Terry Butcher’s seven-month reign as Hibernian manager has been brought to an end after he was sacked by the club following relegation to the Championship.
The former Caley Thistle manager presided over a horrendous run of one win in 19 matches with the Easter Road club as the Hibees plummeted from their place in the top six to the relegation play-off in the Scottish Premiership.
A 2-0 win at Hamilton Accies looked to have done enough to save the Leith club but a 2-0 home defeat in the second leg ended with Accies taking their place in the top flight courtesy of their penalty shoot-out victory.
Former England captain Butcher expressed his desire to stay on and lead the club back to the Scottish Premiership next season and has already released 14 players in preparation for a major rebuilding job at the club.
But since his return from holiday on Sunday he has spent the last two days in talks with new Hibs chief executive Leann Dempster and chairman Rod Petrie, who has also faced calls to resign following a demonstration by supporters at the weekend.
Dempster, who will lead the search for a new manager, said: “I have to say that we all regret that this decision had to be made, but during conversation it became clear that a different approach was needed.
“Sadly, for a variety of reasons and perhaps including unfortunate timing, it hasn’t worked out for Terry here. That is disappointing for all concerned. I am genuinely saddened that we have had to take this tough decision.
“It may have taken longer than we all would have liked but I felt it was appropriate that we met properly and had a full discussion before any decision was made.
“Now we need to move forward and act to bring in a new manager with the aim of getting us promoted back to where Hibernian belongs, in the top league of Scottish football, from a uniquely competitive Championship.
“Our first aim must be to try to win the league and gain promotion automatically.
“The search now begins to find and appoint the next manager, and while we will try to keep supporters updated regarding the process as much as we can, I know they will understand that we need to be professional in all that we do.
“Unfortunately assistant manager Maurice Malpas is abroad on holiday at present and I want to meet him on his return to explain the situation at the club.”