Aaron Xuereb and Adrian Pulis have signed a new two-year contract with Hibs.
The two experienced defenders, both key members of Hibs’ title-winning squad in season 2008/09, had been tipped to seek pastures new amid reports of interest from other clubs but they have now ended all speculation about their future by inking new deals that will keep them with the Paola club until 2012.
After a dismal season in which Hibs failed to mount a serious bid to retain the title and finished a disappointing sixth, coach Mark Miller has been striving to bring in some reinforcements but with a crop of talented homegrown youngsters coming through, the Englishman was also keen to keep his senior personnel.
Miller has moved quickly to sign two new foreign players, English defender Matthew Clarke and Scottish forward Paul McManus.
The Paolites, who allowed Malta defender Jonathan Caruana to move to Premier League rivals Valletta for an undisclosed transfer fee, are looking to acquire two other overseas players and the word is that they are prepared to offer a contract to Nigerian midfielder Uzeh Edafe who had a spell with the club a few years ago.
Matthew Gauci has also joined Hibs. The promising forward has decided to return to Maltese football after a successful stint with English non-league club Lowestoft FC.
Hibs are also in advanced talks with Division Two club San Ġwann to take defender Steve Pisani on loan for one season.
The newcomers at Hibs will get the chance to further press their claims for a first-team berth during next week’s Carlsberg Tournament.
Hibs, the hosts of this annual pre-season competition, Birkirkara, the reigning champions, Qormi and newly-promoted Premier League side Marsaxlokk will take part in this year’s event.
The tournament kicks off on Monday at 7 p.m. with the match between Hibs and Marsaxlokk. Birkirkara take on Qormi in the second match, starting at 9 p.m.
Hibs face Qormi in the opening match on Wednesday (August 25) followed by Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk.
The final two matches – Qormi vs Marsaxlokk and Hibernians vs Birkirkara – will be played on Friday, August 27.
Meanwhile, Premier League club Floriana will present their 2010/11 squad during a social activity at Luigi Preziosi Gardens this Friday. The event, called Greens Night, will kick off at 8.30 p.m.