Tam McManus addresses 'heartbreaking' Hibs rumour and reveals what he'd do about dilemma

Tam McManus admits it will be heartbreaking to see Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson leave Hibs - and revealed he would keep one of them.

The veteran pair are bona fide Hibs legends having been part of the squad that ended a painful 114-year wait for the Scottish Cup on the glory day in May 2016 when they overcame Rangers in the final. Stevenson also has a League Cup to his name during his time at Easter Road and is the only man in the club's history to have won both.

Both defenders are out of contract in the summer and at the ages of 34 and 36 respectively, look set to finally move on after years of association with the Hibees. McManus can understand why it may be time to allow Stevenson to move on at that age but still feels Hanlon has much to offer.

He said in the Daily Record: "If the rumours are true it doesn’t look like Paul Hanlon or Lewis Stevenson will be around to play a part next term. The whispers going round the capital right now is that both men will be allowed to leave when their contracts expire this summer.

"That would be a huge shame given the contributions they’ve made during their long association with Hibs. Wee Lewis has spent 22 years at Easter Road and is the only man to have collected two winners’ medals at the club. He’s lost his place lately to Jordan Obita, which is no disgrace given the left-back has been my Hibs player of the year.

"At 36, it’s probably the right decision to let him go, even if it will be a heartbreaking call for his boss. Hanlon, however, is a couple of years younger and I still feel he’s got something to offer.

"I said in these pages last week that I’d keep him around for another year and he only convinced me further with the way he played against St Johnstone after coming on to replace Will Fish midway through the first half. It was a solid display from a steady campaigner, capped off by a decent goal. But if this is to be goodbye, hopefully it won’t be for long."

David Gray and Darren McGregor have similar status' at the club and were given coaching jobs when they called time on their coaching career. McManus would like to see the same done in this instance.

He added: "I imagine Stevenson will be giving serious consideration to hanging up his boots given his age, but when it comes to centre-backs I always think they can play a little longer than guys in other positions so it would be no surprise to see Paul pop up elsewhere.

"However, I’d love to see both boys back in a coaching capacity one day. The club have done just that with David Gray and Darren McGregor offered coaching roles and it’s key. These lads have Hibs running through their DNA their experience could be vital helping to rear the next generation of Leith legends."