According to press reports in today’s tabloids, Hibs manager Colin Calderwood has told John Rankin his contract will not be renewed at the end of the season.
Rankin is one of 14 players still at the club, with their contract up at the end of this campaign, and like fellow midfielder Kevin McBride, he has been told he can find a new club. The 27-year-old joined the Hibees in 2008 from Inverness Caledonian Thistle, when then manager Mixu Paatelainen paid £150,000 for the player. He has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the Hibees scoring 8 goals. Rankin started his career with Manchester United, but failed to make the grade at Old Trafford, he then moved to Ross County in 2003, where he played over 100 games for the 1st division club. He was also capped at Scotland B level while playing for the Staggies. He then moved to Highland rivals Inverness Caley in 2006, and made over 50 appearances for them.
The highlight of his time at Easter Road was the famous “Squiggler” goal against Celtic in 2008, when he beat keeper Artur Boruc from 45 yards out, with an intentionally sliced shot, that dips and swerves on it’s way to goal.