Hibs sack Paul Heckingbottom after dismal start to season

Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership – Hibernian v Celtic. Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK. 28/09/2019. Pic shows: Hibs’ Manager, Paul Heckingbottom, argues with the 4th official as Hibs play host to Celtic at Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh. Credit: Ian Jacobs

Paul Heckingbottom has been sacked as Hibs’ Head Coach after
almost nine months in charge.

The 42-year-old has overseen 32 games winning 12, drawing 11
and losing nine.

After taking over from Neil Lennon in February,
Heckingbottom led Hibs to a top six finish but failed to win any of their five
post-split matches and eventually missed out on a European place.

He signed nine players in the summer, mostly from the lower
divisions in England and none have excited the supporters.

His decision to allow defensive midfielders Marvin Bartley
and Mark Milligan to leave the club without a suitable replacement in place has
been heavily criticised by the fans.

After successfully negotiating the League Cup group, Hibs
started the season with a last-gasp victory over St Mirren on the opening day
of the campaign but since the they suffered a heavy loss to Rangers at Ibrox,
were held at home by St Johnstone, Ross County and Livingston and were easily
swept aside at Motherwell and Kilmarnock.

The turning point for most fans came in September when Hibs surrendered
a 1-0 lead at home to struggling rivals Hearts and he has never been forgiven
particularly as that was Hearts only win of the season.

Speculation has already begun as to his replacement with
former Sunderland and St Mirren manager Jack Ross listed amongst the
favourites.

A statement is expected from Hibs soon.