Rotherham will begin talks
with number one target Alan Stubbs today as they finally close in on the man they
want to become their new manager.
The Millers were granted
permission to speak to the Hibernian boss on Monday after an initial approach
was rejected last Friday, with the Scottish club “reluctantly” changing their
mind.
Their search for Neil Warnock’s
replacement is in danger of extending beyond two weeks, but their discussions
with the 44-year-old represent a significant step forward.
Chairman Tony Stewart last
week predicted that talks would be “plain sailing” but the Millers must
convince Stubbs to walk out of the Easter Road club just weeks after delivering
a first trophy in 114 years.
Stubbs, who was a frontrunner
for the Millers job when Neil Redfearn was appointed in October, will now meet
with club officials today where Stewart will hope to get the deal done.
A Millers 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."
Hibs had previously shut down
Rotherham’s advances last week but after Stubbs expressed an interest in
opening discussions with the Millers the Edinburgh club gave in.
Their board is still
confident that Stubbs will choose to stay at Easter Road and see out the final
year of his contract.
Chief executive Leeann
Dempster 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."
Rotherham’s move for Stubbs
shows where their desires lay, with Hibs being the only club approached.
It was thought that they were
also lining up a move for Coventry’s Tony Mowbray, but the League One club
insisted their had been no approach over the weekend.
