Hibs On A Mission

Last updated : 24 April 2011 By Ed_ScottishFitba

derek adams IIHibs are looking to pick up all 15 points available from the games left to play of the SPL season as manager Colin Calderwood considers the options to change his playing squad. Today Hibs play a St Mirren side fighting to stay in the SPL a week after losing to bottom club Hamilton. Hibs assistant manager Derek Adams is determined the Easter Road side finish the season well in order to have a foundation to improve from next time around, with winning football helping to attract new players. Adams met the press this week as Calderwood was otherwise engaged watching potential transfer targets. He said: "It's very important because we're trying to finish in seventh position. That's as high as we can go and we're going to strive to win every game between now and the end of the season." 
 
Hibs have a number of players out of contract at the end of the current campaign with goalkeeper Graeme Smith leaving the club with immediate effect this week after being told he would not be offered a new contract. Calderwood has already told the players he deems surplus to requirements, while some, including Derek Riordan and Ricardo Vaz Te, must wait until the end of the season to find out his thinking on their futures. Adams admits this tactic may be unsettling, but he believes the players may perform better in order to prove a point. He said: "It can be beneficial for both sides. It can be beneficial from the point of view players want to play - other clubs are looking at them, other managers. The players will be looking after themselves but if they perform well they'll be looking after Hibernian Football Club as well." 
 
Hibs won only two of Calderwood's first 17 games in charge before an upsurge in fortunes coincided with the recruitment of six players during the winter transfer window. The aim is to bring in further reinforcements next term. Adams added: "Hopefully over the summer there will be players coming in who can take the club forward. We're looking to take in other players and blend a squad that can push us on from this season."