MICHAEL APPLETON insists he is on the hunt for a club that ‘shares the same ambition’ as him after talks with Hibernian broke down last week.
The 43-year-old appeared to be in pole position to succeed Neil Lennon but the respective parties could not agree terms following extensive negotiations in Edinburgh.
Complications regarding a potential severance package were reportedly a sticking point
Former Barnsley and Leeds head coach Paul Heckingbottom was subsequently appointed, kicking off his Easter Road reign with a 2-0 triumph over Hamilton on Saturday.
Appearing on Sky Sports News, Appleton was quizzed on why discussions with Hibs chiefs collapsed and – while coy about divulging details – he tacitly suggested that they did not see eye-to-eye on how far the club could go.
“I think if I answer that honestly and truthfully, I would probably come across as being arrogant and disrespectful, which is a million miles away from the truth,” he said.
“I think from my point of view, I will continue to look for the right thing for me, whether that is to go in somewhere as an assistant manager or a manager.
“I will look for that club that shares the same ambitions that I have got myself.
“I got some fantastic advice, not too long ago, about making sure everything is comfortable with yourself. If it isn’t quite right, for whatever reason, it is probably the wrong one for you.”
The former Oxford, Portsmouth, Blackpool and Blackburn boss has been out of the game since leaving his role as Leicester assistant manager last June.
Appleton added: “Opportunities at clubs come and go all the time. You have that initial disappointment but you can only take a situation so far.”
