Sauzee sacked

FRANCK SAUZEE was today sensationally sacked as manager of Hibs after just 15 matches in charge.

The former French internationalist had been installed just over two months ago as replacement for Alex McLeish, who abruptly departed the club for Rangers.

Despite having no previous managerial or coaching experience, he was charged with salvaging the fortunes of a team whose form was plummeting and was recalled from France out of the blue where he was convalescing from an Achilles’ injury.

He took over a side which was low on confidence and despite enjoying the overwhelming support of the fans he was relieved of his post having failed to win any of his league games in charge.

Club chairman Malcolm McPherson announced the decision at Easter Road today and revealed the club had already started the process of finding a successor.

He said: “The board of Hibernian Football Club today announce that we have asked Franck Sauzee to stand down as manager.

“This is the hardest decision I and my fellow directors have ever had to take and is one we have taken with nothing but sadness.

“All of us admire, like and respect Franck. His passion for the club and his enthusiasm for Hibernian have rightly made him a hugely popular figure with our supporters.

“However, our duty is to the club and unfortunately the run of results over the past two months has been extremely disappointing.

“Of equal importance performances over the past two weeks have become unacceptable. It is our belief that the club needs a more experienced man at the helm at this stage to steady us through a diffi-cult period.

“Franck was informed of our decision last night following a lengthy discussion by the board and accepted our view with his customary good grace. The process of finding a successor has begun today and we will be making contact with a number of clubs in Scotland and elsewhere. There will be no further statements until there is positive news to report.

“Finally, everyone at Hibs thanks Franck Sauzee for all that he has done for us and wishes him nothing but success and happiness.”

Sauzee’s departure means the club now face a race against time to find a new boss before next weekend’s crunch SPL clash with St Johnstone.

Saints’ weekend win over Livingston coupled with Hibs’ draw against Dunfermline means the gap between the two relegation-threatened sides has been cut to nine points, heightening the significance of the match.

Easter Road chief executive Rod Petrie was absent from today’s announcement and was believed to be away from the club as he began the hunt for a new manager.

Sauzee was brought to Hibs as a player in 1999 from French outfit Montpelier and quickly established a legendary status among the club’s supporters through his classy and cultured performances.

After helping Hibs run away with the First Division title, he helped them re-establish themselves in the SPL and went on to skipper them to their best season in many years last season when the club finished third in the league, reached the Tennent’s Scottish Cup final and qualified for the UEFA Cup.

He came with an unrivalled playing CV having played at the top level in both Italy and his homeland, lifting the European Cup with Marseille in 1993. He also won 39 caps for his country.

Since his appointment as manager, Sauzee brought in a few of his own players to try and turn the club’s fortunes around.

He signed both Finnish midfielder Marko Wiss and French defender Lilian Martin, while Scotland Under-21 star Gary Caldwell was signed on loan from Newcastle United.

Sauzee has also had numerous other players on trial in recent weeks.

Taken from the Scotsman