Hibernian sack Colin Calderwood

Calderwood had only been in post for 12 months, but a disastrous home record and a run of poor results, culminating in yesterday’s defeat at home to Dunfermline prompted the club to act. Following the defeat, a number of protestors gathered outside the main entrance, calling for the departure of the former Scotland international, and chairman Rod Petrie.

In a move mirroring the departure of Calderwood’s predecessor John Hughes, the announcement comes only days before the club holds its AGM.

A club statement read: “Hibernian FC announced today that the Board of Directors had relieved Colin Calderwood of his duties as manager of the club.”

Chairman Rod Petrie said: “I would like to thank Colin for his time as manager. The Board decided that it was in the club’s best interests to find a new manager to take Hibernian forward.”

Hibs - who recently announced losses of £900,000 for the year to July 31 - will now have to foot the bill of another failed appointment, with Calderwood having signed a three year deal on his arrival last October.

Inconsistencies plagued the 46-year-old’s stint in the Easter Road dugout, with over half of his matches in charge - 26 - ending in defeat, including an embarrassing exit from last season’s Scottish Cup at the hands of then Second Division Ayr United.

Petrie had remained steadfastly behind the former Nottingham Forest manager and Newcastle United assistant, turning down advances from Birmingham City and Forest to take Calderwood as their number two this summer.

However, a campaign that has seen his side record just three victories in 14 league matches ensured that support would have to run out at some point.

Petrie’s own position could now also come under question, with the chairman facing a potentially volatile AGM tomorrow evening.

Former Hibs midfielder, and life-long supporter of the club, Paul Kane is one who believes Petrie’s role in managerial appointments in recent times deserves greater scrutiny.

He said: “Rod Petrie has to consider his position. In any other business he would have left before now.

“The board had to listen to the fans because attendances at Easter Road were dwindling.

“I’m sure Saturday’s demonstration and the timing of the AGM played their part in this decision.

“I’m not surprised Colin Calderwood has left. The frustration among fans was evident.”

There was a flurry of speculation on fans’ forums and social networking sites following the news, with some wanting former Hibs player Michael O’Neill, who has taken Irish side Shamrock Rovers to the group stages of the Europa League, whilst others wanted current assistant boss Billy Brown to take the reins.