Former Fulham midfielder John Collins have been named as the new manager of Hibernian.
Collins, 38, has signed a three-year deal and succeeds Tony Mowbray, who moved to West Bromwich Albion earlier this month.
The position is Collins’ first management job following his retirement from playing with Fulham in 2003.
Hibs chairman Rod Petrie said: “John is a man with talent, ambition, drive and determination. John has spent three years preparing for today.”
Petrie said Collins was the perfect role model for the Hibs players and revealed that he had turned down a number of opportunities to become an assistant boss.
I’m delighted to be taking up the managerial position at Hibernian and returning to the club where I started my football career
“He has all the technical qualifications, including a UEFA Pro Licence, which means he could be considered for any job in Europe,” said Petrie.
“John decided that he wanted to be a manager in his own right and turned down a number of opportunities to become a coaching assistant.
“John has the ambition and character to be a top manager. We have a talented group of players and a tremendous infrastructure at the club. John joins us at an exciting time.”
Collins said he was relishing the prospect of taking charge of his former club.
“I’m delighted to be taking up the managerial position at Hibernian and returning to the club where I started my football career,” he said.
“This is a club of tremendous stature with a great tradition for playing entertaining and attacking football.
“I would like to let the supporters know that my philosophy is all about playing a passing game with passion, enthusiasm and commitment.
“Supporters want to win and they want to be entertained. It is our job to give them that.”
