MX23RW : Tuesday, December 17 06:30:34| >> :600:343809:343809:

Hibernian duo James McPake, Kevin Thomson released by club

James McPake and Kevin Thomson are released by Hibernian following the club's relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

James McPake and Kevin Thomson have been released by Hibernian following the club's relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

Hibs slipped down to the second tier on Sunday as they lost their playoff against Hamilton Academical on penalties.

Manager Terry Butcher held individual meetings with his squad on Monday morning, and McPake and Thomson were among those who were told that they will not be offered new contracts next season.

"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."

Hibs were last relegated from the top flight of Scottish football in 1998, but they managed to gain promotion the next season.

ID:156913: cacheID:156913:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2063:
Written by
Jack Prescott
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Hamilton Academical manager Alex Neil watches on during the Scottish Premiership Play-off Final First Leg, between Hamilton Academical and Hibernian on May 21, 2014
Read Next:
Hamilton clinch Premiership berth
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1514104444043
2Aberdeen16104230181234
3RangersRangers1510232791832
4Motherwell168172226-425
5Dundee UnitedDundee Utd166642519624
6St Mirren176382228-621
7Dundee165472729-219
8Kilmarnock174581834-1617
9Hibernian173682129-815
10Ross County173681333-2015
11St Johnstone1742112032-1214
12Hearts1734101826-813


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!