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Mixu Paatelainen resigns as Hibs manager

Mixu Paatelainen has resigned as manager of Hibernian, saying that both parties needed a "change of direction".

Mixu Paatelainen resigns as Hibs manager
Hello, goodbye: Mixu Paatelainen takes over as Hibs manager in 2008 Credit: Photo: REUTERS

Paatelainen announced his decision to step down in a statement on the club website, saying: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as manager of Hibernian Football Club.

"We have travelled a journey together and the club will always hold a special place in my heart.

"However, there comes a time when a change of direction is best for both parties.

"I thank the club and the players and coaching staff for their commitment and talent and I wish the supporters everything that they would wish themselves."

Chairman Rod Petrie added: "Mixu has been a wholehearted and committed manager and we are all sorry to see him go.

"However, we respect his decision. Mixu is held in the highest regard by everyone connected with the club and we wish him well for the future."

Paatelainen took over at Easter Road in January 2008 after management spells at Cowdenbeath and TPS Turku in his native Finland.

As a former Hibs player, his appointment was warmly welcomed but he was disappointed with their sixth-placed finish in the Scottish Premier League.

They finished the 2008/09 season with a win at city rivals Hearts and draws against both Rangers and Celtic.

However, the Edinburgh side finished in sixth which meant they missed out on a Europa League spot.

FACTFILE

1967: Born Feb 3, in Helsinki, Finland.

1987: Joins Dundee United from FC Haka.

1988: Plays in Scottish Cup final, but United lose 2-1 to Celtic.

1992: Signs for Aberdeen. Plays as the Dons lose the League Cup final 2-1 to Rangers.

1993: On the losing side again in a Scottish Cup final, as Aberdeen are beaten 2-1 by Rangers.

1994: Signs for Bolton.

1995: Plays in League Cup final as Bolton lose 2-1 to Liverpool. Bolton are promoted to the Premier League through the play-offs.

1996: Bolton are relegated, and Paatelainen manages just one goal in the Premier League.

1997: Moves on to Wolves shortly after Bolton are promoted to the Premier League.

1998: Joins Hibernian.

1999: Hibs are promoted to the Scottish Premier League, with Paatelainen scoring 12 goals in his first season.

2000: Hits nine goals for Hibs in 1999-2000 season.

October – Guarantees himself hero status at Hibs with hat-trick in 6-2 win against Edinburgh rivals Hearts.

2001: Leaves Easter Road, after a 12-goal campaign, for a spell with French side Strasbourg.

2002: Returns to Hibs as a player but also helps out with coaching the youth team.

2003: Moves to St Johnstone as player-coach.

2004: Now 37, Paatelainen moves on to St Mirren as player-coach.

2005: August – Appointed manager of Cowdenbeath.

2006: October – Resigns as manager of Cowdenbeath, who he led to the Third Division title, and takes charge at TPS Turku in Finland.

2008: Jan 10 – Appointed manager of Hibs.

May 22 – Hibs finish sixth in SPL.

July 31 – Paatelainen is handed two-match touchline ban by the Scottish Football Association after being sent to the stand in pre-season friendly against Cowdenbeath.

Aug 26 – Paatelainen is sent to the stand again in Hibs' shock Co-operative Insurance Cup defeat by Morton. He is handed a four-match touchline ban.

Oct 23 – Paatelainen loses an appeal against his ban.

2009: May 24 – Hibs finish sixth in the SPL after sneaking into the top six before the league split.

May 29 – Paatelainen resigns as manager.