8 next Hibs manager contenders as Neil Lennon comeback could rival another ex-Celtic boss
Hibs are on the lookout for their sixth manager in just five years after Nick Montgomery was given the bullet this morning.
The Englishman was sacked with the club sitting ninth in the Premiership having failed to secure a top six finish amid a difficult campaign in Leith. The decision was made by the Gordon family in the aftermath of their team's dismal 4-0 defeat at home to Aberdeen last weekend which they felt left them with little option.
It comes after Lee Johnson was also binned earlier this term with Hibs now seeking yet another permanent gaffer with David Gray to take over in the interim for the umpteenth time.
There will definitely be a number of managers chucking their hats in the ring for the role so Football Scotland has listed a handful who are likely to have a realistic shot.
Neil Lennon
Lennon has been out of work since he left Omonia Nicosia back in 2022 but he departed the club as Cypriot Cup champions and still has a stellar reputation as a manager in Scottish football. Was touted with a potential return before Monty took the reins and will surely be one they speak to considering he's still waiting on the right role.
David Gray
Has been interim on more than one occasion and done well to steady the ship before the arrivals of the new bosses. Might this be the time he's given the shot on a permanent basis? The club could certainly do worse than appoint a man so respected at the club as he looks to establish himself as a boss in his own right.
John Kennedy
Now that the Premiership title is all but sewn up for Celtic once again, now might be the ideal time for Kennedy to finally go out on his own. He's been on Hibs' radar more than once and is likely to get Brendan Rodgers' blessing if he decides it's the right move for him. Kennedy has helped Celts win, domestically, all there is and the challenge of becoming the Hibs boss could entice him to finally make the exit.
Derek McInnes
The Kilmarnock boss may not want to leave Rugby Park at this moment having just secured fourth spot and European football. An incredible achievement for the 52-year-old but he'd get a bigger budget at Easter Road and the temptation to play with the Bill Foley money and help re-establish Hibs as a force in Scotland could prove exciting. Hibs will certainly have to see if they can talk to the former Aberdeen gaffer. It's a no-brainer.
Stephen Robinson
Another who has done an incredible job at both Motherwell and St Mirren in the Premiership, Robinson was sounded out previously and has done nothing but improve his reputation. Top six with the Buddies and chasing European football, the Northern Irishman is another Hibs really should be speaking to.
Graham Arnold
The Australia national coach was spoken to in the last search before Monty and now might be the time for him to move to Europe from the international set-up. It's believed he wanted a bigger job in the UK the last time but considering he's still waiting on that, Hibs are a massive club in Scotland and they need someone with gravitas and a reputation.
Stephen Kenny
If the club don't fancy spending too much cash or paying for a manager currently in contract, former Republic of Ireland man Kenny is available. He's worked at the top level of international coaching and earned that job by winning titles in Ireland and taking the likes of Dundalk to Europe.
Ronny Deila
This would be an interesting one. The former Celtic manager is out of work having most recently been at Club Brugge but he's been in Scotland with the Hoops' Player of the Year awards event and may still be kicking about in the country for a wee chat.
He did well at Parkhead and won three trophies before going on to lift more at NYCFC. Perhaps a left-field shout but can't be ruled out!