Ex Preston boss Paul Simpson becomes front runner for the Hibs job!!!

Former Preston North End and Carlisle manager Paul Simpson has tonight become the shock leading candidate for the vacant Hibernian managerial post.

Simpson, 41, has been interviewed by the Hibernian board and it seems has jumped to the head of the queue.

According to our source, Simpson has been shown round the club's new state of the art training facility and has been offered the job as Hibernian manager, but has yet to accept.

The former Manchester City player was in attendance today as the Hibees crashed in a 2-1 defeat away to St Mirren and wouldn't have been impressed after a quite woeful performance from the Hibees.

Former Hibs striker Mixu Paatelainen has also been interviewed for the post and would be a popular appointment with the support, but it seems he is about to be pipped to the post by Simpson.

Also thought to have been interviewed is MK Dons boss Paul Ince.

Simpson won two straight promotions while manager of Carlisle, before he moved on to Preston North End in the English Championship to replace Billy Davies, but was sacked in November after a disastrous start to the season.

He had a long playing career, he turned out for Wolves, Derby and Manchester City and was also capped 5 times for England U21's.

What is clear after today's terrible display at Love Street is that we need a number of new faces at the club and a manager needs to be appointed and soon.

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