Hibernian manager Pat Fenlon exits Easter Road
Last updated on .From the section Football
Manager Pat Fenlon has resigned from his post at Hibernian, saying it was "100% my decision".
"It's a difficult decision for me, but it's the right decision," said the 44-year-old, who took over two years ago.
"I think a lot of the negativity is towards me at the moment, so if I take myself out of the firing line it will help everybody else."
Pressure mounted on Fenlon following in the Scottish League Cup.
There was a small fans' protest after Hibs' second Edinburgh derby loss this season but the Irishman insists he had made up his mind to step down following last Saturday's loss to Aberdeen.
"I had no problem with the supporters on Wednesday," he explained. "I felt as bad as them.
"I don't want to let people down and the club have been 100% behind me in every way. I still think I had the backing of the club."
Fenlon led Hibs to successive Scottish Cup finals but could not end the club's long wait for success in that tournament.
The Edinburgh club avoided relegation in his first season and his only full campaign ended with a seventh place finish.
This term opened with a record 9-0 aggregate defeat to Malmo in Europa League qualifying and two league defeats but Fenlon appeared to have steadied the ship with a run of just one loss in nine games before back-to-back home losses to Aberdeen and Hearts.
Assistant manager Jimmy Nicholl will oversee the team for Sunday's visit to Motherwell.
"I've been privileged to manage this fantastic football club and I really hopes it does kick on now," said Fenlon, who leaves with a 35% winning record from 87 games.
Fenlon managed Shelbourne, Derry City and Bohemians, lifting the League of Ireland title on five occasions, before he replaced Colin Calderwood in the Easter Road dugout.
"I'm convinced that we have improved the football side of the club a lot," he added.
"We've got a real good squad there, real good players and good staff.
"This is a really enjoyable place to work, with great people, and that's what makes it difficult to leave.
"People look at the negative side but we are five points off second place.
"I think it's a good time for someone to come in and hopefully kick us on."
Fenlon's departure leaves Hibs seeking their 10th manager in 16 years.
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On the face of it you'd think we are asking for 2 much going on your points there. Here's the problem though.
1. 2 home wins in the whole of 2013
2. Yes mid table now but have you seen how lucky half those results were?
3. Played players out of position continuously
4. Too negative most of the time & never had a back up plan
5. Would have been gone long ago if it wasn't for griffiths
You are making yourself look very silly indeed.
Do you know anything about sport, football, or indeed anything?
One of the first things Fenlon said when he took the Hibs job was, that he saw it as a stepping stone to get the job of his dreams. And when asked what that was, he answered 'first team coach of Celtic'. And let's face it first impressions count.
And excuse me but apart from 66, what exactly have england won again?
England have about as much chance of winning the world cup as Crystal Palace have of winning the premier league
Where's the Man Utd in that??
@ 185 super well. Yep I'm off two, no free one!
Mowbray - dud without John Park
Calderwood - plenty of tanning salons nearby
Collins - may be worth a grovelling apology from the Board
McCoist - folds in the face of moderate opposition. too low level
McLeish/Levein - too negative
Chic Young - waiting for Dave King
Sheils - comedy
Hartley - possible
I think you would need a crowbar to separate McCoist from Rangers. His loyalty goes beyond normal boundaries. He may have been under threat but thankfully, he survived and Green departed
@123had
Agreed he needs to get his career back on track, but talk of attractive football is a bit hopeful. Talk to any Aston Villa fan who will say he didn't know the meaning of attack