Nick Montgomery would toughen Hibs up as Lewis Miller offers inside track on new boss favourite

Lewis Miller would love a Hibs reunion with "touch character" Nick Montgomery.

The Central Coast Mariners boss is the favourite to take over from sacked Lee Johnson have held talks with the Easter Road club. David Gray is in temporary charge but the Hibees are hopeful of having a new man in place before the end of the current international break. Montgomery guided Mariners to the A League title last year and is keen to make the move to the Scottish Premiership.

The club are holding interviews this week but insists no offers have been made to any candidates. However, Montgomery's chances are strong, and the £50,000 compensation due to the A League club isn't thought to be a problem. Montgomery's success Down Under with a limited budget has impressed the Hibs hierarchy. Miller knows him well, having been given an opportunity under him at Mariners and ultimately earning him his move to Edinburgh.

And the right back is keen to work under him again in the Scottish capital: “It was Monty who basically started my career at the Mariners - he came in and trusted me and allowed me to flourish,” he told FTBL. “At the end of the day it doesn’t matter who takes over because whoever it is you have to please them.

“But, if it does happen, it would be great to have that reunion with a great coach and a great leader. He was a top player with Sheffield United in the Premier League, came across to the Mariners and won a title as a player in 2012, took over the academy and then the first team who won the Championship last season.

“He did it all on the lowest budget in the league and I think the experience and knowledge he brings with him would be a huge positive. He has a great eye for young talent but doesn’t hand out opportunities lightly