8 contenders as Hibernian search for new manager

Hibernian are on the hunt for a new manager following the sacking of Shaun Maloney.

Maloney lasted only four months in the role and departed after a damaging double defeat by Hearts.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some potential candidates for the role with Hibs set to take their time after installing David Gray as caretaker until the end of the season.

The former Celtic skipper is looking to move his coaching career forward after leaving his player/coach role at Aberdeen following the sacking of Stephen Glass. The 36-year-old held talks about becoming St Mirren manager in the wake of Jim Goodwin’s move to Pittodrie. Brown began his playing career at Easter Road and would no doubt jump at the chance to launch his management career at the same venue but Hibs might be looking for more experience after pulling the plug on their gamble on Maloney after only four months.

The Celtic assistant manager has been linked with the job several times but has never been in a rush to leave Parkhead. The 38-year-old rejected the chance to leave for Leicester with Brendan Rodgers and had a three-month caretaker spell last season before being kept on by Ange Postecoglou and working closely with the Australian. At one stage Kennedy will become a manager though and Hibs could be the ideal option if he does not feel he can go straight into the Celtic hot seat.

Brown’s former team-mate in the Hibs midfield is ahead of his friend in the coaching experience stakes. The 37-year-old was a Rangers youth coach before leading Kelty Hearts to the cinch League One title in his first season in charge. The boyhood Hibs fan held talks with Kilmarnock before Derek McInnes took charge at Rugby Park.

Another player who launched his career with Hibs,