With Neil Lennon being suspended by Hibernian (via BBC), speculation has already began with regards to the managerial position at Hibs.
The Hibees are an attractive job offer in Scotland and one name thrown into the hat by the Daily Record is former manager Alan Stubbs.
The Scouser is out of work since leaving St Mirren in September. His three month tenure was brought to an end courtesy of a Steven Naismith hat-trick and subsequent 4-1 defeat to Hibs’ city rivals Hearts at Tynecastle.
It’s at Hibernian where his managerial career has so far been at its peak. Following Hibs’ relegation to the Scottish Championship, Stubbs was appointed as successor to Terry Butcher. He immediately announced his intention to get Hibs promoted back to the top tier of Scottish football. A tricky task given they shared the division with recently promoted Rangers and crosstown rivals Hearts.
Season by season breakdown
In his first season, they finished second and runners up to the Jambos. After finishing 21 points behind their Edinburgh counterparts, they lost in the playoff semi-final to Rangers. They also reached the semi-final of the Scottish Cup, defeated 1-0 by Falkirk.
His second season saw him lead Hibs to both major cup finals, losing the League Cup to Ross County but winning in the Scottish Cup against Rangers after a dramatic 3-2 victory. Again, the Hibees couldn’t gain promotion with Falkirk proving their nemesis once more.
Stubbs may have led them to the biggest win in Hibs’ most recent history but looking at his managerial career otherwise, he’s hardly been a success.
Fans must look beyond nostalgia and look at the facts. Whether Stubbs would want to potentially damage his Hibernian legacy also remains to be seen. His recruitment was excellent but he seemed a little tactically inept at times. One win in 14 at Rotherham, two from nine at St Mirren.
This speculation regarding potential appointment is a backwards one for a club looking to go forwards. There’s surely better out there for Hibs at the minute.