HIBS have confirmed they have sacked boss Paul Heckingbottom after just nine months in charge.
The axe fell on the former Leeds United and Barnsley gaffer following the 5-2 Betfred League Cup semi-final hammering from holders Celtic at Hampden at the weekend.
Already the guessing game for a successor is in full swing with ex-Easter Road manager Alan Stubbs rating a mention as does Jack Ross, the former St Mirren chief who was axed by English League outfit Sunderland earlier this season.
Heckingbottom guided the Edinburgh side to a fifth-place finish in the Premiership in the last campaign as he took over the hot seat vacated by Neil Lennon in January and who returned to Celtic a month later.
Hibs have failed to win a game since the opening day of the season against St Mirren, with the club currently sitting 10th in the table.
The English coach, 42, agreed a three-and-a-half year deal in February which should have taken him through to June 2022.
Assistant Robbie Stockdale has also left Easter Road – while Eddie May will take charge of first-team affairs until further notice alongside Grant Murray and Steven Whittaker.
Both of the Edinburgh clubs are now without a manager as last week city rivals, Hearts sacked Craig Levein last Thursday after he also recorded one win in the Premiership this season, with the club languishing in 11th position.
New club owner Ron Gordon and chief executive Leeann Dempster are expected to address the media later this week.
Hibs face St Johnstone away on Saturday as they look to end a spell of five consecutive league draws.
