Malky Mackay appointed Hibs director of football as he leads hunt for Nick Montgomery successor hours after axe fell

Malky Mackay has been named the new sporting director of Hibs - just hours after the axe fell on Nick Montgomery.

The former Ross County boss has been out of work since his departure from the Dingwall outfit last November but is now back in the Scottish game. Brian McDermott is on his way out in the capital as the club restructures its football department. Mackay will officially get his new role underway on June 1. The club say his new position will include overseeing the entire football operation, encompassing all departments from recruitment through to the Academy. He will also lead on the appointment of the next head coach.

A club statement reads: "Hibernian FC are delighted to appoint Malky Mackay as the club’s sporting director. Mackay joins with a wealth of experience in Scottish football as a player, manager and performance director, and will officially start working with the club on 1 June, 2024.

"As sporting director, Mackay will lead and oversee Hibernian FC’s entire football operation, encompassing all departments from recruitment through to the academy. He will also lead on the appointment of the next head coach.

"During his time at the Scottish FA, Mackay oversaw the governing body’s player development strategy and created a high-performance framework that allowed the performance departments to flourish With his extensive knowledge of the Scottish game, Mackay’s role will be integral to sporting performance, allowing the head coach to succeed on the pitch."

The Gordon Family commented: “We’d like to welcome Malky and believe he will be a huge asset to our club and the football department. As the board conducted the football review, it became clear to everyone that not only did we need someone with experience of the Scottish game, but also a person who could help drive us forward both strategically and operationally.

“Early in the recruitment process Malky discussed his strategic vision for Hibs and the necessary framework to deliver success. Everyone at the club looks forward to working with him.”

It's been a busy day in the capital with the Easter Road side deciding to axe Montgomery from his role as manager. He arrived at the club as Lee Johnson's successor but lasted just eight months in the role with his last act a thumping home defeat to Aberdeen at the weekend.

The men from Leith lost out 4-0 in front of their own support with loud boos ringing out after the hammering. A section of the support also refused to leave the ground and stage a sit-in protest. It comes after Hibs failed to reach the top six this season.