Hibs chairman welcomes 'winner' Fenlon

Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie today hailed Pat Fenlon as a winner and leader after the Irishman’s appointment as the Edinburgh club’s ninth manager in 10 years.

Fenlon was released by Bohemians and named by Hibs as successor to Colin Calderwood on a two-and-a-half year contract.

And Petrie, who has been criticised during Hibs’ form slump over the last 18 months, believes Fenlon can be a catalyst for an upturn in fortunes.

He said: “Results in the last 12 months have not been what any of us wanted, but we’ve got a new manager now who has got great experience, he’s a very determined character, he’s a leader, he’s a winner.

“Everybody is keen for the club to be successful so we go forward in a positive and optimistic vein.

“Yes, things didn’t work out the way we wanted last time round (under Calderwood). We close that chapter and go forward together.”

If it sounds familiar, it is because the same rhetoric came forth when Calderwood was appointed as John Hughes’ successor in October 2010, only to achieve a success rate of 12 wins in 49 matches.

Fenlon has signed until the end of the 2013/14 season as Hibs seek the managerial stability which has been lacking of late.

The chairman added: “He needs a bit of time to get fully up to speed with what we’ve got here.

“We’re not looking for miracles overnight but we’re looking for steady and sustained incremental progress.”

During Fenlon’s unveiling, Petrie listed his achievements – five league titles and three cup triumphs in Ireland – before then highlighting the his management last season of cash-strapped Bohemians, who finished fifth with a winning record of less than 50%.

Petrie was not part of the recruitment process which saw 90 applications received, a shortlist drawn up and Fenlon appointed.

That was left to Hibs executive director Scott Lindsay and managing director Fife Hyland and took almost three weeks since Calderwood’s departure.

In that time Calderwood found alternative employment, this week being named assistant manager to Chris Hughton at Birmingham.

Birmingham and Nottingham Forest were linked with Calderwood last summer and Hibs continually blocked approaches for their then manager, even reportedly turning down a six-figure sum for his services.

Asked if he regrets that decision now, Petrie said: “It’s irrelevant. Decisions were made in the past and that was it.

“It’s important you make the best call that you can at the time. Some things work for you, some things don’t.”

The Hibs board – and Petrie in particular – have been the subject of the fans’ fury of late, but the chairman insisted he has no qualms with the negative feedback.

Asked if he had considered his position, he said: “No. Everyone wants the same thing. Everyone wants success. We understand the disappointment, we understand the passion.

“That’s shared by the board and we’re determined to go forward together.”