Billy Brown disappointed at Hibernian exit

BILLY Brown last night expressed surprise and disappointment at his departure from Hibs after his nine-month spell at the club.The Easter Road outfit revealed yesterday that Brown would officially leave when his contract expires today, just 48 hours before the start of pre-season training on Monday.

The 61-year-old, who began last season at Hearts before being sacked by the Gorgie club in August, has confessed the timing of this week’s news had left him frustrated as he bids to find a new job so close to the start of the new campaign.

The experienced coach initially joined Hibs in September to assist Colin Calderwood and following a short spell as caretaker manager – during which he was overlooked for the top job – he was kept on for the remainder of last season to help Pat Fenlon settle into Scottish football. The former Bradford City and Kilmarnock number two insists he is proud to have worked at both Edinburgh clubs.

Brown said: “I found out on Tuesday that, due to financial reasons, Hibs were not going to renew my contract. That’s fair enough. If they can’t afford it, they can’t afford it.

“But I’m a wee bit disappointed because if I’d known earlier it would have given me more time to try and get myself sorted out. Instead, I’ve spent the summer under the impression I was going to get a new contract. It’s a blow when it’s come so close to the start of the season.

“That said, it’s been a privilege to have been with the Hibs. To have worked with the Hibs and the Hearts has been great. Not many people have done that, never mind in the same season!”