Stubbs' Everton exit confirmed

Everton Under-21 coach Alan Stubbs has been confirmed as the new head coach of Scottish side Hibernian.

The former Toffees defender emerged as the favourite for the job last week in what will be his first foray into senior management.

He certainly has a tough job on his hands with Edinburgh-based side Hibernian still reeling from their relegation from the Scottish Premiership last month.

Early reports suggested fellow coach David Unsworth would follow Stubbs north to form a new look management team at Easter Road but it appears that will not now happen.

Stubbs is a born and bred Evertonian who joined his boyhood club as a player in 2001, making more than 150 appearances for the club in two spells over seven years.

Upon retiring he took his coaching badges in Scotland before rejoining Everton as part of David Moyes' backroom team in September 2008.

Since then he has played a key role in developing the Under-21 side and clearly loved being part of the coaching set-up at Goodison Park. However, he also had a burning ambition to become a manager in his own right.

The club are understandably sad to see him leave but  respect his ambitions, meaning he leaves with everyone's good wishes.

Should he be a success then there is no reason why he cannot return to Everton at some point in the future.

On his appointment, Stubbs said:

"I'm excited about the future here at Hibernian and what we can all achieve together at the club - this is the start of the journey.

"The Scottish Championship will be a tough division, but I'm confident that if we approach the challenge with enthusiasm, optimism and belief then we can achieve success.

"I've been at Everton for almost six years and now I believe I'm ready to take on the role of Head Coach here at Hibernian.

"I would like to thank Everton for giving me the chance to take up this position with Hibernian and now I just can't wait to get started;helping the club to earn promotion."

Everton manager Roberto Martinez said:

"We wish Alan the very best of luck. The reality is when you work well and do things well, people will take notice.

"It reflects the excellent work done last season at the Club and means it has been seen from the outside as well.

"We're proud when those individuals that are Everton through and through get noticed and are given rewards and opportunities."