ALAN STUBBS, the Hibernian manager, looks set to leave the Scottish Cup winners after the club gave him permission to speak with English Championship side Rotherham United.

He is expected over the next 48 hours to meet with representatives of Rotherham whose chairman, Tony Stewart, is confident that he will get land his first choice for the job.

Stubbs, 44, has already laid down plans for next season at Easer Road and the emotional ties he enjoys at Leith could well convince him to stay.

But while the club which finished fourth bottom of their league last season might not be a glamorous name, he would have a far bigger budget at Rotherham and, for someone with ambition to work at a higher level, it would also be an opportunity to prove he can cut it in English football.

Stewart seemed sure about Stubbs joining his club and said: "It’s all about moving forward. I think if we get permission, the rest would be plain sailing.

“There are certain protocols and we have always adhered to them. There is a right way of doing things. We don’t speak to anyone without permission. I wouldn’t like that to be done to me, so we don’t do it to them.”

The permission Stewart wanted has now been granted and while Hibernian will fight to keep the popular Stubbs, a legend in Leith for delivering the Scottish Cup, the Championship side face a battle to retain their manager.

A statement issued from the club said: "Hibernian FC today confirmed that the Club has reluctantly given Rotherham United FC permission to speak with Head Coach Alan Stubbs.

"The Club initially refused a request from Rotherham towards the end of last week, but following a subsequent meeting between Alan, Chief Executive Leeann Dempster and Head of Football Operations George Craig, the Club has allowed Rotherham to speak with Alan."

And Dempster herself added: "Throughout, we have made it plain to Alan that we want him to remain as Head Coach of Hibernian and build on what has been achieved. Despite that, Alan has expressed an interest in hearing what Rotherham have to say.

"I believe that our best chance to keep Alan focused and positive about his job at Hibernian is to allow a brief window within which Alan can speak to Rotherham. Reluctantly therefore, we have agreed to allow that to happen and we will take stock after that.

"While we have agreed to the request, we hope that Alan will see a brighter future here at Hibernian with the continued full support of the Board.”