Caley Thistle have given Terry Butcher permission to talk to Scottish Premiership rivals Hibs about taking the manager’s job at the Edinburgh club – but no compensation package has been agreed.
On Monday, Caley Thistle chairman Kenny Cameron was insistent there had been no approach and no discussions. Twenty-four hours later and Hibs had made their move and the manager wanted to talk.
It is a devastating blow to the Highlanders, third in the Premiership table and already through to the semi-finals of the League Cup.
Only the amount Hibs will have to hand over to secure the former England captain, his assistant Maurice Malpas and scout and goalkeeper coach Steve Marsella has to be decided, although Caley Thistle will be able to play hardball.
Butcher turned down a move to English Championship club Barnsley in January, but the 54-year-old wants talks with Hibs chairman Rod Petrie.
Cameron, who had hit out at Monday reports that claimed the move was a done deal, said: “Terry has been informed of the situation and has expressed an interest in meeting with Hibs officials. The club has, with great reluctance, granted him permission to do so. We will, however, continue to do everything possible to ensure Terry remains our manager.”
It is a forlorn hope. Butcher last week led Caley Thistle to their second League Cup semi-final against Hearts in two seasons and they sit third in the league, three places above Hibs.
Cameron said: “Given our current position and the fact that once again we have a cup semi-final to look forward to, it is inevitable that if any managerial positions arise our manager will be on the wanted list.
“We have a game on Saturday and it’s important our club’s focus is on taking three points to maintain our challenge at the top of the league. As with the Barnsley approach in January, we will be making no further comment until we’re fully aware of the outcome of discussions.”
Hibs insisted their approach had been made in the correct manner and are willing to accept that Butcher will be on gardening leave on Saturday when the sides meet at Easter Road, with caretaker manager Jimmy Nicholl taking charge of what is sure to be a contentious fixture.
Hibernian’s approach for Butcher was predicted within hours of Pat Fenlon’s resignation in the wake of their League Cup derby defeat by Hearts.
Butcher led Caley Thistle to a fourth-placed finish last season, just missing out on the Europa League when an understrength team lost to Ross County on the final day.
Butcher took charge of Caley Thistle in January 2009 and won the First Division title at the first time of asking the following season after being unable to prevent the Highland side dropping out of the top flight.
Butcher earlier had a successful spell in charge of Motherwell, leading them to successive top-six finishes before shorter, less happy, stints at Sydney and Brentford.
Both the latter roles were taken on without his assistant Malpas.