A Franck warning for Mixu

May 11 2008

FORMER boss Franck Sauzee has backed Mixu Paatelainen as the right man to take Hibs forward but warned the new gaffer he'll soon hit the SPL's glass ceiling.

The 42-year-old played beside Paatelainen at Easter Road and believes the Finn has the personality and experience needed.

But Hibs legend Sauzee says the best Paatelainen can hope for is to emulate the third-place finish he and his team-mates achieved in 2001.

Sauzee says no matter how good Mixu is he will never break the dominance of the Old Firm.

He said: "I was with Mixu for two years at Hibs and he will be good for the club. He has a good mentality and is the type of character who will have the respect of the dressing-room.

"But there are limitations to what he can achieve. Rangers and Celtic are too strong financially.

"They can buy international players and go to clubs like Hibs and sign their best players.

"It is all about trying to finish in third place for the other SPL teams.

There is an interesting fight going on for it just now and I hope Hibs can make it."

Sauzee admits that being sacked as manager in 2002 just three months after taking over still rankles with him.

He has no desire to return to management and now covers football for French television.

Sauzee said: "I'm happy to work for TV and play golf. I no longer have a feeling to get back into football.

"It was great to be manager of Hibs even though I was only in charge for a few months. We all have to move on with life."