Nick Montgomery has spoken for the first time as manager of Hibernian.

The 41-year-old was this morning appointed as the club's new head coach.

He takes over from Lee Johnson who was sacked last month after the Easter Road club suffered a terrible start to the season.

Montgomery arrives from A-League champions Central Coast Mariners. He guided them to their first Australian top-flight title in ten years last term.

Now, the former Sheffield United midfielder is keen to stamp his own authority in Edinburgh.

"Over the last couple of weeks, I really felt this was the right opportunity for me and I'm really happy to be here," he explained. "(The fans) can expect a team that are going to give 100 percent, number one, they're going to work hard and in terms of philosophy, I don't really like to use that word but I think I'll try to bring a new identity to the club.

"And that's not easy to do but I think hard work on the training ground and the buy-in from the staff and the players, as well as the fans and the community - I really want to push this club forward and just bring good work ethic and a style of play people will come and enjoy to watch.

"The squad's really good. I've done a lot of research on the squad, I know some of the players. I actually played with David Marshall a long time ago so apologies to Davie, he'll be one of the oldest players in the squad - but fantastic goalkeeper.

"Look, the identity is something fans can come and enjoy, a team with a lot of energy and a team who likes to score goals. I like to win games of football so I'm no different to any other coach who comes into a club.

"I just felt it was the perfect club to come to. Right now, it's not where it should be in terms of the start of the season but that's now responsibility to put the belief into the players and to create an environment where everybody wants to come in every day and enjoy training, the players, the staff buying into the long term vision, which is to make Hibs successful - so it's a great opportunity for me to come in right now."

READ MORE: Hibs appoint Nick Montgomery as the club's new manager

His first game in charge will come away to Kilmarnock this Saturday.

Director of football Brian McDermott said: “We are delighted to welcome Nick to Hibernian FC and are really excited about bringing him to the Football Club.

“I’ve followed Nick’s career for a number of years. As a player, he was a leader and he’s brought that quality into his managerial and coaching career. What he’s done as a coach is really impressive.

"He helped rebuild what is now a successful Academy and did a magnificent job of bringing through and developing young players. Alongside this, he has incredibly strong coaching credentials.

“Ian (Gordon) Ben (Kensell), the Board of Directors, and I believe that Nick is the right fit for this Football Club. He has a really strong, distinctive style of play, is a front-foot manager, and what he achieved at Central Coast Mariners last season was phenomenal.

“He created a strong relationship and camaraderie between the supporters, players and staff, and he’s an excellent man manager which has seen him get the best out of the players he’s worked with.

“Everyone has bought into him as a person and as a coach. We look forward to working with him and bringing successful times to this fantastic football club.”