Hibernian unveil former Central Coast Mariners boss Nick Montgomery as new manager to succeed Lee Johnson

Nick Montgomery has been unveiled as the new manager of Hibernian after the Englishman agreed a three-year deal with the Easter Road club.

Montgomery has made the move from Australia to become Lee Johnson’s successor in the job, after agreement was reached with his former club Central Coast Mariners.

The 41-year-old, who was a Scotland Under-21 cap during his playing career, will now look to revive Hibs’ fortunes after a difficult start to the season.

Montgomery, who brings assistant Sergio Raimundo with him and will also be aided by first team coach David Gray, will immediately start preparing his new side for their trip to play Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday.

Hibs director of football Brian McDermott said: “We are delighted to welcome Nick to Hibernian FC and are really excited about bringing him to the football club.

“I’ve followed Nick’s career for a number of years. As a player, he was a leader and he’s brought that quality into his managerial and coaching career. What he’s done as a coach is really impressive.

“He helped rebuild what is now a successful Academy and did a magnificent job of bringing through and developing young players. Alongside this, he has incredibly strong coaching credentials.

“Ian (Gordon), Ben (Kensell), the board of directors, and I believe that Nick is the right fit for this football club. He has a real strong, distinctive style of play, is a front-foot manager, and what he achieved at Central Coast Mariners last season was phenomenal.

“He created a strong relationship and camaraderie between the supporters, players and staff, and he’s an excellent man manager which has seen him get the best out of the players he’s worked with.

“Everyone has bought into him as a person and as a coach. We look forward to working with him and bringing successful times to this fantastic football club.”

The former midfielder spent the vast majority of his playing career at Sheffield United, where he made more than 350 appearances over 12 years at the club.

Montgomery moved to Australia in 2012, spending five years with Central Coast Mariners and then ending his career with Wollongong Wolves.

After his retiral, he returned to Mariners as an assistant coach and completed his UEFA Pro Licence during lockdown. He was promoted to the top job in 2021 after the departure of Alen Sajcic.

Montgomery led the team to the A-League title last season.

Hibs sacked Lee Johnson in late August after a 3-2 home defeat to Livingston continued a poor start to the season.

Johnson was removed from his position after 15 months in charge with the Easter Road side having conceded 20 goals in nine competitive games this season.

The loss to Livingston came just days after a 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League play-off first leg and left the club at the foot of the league table after three games played.

Club legend Gray was asked to step up as interim manager and oversaw a 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa in Birmingham, followed by a 2-0 win at Pittodrie that lifted the team to tenth in the Premiership ahead of the international break.