Hibs begin new boss search

04 October 2010 13:31
Hibernian will now begin the search for a new manager as a matter of priority after announcing the departure of John Hughes this morning.[LNB] The Edinburgh club confirmed they had parted company with their manager by mutual consent as pressure on Hughes increased in recent weeks.[LNB]The announcement came just hours before the club's annual general meeting this evening, where the departure of the Hibs boss will no doubt dominate proceedings, particularly a planned question and answer session.[LNB]A club statement read: "In light of this announcement and the significant amount of work that must now get underway as a priority to find a new manager, the annual general meeting scheduled for 7pm this evening will now focus solely on the following: The formal business of the annual general meeting and accounts 2009/10; a statement from the chairman; Q & A.[LNB]"A shareholders meeting at which a wider discussion can be held is being scheduled for the evening of November 1 at Easter Road Stadium, and more information will follow on this.[LNB]"The club will make no comment on any speculation regarding the appointment of a new manager, and will make any announcement via the club website."[LNB]Former Hibs defender Craig Paterson expressed his surprise that Hughes' exit came so early in the campaign but concedes his successor will now have plenty of time to transform the fortunes of the team, who have won just one competitive match from 10 so far.[LNB]He told BBC Scotland: "I thought the manager might have been given a little more time, we are only seven games into the (league) season. But it hasn't been a good start and I suppose the club has to look at the bigger picture.[LNB]"It looks like the board has decided it's time for a change, to bring a new manager in early in the season and give him a chance and plenty of games to get things moving forward.[LNB]"It certainly allows the new manager to get his feet under the desk with a big chunk of the season to go and a chance to make his mark.[LNB]"The fans have been disappointed with the results and I think they felt it was time for a change.[LNB]"The fans expect Hibs to be in the thick of the battle for the European places and I think they realised, the way things were going, that was going to be difficult.[LNB]"It was maybe time for a change and to see if someone can come in and get them back in the top six and looking to challenge for third place."[LNB]Chairman Rod Petrie said: "John has been a hard-working and dedicated manager of Hibernian.[LNB]"As a former captain, and as a fan, he recognises that a fresh face and a new approach is the best option for the club at this time."[LNB]

Source: Team_Talk