Hibernian Football Club have decided to part ways with head coach David Gray as the team languishes in ninth place in the Scottish Premiership. The decision comes on the back of a dismal run of form, highlighted by a fourth league defeat in just six matches this season when the side were beaten by bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday. Although the club managed to reach the semi‑final stage of the Scottish League Cup, their European ambitions were halted earlier this year after a loss to Belgian side Gent in the UEFA Conference League play‑off round.
The defeat added to a growing sense of frustration among supporters and the board alike. The recent slump has also seen Hibs equal a historic low point: six consecutive league defeats at Easter Road – a record that dates back to 1920. The club’s recent history has been marked by a revolving door of managers, and Gray’s termination marks the sixth permanent appointment in less than five years. Previous departures include Jack Ross in December 2021, Shaun Maloney five months later, Lee Johnson the following year, and Nick Montgomery in May 2024.
David Gray was given a permanent contract in June 2024, signing a three‑year deal after serving four separate spells as interim manager. The 38‑year‑old former player had retired from the game five years earlier to concentrate on coaching. He is remembered fondly by many Hibernian fans for his dramatic winning goal against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final, a moment that ended a 114‑year wait for the club to lift the trophy. Gray’s early tenure appeared promising.
In his first full season, Hibernian finished third in the 2024/25 campaign, an improvement on the fifth‑place finish the previous year. However, the recent downturn – the team now only two points above the bottom of the table – prompted the club’s hierarchy to act. In a statement, the club confirmed that assistant coach John Potter will step in as interim manager for the upcoming match against Aberdeen, and that a new permanent head coach will be appointed "in due course." Executive chairman Ian Gordon issued a heartfelt statement about Gray’s departure: "Dave has been an inspirational figure at the club during his time here, and he has been a true friend and fantastic colleague to so many at the football club.
On behalf of my family, I would like to personally thank him for everything he has done for us since we joined the club. As a person, he constantly set the standard with his attitude, professionalism and general work ethic and he will be sorely missed around the building by all the players and staff. On the pitch, he has delivered some incredible moments for our fans, and brought a level of stability and consistency that we haven't reached in recent years. Ultimately, this is a decision that we have not taken lightly, but unfortunately, one as a board we had to make due to the recent downturn of results and performances." Gray, however, remained defiant after the Kilmarnock loss.
In a post‑match interview with Sky Sports, he said: "I've been here during difficult times and I've been here during good times and you can't just say it's brilliant when things are going well and then not expect a bit of criticism when things aren't. In terms of asking for patience, the fans are frustrated because we're not achieving what we need to be at this stage and winning enough games consistently, especially at home. And I accept that. All I can say is until someone tells me otherwise, I will be doing everything in my power, everything I possibly can as I have done at this football club to turn it around and I believe we can.
It's a difficult time for everybody, the players, football club, because we've lost again off the back of a good result at the weekend and then failed to back it up again." The sacking underscores the pressure that Scottish clubs face to deliver results quickly, especially when competing on multiple fronts. Hibernian’s recent European exit, combined with a string of poor home performances, has amplified calls for a fresh direction. The club now faces the challenge of stabilising its league position while searching for a manager capable of restoring confidence among the players and the fan base. Looking ahead, the interim appointment of John Potter offers a short‑term solution, but the board’s promise of a permanent appointment suggests a longer‑term strategic plan is in the works.
The new manager will need to address defensive frailties that have plagued the side, improve goal‑scoring efficiency, and re‑ignite the attacking flair that Hibs supporters have come to expect. For the supporters, the coming weeks will be crucial. The match against Aberdeen will serve as an early test of Potter’s interim leadership and may provide clues about the type of football the club wishes to pursue under its next permanent boss. Meanwhile, the board will be evaluating candidates, likely considering both domestic experience and the ability to work within the club’s financial constraints.
In summary, Hibernian’s decision to relieve David Gray of his duties reflects a broader pattern of managerial turnover at the club and highlights the urgent need for a turnaround in form. With the season entering its decisive phase, the Easter Road faithful will be hoping that the next appointment can halt the slide, bring back competitive performances, and ultimately restore the club’s standing in Scottish football.