David Gray, the head coach of Hibernian, is convinced that the key to a prosperous season for the Easter Road side lies in the squad’s ability to adapt to the "expectation and demand" that comes with competing at the top of Scottish football. As Hibs prepare to kick off their new Scottish Premiership campaign 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 and the club’s own ambitions.
Last season, Hibernian finished in fifth place, a position that earned them a second consecutive qualification for European competition. That achievement has raised the bar, and the former captain of the team is keen to see the club maintain, if not improve, on that level. "Ideally, you want to start the season on the front foot and get off to a very good start," Gray told Sky Sports News, underscoring his belief that momentum early in the campaign can set the tone for the months that follow.
The pressure that comes with managing a club of Hibernian’s stature, Gray noted, is a constant companion. "The pressure as a manager at any club never goes away. I think that's something that will always be there," he said, acknowledging that the expectations of fans, the board, and the players themselves are ever‑present.
What he believes the team learned from last season’s run, however, is the importance of unity. "The biggest thing we took from that run, I'd say, was sticking together," he explained.
"That's very much what I can feel and see already within the training ground – a real collective bunch that are all pulling in the same direction, which is the first thing you need." Gray emphasized that this collective spirit must translate into a shared belief among the players. "You need the players to be buying into that, which I'm certainly getting as well," he added. He highlighted that the level of expectation is set not only by the club and its supporters but also by the players themselves. "The expectation and demand is always there and that comes with that, so new players coming in have to adjust to that very quickly," he said, pointing out that newcomers must understand the culture of ambition that pervades Hibs.
Looking ahead, Gray outlined the club’s objectives for the season. "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 declared. While a repeat of a top‑five finish would secure another European berth, Gray hinted that the ultimate target might be even higher – perhaps a fourth‑place finish or a domestic trophy.
"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 was candid about the club’s recent cup performances, noting that under his tenure Hibernian has not progressed as far as he would like in knockout competitions. "Under my tenure here, it's something we've not been as successful as I'd like to be in terms of cup runs, but again, an opportunity," Gray admitted, framing the upcoming season as a chance to improve on those shortcomings. When asked about the squad’s capacity to meet these ambitions, 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 said. His optimism is backed by a series of summer signings – five new players have already joined the club – while the core group that performed well last season remains largely intact.
Gray also spoke about the physical preparation of the team. "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 noted. He stressed the importance of staying proactive throughout the transfer window, constantly scouting for improvements. "When you look at one thing I've been very grateful for is the fact the support we've had very early.
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 explained. Acknowledging that the squad may have some areas of excess, Gray said he expects some movement in the coming weeks. "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.
I'm expecting a bit of movement in certain areas there," he said, indicating that competition for places will be healthy and that players will need to earn their minutes. Overall, Gray’s message to the fans and the team is one of ambition tempered with realism.
He believes that with a united dressing‑room, a clear understanding of the expectations placed upon them, and a willingness to adapt and improve, Hibernian can not only replicate last season’s European qualification but also push for higher league positions and cup success. As the season opener approaches, the focus will be on translating this mindset into performances on the pitch, beginning with the crucial first match against Motherwell. The club’s supporters will be watching closely, hoping that the blend of continuity, new talent, and a strong collective ethos will deliver the results they expect from their beloved Hibs.