Hibs are closing in on a sensational move to appoint Shaun Maloney as their new manager – and are pushing to have him in place before Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final.
The former Celtic winger – currently coach with the Belgium national team under Roberto Martinez – is in advanced talks with Easter Road chiefs and a deal could be struck before the end of the week.
Chief executive Ben Kensell told fans on Tuesday he was hopeful the process was “coming to a conclusion” after holding talks with a preferred candidate.
Record Sport understands Maloney is that man and he could be in the Hibs dug out for his first game against his former club in Sunday’s Hampden showdown.
Kensell updated supporters on Tuesday morning to say the club were following a clear vision to appoint a manager with an “attacking mentality”.
Neil Lennon, Derek McInnes and Alex Neil were earlier ruled out of the running while Record Sport revealed last week that interim boss David Gray would not be throwing his hat in the ring for the job on a permanent basis and academy director Steve Kean was not a contender either.
Gray will continue in his interim role for tonight's Premiership clash against Dundee, assisted by Eddie May and Craig Samson.
Kensell said: “We are undergoing an incredibly thorough and strategic approach as we recruit a new manager. As a club you must continuously plan for the future and have a clear plan in-place for every eventuality due to the fast-moving and ever-changing nature of the sport. This has allowed us to stay in control of this rigorous process.
“We have a clear vision for the football club. We want to acquire a manager who has an attacking mentality and is progressive and hungry for the opportunity to build something special here at a big club in Hibs.
“Our process has been robust, and there is clarity and a support plan for the manager we select that will help us achieve our long-term ambitions.
“We are coming to a conclusion and we will update supporters in the near feature regarding an appointment.”
