LE FONDRE FAREWELL

Monty hails veteran as he heads for exit

- DARREN JOHNSTONE

NICK MONTGOMERY confirmed Adam Le Fondre is on the way out at Hibs as he revealed plans for a summer squad cull.

Vastly experienced striker Le Fondre joined on a one-year deal under former boss Lee Johnson and has notched five goals in 27 outings.

But Montgomery, whose side host Aberdeen tomorrow in a bottom-six dead rubber, admits the 37-year-old looks set to return south of the border.

Montgomery, who has a total of 18 players out on loan, also plans to strip back the development squad after claiming he would need four training pitches to accommodate everyone.

On former Reading, Bolton and Sydney marksman Le Fondre, Montgomery said: "I've known Adam a long time, his family live down south and he spent three or four months out with a knee injury.

"He's a big character. Those discussions have been that there likely won't be a contract for him here next season. He's the ultimate professional, an out-and-out goalscorer - I'm sure he has a lot to offer moving forward.