Nick Montgomery reveals Hibs disappointment as sacked boss breaks silence

Nick Montgomery has admitted feeling pride and pain over his eight-month spell in charge at Hibs. The sacked Easter Road boss broke his silence on the club’s decision to pull the trigger and said missing out on the top six by seconds was a source of major disappointment.

But, in a statement released through the League Managers’ Association, Montgomery revealed his pride at handing debuts to four academy graduates including Rory Whittaker who became Hibs’ youngest ever debutant and went on to make 14 top team appearances.

The Englishman was recruited from Central Coast Mariners last September to replace axed Lee Johnson. But he only managed to win nine of his 32 league games in charge, missing out on a top six spot by two points after Motherwell equalised in the 94th minute of their final game before the split.

Montgomery said: “It was an honour to be appointed manager of Hibernian Football Club and to become part of a club with so much history. After arriving at a time when the club had been through a difficult start to the season, I was confident that we could lift the club and help to challenge for both cups and the top six positions.

“Whilst I am proud we made the semi-final of the League Cup and the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup, I am disappointed that we narrowly missed out of the top six in the last minute of the final game.

“I am immensely proud to have given a debut to the youngest player in the club's history, as well as four other academy graduates, and I hope they will continue their development to become first team regulars in the near future. I depart having met some wonderful people and witnessed the passionate fan base who showed support throughout all of the challenges the club faced during the