Hibs shock as Paatelainen quits

Published on Friday 29 May 2009 22:58

MIXU Paatelainen surprisingly quit as Hibernian manager last night after less than 18 months in the post, saying that "there comes a time when a change of direction is best for both parties".

Paatelainen, who completed his first full season in charge of the Easter Road side last weekend, endured a difficult campaign, exiting both domestic cups at the first hurdle and finishing only sixth in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The Finn, who had two spells at the club as a player, had revealed earlier this week that his transfer budget would be further slashed this summer, and was also resigned to the probable departures of Scotland striker Steven Fletcher and captain Rob Jones.

Paatelainen's shock departure was confirmed on the club's website at 8pm last night, and contained short statements from both the 42-year-old and Hibs chairman Rod Petrie.

Paatelainen said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Manager of Hibernian Football Club. We have travelled a journey together and the club will always hold a special place in my heart.

"However, there comes a time when a change of direction is best for both parties. I thank the club and the players and coaching staff for their commitment and talent and I wish the supporters everything that they would wish themselves."

Petrie added: "Mixu has been a whole-hearted and committed manager and we are all sorry to see him go. However, we respect his decision. Mixu is held in the highest regard by everyone connected with the club and we wish him well for the future."

Paatelainen, who had previously managed Cowdenbeath and TPS in his homeland, was unveiled as Hibs manager on 10 January last year. He took over from another former Hibs favourite John Collins, who resigned his post the previous month, citing his frustration at lack of spending power as his main reason for walking out.

"I will bring energy, hard work and leadership to the squad," vowed the 70-times capped Finland international at his first press conference as Hibs manager.

Petrie, whose board had chosen Paatelainen from a short-list which was headed by the now-Shrewsbury manager Paul Simpson and former Scotland Under-21 coach Rainer Bonhof, said of his new appointment: "He has a clear vision of the type of football he wants to play, has strong ideas on man-management, and demonstrates excellent leadership qualities."

But after he won his first match 3-0 against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, an erratic sequence of results followed and Paatelainen failed to fully win over the majority of Hibs supporters who had witnessed a League Cup triumph under Collins and European football under the refreshing reign of Tony Mowbray.

Most said they would prefer to judge him on his first full season in command, but a disastrous pre-season, which included humiliating defeats to Cowdenbeath and Ayr United, set the tone for a difficult campaign.

Spirits were lifted when the Finn brought back top goalscorer Derek Riordan from Celtic, but home defeats against Morton in the Co-operative Insurance Cup and Hearts in the Scottish Cup only served to place Paatelainen under increasing pressure.

Hibs scraped into the top-six and the Finn succeeded in winning over some doubters with a 1-0 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle and spirited goalless draws against both halves of the Old Firm at Easter Road, but the season by and large was viewed as a failure, with the Leith outfit failing to claim any of Scotland's six European slots for next season. Hibs now join Celtic and Aberdeen in the search for a new manager, and having turned to former players on the past two occasions, the club may decide to cast their net wider to find a suitable candidate, although Falkirk manager John Hughes – who will lead out his side in the Scottish Cup final today against Rangers – will inevitably be a name linked with the post.

Other possibilities might include former assistant manager Mark Venus, a highly popular coach under Mowbray prior to the arrival of Collins, former Scotland skipper Gary McAllister, Motherwell manager Mark McGhee, former Hearts goalscoring legend John Robertson and Jimmy Calderwood, who left Aberdeen last week.

CONTENDERS

MICHAEL O'NEILL

The former Hibs player was a contender when John Collins vacated the post 18 months ago, but the opportunity came too soon for a young manager who was cutting his teeth – impressively – at Brechin City. O'Neill moved to Shamrock Rovers earlier this year, and is likely to be seriously considered by the Hibs board this time.

JOHN HUGHES

The Falkirk manager could seal his club's greatest ever achievement today if he can win the Scottish Cup, having already secured European football next season. But he has had a rough ride and will have considered his options at some stage this season – although he does not enjoy a strong relationship with Hibs chairman Rod Petrie.

JIMMY CALDERWOOD

Sacked by Aberdeen last Sunday despite leading the club into the Europa League with a 2-1 win over Hibs. He said this week from his villa in Santa Ponsa that he doesn't ever expect to manage in the SPL again but that may well change if Petrie comes calling.

MARK VENUS

Currently assistant manager to Tony Mowbray at West Bromwich Albion, who were relegated to the Championship this month. He has already worked at Easter Road when the pair were in charge at Hibs between 2004 and 2006.

GARY McALLISTER

Out of football after being sacked by Leeds United. Would not be a natural fit for Hibs, but he needs a job and is likely to be interested in a club as big as Hibs.

MARK McGHEE

The Motherwell manager is in the frame for a grand total of three other SPL jobs now, having been heavily linked with Celtic and Aberdeen. Celtic would be his first choice, but the job at Hibs would also appeal.