Breaking News: Hibernian Unveils Star-Studded Shortlist for New Manager; Astonishing Candidates Revealed!
Former Celtic and Hibernian manager Neil Lennon expresses interest in returning to Easter Road; Graham Arnold, current Australia manager, Stephen Robinson of St Mirren, and Scott Brown, Fleetwood Town boss, also linked to the vacant role Hibernian's poor start leaves them at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership with zero points
Neil Lennon, the former boss, has expressed his interest in coming back to Hibernian as the club is currently on the lookout for a new manager. Various individuals have been mentioned in connection to the position, as the club evaluates their options subsequent to letting go of Lee Johnson on Sunday due to their 3-2 defeat at home against Livingston.
Hibernian currently sits at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership without a single league win this season, leading club legend David Gray to take on the role of interim charge. After his dismissal from Cypriot team Omonia Nicosia last year, Lennon is eager to make a comeback to management. During his previous tenure between 2016 and 2019, Lennon achieved success in Leith by winning the Championship and securing European football in the following season.
"I have previously worked at that club and had a fantastic experience for a couple of seasons," he mentioned to We when queried about the possibility of returning to Hibs.
"It is an appealing opportunity for many individuals. Let's wait and see. Keep an eye on this. I would definitely be open to having a discussion."
The board has heavily invested in both the playing side and the stadium. Although the club initially struggled this season, there is immense potential.
Numerous qualified candidates, such as Derek McInnes, Steve Robinson, and Malky Mackay, are likely to be considered. The competition for the position will be fierce.
Who else could replace Johnson?
Former Hibernian player Stuart Lovell assesses who could take over from Lee Johnson:
I believe David Gray is not suitable to be a manager, at least not at this time. I don't think he would be considered for the position.
On the other hand, Derek McInnes has had a successful start to the season with Kilmarnock and has a remarkable track record with his previous clubs, especially Aberdeen and St Johnstone. Although he has been mentioned as a potential candidate, acquiring his services from Rugby Park to Edinburgh would likely come with a hefty price tag.
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Derek McInnes, the manager of Kilmarnock, has achieved victories over Rangers and Celtic this season. The cost for a managerial change ranges from £350k to £500k, which significantly impacts the football budget.
"Stephen Robinson has started the season really well and made great strides at St Mirren. I'm sure his name will be put in the conversation.
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Stephen Robinson's St Mirren are level on points with leaders Celtic in the Scottish Premiership
Neil Lennon was a beloved figure among fans at Easter Road due to his team's pleasing style of play. Many supporters would welcome his return based on their positive past experiences. Additionally, the board may consider the possibility of someone like Scott Brown, who has gained managerial experience at Fleetwood Town in England. They may also explore other options from different locations.
Hibs took a bold gamble on Tony Mowbray when he was an inexperienced manager, and he exceeded expectations with his impressive performance. They might be considering a similar approach with a young manager, someone who hasn't had a chance yet but can bring a distinctive playing style and effectively mentor the players, which is exactly what this team requires. Furthermore, it is worth noting that Graham Arnold, former Australia manager, has also expressed interest in the position.
{{"In an impressive feat of performance,"}} he led Australia to the
Hibernian's upcoming fixtures
of the World Cup in Qatar, triumphing over both Denmark and Tunisia on their journey. However, their remarkable advancement came to an end when they were defeated by the eventual champions, Argentina, with a close score of 2-1.Johnson had hoped board would stick by him
After suffering a loss at home to Livingston on Saturday, Johnson had anticipated that the Hibs board would continue to support him, despite the team's defeat in their first three Scottish Premiership matches.
In an interview with We, he expressed his sincere apologies, admitting that he had not intended for the season to begin with such a disappointing start. Despite this setback, he remained optimistic and remained enthusiastic about the team's prospects.
"I sincerely hope the board remains supportive of me, as I genuinely desire to continue being a part of this team. I will never give up or quit. Despite knowing that there may be fans calling for my dismissal, I truly believe that we will succeed. I have faith in our talented squad, although we do need to address certain defensive issues.
"I acknowledge that our current defensive performance is unacceptable, and I am willing to take responsibility for it. Nevertheless, I remain confident in the squad's abilities. I believe that the players also share our frustrations and continue to support our vision and efforts."
I comprehend the examination. I have encountered this situation previously, and it is unpleasant. It is essential to remember that there is a human being involved in this as well, although people tend to forget that. We put in tremendous effort, and my only desire is to cultivate a positive atmosphere within the football club. The focus should be on me, rather than the players.
It all comes down to narrow margins, and I genuinely believe that if we had managed to hold on for just 10 more minutes at 1-1, our momentum would have shifted, and we could have regained control of the game. I feel disappointed because I am fond of this place, and I have faith in our abilities. However, I have encountered similar situations in my career before.
