Hibs choose Sauzee

Donald Park and Franck Sauzee are in charge at Hibs

Hibernian have acted swiftly to appoint Franck Sauzee as their new manager.

The 36-year-old former French international was announced to the media as the successor to Alex McLeish at a Friday lunchtime press conference.

Sauzee will be the senior partner in a management team with former Under-21 coach Donald Park after being offered an 18-month contract.

The popular Frenchman, who has recently been dogged by an Achilles injury, announced that he will not resume his playing career and will concentrate solely on the management of the Easter Road side.

"I am very happy and very proud as well to be manager here," said Sauzee.

"I'm not afraid and I'm delighted to work for the club.

"I have seen the club improve a lot in the three years since I joined and I will do my best for Hibs."

Donald Park was in charge at Ibrox

Easter Road chairman Malcolm McPherson said the Frenchman's enthusiasm made him the perfect choice for the job.

"We have repeatedly said that we were in no hurry to make an appointment but it was the board's intention to meet with Franck and discuss the position," he said.

"We had a conversation with him this morning and he showed a huge enthusiasm to take over as manager of Hibs and will do so immediately."

Sauzee returned on Thursday from France, where he was having treatment on his Achilles injury.

The French playmaker became a fans' favourite at the club since his arrival on a free transfer from Montpellier in February 1999.

The promotion of Sauzee from club captain to the dugout will be welcomed by Hibs fans.

But the speed of the appointment will come as a surprise considering the Easter Road board only met on Thursday night with a view to drawing up a shortlist and because the Frenchman has no previous coaching experience.

Park took over as caretaker for the 1-1 draw with Rangers at Ibrox on Wednesday after McLeish moved to the Glasgow club.

But Park was then widely quoted as saying that he did want the job permanently and was looking forward to again working with the club's younger players.