Hibernian: Nick Montgomery named new manager after leaving Central Coast Mariners
- Published
- comments
Nick Montgomery leaves Central Coast Mariners as the A-League's champions
Former Scotland Under-21 midfielder Nick Montgomery has been appointed Hibernian manager following the departure of Lee Johnson.
The Leeds-born 41-year-old moves to Easter Road from Australian champions Central Coast Mariners, where he has been in charge since July 2021.
He was on a five-man shortlist for the job and has signed a three-year deal.
"I took this opportunity because I really believe it is the right one for me," said Montgomery.
Johnson was sacked last month after losing his opening three games in the new Scottish Premiership.
The Englishman - who left the club after losing the first leg of the Europa League play-off against Aston Villa 5-0 at home - replaced former Hibs midfielder Scott Brown as Fleetwood Town's manager on Sunday.
Sergio Raimundo will be Montgomery's assistant and Miguel de Oliveira Miranda becomes Hibs' new goalkeeping coach while David Gray will remain first-team coach.
Montgomery, who won two Scotland Under-21 caps, played for Sheffield United for 12 years before moving to Australia in 2011.
He spent five years in Gosford before joining Wollongong Wolves but returned as assistant coach at the end of his playing career in 2018.
Montgomery took Central Coast Mariners from the lower echelons of the division to their first A-League title in 10 years and the first Australia Cup final in their history.
"Hibs fans can expect a team that will give 100% and work hard. I don't like to use the word 'philosophy' but I will try to bring a new identity to the club," added Montgomery.
"That's not easy to do but with hard work on the training ground we can be a team with a lot of energy who like to score goals.
"I have done a lot of research into the squad and know some of the players - I actually played with David Marshall a long time ago!
"David (Gray) is the perfect guy to work alongside myself and my assistant Sergio Raimundo - he knows the DNA of the club, the squad and the league."
Director of football Brian McDermott emphasised Montgomery's track record in developing young players as a key attraction of their appointment.
Montgomery started his coaching career in the Central Coast Mariners academy and revitalised their youth system to notable success alongside Raimundo.
"We are really excited about bringing Nick to the football club," said McDermott.
"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 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."
Our coverage of Hibernian is bigger and better than ever before - here's everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment