David Gray, the head coach of Hibernian, is convinced that the key to a prosperous campaign lies in the squad’s ability to adapt to the "expectation and demand" that comes with playing for Easter Road. As Hibs gear up to kick off the new Scottish Premiership season against Motherwell on Sunday – a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports – Gray has been vocal about the need for his players to rise to the standards set by the club’s supporters. Last season, Hibs finished in fifth place, a position that secured consecutive qualifications for European competition.
The former club captain is eager to replicate, if not improve upon, that achievement. "Ideally you want to start the season on the front foot and get off to a very good start," Gray told Sky Sports News. He added that the pressure inherent in managing any football side never truly disappears, and that it is something that must be managed continuously.
Reflecting on the previous campaign, Gray highlighted the importance of unity. "The biggest thing we took from that run was sticking together," he said.
He believes that same camaraderie is already evident on the training ground, describing the group as a "real collective bunch that are all pulling in the same direction," which he sees as the foundation for any successful season. The manager emphasized that every player must buy into the club’s vision. "You need the players to be buying into that, which I'm certainly getting as well," he noted. He also warned that new signings will have to adjust quickly to the high expectations that are a constant presence at Hibs.
"The expectation and demand is always there and that comes with that, so new players coming in have to adjust to that very quickly," Gray explained. According to Gray, the expectations are set not only by the fans but also by the club itself and the coaching staff. "There is a level of expectation that is set by the football club, the fans and ourselves," he said. The ambition, he clarified, is to return to Europe and to do so in consecutive seasons.
"We want to be successful again, like Europe, back‑to‑back. That's what this club needs to be and that's what we'll be striving to do again this season," he affirmed. However, Gray acknowledges that the bar may be higher this year.
A fourth‑place finish or a trophy win could become necessary targets. "It might be more difficult because it might require a fourth place finish or you need to try and win a trophy, which is something else that we always set every season as well," he said. He admitted that under his tenure the club has not progressed as far as he would like in cup competitions, but he sees this as an opportunity to improve. When asked about the squad’s capability, Gray expressed confidence.
"The demand and the expectation and where we think we can set ourselves is when we put it all together with the squad we've got, we know we're a very capable side that can put a real strong run together and compete at the top end of the league," he asserted. In preparation for the upcoming season, Gray has already overseen five summer signings while retaining the core players who contributed to last year’s success.
He is pleased with the physical condition of the squad, crediting the early work done during the transfer window. "I'm really happy with where we are from a physical point of view, from the work we've done early in the window," he said. Gray also highlighted the importance of staying proactive throughout the transfer period. "When the window's open you do always have to be looking, you have to be proactive all the time," he noted.
He expressed gratitude for the early support the club received, which allowed many new arrivals to integrate quickly. "Ideally, every manager would want that. Day one, all your players in as early as you can.
Not always possible, as everybody knows, but the fact we've been able to do that," he remarked. While satisfied with many aspects of the squad, Gray admitted there are areas where the team is "a wee bit bloated" and where adjustments may be needed. He expects some players may not feature every minute of every match, but he believes they should aspire to contribute regularly. "I fully expect not every player wants to play every minute of every game, but they certainly should want to," he said, adding that he anticipates some movement in those positions.
Overall, Gray’s message is clear: the club will continuously evaluate the roster from top to bottom, seeking improvements that will propel Hibernian forward. "We always look at the squad to see if something can be done that we believe makes us better and to take the club forward," he concluded.
The upcoming season promises to test the team’s resolve, but with a clear focus on meeting and exceeding the expectations of fans, the club, and themselves, Hibs are poised to make a strong push for European spots and possibly a trophy.