone tell me there’s been lots of better goalkeepers than David Marshall in the league, I’ll deny that. He’s been outstanding.

“He’s picked up a few niggles but he looks after himself really well. I’ll sit down with Marsh at the end of the season and see what he’s thinking, but right now it’s about focusing on the last three games starting with Aberdeen on Sunday.”