Hibernian, late last night, confirmed the appointment of Paul Heckingbottom as their first team manager.
The former Barnsley and Leeds United boss replaces Neil Lennon who departed the Scottish Premiership side last month.
It was looking very likely that Michael Appleton was going to be named instead. But reports emerged a day or two before today’s news that he walked away from contract talks after failing to strike a deal ‘on the severance package to sack him’ and wouldn’t be given an accommodation allowance to move to Edinburgh.
?| Hibernian FC are delighted to confirm the appointment of Paul Heckingbottom as Head Coach.
? Paul has agreed a three-and-a-half year contract and will be assisted by former Scotland international Robbie Stockdale.
▶️ https://t.co/7FOQLpy9h9 pic.twitter.com/lJBc3gJxDV
— Hibernian FC (@HibernianFC) February 13, 2019
HIBERNIAN CLUB STATEMENT:
Hibs chairman Rod Petrie said: “We are pleased to have secured the services of Paul and Robbie and look forward to seeing what they have to bring to the Hibernian Training Centre and Easter Road Stadium.
“Paul excelled throughout the interview process. He is bright, driven and hungry to help drive the club forward. As a board we will do all that we can to assist him in his endeavours.”
The new man himself Paul Heckingbottom said: “It’s an honour to be named Head Coach of Hibernian Football Club – a club with a rich history and commitment to playing attacking football.
“There is so much potential here and the club has everything going for it.
“I’m looking forward to getting to work and meeting the players and staff on Thursday, before stepping up preparations for Saturday’s game against Hamilton.
“I will give everything I have to be a success here. Supporters can be assured of that.”
Football fans have since took to the club’s social media to give a rather mxied reaction to the appointment – check out what they had to say on the next page.
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