ROTHERHAM United hope to name Alan Stubbs as their new manager today after holding talks with the Hibernian head coach yesterday.
Stubbs asked for permission to speak with the Millers after an initial approach had been turned down and the Easter Road club ‘reluctantly’ granted his wishes on Monday.
The 44-year-old met with the Rotherham hierarchy yesterday afternoon and was last night expected to hold further discussions with Hibs, who are eager for a quick resolution to the issue in the knowledge they will have to move fast to find a successor.
Stubbs wrote his name into Hibs folklore last month by leading the club to their first Scottish Cup triumph in 114 years and met with board members last week to plan for next season.
However, he is now expected to turn his back on the opportunity of leading the Edinburgh outfit into the Europa League next month, and towards a third successive Championship promotion battle, to chase his dream in the English game.
Stubbs, who has also been linked with the vacant manager’s posts at former club Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers in recent weeks, joined Hibs on a two-year contract in June 2014.
But it was always expected he would at some point return south of the border, where he began his coaching career with boyhood idols Everton.
After becoming the first Hibs boss to win the Scottish Cup since 1902 and having led the club to the League Cup final in March, it has been suggested the time is now right to take the next step in his managerial career whilst his stock is high.
Rotherham chairman Tony Stewart said last night: “We have agreed terms on a deal for three years and both sides are happy with what’s what.”
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