Shaun Maloney owns difficult Hibs stint but ambitious boss insists 'I need to be better'

Determined Shaun Maloney insists his insatiable desire to be a dugout star hasn't been dented by his chastening stint as Hibs boss.

The 39-year-old was axed by Ron Gordon after only four months in charge last season with the former Celtic star unable to arrest the slump which led to Jack Ross being dismissed - despite the Leith side being in the Premier Sports Cup Final. Maloney admits his time at Easter Road was "difficult", however he is determined to not let his misstep define him, as he broadens his horizons in search for an edge in his next job.

And Maloney was quick to praise his former employers as he hopes success is just around the corner. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "It was a difficult experience. But I think it will be invaluable for me. I have a real fondness for the club, I love the history and the passion of the supporters. I will look back on it in a few years as a big learning experience.

"I hope the club can go and achieve what the supporters want. I was at big clubs that held extraordinary pressure so I was not disturbed by that at Hibs. I got knocked down. I get back up. I need to be better. I will be.

"I have taken this on board and travelled Europe, been down to Championship and League One games, to see how teams produce chances. I want to give my next team the best opportunities to score goals."

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