Ross up for Hibs challenge
JACK ROSS last night checked in as head coach of Hibernian and pledged to help them live up to their reputation as one of Scotland’s ‘leading’ clubs. The 43-year-old former Alloa, St Mirren and Sunderland boss has agreed a three-anda-half-year deal in
Leith following Paul Heckingbottom’s dismissal almost two weeks ago. Ross, who takes over a team eighth in the Premiership table, said: ‘I’m proud to have been named head coach of Hibs. ‘I think we all consider Hibernian to be one of the leading clubs in Scottish football — in terms of the history and passion of the supporters. It’s up to all of us to help the squad live up to that. ‘We have talented players, underpinned by a successful academy, and I’ll do everything I can to help every player fulfil his potential.’ Ross, who will meet his new squad for the first time on Monday ahead of his opening game against Motherwell next
Saturday, was quickly established as the front-runner for the position after Heckingbottom’s underwhelming reign was ended after a 5-2 defeat to Celtic in the Betfred Cup semi-final. A coach with Hearts before cutting his teeth in management with Alloa, his Championship title triumph with St Mirren in 2018 saw him land the Sunderland job. Ross got the Black Cats to the League One play-off final but a defeat to Charlton at Wembley was a savage blow to his ambitions there, with time being called on his tenure last month with the team sitting in sixth place. Despite that, Hibs executive chairman Ron Gordon believes the club have secured the services of the right man. ‘We are really excited to have secured the services of Jack,’ said the owner. ‘Leeann (Dempster, chief executive) and Graeme (Mathie, sporting director) led a recruitment process that unearthed some outstanding candidates but, in the end, the verdict was unanimous. We look forward to seeing what Jack brings.’ Dempster, who has been widely criticised for her handling of Neil Lennon’s mysterious departure last January and for putting her faith in Heckingbottom, added: ‘Jack made a very strong impression on us but he is someone we have obviously been aware of for some time. ‘We are confident Jack will help drive this club forward and will do everything we can, as a board, to support that.’ Ross will not be joined in Edinburgh by his long-term sidekick James Fowler after he was named Kilmarnock’s new head of football operations. The former Rugby Park midfielder will oversee the entire football department, including recruitment and scouting. Fowler said: ‘With the experience I’ve gained in the last five years in various roles within the industry, I feel that this is the right opportunity for me to implement my ideas. ‘I am looking forward to working with the board, Angelo Alessio and his staff, and the fans to continue to build the strongest team we can at Kilmarnock.’