Hibs have announced the appointment of Steve Kean as their new academy director.
The former Blackburn Rovers manager has taken on a key role in the club's youth setup following a spell in Australia with Melbourne Victory.
Easter Road CEO Ben Kensell teased a major appointment earlier this week and Record Sport then revealed the 54-year-old was set to be unveiled in the role.
And now Hibs have officially unveiled the Glaswegian in a bid to strengthen the link between their academy and first team.
Speaking to hibernianfc.co.uk, Kean said: “I’m delighted to be joining Hibernian FC at this exciting time to build, lead, and develop the academy set-up.
“It’s a completely new role that matches my expertise in player development and having managed successfully at a high-level, I have the knowledge, vision and skillset to build a competitive development squad at Hibernian, and ensure it performs to its fullest potential.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Jack Ross and his coaching team to successfully develop the club’s academy. We will be introducing some changes that’ll help establish and execute an effective pathway programme for young players to play and perform successfully in the first team squad.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to come back home to Scotland to focus on domestic and overseas talent identification and development. It’s my passion and I’m convinced that player talent exists in Scotland that could quickly and effectively be developed through a programme of innovative coaching. This will provide a sustainable pool of talented players for the first team here at Hibernian FC.
“I’m looking forward to getting started and firmly believe that I can make an instant impact as the new academy director.”
Kean took on the role of caretaker manager at Melbourne following the departure of former Hibee Grant Brebner.
He's also managed in Brunei with DPMM FC and in Greece with Crete.
His CV includes a strong track record on youth, helping to bring through the likes of Phil Jones, Grant Hanley, Jason Lowe and Junior Hoilett into the first-team setup.
He also worked with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson at Coventry City.
Kean is expected to work closely with manager Jack Ross, who expects the new man to be a valuable asset in the short and long term.
Ross said: “I am very much looking forward to working with Steve as he develops our academy and development teams.
“I have no doubt that his experience and attributes will be of major benefit to the club as we look to continue to produce good young players.”
