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Alan Stubbs holds Rotherham talks after Hibernian grant permission

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Luke Shanley brings us the latest on Hibernian manager Alan Stubbs and his potential departure to Rotherham

Alan Stubbs is holding talks with Rotherham United after Hibernian granted the English club permission to speak to their head coach.

Hibs initially refused a request from Rotherham to speak to Stubbs towards the end of last week, but he met chief executive Leeann Dempster and director of football George Craig in Carlisle on Monday and the negotiations were given the green light.

Championship side Rotherham are currently looking for a replacement for Neil Warnock, who turned down the chance to extend his stay with the Millers.

Stubbs has one year left on his contract at Easter Road but has expressed interest at the chance to manage south of the border.

Hibernian boss Alan Stubbs with unhappy Alan Muir failed to award the penalty against Falkirk
Image: Stubbs is now speaking with Rotherham

Dempster said: "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.

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"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."

We hope that Alan will see a brighter future here at Hibernian with the continued full support of the Board
Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster

Rotherham, who are preparing for a third season in England's second tier, confirmed on Monday evening that talks would take place on Tuesday.

A statement by the club said: "Rotherham United wishes to inform its supporters that the club has been granted permission to speak to Alan Stubbs by Hibernian FC.

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Hibernian celebrated their Scottish Cup success with a bus parade through the streets of Edinburgh

"Talks regarding the vacant manager's position at AESSEAL New York Stadium will take place over the course of the next 24 hours with Stubbs."

Hibernian won their first Scottish Cup for 114 years this season but failed to win promotion to the Scottish Premiership after a play-off defeat to Falkirk.

Rotherham chairman Tony Stewart previously said he is confident of being able to lure Stubbs, who was a contender for the job when Neil Redfearn was appointed in October, to the New York Stadium when talks opened.

Skipper and match-winner David Gray and Hibernian manager Alan Stubbs arrive back at Easter Road with the Scottish Cup on Saturday
Image: Hibernian won the Scottish Cup but failed to win promotion to the Premiership

Stewart said regarding Hibs: "I think if we get permission to open talks, the rest would be plain sailing."

Their move for Stubbs looks set to end any apparent interest in Coventry's Tony Mowbray, who was also thought to be subject of an approach from the Millers.

However, on Monday Coventry insisted there had been no move for their manager.

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