Former Hibs midfielder Mark Milligan has opened up on his Hibs departure. Given the shortages in the CDM position, Paul Heckingbottom would benefit from the Australian’s services now.
Milligan arrived at Easter Road last season to bolster the Leith side’s midfield options. He went on to play 28 Premiership matches in the Hibs midfield.
Speaking to Australian publication FTLB, the midfielder has opened up on the ‘disappointment’ of being released the Hibees.
He said: “It was disappointing, but obviously with the new gaffer coming in he had the chance to rebuild.
“While it was very difficult to accept, I did understand he had a longer-term plan and with my age and the salary I was taking up there, I offered him a chance to, I guess, rebuild by leaving.
“So it was a little tough to take but I can see where he’s coming from and I thoroughly enjoyed my time under Paul and at Hibs.”
Hibs need a midfielder like Milligan
Heckingbottom is desperately short in the CDM role that Milligan played. He only really has Josh Vela to turn to and academy prodigy Josh Campbell as reserve.
It’s not a lot of depth. Having lost Marvin Bartley as well this summer, the Hibees boss hasn’t properly replaced two of his most experienced squad members.
Milligan should have been offered a one-year extension. He would bring defensive experience to the midfield, something Hibs don’t have now. Even at 33 he is still a brilliant player. He’s a strong tackler and good passer of the ball.
He perhaps isn’t a starter anymore. When he did play from the off, Milligan looked shattered after about 60 minutes. He would, however, be a good player to bring on from the bench to tighten things up if Hibs were looking to see out a game.
He’s with Southend now, but the Australian really should be in Leith. Going by his comments, it seems like he was open to an extended Edinburgh stay too.
Heckingbottom hasn’t replaced Milligan, and he shouldn’t have been released in the first place.