Hibs transfer state of the address as Nick Montgomery offers illuminating insight into change of strategy

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 tomorrow in a bottom six dead-rubber, admits the 37-year-old looks set for a return south of the border as he prepares for a summer clear out.

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 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 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.” 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 No.1 David Marshall.

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