Hibs have today confirmed that Sporting Director Graeme Mathie has left the club with immeadiate effect.
Rumours had been swirling for a number of weeks that Mathie was on his way out the door, and it seemed to be confirmed when a couple of tabloids ran stories that Hibs owner Ron Gordon was not happy with the summer transsfer window, and the failure to push through a number of deals.
The most obvious being - a number of Bids for St Johsntone defender Jamie McCart being thrown out and a transfer deadline day swoop to sign St Mirren winger Jamie McGrath failing at the last minute.
Speaking to the offical club website, Hibs Owner Ron Gordon said:
“I would like to thank Graeme for all of his dedication and hard work throughout his time at Hibs, both as Head of Player Recruitment, and most recently as Sporting Director.
“Graeme also took on added responsibility as Interim Head of Academy and his passion for youth development was noted by all who worked with him.
“We wish him every success for the future.”
Also speaking to the site, Mathie said his goodbyes:
“It’s been an honour to have been part of the evolution of Hibernian for the last seven years. When I look back to when a small group of us arrived, the scale of the challenge was obvious.
“It’s been an incredible journey since and it’s been a privilege to have been surrounded by good people who have gone above and beyond over that period to help get the club to where it is today.
“I’m proud to have served Hibernian, initially as Head of Recruitment and latterly as Sporting Director, during some unprecedented times on and off the pitch.
“I leave assured that there are strong foundations in place across coaching, recruitment, analysis, sports science, medical and the Academy. I wish those involved in the next steps every success.
“My children have grown up as Hibernian supporters and I look forward to taking them back to Easter Road sometime soon to get behind a team I have no doubt can achieve success on the field in the near future.”
Editors View:
This is a real hard one to judge!!
In our eyes, Mathie did a superb job, he arrived just after we were relegated and rebuilt a squad.
He signed the likes of John McGinn, Dylan McGeouch, Liam Henderson, Marvin Bartley and Conrad Logan.
Hibs won the Scottish Cup and were promoted back to the Premiership after winning the Championship whislt he was part of the backroom team.
If it's true Ron Gordon wasn't happy, then there was only going to be one winner.
Hibs are moving on as a club, and maybe the time was right for Mathie to go, and for Ron to bring in his own man.
So far Ron has delivered on all fronts, so who are we to argue?
Good luck Graeme and thanks for everything.
Tell us what yu think of this on our forum HERE