HEAD HUNTERS
Hibs eye Ross after Heckingbottom axed
JACK ROSS heads Hibernian’s list of replacements for Paul Heckingbottom, with in-demand Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson also high in the thoughts of the Easter Road hierarchy.
Heckingbottom’s inglorious nine-month spell in charge in Leith ended yesterday, 48 hours after
his side lost 5-2 to Celtic in the semi-final of the Betfred Cup. Former St Mirren manager Ross, who lost his job at Sunderland last month, has strong backing among the Hibs powerbrokers to be handed the role. The 43-year-old, who led the Buddies to the Championship title two years ago, lost the League One play-off final to Charlton in May and was dismissed last month after the Black Cats made a disappointing start to this campaign. Robinson, who ironically is also one of the names in the frame for the Hearts job, is another strong candidate after guiding Motherwell to third in the Premiership.
Sportsmail also understands that Alan Stubbs, who won the Scottish Cup with Hibs in 2016, is a fallback option but one that would only be explored should a deal for a preferred candidate fall through. Having had their fingers burned by entertaining a left-field candidate like Heckingbottom, it’s believed the club’s board are reluctant to look further than individuals who have experienced the demands of the Scottish Premiership. Second choice until Michael Appleton withdrew from the race, former Barnsley and Leeds boss Heckingbottom signed a three-and-a-half-year deal in February following Neil Lennon’s mysterious departure from the club.
Despite winning their opening match of the season against St Mirren, Hibs failed to kick-on, with a 6-1 loss at Ibrox the following week starting a run of ten winless games that left the team third bottom of the table. Despite salvaging a point after being two goals down to Livingston last midweek, Heckingbottom’s paymasters didn’t see enough in their loss to Celtic to suggest he could turn matters around. Ron Gordon, who bought a majority share in the club in July, has kept a low profile over the past four months but his return to the capital last week has evidently paved the way for a change at the helm. Confirming Heckingbottom’s exit after a record showing just 12 victories from 32 games, a Hibs statement last night read: ‘Paul Heckingbottom and Robbie Stockdale have been relieved of their duties at the club. ‘Eddie May will take charge on an interim basis — supported by Grant Murray and Steven Whittaker. ‘Supporters can expect further comment from the club in the coming days.’ Hibs travel to face St Johnstone on Saturday, just one point above Hearts and St Mirren. Last night, Stubbs refused to rule out a return, saying: ‘You can never say never. I’m sure there are a lot of people in the mix. But yeah, I’d be interested.’