Appleton returns to frame at Hibs

Blackburn Rovers boss and Leicester City caretaker Appleton had walked away from talks at the time after failing to agree a package. Darren Ferguson, son of Manchester United legend Sir Alex, has held talks with the Edinburgh side after quitting Peterborough in February, but he is unlikely to pursue the post. Roy Keane was the early bookmakers’ favourite to replace the sacked Shaun Maloney after expressing an interest in the position through his representatives. However, the Manchester United legend has now ruled himself out of the running. Former Hibernian manager Tony Mowbray is expected to leave Blackburn Rovers this summer and could yet enter the fray, while Ross County boss Malky Mackay has also been heavily touted for the job. Ex-PSV Eindhoven and Derby County manager Phillip Cocu has also been linked. David Gray has been placed in caretaker charge of the first team until the end of the season and Hibs say they will not be rushing into an appointment, with the selection process most likely to drag on until the end of the month. An Easter Road delegation travelled to London for informal discussions with potential managerial candidates last week. Head of recruitment Ian Gordon and chief executive Ben Kensell are drawing up a shortlist with American owner Ron Gordon expected in Scotland this weekend to take charge of the hunt. Hibs plan to whittle down the list via conversations with candidates and agents before interviews are carried out by the full board of directors.