Michael Weir: We need an experienced man to lead us into 2012

Every football club has to make big decisions, with selecting a new manager one of the most testing of the lot. Ultimately, this often proves to be the fine line between success and failure and we all know what path we’d prefer to be on.

Whoever is appointed as Hibs manager is going to have a huge task on their hands trying to pull the club away from the foot of the table, as recent results suggest a level of consistency has still to be found.

I have felt for quite some time that the squad assembled is still not strong enough for us to be in a better position in the league. However, until a new manager is appointed and the January transfer window reopens for business, it may take some time before we discover what lies ahead for the club.

With this in mind, I believe the greatest attribute our next manager must have is experience that allows him to handle the pressure that goes with the current situation we find ourselves in. The realisation that we need to pick up points soon could have a positive effect on the players but it could also quite easily have a negative one, so this is why, in my opinion, a figure who has spent years managing a football club must be installed.

It was comforting to hear the club say last week they will not be rushed into any quick decision and that the process of finding the right candidate is well under way. The wrong appointment could have catastrophic consequences for the club. We must, this time around, find the right man to take us forward and become a force once again. Kilmarnock arrived at Easter Road on Saturday with the ambition of taking all three points against a very nervous-looking Hibs side. Despite not being in sparking form themselves, they will have most certainly fancied their chances prior to kick-off.

Football is a very unforgiving game when it comes to getting points on the board and our opponents are now starting to relish their away trips to Leith. This has to change quickly. We must take advantage when playing at home and look to put teams under pressure and not be bossed about.

Another fixture has passed with only a point to show for our efforts against Kilmarnock. This is only going to get harder the longer we go without picking up a victory. A calming figure will hopefully offer some sort of respite and maybe ease this nervousness we have shown for the majority of the season. We have to take one game at a time and not look too far ahead. But drawing matches will not be enough and picking up three points is essential if we are to salvage anything from what has been a hugely disappointing campaign so far. The new manager will need time to take stock of what he has at his disposal in terms of squad personnel and make the amendments to benefit the team.

The position the club is in at the moment has not just suddenly transpired but has developed over the past few seasons. The chopping and changing of the management has certainly not helped matters, so stability should now be our primary focus. It must be difficult for the players when this happens but they have to take responsibility for the job that they are paid to do and that is win matches for Hibs. They are the guys who have that opportunity to turn things around and will be keen to impress the new boss in due course. After all, for a player, it’s important to get off on the right foot and secure your future under a new mentor.

December, where the festive period represents an increased schedule in the fixture list, isn’t far off, so matches will arrive at a fast pace. This phase really could define our season but I am hopeful we can move into 2012 with a bit more optimism. I certainly hope the new manager has a few targets on his Christmas list who can add a bit more spark for our supporters to come along and enjoy.