Hibs confirm Collins exit

Collins: Quitting Easter Road

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Hibernian have confirmed that John Collins has resigned as manager with immediate effect.

As revealed on skysports.com Collins confirmed the shock news to his players at training on Thursday.

The resignation comes just 24 hours after Collins and chairman Rod Petrie unveiled the club's new training complex.

Collins took over at Easter Road in October 2006 and guided the club to their first piece of silverware in 16 years with victory in the CIS Cup.

Despite the cup success, Collins' position was surrounded in doubt after a much-publicised row with a number of senior players ahead of last season's Scottish Cup semi-final with Dunfermline.

Collins' departure is sure to fuel speculation linking him with the vacant manager's job with Scotland.

Hibs, who currently sit in fifth spot in the SPL, begin life without Collins with a trip to Celtic this weekend.

Collins revealed he decided to quit as he felt he had taken the club as far as he could.

"I feel that I leave with the CIS Cup in the trophy cabinet, a fine set of young players, a great new training ground," said Collins.

"During my time as manager we have brought in over £8.8million and paid out

£360,000 in compensation [on new players].

"My reasons for resigning are that I feel I have taken the club under the

current resources available as far as I can."