Speculation is already well underway over the next Hibs manager after Lee Johnson was relieved of his duties.

Former Sunderland boss Johnson was sacked on Sunday after three straight defeats in the league.

Hibs sit rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership after losses to St Mirren, Motherwell and Livingston this term.

Johnson's departure also saw Jamie McAllister and Adam Owen leave Easter Road with David Gray taking over as caretaker in the capital.

Chief executive Ben Kensell commented: “The Club has taken the tough decision to relieve Lee Johnson of his duties following a disappointing start to the domestic campaign.

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

Here are five possible candidates for the vacant Hibs job...

Stephen Robinson 

St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson earned plenty of plaudits last season for guiding the club to a top six finish.

And he's made an impressive start to the new season leading to obvious suggestions he could be in contention for the Easter Road gig.

While Robinson's experience and achievement in Scottish football speaks for itself, he might not be viewed as a serious contender due to a differing style of play from that wanted by the Hibs hierachy.

Quizzed on the job, he said: "I'm fully focused here as I'm sure you'd expect me to say. My thoughts are on winning today, I'm solely focused on that. I've just been told the news as well.

"Somebody has just lost their job as well, we need to remember that. I'm totally focused on doing the best that I can here."

Stuart Kettlewell

Another possible contender from within the league is Stuart Kettlewell who has worked wonders at Motherwell.

After returning to the dugout with the Fir Park side last season, he led the club to a seventh-placed finish.

Kettlewell is under contract at Motherwell until at least the end of the season. He too boasts vast experience in the Scottish Premiership from his time in charge of Ross County.

Neil Lennon 

On the topic of managers who know Scottish football inside out, Neil Lennon could be an option to return as Hibs manager.

The former Celtic boss is currently working in the media after leaving being sacked by Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia.

Lennon was tipped as a contender for the Olimpacos job earlier this year and has previously stated he is awaiting the right offer before jumping back into the dugout.

Lennon had led Hibs to European football in 2018 during his spell at the club but left after by mutual consent in January 2019.

It followed a suspension over an exchange with other Hibs club employees.

"Despite widespread speculation, the club confirms that neither Neil nor Garry has been guilty of any misconduct or wrongdoing and no disciplinary process has been commenced," a statement read at the time.

"The suspension, put in place to allow an internal review, was lifted by the club as part of this agreement."

Discussing a return to management, Lennon said: "I’ve been offered a couple of jobs already which I just felt weren’t right for me. At the same time I want to work. My best years are in front of me, I’m 52 this week and I still have a lot of coaching and drive in me. Hopefully the right project will come up for me in the not to distant future.

"I’m excited about what the future holds for me in the next couple of years."

Scott Brown

A product of the club's youth academy, Scott Brown is an obvious contender for the Hibs post due to his connection to the club.

However, he only extended his contract at Fleetwood Town last month - penning a deal until 2025.

Brown took his first step into coaching at Aberdeen as a player-coach following his exit from Celtic.

And in his first manager's job Brown has enjoyed a successful first season guiding Fleetwood to League One safety and reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in the club's history.

Mark Warburton

One possible outside candidate for the Hibs job would be Mark Warburton.

He is currently a free agent after leaving Europa Conference League champions West Ham having worked as part of David Moyes' coaching staff.

Warburton went up against Hibs when Rangers were in the Championship and was on the losing side in the Scottish Cup final in 2016 when Hibs lifted the trophy at Hampden over Rangers.

Warburton didn't endear himself to the Hibs support over a war of words with Alan Stubbs previously - but with a decent track record in the dugout he could be a possible candidate.