Stephen Robinson OUT of Hibs manager running as time frame emerges over next boss appointment

Hibs will draw up a shortlist in the coming days as they close in on appointing Nick Montgomery’s successor as head coach. Caretaker boss and Easter Road hero David Gray will be one of those interviewed for the position.

But Record Sport understands St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson, bookmakers’ favourite earlier this week, is not in the running. Newly appointed sporting director Malky Mackay and Bill Foley’s Black Knight football group are leading the process to find the club’s fifth boss in the last three years. The Hibs hierarchy are determined to bring stability and longevity to the position.

Sources say a long list of candidates will be crunched down into a short list imminently with interviews planned thereafter. Robinson remains high on the bookies’ list but is under contract at Saints and would require a compensation package to be thrashed out - something Hibs are understood to prefer to avoid.

Which means Gray is in with a serious chance of landing the job after taking the reigns on an interim basis for a fourth time. The hero of the 2016 Scottish Cup Final steadied the ship after Montgomery was axed last week and guided the side to a 3-0 win over Motherwell and 1-1 draw at Livingston in the final two games.

Gray also took charge after Jack Ross, Shaun Maloney and Lee Johnson were sacked in the last three years. And, speaking ahead of the Livi game at the weekend, the 36-year-old said he felt ready to take on the role on a permanent basis.

He said: "I'm not shying away from it. I believe I can do it. I’ve demonstrated I can. Ultimately it’s what the club want to do moving forward.

“If they feel I’m ready to do it and they want me to do it then that’s a decision they can make. I will always back myself, given the opportunity.”

Meanwhile veteran striker Adam LeFondre took a pop at his treatment from “certain people” at Hibs as he posted a farewell message on social media. The 37-year-old netted five times in 29 appearances after being signed from Sydney FC last summer by Johnson.

The former Reading striker thanked his former boss as well as Nick Montgomery and director of football Brian McDermott and medical staff - but aimed a dig at unnamed others.

He posted: “Season complete, I’d like to thank Brian McDermott and Lee Johnson for bringing me to the club and Nick Montgomery for continued trust in my ability. I had a blast north of the border.

“Thanks to the lads for welcoming me into the dressing room, really good bunch of people! Some weirdos mind! Thanks to the medical and strength and conditioning staff for looking after me during a tough period for me being injured!

“Disappointed with how the season panned out and how certain people treated me but that’s for another day.

“Special thanks to the fans for making me feel very welcome; it’s truly a special club Hibernian and I believe they are on the road to great things, I’m sure. All the best, Alfie.”