Hibernian sack Lee Johnson with team at the bottom of Premiership table

Hibernian have parted company with manager Lee Johnson after a 3-2 home defeat to Livingston continued a poor start to the season.

Johnson has been removed from his position after 15 months in charge with the Easter Road side having conceded 20 goals in nine competitive games this season.

The loss to Livingston came just days after a 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League play-off first leg and leaves the club at the foot of the league table after three games played.

A club statement read: “Hibernian FC can confirm that that Lee Johnson has departed the club as first team manager.

“Jamie McAllister and Adam Owen have also left with immediate effect.”

Chief Executive Ben Kensell commented: “The club has taken the tough decision to relieve Lee Johnson of his duties following a disappointing start to the domestic campaign.

“We wish Lee and his coaching staff all the best for the future and thank them for their efforts.”

David Gray will take charge of the first team as caretaker manager for the immediate future, and be supported by Stuart Garden.

Johnson was appointed as successor to Shaun Maloney in May 2022, following the former Scotland international’s failure to secure a top-six finish in the Premiership. He oversaw a rebuild of the squad during the summer transfer window.

The former Bristol City and Sunderland boss saw his side dumped out of the League Cup at the group stage, and exited the Scottish Cup in the fourth round but took Hibs to fifth place in the league, securing a place in Europe.

After another busy transfer window, Hibs began this season with a shock 2-1 defeat away to Andorran minnows Inter Club d’Escaldes in the Europa Conference League qualifier first leg, but turned around the tie with a 6-1 home win.

The league campaign began with a 3-2 loss to St Mirren at Easter Road, and then 2-1 away at Motherwell, though progress in Europe was achieved with a 5-3 aggregate win over Luzern.

League Cup progress was secured with a 2-1 win over Raith Rovers but the heavy home defeat to Villa and third consecutive league defeat to Livingston left the Hibs board convinced that a change of leadership is required.