Hibs have confirmed that they are looking for a director of football as part of a recruitment restructure.
The business done by the Easter Road club in the summer has been criticised, after Lee Johnson, along with chief executive Ben Kensell and head of recruitment Ian Gordon, brought in several players, including the return of fans' favourite Martin Boyle. But the Hibees are languishing in the bottom six of the Premiership table and questions have been raised over Gordon’s - son of American owner Ron - suitability for the role.
Now the club are looking to bring in someone to oversee that side of things, as well as “all areas of football support. A knowledge of Scottish football has been specified as part of the job description. Graham Mathie held a similar position at the club previously, but was jettisoned in September 2021 after seven years at the club, latterly as sporting director. He is now managing director at Ayr United.
Kensell, Gordon and Johnson have been working together on signings since the former Hearts midfielder was appointed last year. But now an overarching position is being created to take control of recruitment.
“I’m excited that we can bring in a Director of Football and believe it will considerably benefit the Club,” said Kensell. "I have worked with Directors of Football before, so I have a full understanding of the difference they can make.
“This decision was made following a thorough review that has taken place over the last few months, and I’d like to thank Ron, and the Board, for their backing and support.
“Ron’s desire to make the Club successful hasn’t wavered, and we’re hoping that bringing in a Director of Football will help mirror our off-the-pitch success, so we can achieve our sporting ambitions,
“We are looking for an experienced head. Someone who can take charge and lead on a much more medium and long term strategy. They can work with academy and all areas over at HTC.
“I’d like them to have experience of Scottish football and understand how we can be better in the areas we need to be better.
“He should be there to support the manager and work hand in hand with Lee, while reviewing and improving. It’s about support and football knowledge and nous and driving the strategy to make us better.
“I would expect Scottish experience, football knowledge, contacts in the game - someone to come in and make us better and put processes in place to make sure we correct some of the things we have perhaps got wrong and move us forward.
“It means a lot for recruitment. But that’;s one of many areas. They need to have experience in that area but also we need someone with a strong depth of knowledge in the Scottish game, to have worked for big clubs in senior positions. I want that football nous and expertise.
“I would prefer to get the right candidate rather than get them quickly. That will take as log as it takes.
“But this is a fantastic club so I can’t imagine we will be short on quality applicants for the role. Then we will look to get them in as soon as possible so they can start affecting what we do on a day to day basis.”
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