Hibs have parted company with Shaun Maloney after just four months in charge at Easter Road.
The news comes as a shock – despite the 39-year-old struggling for results during his short stint at the helm. But suffering consecutive defeats to Hearts in his final two games in charge proved the final straw for chairman Ron Gordon.
Maloney also failed to secure a top six finish before enduring a 2-1 defeat to their biggest rivals in Saturday's Scottish Cup semi final on Saturday – just his 19th match in charge of the Easter Road side.
He roared at the weekend that he would reshape the club next season but owner Gordon has made the call to cut ties with the former Celtic star.
Maloney's exit follows on from the call to part company with Jack Ross in December despite him leading to the Premier Sports Cup Final and finishing third in the Scottish Premiership last season.
Gary Caldwell, Valerio Zuddas and Brian Doogan have also exited.
Executive chairman Gordon said: “Our hope in appointing Shaun Maloney as a young, highly regarded coach was that he would help us take the club forward, but ultimately that has not been the case.
“We thank Shaun and his coaching staff for all their hard work and efforts and wish them all the best for the future.”
The former Belgium No.2 cut his teeth with Roberto Martinez and will now be on the lookout for his next role.
David Gray will take charge until the end of the season in a caretaker position.
