HIBERNIAN'S boardroom shake-up continued yesterday with the appointment of two new directors, one of whom was the former legal adviser to an individual considering a bid to take over the club, and amid suggestions that other directors at Easter Road could be set to relinquish their posts.

The Hibs board now has a seven-man decision making set-up following the appointment of Stephen Dunn and Malcolm McPherson, both of whom will work under the chairmanship of 61-year-old Tom O'Malley, who is a close friend of club owner Sir Tom Farmer.

McPherson, 43, is the most interesting appointment as he was the legal adviser to Allan Munro who was considering a possible buy-out of the club from current owner Sir Tom Farmer two years ago. He is a partner with law firm Henderson, Boyd and Jackson and is a former pupil of George Watson's School in Edinburgh.

Dunn, 38, is head of Human Resources at ScottishPower, based in Glasgow, and attended Castlebrae Community High School in Edinburgh. He is a current shareholder in the club.

Chairman O'Malley, who was appointed only a few weeks ago, admitted that the Hibs board was currently in transition, and further changes were anticipated.

''We must bring in new ideas and new blood is desperately needed,'' he said, adding that ''new energy and expertise'' also is required to take Hibs forward.''

As well as O'Malley, the Hibs board includes Robert Huthersall, an associate of Sir Tom Farmer, Douglas Cromb, club chief executive Rod Petrie, and Ian Brennan.

O'Malley pledged more liaison between the Hibs fans and the board in the coming months, something first promised by former chairman Lex Gold, who resigned when the club was relegated at the end of the season. He has also made it clear that money will be made available to manager Alex McLeish to buy new players. How much has still to be settled.

On the field, Hibs are trying to attract new players to bolster their assault on a quick return to the Premier League and are believed to be attempting to buy Raith Rovers midfielder Danny Lennon, although Kilmarnock are still favourites to sign him. Talks are continuing with midfielder Grant Brebner who is also being trailed by two Scottish premier clubs.