David Gray, the head coach of Hibernian, is convinced that the key to a productive campaign lies in the squad’s ability to adapt to the "expectation and demand" that comes with playing for a club of Easter Road’s stature. As the new Scottish Premiership season kicks off with a clash against Motherwell on Sunday, 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 term, Hibs secured a fifth‑place finish, which earned them a second consecutive berth in European competition. The former captain of the side is eager to maintain that momentum and push for even higher achievements.
"Ideally you want to start the season on the front foot and get off to a very good start," he told Sky Sports News, emphasizing that the pressure inherent in management never truly disappears. "The biggest thing we took from that run last season was the way we stuck together as a unit." Gray believes that unity is already evident on the training ground. "I see a real collective group pulling in the same direction, and that’s the first ingredient for success," he said. He added that the players must buy into this shared purpose, a sentiment he feels is already taking hold.
"The expectation and demand are always there, and new arrivals have to adjust quickly," he explained, noting that the standards set by the club, its fans, and the coaching staff create a constant benchmark. Looking ahead, Gray outlined the club’s ambitions: a repeat of European qualification and, if possible, a push for a higher league finish or a domestic trophy. "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 for this season," he said.
He acknowledged that achieving a fourth‑place finish or adding silverware would be more challenging, but he sees it as a realistic target. The manager also reflected on cup performances, admitting that Hibs have not progressed as far as he would like in recent knockout competitions.
"Under my tenure we haven’t been as successful as I’d like in terms of cup runs, but that’s an opportunity to improve," he remarked. Gray stressed that the combination of expectation, demand, and the quality of the current squad gives Hibs the tools to compete at the top end of the league. In terms of personnel, Gray has already completed five signings during the summer while retaining the core group that delivered last season’s results. He expressed satisfaction with the squad’s physical condition and the work done early in 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 highlighted the importance of staying proactive throughout the transfer period.
"While the window is open you always have to be looking, you have to be proactive all the time," he noted. He praised the early support the club received, which allowed many new players to join the team promptly.
"Ideally every manager would want that – day one, all your players in as early as you can. It’s not always possible, but we’ve managed to do that," he added.
He also acknowledged that there are areas where the squad may be slightly over‑stocked. "In certain areas we are a wee bit bloated as well, so I fully expect not every player wants to play every minute of every game, but they certainly should want to," Gray explained. He anticipates some movement in those positions to ensure a balanced roster.
Overall, Gray’s message is clear: the club will continuously evaluate the squad from top to bottom, seeking improvements that can propel Hibernian forward. "We always look at the squad to see if something can be done that makes us better and takes the club forward," he concluded. As the season unfolds, fans can expect a team that is aware of the high expectations placed upon it, eager to meet the demand, and prepared to compete for both league standing and cup glory.
The combination of a united dressing room, strategic signings, and a clear vision from the manager sets the stage for what Gray hopes will be another memorable campaign for Hibs.