Hibernian confirm appointment of Pat Fenlon as new manager

Hibernian have announced the appointment of Pat Fenlon as manager on a two-and-a-half year deal.

The Clydesdale Bank Premier League club this morning confirmed the 42-year-old has signed a contract to move to Edinburgh from Bohemians until the end of the 2013/14 season.

Fenlon succeeds Colin Calderwood, who was sacked on November 6 following 12 wins in 49 matches and 12 months in charge.

Dublin-based Bohemians on Wednesday announced Hibs had been given permission to speak to Fenlon and the Irishman has now been placed in charge ahead of tomorrow's SPL clash at St Johnstone, becoming the capital club's fifth manager in four years.

Fenlon has spent his entire career in Ireland and in nine seasons as a manager he has won five League of Ireland championships and three Cups with two different clubs, Shelbourne and Bohemians.

Fenlon, who will be unveiled at a press conference this afternoon, said on Hibs' official website, www.hibernianfc.co.uk ^http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk@: "I'm really excited by the prospect of managing Hibernian, a club with a rich history and proud traditions.

"When I came to Easter Road in March for a friendly match, while I was in charge of Bohemians, I saw close-up the tremendous potential of the club."

Hibs sit ninth in the SPL, two points off the foot of the table, but have one home league win since February - the September defeat of St Johnstone.

Fenlon recognises the size of the challenge.

He added: "In order to move Hibernian forward there will need to be a lot of hard work and a clear change in mindset shown collectively by the team.

"There are a lot of quality players on Hibernian's playing staff and it is now my job to make sure they function as a team.

"The primary goal is to provide winning football to the Hibernian supporters, who have gone through some hard times recently.

"But we will also try to entertain our fans in the process and put a smile on their faces.

"I'm looking forward to put into practice all that I've learned during my nine years as a manager over in Ireland and will be giving everything I've got into assembling a successful Hibernian team that everybody connected to the club can be proud of."

Billy Brown was placed in caretaker charge following Calderwood's departure and oversaw last weekend's 1-1 draw at home to Kilmarnock.

Brown, who was brought in as Calderwood's assistant in September, had been in contention for the manager's job, after being included in a shortlist drawn up from 90 applicants, but his future is now uncertain.

Hibs executive director Scott Lindsay and managing director Fife Hyland led the recruitment process and chairman Rod Petrie was delighted with Fenlon's appointment.

The chairman said: "Put simply, Pat Fenlon is a winner.

"We are all excited about what the team and supporters can achieve together under Pat Fenlon."