After days of speculation, Terry Butcher has been relieved of his duties as Manager of Hibs with immediate effect, following the Club’s relegation to the Championship.
Chairman Rod Petrie and Chief Executive Leeann Dempster met with the former England captain yesterday at the Training Centre in East Lothian and rumours swept the city last night when no statement was issued backing the manager.
The Board met this morning and after a full discussion unanimously agreed the course of action.
Ms Dempster will now lead the process to find a new Manager to take the Club forward in what promises to be a challenging season in the Championship.
The new Chief Executive said: “I have to say that we all regret that this decision had to be made, but during conversation it became clear that a different approach was needed.
“Sadly, for a variety of reasons and perhaps including unfortunate timing, it hasn’t worked out for Terry here. That is disappointing for all concerned. I am genuinely saddened that we have had to take this tough decision.
“It may have taken longer than we all would have liked but I felt it was appropriate that we met properly and had a full discussion before any decision was made.
“Now we need to move forward and act to bring in a new manager with the aim of getting us promoted back to where Hibernian belongs, in the top league of Scottish football, from a uniquely competitive Championship.
“Our first aim must be to try to win the league and gain promotion automatically.
“The search now begins to find and appoint the next Manager, and while we will try to keep supporters updated regarding the process as much as we can, I know they will understand that we need to be professional in all that we do.
“Unfortunately Assistant Manager Maurice Malpas is abroad on holiday at present and I want to meet him on his return to explain the situation at the Club.”
A number of names have already been suggested including Motherwell boss Stuart McCall who worked closely with Dempster at Fir Park, former fans’ favourite Tony Mowbray who is currently unemployed after leaving Middlesbrough and ex captain Ian Murray who has enjoyed success in the Championship with Dumbarton.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
