Hibernian and John Collins part ways

[hibadelic]

Hibernian unexpectedly announced that John Collins resigned from the post of manager today. It is unclear the reasons for the departure but early speculation has included links to the vacant Scotland national team job or a falling out with the board over financial backing.

Collins has been forced to sell numerous high profile players since his arrival last season but has seen little of the money received by Hibs to strengthen the squad. With the January transfer window just round the corner, speculation is rife that some of Hibernian’s top players, including Guillaume Beuzelin, David Murphy and captain Rob Jones, may soon part ways with Hibs.

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Tommy Craig has taken over in the meantime and Chairman Rod Petrie said "We sought to persuade John to stay on but unfortunately he has chosen to go.”

“John’s decision came as a surprise, and we made determined efforts to dissuade him and to work with him through the difficulties that are concerning him.

“We wish John and his family well, and we thank him for his work at the Club.”

Jumbo Jim Jeffries had this to say on the manager of the team who scored five goals against his to win the CIS Cup:

"I watched his career closely and he has been very successful. He's a man of principle, a strong character and he wants to be up there at the top with his club.

"He wants to challenge but it's difficult for him, but it would be difficult for anybody. John had an unenviable task, Hibs are a big club who want to challenge the Old Firm.

"It looked like they were going to do that [challenge Rantic] but they had to sell their best players like Kevin Thomson and Scott Brown and he had to try and find replacements for these boys for nothing.

"It becomes very difficult for them to maintain the standards. If you are going to sell your best players when you are clubs that size, you expect a bit of help but unfortunately that hasn't been the case.

"They have lost potentially a top manager but he will go on and be a better man for it."

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Article by Hibadelic
on 20 December 2007