Rotherham United: Millers act fast after Stubbs green light

The Edinburgh club last night “reluctantly” granted permission for their boss to speak with the Millers and talks are already planned for today.

“We are hoping we get something together to make preparations for an announcement this week,” Rotherham chairman Tony Stewart said.

“We will move as fast as we can.”

Hibs initially rejected the approach but changed their mind after Stubbs made it clear he wanted to hold discussions with the Millers.

The Scottish Championship outfit’s chief executive, Leean Dempster, said: “Throughout, we have made it plain to Alan that we want him to remain as head coach 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 he can speak to Rotherham.

“Reluctantly, therefore, we have agreed to allow that to happen and we will take stock after that.”

Stubbs, who led Hibs to Scottish FA Cup Final glory earlier this month, has been Championship Rotherham’s No 1 target after the departure of Neil Warnock almost a fortnight ago.

Stewart at first said he wanted someone with experience of the second tier. Stubbs doesn’t have that, but the managerial credentials of the former Bolton Wanderers, Everton and Sunderland centre-half are still impressive.

As well as helping Hibs win the Scottish FA Cup Final for the first time since 1902, the 44-year-old has twice taken them close to promotion to the Scottish Premier League in his two seasons in charge at Easter Road.

Stewart said late last week he anticipated negotiations would be “plain sailing” if he and Stubbs came to the table together.

Stubbs was close to landing the Millers hot-seat before the job went to Neil Redfearn last October.

Dempster added: “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 also said before last weekend that they would also be requesting talks with a second manager, believed to be Coventry City’s Tony Mowbray, but the Midlands outfit say there has been no contact so far.

“No approach has been made by anyone for the services of our manager,” Sky Blues managing director Chris Anderson said.

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