We can confirm that Steve Kean has left Hibernian FC to become First Team Manager at Georgian side Torpedo Kutaisi.
During his 18-month tenure as Academy Director, Kean made a huge contribution to the Hibernian Academy set-up providing greater structure and pathways for the Club’s young players.
With the main aim of producing players for the Club’s First Team set-up, Kean introduced the Development Squad to bridge the gap between youth and senior football, a strategic decision that reaped reward. Over the last year and a half, six Academy graduates have gone on to make their First Team debuts; Murray Aiken, Jacob Blaney, Kevin Dąbrowski, Robbie Hamilton, Oscar MacIntyre, and Josh O’Connor.
Alongside this, the Club’s Academy also won plaudits on the pitch by winning the CAS Elite U18 League, the cinch Reserve League, and progressing through to the Play-Off round of the UEFA Youth League losing narrowly to Borussia Dortmund.
Hibernian FC Chief Executive Ben Kensell commented: “As a club, we would like to sincerely thank Steve Kean for the enormous impact he’s had on Hibernian FC and the development of the Club’s Academy.
“Through his strategic decisions, we have been able to increase the standard of academy coaching, provide specific player development plans and bridge the gap towards the First Team.
“Whilst we’re very sorry and disappointed to be losing him, we understand his will to manage First Team football again. We wish him all the best at Torpedo Kutaisi and for the future.”
On his departure, Steve Kean added:
“First of all, this has been a really tough decision for me. I have absolutely loved my time with Hibs and the last 18 months.
“We have achieved a lot of different milestones within the Academy during that time which the club can be proud of. From competing in Europe, winning domestic silverware and watching the lads receive First Team appearances and international call-ups has all been brilliant.
“It has been great to help the likes of Daz, and other aspiring coaches at the Club, with their coaches badges too and I will miss being around the Club every day. However, sometimes these opportunities come your way and you have to take them when they arise.
“I look forward to following the progress of the Academy in years to come and wish Hibs the best of luck for the future.”