Source: Team_Talk
Rankin shocked by Paatelainen exit
The Finn announced his decision to step down on Friday night despite leading Hibs into the top six of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League for the second season running.
Paatelainen admitted earlier in the week his budget had been cut and the club would find it difficult to replace top players if they were sold on.
But the news still came as a shock to former Inverness midfielder Rankin.
"This has blown me away," he told the Scottish Sun. "I don't know where this decision has come from and it's a major surprise to me. There was a lot of optimism because of the way we finished the season. We drew with both halves of the Old Firm and beat Hearts at Tynecastle.
"That showed there was potential, depth in the squad and everyone was looking to kick on from that. I am very sorry to see Mixu go. He had enough faith in me to bring me to Hibs and I will always be grateful to him for that."
