Hibernian recruitment chief Brian McDermott to leave Easter Road

Hibs have announced that director of football Brian McDermott is to leave Easter Road at the end of June, when his contract expires.

McDermott’s departure comes less than a month after Malky Mackay was appointed as sporting director at the Premiership club.

Former Reading and Leeds manager McDermott, who has also worked in the scouting departments of Arsenal and Celtic, moved to Hibs last year and was given a broad remit to oversee the football department. The club said that his role was to support then-manager Lee Johnson and to have a strong focus across the recruitment of players and football operations such as analysis, sports science, and medicine.

Over the last year, Johnson and his successor Nick Montgomery have both been sacked due to poor results, with former player David Gray recently announced as the new first team head coach.

Following investment from Bournemouth owner Bill Foley’s Black Knight Football Club, and the team’s failure to reach the top six of the Premiership, a review of the football department was carried out.

Former Ross County boss Mackay was appointed to the sporting director role, prompting speculation about McDermott’s role, given an apparent overlap in their responsibilities.

The club has now revealed that McDermott will leave in the next few weeks, while the club and team prepare for next season.

A brief statement from the club read: “Hibernian FC can confirm that Brian McDermott will depart the Club at the end of June following the expiration of his contract.

“McDermott joined Hibs in May 2023 and oversaw the club’s football operation, holding a specific focus on recruitment.

“Following extended discussions with the club, McDermott will vacate his role at the end of the month.

Mackay said: “Brian is someone I’ve known for a long time and is a really good man.

“Brian and I had a good discussion and came to this conclusion. I’d like to thank him for the good work he’s done over the last 12 months and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”