Paul Heckingbottom insists he wants fringe players to step up and make a push for Hibs ’ first team next season.
The Englishman has revealed he expects the club to make a couple of signings in the summer transfer window.
Heckingbottom is unbeaten in the Premiership after taking the job in mid February but wants to further mould the team in his style.
The 41-year-old told Hibs TV: “Regardless of what time of the season it is, there’s people working away who’s sole focus in recruitment.
“We’re looking at everyone within the squad and where we want to improve the team.
“We’ll have players in the building who’s stay and fill those gaps without a doubt, but we’ll be looking to try and fill them from elsewhere if we can get better options.
“That’s the same all season before every window, and that’s how it should be. That work’s been on going but people probably talk about it more now because of the time of year it is.
“Everyone at this club in terms of the playing staff have been fighting and working hard for the team, and that’s not gone unnoticed.
“They might fill all the spaces and we’ll only be brining in one or two from outside. We’ll have to wait and see.”
Heckingbottom paid tribute to the fans and hopes for another upsurge in season-ticket sales.
The manager added: “There’s the obvious reasons which impact on budget and planning, so from a business point of view, the more season ticket sales we get in the early doors, the easier it is to plan, budget and prepare for next season.
“But there’s a real emotional one as well which is probably more important for me when we’re signing players.
“I’ll speak about the fanbase a hell of a lot with new signings or anyone coming to look round Easter Road, the training centre or the city.
“The fans have really impressed me so I’ll be drilling that home. When season tickets are already sold, you can speak to players about what it means to everybody in the city, because as a footballer that’s an attraction.”
