Hibs boss Alan Stubbs given permission to speak to Rotherham

Hibernian face a fight to keep hold of their manager Alan Stubbs after they "reluctantly" gave him permission to talk to Championship Rotherham.

The Edinburgh club initially rejected an approach from the Millers last Friday, but after speaking to Stubbs they have allowed him to discuss terms with the Millers, who are on the lookout for a replacement for Neil Warnock.

The 44-year-old, who led Hibs to their first trophy in 114 years this season, has one year left on his contract at Easter Road but expressed interest at the chance to manage south of the border.

A club statement read: "Hibernian FC today confirmed that the club has reluctantly given Rotherham United FC permission to speak with head coach Alan Stubbs.

"The club initially refused a request from Rotherham towards the end of last week, but following a subsequent meeting between Alan, chief executive Leeann Dempster and head of football operations George Craig, the club has allowed Rotherham to speak with Alan."

Dempster, who has just returned from a weekend away, is hopeful that Stubbs will stay at the club.

She 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. 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."

Stubbs, who missed out on his primary goal of winning promotion from the Scottish Championship last term, is one of six men shortlisted by the Millers as they aim to replace Warnock following the veteran's U-turn a fortnight ago.

And chairman Tony Stewart 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 open later this week.

He said last week ahead of their approach to 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 the League One club insisted there had been no move for their manager.

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

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

"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."