Hibs making 'big' Paul Hanlon mistake as Lewis Stevenson predicts Easter Road return with rival club

Lewis Stevenson reckons Hibs are making a major blunder in letting Paul Hanlon head for the Easter Road exit.

The pair said their farewells to home fans after Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Motherwell and are preparing to sign off on Sunday after more than 1100 games between them. Stevenson - Hibs' most decorated player - accepts his time has come to an end but he’s convinced it’s a mistake not to offer Hanlon a new deal.

He said: “I’ve no complaints – I’m 36 and the club need to move on at some point. I can probably say this now – with Paul it’s a big mistake. He’s shown the last few games how good he can be. A left centre-half is very hard to come by, and he’s still playing as well as he’s ever done. Anyone watching that game, any potential suitors, he’s going to be getting a few offers next season.

“Is he still a Premiership centre-back? One hundred per cent. Outside the Old Firm – and obviously he’s not going to go to Hearts – there’ll be plenty teams looking at him.”

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