Mixu Paatelainen in Hibs director of football frame as Finn 'eyes' Easter Road return

Mixu Paatelainen is in the running to become Hibs director of football.

The Easter Road club announced last year that they would be appointing someone to work with Lee Johnson on recruitment rather than the current committee set up with the manager, chief executive Ben Kensell and head of recruitment Ian Gordon. They now want a specialist to oversee the football department and allow Johnson to focus more on coaching his players.

The Daily Mail reports that former Hibees striker Paatelainen is in the frame for the job. Kensell admitted that conversations have taken place with potential recruits, but didn’t reveal any names. It’s thought the big Finn is one of them after putting himself forward. He watched as the club's talented kids were knocked out of the UEFA Youth League by Borussia Dortmund last week. And has kept a close eye on goings on in Leith ever since leaving.

A popular player in green and white, Paatelainen is revered for a hat-trick against city rivals Hearts, helping Alex McLeish’s men to a famous 6-2 victory in 2000. He enjoyed two spells with the club, between 1998 and 2001, then again in 2002 to 2003.

He returned as manager five years later, but lasted only 18 months. A more successful stint at Kilmarnock followed, leading to him being appointed as Finland national boss. A return to another former club in Dundee United ended in relegation, as did Paatelainen’s most recent job with HIFK in his homeland.

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