Hibs chairman Rod Petrie insists he has not yet sounded out contenders to succeed John Collins - who has distanced himself from the Fulham job.The resignation of boss Collins on Thursday caught Petrie and all at Hibernian by surprise, and the chairman has appointed Tommy Craig as caretaker manager for the upcoming festive period.

Collins has stressed he did not quit to rejoin Fulham, who he served as a player and who sacked manager Lawrie Sanchez on Friday.

But the 39-year-old's exit has handed Petrie an unexpected mid-season problem.

And Petrie said "We haven't really begun a process yet."

He added: "The work will have to start now."

Craig, who was assistant boss to Collins, may be among the possible candidates for the permanent job, along with the likes of Neil Lennon and former Hibernian striker Mixu Paatelainen.

But Petrie stressed he had not spoken with Craig about the vacancy since Collins departed.

Petrie told BBC Radio Scotland: "I feel for the supporters, I feel for a number of players and coaches who have come to the club who were following the vision that John had created.

"But he's decided it's not for him, life moves on."

Collins had earlier told The Times it was pure "coincidence" that Fulham should axe Sanchez so soon after he had severed ties with Hibernian.

He had been made a short-odds favourite for the Fulham job, and he still leads the field with bookmakers.

"I can categorically state that I have not spoken with Fulham," Collins said.

"It is just an unbelievable coincidence that I have left my job at the same time that Lawrie has left Fulham. But that is all it is. The reports are all wrong."

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