John Hughes leaves Hibs after miserable start to the season

Things hadn't been going well for John Hughes

Hughes met chairman Rod Petrie early this morning and his departure after 16 months in charge came to an end by "mutual consent".

Petrie said: "John has been a hard-working and dedicated manager of Hibernian. As a former captain, and as a fan, he recognises that a fresh face and new approach was the best option for the club at this time. We thank him for all of his hard work and for his honesty and passion for the club."

Hughes said: "I have relished every minute of my time at Hibernian, the club I have always supported and which will always have a special place in my heart. I am proud of what we achieved last season and I wish the board, players and supporters every success."

• In pictures: John Hughes at Hibs

A parting of the ways was imminent after goals from Saints substitutes Liam Craig and Marcus Harber at McDiarmid Park added to Hibs' miserable start to the season, the Edinburgh club having taken just five points from their opening 21 games.

And, for a side which was being tipped to split the Old Firm less than a year ago, Hughes' players now trail Rangers and Celtic by a massive 16 points with many fans now fearing a relegation battle rather than a tilt at the title.

Hibs supporters have become increasingly agitated in recent weeks, draws at home against Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Hamilton drawing jeers on the final whistle while Hughes was left in no doubt as to where some fans wanted him to go as they watched his side crash out of the Cooperative Insurance Cup, beaten 3-1 by former Easter Road boss Mixu Paatelainen's Kilmarnock.

And Hughes was again the target on Saturday, chants of "you don't know what you're doing" clearly audible as the Hibs manager refused to turn to his bench in a bid to turn the match back in Hibs' favour following Craig's opener 15 minutes from time.

Hughes claimed in the aftermath of the result, which leaves Hibs with just one win in ten matches this season, that he didn't feel under pressure and he had the backing of chairman Rod Petrie who, he said, "Knows exactly what is going on, what needs to be done and the work that's being put in". However, he's well aware football is a results-driven business.

On that score, Hibs' record in 2010 has been dreadful, now amounting to a miserable nine wins in 36 games, those victories including Scottish Cup triumphs over Junior outfit Irvine Meadow and Montrose, then bottom of the Third Division.

Throughout the Hibs board under Petrie have backed their manager as he's sought to strengthen his squad, Edwin de Graaf, Michael Hart, David Stephens, Francis Dickoh, Jonathan Grounds, Darryl Duffy – although he is currently out with a broken foot – and Valdas Trakys all signed over the course of the past few months.

Despite those arrivals results haven't improved, a situation which many feel will lead, albeit reluctantly, to the club seeking another new manager sooner rather than later.

Circumstances today are in stark contrast to those when the former Hibs skipper returned to Easter Road 16 months ago to take up what he described as the best job in Scotland, fulfilling a dream he had held since his playing days at the club had come to an end.

Although he guided Hibs back into Europe for the first time in five years, their participation in the Europa League was brought to an abrupt end by Slovenian side NK Maribor and Hughes has been unable to turn results around. In such circumstances his departure only seems a matter of time with only the manner in which he leaves to be determined, whether he walks, is sacked or both parties come to an agreement.

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