Terry Butcher was sacked as manager of Hibernian on Tuesday, just seven months after taking charge at Easter Road, the Edinburgh club announced.

Former England captain Butcher, who had enjoyed a successful spell in charge of Inverness, replaced Pat Fenlon in November with Hibs seventh in Scotland's top-flight.

But he then presided over a woeful run of results which saw Hibs win just one of their last 18 league games, with the club relegated from the Scottish Premiership after a penalty shoot-out loss to Hamilton in the play-off final.

"I have to say that we all regret that this decision had to be made, but during conversation it became clear that a different approach was needed," Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster said Tuesday as she explained the departure of 55-year-old Butcher.

"Sadly, for a variety of reasons and perhaps including unfortunate timing, it hasn't worked out for Terry here. That is disappointing for all concerned. I am genuinely saddened that we have had to take this tough decision.

"It may have taken longer than we all would have liked but I felt it was appropriate that we met properly and had a full discussion before any decision was made.

"Now we need to move forward and act to bring in a new manager with the aim of getting us promoted back to where Hibernian belongs, in the top league of Scottish football, from a uniquely competitive Championship.

"Our first aim must be to try to win the league and gain promotion automatically.

"The search now begins to find and appoint the next manager, and while we will try to keep supporters updated regarding the process as much as we can, I know they will understand that we need to be professional in all that we do.

"Unfortunately assistant manager Maurice Malpas is abroad on holiday at present and I want to meet him on his return to explain the situation at the club."

Hibs' Edinburgh rivals Hearts were also relegated from the Scottish Premiership, having finished bottom of the table after being docked 15 points for entering administration.