Hibernian are set to appoint a director of football "to improve the club’s sporting performance".
The Easter Road club say the process has begun to bring in an "experienced candidate" to work alongside chief executive Ben Kensell and manager Lee Johnson.
A club statement explained: "When appointed, the new director of football will be responsible for all areas of football support at the Hibernian Training Centre, including the academy and development, analysis, football administration, medical, player care, recruitment, and strength and conditioning."
Chief executive Kensell said: “I’m excited that we can bring in a director of football and believe it will considerably benefit the club.
“I have worked with directors of football before, so I have a full understanding of the difference they can make.
“This decision was made following a thorough review that has taken place over the last few months, and I’d like to thank Ron, and the board, for their backing and support.
"We haven’t been good enough on the pitch and we know that. Just before the World Cup, we started a review based on previous transfer windows and as a result of that, we have restructured. I have 100 per cent backing from the board that we will be bringing in a director of football.
"In my career to date, I’ve worked with directors of football, so I’m comfortable with this appointment and know what they can bring to the table. We now have to get the right person in place to take the club forward.
"It’s a big step, it feels like a big step and I’m delighted that we can do this. I’m really pleased with the support I’ve received from the board, and Ron is a fantastic owner that wants to take the club forward. I’m really pleased that we know what we’re working on, know what we have to do to get this right, and ultimately, I hope the fans feel as excited as we all do regarding this new appointment."
Kensell detailed the experience, skills, and characteristics he’s ideally seeking from an incoming director of football with a knowledge of Scottish football, experience of working at a senior level at a high-performing club, extensive contacts within the game and a strong background in implementing strategy and bringing sporting success all at the forefront.
“Ron’s desire to make the club successful hasn’t wavered, and we’re hoping that bringing in a director of football will help mirror our off-the-pitch success, so we can achieve our sporting ambitions,” Kensell added.
"Ultimately with director of football should be there to support the manager. The director of football should work hand-in-hand with Lee and a lot of the staff at HTC, whilst reviewing and improving.
"It’s about support at the end of the day and about football knowledge, nous and driving a football strategy that makes us better – that’s all we want at this club from the staff to the fans to the board."
