Hearts say bye to Fiamenyo, Luggard, 16 others

 Accra Hearts of Oak, after a close shave with relegation at the just ended Premier League season, are in the process of embarking on a massive transfer excercise with the likes of burly striker Gilbert Fiamenyo, defender Philip Boampong and South African import, Shaun October, as the major casualties.

The move, according to reliable sources, was aimed at prunning down the Phobian playing body to rid the team of players, whose services would no longer be required next season.

Other players set to be off-loaded include goalkeeper Tetteh Luggard, who has had a turbulent career at the Phobian stables, midfielder Kofi Abanga, Abrazziz Abankwa, Selassie Adjei and Kweku Andoh.

A Hearts source told the Graphic Sports that about 18 players would be axed from the 35 players registered by the club for last season and already the club had set out an audacious programme to sign young and experienced players for the new season.

Already, the Phobians have begun talks with their former goalkeeper Sammy Adjei, who was declared redundant two years ago but whose experience they want to draw on in a bid to strengthen their goalkeepeing department.

The decision to off-load the players was long conceived by the technical team after a careful appraisal of the players, particularly at the tail end of last season which saw the club struggle for survival in the competition.

“We want to keep the playing staff at 25 next season with new players who will replace the old ones, as well as those who could not be relied upon any longer,” the Hearts source said.

The rest of the players involved in the mass transfer are Vincent Atinga, Odupong Wellington and Ivorian import  Landry Basson.

The source disclosed that three others, Isa Mumuni, goalkeeper Mutawakilu Seidu and Kwame Kizito would be offered on loan.