Hibernian have confirmed Brian McDermott as the club's new director of football.
The former Reading and Leeds United boss has beaten off competition from four other candidates, including ex-Hibs player and manager Mixu Paatelainen and veteran agent Raymond Sparkes.
With tons of experience in the game, McDermott made over 300 appearances as a player and managed almost 500 games, including leading Reading to promotion to the English Premier League.
He has also spent five years as Arsenal’s International Senior Scout, was Chief Scout at Reading, and supported Celtic’s recruitment team through video scouting.
It's believed that Easter Road manager Lee Johnson was at the heart of the interviewing process.
And he’s chosen ex-Arsenal chief scout McDermott, 62, to fill a key role for the future.
Brian McDermott has been appointed the new Director of Football at Hibernian FC 💼⚽️
— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) May 4, 2023
Welcome to Hibs, Brian!
Hibs chief executive Ben Kensell commented: “We are delighted with the appointment of Brian McDermott after a long and extensive process.
“We are conscious that this appointment has taken some time, which is partly due to the sad passing of our late Chairman Ronald J Gordon, but we also wanted to make sure that we had the right steps in place and a thorough process, to make sure we’ve got the right person in the door.
“Brian joins us with substantial experience in the game and has worked across numerous different roles across a football club on the sporting side, which sets him up perfectly for this role. We also wanted someone that has a strong recruitment bias, and he has that in abundance having scouted across the world for some high-level clubs.
“Brian’s background, contacts, and experience will be vital as we continue to move the club forwards.”
READ MORE: Lewis Stevenson issues five 'cup finals' Hibs message
After being named Director of Football, Brian McDermott said: “I’m delighted to join such a great, community-orientated club like Hibernian FC.
“I scouted Hibs games many times in the past and have always been taken by the fantastic atmosphere at Easter Road.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity. Having met the Chairman, the Board of Directors, Executives, Lee Johnson, all the staff, and understanding more around the culture of the football club and the objectives, I’m really excited about the challenge.”
More to follow.
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