Calderwood named Hibs boss

18 October 2010 17:27
Colin Calderwood has been confirmed as the new manager of SPL outfit Hibernian, signing a three-year deal with the Edinburgh club.[LNB] The 45-year-old replaces John Hughes at the helm, after he parted company with Hibs earlier this month.[LNB]Calderwood leaves his position as assistant manager at Newcastle.[LNB]The former Scotland defender was also manager of Northampton Town and Nottingham Forest before joining Newcastle in January 2009.[LNB]He now faces the task of improving results at Hibs, with a poor run leaving them eighth in the table ahead of this weekend's game at Aberdeen.[LNB]Calderwood admits the chance to be a manager in the SPL was too good an opportunity to turn down.[LNB]He said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I've spent at Newcastle United.[LNB]"It has been fantastic to work alongside a brilliant manager in Chris Hughton, and with some great players at the club.[LNB]"Being part of last season's promotion to the Premier League is something I'm very proud of and I wish Chris, Paul and the team the very best of luck from now on.[LNB]"The opportunity to manage a top-flight side in my home country was hard for me to turn down, and that is a challenge that I'm greatly looking forward to, but Newcastle will always be a special club to me."[LNB]Hughton credited Calderwood with having a major role in the club's success last season.[LNB]He said: "Colin has been a big part of what this club has achieved since he's been here.[LNB]"He was an integral part of everything we achieved last season, which culminated in us lifting the Championship trophy.[LNB]"Aside from being a very good friend, Colin is somebody who I have the utmost respect for and I wish him all the best at Hibs."[LNB]Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie introduced Calderwood at a media conference this evening.[LNB]Petrie said: "He has signed a three-year contract with us and there are provisions for it to be extended.[LNB]"He has had great success as a manager in his own right with Northampton Town and Nottingham Forest - almost 300 games as a manager and a win rate of over 45%.[LNB]"He has achieved three promotions in six years in the clubs he has been at."[LNB]Calderwood admitted it was a wrench to leave Newcastle but he could not turn down the opportunity to manage in the SPL.[LNB]"It's a double-edged sword really," he said. "Newcastle are a terrific club with wonderful people, the support staff and the players especially, I had a terrific relationship with them.[LNB]"So emotionally it was (difficult) but professionally it wasn't.[LNB]"I always wanted another go at being a manager. Being a coach and assistant to Chris was a wonderful opportunity and we had a super year last year, but I always had an eye on being the number one and setting my own agenda.[LNB]"It's top-level football. Although my experience has given me a lot of games, I have developed as I did as a player, starting in the lower leagues and coming through. That experience will be invaluable."

Source: Team_Talk