Hibernian: Candidates for new manager role down to four

Hibernian were relegated following a penalty shoot-out loss in the play-offs

Hibernian have narrowed their shortlist to four names as they close in on a replacement for Terry Butcher.

The interview process is now over, with former Hibs assistant Mark Venus and Everton coach Alan Stubbs among those who have been spoken to.

Dumbarton boss and ex-Hibs captain Ian Murray has been linked with the club but told BBC Scotland it was wrong to assume he would leave his current side.

Butcher was sacked following relegation from the Premiership last season.

The new man will be Hibs' eighth manager in 10 years, with former England captain Butcher lasting just 29 games after his switch from Inverness CT.

Club chief executive Leeann Dempster will now report back to the club's board before a final decision is made.

"We need to attract the right person to this club who will hopefully be here for some time," said Dempster on the day of Butcher's departure.

"It's a big, big club and whoever comes in needs to understand that dynamic."

Stubbs, 42, has been on the coaching staff at Goodison Park since 2008 and is currently in charge of the Under-21 side.

The former defender spent five years in Scotland with Celtic, winning the title twice and the League Cup twice.

Venus, 47, was assistant to Tony Mowbray at Hibs from 2004-06. He also assisted Mowbray at West Bromwich Albion, Celtic and Middlesbrough.

Hibs will be joined in the Championship by Edinburgh rivals Hearts and Rangers, meaning three of Scotland's biggest clubs will be battling it out in the second tier next season.