Hibs hierarchy holding informal talks with candidates for manager's job

Hibernian have begun talking to individuals who have shown interest in the managerial vacancy at Easter Road, though the process of appointing a successor to Shaun Maloney is at an early stage.

Maloney was sacked earlier this month after just 19 games in charge, with David Gray asked to take the team until the end of the season, while a recruitment process is followed.

The club has already received expressions of interest from some parties, including former Sunderland and Ipswich boss Roy Keane.

Head of recruitment Ian Gordon and chief executive Ben Kensell have travelled to London to hold informal talks with those who have already contacted the club, though there is no expectation that any appointment will be made soon.

Hibs are still working to a timetable that would see them put a new manager in place at the end of the season.

Maloney had replaced Jack Ross, leaving his role as Belgium’s assistant manager to take on his first job as manager but the former Scotland international struggled to deliver results, with Hibs falling into the bottom six of the Premiership after the split.

Hibs chairman Ron Gordon told STV the appointment had been ambitious but hadn’t worked out, and said the next manager would be someone with a proven track record.

“I think we do need a manager with some experience,” he added.

“It doesn’t have to be an old-timer with a ton of experience but I do think we need a manager with experience, that knows how to lead and can deliver results.

“We need to instil a winning culture. The expectation is winning. And we as a club need to give the manager all the support that they need to make sure they have the tools to deliver that.”