New Hibs boss Alan Stubbs targets swift return to Premiership

New head coach Alan Stubbs is aiming to get Hibernian back to the top flight "as quick as possible".

The 42-year-old former Celtic and Everton defender replaced Terry Butcher this week following the club's relegation from the Premiership.

Hearts and Rangers will be among the team challenging Hibs for promotion from the Championship next season.

"This is a new chapter for me and I intend to be as successful as I was as a player, even more so," said Stubbs.

The Englishman is taking his first steps in management, having served under David Moyes and Roberto Martinez at Goodison Park.

And he credits the passion of chief executive Leeaan Dempster for convincing him that Easter Road is the place to begin his latest career.

"I've had a great introduction at Everton, doing five years with the Under-21s," he explained.

"I've had a few opportunities where I could have gone into management but I didn't think they were right at the time.

"When I finished playing I didn't want to be one of those who thought I could automatically make the jump into management.

"So I did all my (coaching) badges and I have learned from a couple of what you would call decent managers in David Moyes and Roberto Martinez.

"Now I feel I'm ready and meeting with Leeann and hearing her vision for taking this club forward was exciting.

"Every manager that has gone on to do well has been a novice at some time. They all needed an opportunity, the same as me. Then it's up to you to make what you can of that opportunity.

"I've got a great chance here to be successful, along with Leeann, who is very driven. I don't see why that can't happen."

Stubbs will need to begin reshaping the squad he has inherited swiftly since 15 first-team players have been released since the club were relegated.

"The one thing I can guarantee is that it won't be through a lack of hard work," he continued. "I'll be utilising all of my contacts and calling in all the favours I've given in the past to try and put a team out that is going to be exciting to watch.

"I want the fans to be proud of the team they see on the pitch.

"And with the work that we are doing, I'm sure we can get that.

"It's going to be an exciting league. I don't think Rangers anticipated playing against Hearts and Hibs this year.

"It's a strange situation because maybe the Championship is going to be more exciting than the Premiership. There are interesting times ahead."

Meanwhile, Hibs have entered into "a significant six-figure partnership deal" with Marathonbet, which will see the bookmakers become the club's new main sponsor.

The initial two-year agreement includes an option to extend to a third year.