John Collins had a glittering playing career in Scotland and France

Former Scotland midfielder John Collins has been appointed manager of Belgian First Division side Charleroi.

Collins, 40, played for Hibernian, Celtic, Monaco, Everton and Fulham before becoming Hibs boss, where he won the Scottish League Cup in 2007.

He said: "I have discovered very motivated and enthusiastic people in charge here and a very ambitious club."

He replaces Thierry Siquet and will be assisted by Tommy Craig, who was also his number two at Hibernian.

Charleroi chairman Abbas Bayat said: "He is a young, modern coach with a winner's mentality."

Collins won 58 caps, scoring 12 goals from 1988 to 1999, and retired as a player in 2003. He took over at Hibs in October 2006, but resigned just nine months after their 5-1 League Cup Final victory over Kilmarnock.

He was linked with the Fulham job when Lawrie Sanchez left in December 2007 and is thought to have been interviewed by West Ham after the departure of Alan Curbishley.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version