Hibernian sack Lee Johnson three games into new season

Hibernian have sacked manager Lee Johnson after losing their opening three league games of the new season.

The Edinburgh outfit sit rock-bottom of the Scottish Premiership having shipped eight goals and failed to pick up a single point from their first three games.

Johnson's final match in charge proved to be Saturday's 3-2 home defeat to Livingston, while they also lost 3-2 at home to St Mirren and 2-1 away to Motherwell in their other league games so far this term.

Johnson's assistant coaches Jamie McAllister and Adam Owen have also left the club.

"The club has taken the tough decision to relieve Lee Johnson of his duties following a disappointing start to the domestic campaign," said chief executive Ben Kensell.

Hibernian FC can confirm that that Lee Johnson has departed the Club as First Team Manager.

— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) August 27, 2023

"We wish Lee and his coaching staff all the best for the future and thank them for their efforts."

David Gray will take the reins as caretaker manager for the "immediate future", being supported by Stuart Garden until the club find a permanent successor.

Hibs have tasted domestic victory in the Scottish League Cup so far this season, beating Raith Rovers earlier this month to set up a third-round tie against St Mirren.

The Hibees are also still in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds, although they trail Aston Villa 5-0 heading into the away second leg of their playoff on Thursday.

Former Bristol City and Sunderland boss Johnson took charge of 52 matches as Hibernian manager across all competitions, winning 20, drawing eight and losing 24 of those.