Hibernian's search for a new manager is casting a wide net across Europe, with several candidates emerging in the week since David Gray's departure. The club, currently 10th in the Premiership with seven points from seven games, are assessing options from Ireland, Scandinavia, Germany and Belgium. The team's recent form shows just one win in their last five league matches, a run that interim boss John Potter extended with a 1-1 draw against Aberdeen. The new manager will be tasked with improving a squad that has conceded 11 goals this season, a key issue to address in the standings race.

Stephen Bradley, the 41-year-old Shamrock Rovers boss, is a leading contender. He has guided Rovers into the UEFA Conference League group stage three times and secured five league titles and two FAI Cups. His side are currently in a tight three-way battle for the Irish title with five matches left.

Former Sweden manager and AC Milan striker Jon Dahl Tomasson is also under consideration. Former midfielder Andy Halliday stated he has heard of interest from Easter Road. "Hibs want him is what I've heard, and there have been chats," Halliday said. "Whether that leads him to getting the job, I don't know." He added of Tomasson's Blackburn Rovers team, "We couldn't get the ball off them. Honestly."

Other names in the frame

German coach Michel Kniat is being looked at after his three-year spell at Arminia Bielefeld ended by mutual consent. Finnish tactician Vesa Vasara, currently managing Inter Turku in a title race, is another name. Marink Reedijk, 34, is noted for guiding Beveren to an unbeaten promotion season in Belgium before leaving this summer.

Interim head coach John Potter oversaw a 1-1 draw with Aberdeen last Saturday, where Martin Boyle's penalty cancelled out an early Kevin Nisbet goal. That result means the team has now taken just four points from the last 15 available. The squad will travel to Spain for a warm-weather training camp during the international break before Potter leads them into the next fixtures, a trip to face eighth-placed Dundee United on 10 October.

The club's top scorer this season is Martin Boyle with three goals, but defensive frailties have seen 11 conceded. With Rocky Bushiri currently sidelined, the new manager will need to address a squad that sits 11 points behind leaders Celtic.

Background and full detail: The Scotsman Football