Hibs boss Lee Johnson admits he fears Aiden McGeady’s career could be OVER
LEE JOHNSON fears Aiden McGeady’s career is OVER after scans confirmed the veteran has torn his hamstring.
The winger, 37 next month, suffered the injury during Hibs’ victory over Kilmarnock a fortnight ago, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign.
McGeady is out of contract this summer and previously revealed he thought about quitting as he struggled to get back from a knee injury earlier this season.
The former Celtic star has already begun to plan for the future by taking a sporting director’s course and starting on his coaching badges.
And Johnson is unsure whether he will have the desire to go through another lengthy rehab in order to get back playing.
The Hibs boss said: “It’s a tough one.
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“We haven’t got the exact timescale yet, but he went to a specialist on Thursday and they are deciding whether on not the hamstring requires surgery.
“But either way, it’s definitely going to be four months, potentially six if that surgery is required.
“He’s actually going to see another specialist next week in London to decide whether to have an operation or not.
“I think he’s feeling pretty low. I’m due to have a conversation on the big picture stuff and we really just want to help him now.
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“Whatever he decides, if he wants to make a full return to playing then absolutely, we will support that.
“If he decides different we will support that and start him on a different journey. Inevitably, I think he’ll be spinning a few plates. He’s doing a sporting director’s course and I know he’s taking the first part of his coaching badges as well.
“Obviously, he’s got a lot of experience to give in football, whether that be another year or two as a player or whether that be stepping into a new adventure.
“I’d never, ever retire a football player. It’s up to them to decide when the time is right or not.”
Meanwhile, Hibs have posted a £1.5million loss, despite the Easter Road club’s turnover reaching record levels, growing from £8.5m to £11.9m.
But an operating loss of £3.5m, compared to a £500,000 profit the year before, led to a net loss of £1.5m.
Chief executive Ben Kensell stressed the importance of the club reaching the top six this season, with Johnson’s men currently fourth.
He said: “Poor league form, lack of desired playing identity and financial failing also drove a change of management twice during the year, which incurred significant severance costs that have been recorded in the accounts.
“I’ve spoken of the need to achieve greater stability and consistency. The figures underpin the need to do so.”