The long-serving pair reportedly found out that they were being released by the Premier League club after speaking with friends.
The Daily Mail is incredibly claiming that both Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert only found out that they would be leaving Everton this summer after friends contacted them after hearing that they would not be receiving new deals.
The veterans had reportedly received no word regarding their futures from the club, the Mail claims, so only heard about the news when they got messages of commiseration from those close to them after they had seen the retained list which the Toffees had posted on their official website.
While it is fair to say that both players’ best form is behind them at the highest level, their understanding of what the club is all about – having made 741 appearances between them for the team – would have surely made them useful to have around as the side prepare for the transition that inevitably comes when a new manager comes in.
The Mail adds that the rest of the players and staff at the club have been appalled by the manner with which their exits have been handled, as they felt that both men had made a big enough contribution to be given a chance to say goodbye to the supporters.
But with the Mail reporting that the pair will look to continue their playing careers elsewhere, they will be hoping to prove to their now former club that they still had something to offer, even if that would have been as fringe players.
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