New Hibernian head coach Paul Heckingbottom has hailed Sir Alex Ferguson as a big influence as he vowed to leave no stone unturned in his bid to bring success to Easter Road.

The former Leeds United and Barnsley boss signed a three-and-a-half year deal and will be assisted by former Scotland and Middlesbrough defender Robbie Stockdale. 

Heckingbottom vowed to uphold the club’s proud attacking traditions by introducing aggressive, exciting football as he spoke of being inspired by the legendary attack-minded Ferguson during his time as a youth trainee at Manchester United.

Former Leeds boss Paul Heckingbottom has signed a three-and-a-half year deal at Hibs

He said: ‘Sir Alex Ferguson made a big impression on everyone. His values were imprinted on the club. He was Manchester United and that’s why they were so successful.

‘It’s an honour to be named head coach of Hibernian Football Club – a club with a rich history and commitment to playing attacking football.

‘In terms of my style of football, I love to play on the front foot, press teams and be really aggressive.

‘I like my teams to win the ball high up the pitch and play forward, create chances and score goals. And there’s a lot of players in this Hibs squad capable of doing that.

‘I will give everything I have to be a success here. Supporters can be assured of that.’ Heckingbottom’s arrival in Edinburgh yesterday came 24 hours after negotiations broke down between Hibs and former Blackburn Rovers and Oxford City boss Michael Appleton.

Heckingbottom will be assisted by former Scotland defender Robbie Stockdale (left)

Another former Manchester United trainee, Appleton emerged as the club’s top target after Hibs received 100 applications for the post.

He travelled to Edinburgh on Friday but talks stalled due to concerns over salary and relocation expenses.

Hibs then turned to Heckingbottom, who had a successful spell at Barnsley but was sacked by Leeds United last summer after just four months at Elland Road.

But the Leith outfit’s failure to land Appleton saw the club under fresh scrutiny after the chaotic departure of previous boss Neil Lennon and his assistant Garry Parker last month.

Lennon and Parker were both suspended by chief executive Leeann Dempster after an incident involving Swiss striker Florian Kamberi.

But following an internal review, Hibs released a statement confirming the pair had left the club ‘by mutual consent’ adding that ‘neither Neil nor Garry has been guilty of any misconduct or wrongdoing and no disciplinary process has been commenced.’ 

Last night Hibs chairman Rod Petrie hailed Lennon’s replacement, who will be unveiled to the media tomorrow – 24 hours before taking charge for the first time when Hamilton Accies visit Easter Road.

Petrie said: ‘We are pleased to have secured the services of Paul and Robbie and look forward to seeing what they have to bring to the Hibernian training centre and Easter Road stadium.

‘Paul excelled throughout the interview process. He is bright, driven and hungry to help drive the club forward. As a board we will do all that we can to assist him in his endeavours.’ Hibs chief executive Dempster hopes the new head coach can bring the type of style and success that saw him win promotion to the Championship at Barnsley and win the EFL Trophy in 2016.

Dempster said: ‘Paul made a really positive impression on us from our first meeting with him.

‘His work at Barnsley speaks for itself, where he was able to combine the kind of dynamic, attacking football our own fans appreciate with the development of some talented young players.

‘With the structure we already have in place, Paul is the right person to embrace that support and take it to a new level.

‘On behalf of everyone at Hibernian, we would like to extend a warm welcome to both Paul and Robbie.’