Hibernian Football Club have relieved head coach David Gray of his duties as the team sits ninth in the Scottish Premiership, a position that reflects a troubling run of form. The decision comes on the back of a fourth league defeat in just six matches this season, the most recent loss being a 2-1 setback to bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday.
While the club managed to reach the semi‑finals of the Scottish League Cup, their European campaign ended abruptly after a Conference League play‑off loss to Belgian side Gent, further compounding the disappointment. The recent form has been particularly stark at Easter Road, where Hibs have now endured six straight league defeats on their own turf, a sequence that matches a club record that dates back to 1920. Gray, who was given a permanent contract in June 2024 after serving three interim spells, signed a three‑year deal at the age of 38. He had retired from playing five years earlier to concentrate on coaching, and he is remembered fondly by supporters for his dramatic 2016 Scottish Cup winner against Rangers – a goal that broke a 114‑year drought for the club.
When Gray first took charge on a full‑time basis, the outlook was promising. Hibs finished the 2024/25 season in third place, an improvement on the fifth‑place finish of the previous campaign.
However, the current campaign has seen the team slip to just two points above the relegation zone, prompting the board to act. This marks the sixth permanent appointment in less than five years, following the exits of Jack Ross in December 2021, Shaun Maloney five months later, Lee Johnson a year after that, and Nick Montgomery in May 2024. In the immediate aftermath of Gray's departure, assistant coach John Potter has been named interim manager for the upcoming Saturday fixture against Aberdeen.
The club issued a statement indicating that a new permanent head coach will be announced "in due course," signalling that the search for a long‑term solution is already underway. Ian Gordon, Hibernian's executive chairman, issued a heartfelt statement about Gray's contribution: "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 himself remained defiant after the Kilmarnock defeat, telling Sky Sports: "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 dismissal underscores the volatility that has plagued Hibernian's managerial department in recent years. Frequent changes at the helm can disrupt player development, tactical continuity, and recruitment strategies, all of which are essential for building a competitive squad in the Premiership.
Moreover, the club's recent home record—six consecutive defeats—highlights a deeper issue with confidence and performance in front of their own supporters, an area the new manager will need to address swiftly. Looking ahead, Hibernian will need to balance short‑term stability with a long‑term vision. The interim appointment of John Potter provides a brief period of continuity, but the board will likely seek a manager with a proven track record of turning around struggling sides, someone capable of re‑instilling belief in the squad and reconnecting with the fan base.
The upcoming match against Aberdeen will serve as a litmus test for the interim setup and may offer clues about the tactical direction the club wishes to pursue. In the broader context of Scottish football, Hibs' situation reflects the pressures many clubs face when trying to compete against the financial might of the Old Firm and other well‑funded Premiership sides. Maintaining a place in the top tier requires not only on‑field results but also astute financial management, youth development, and community engagement.
Hibernian's recent European exit to Gent, combined with domestic struggles, underscores the need for a cohesive strategy that aligns coaching, recruitment, and club culture. As the club moves forward, supporters will be watching closely for the announcement of a new head coach, hoping that the next appointment can break the cycle of short‑term appointments and bring a sense of stability that has been lacking. The challenge will be to find a leader who can harness the talent at Easter Road, improve home form, and ultimately guide Hibs back into the upper echelons of the Scottish Premiership.
The club's statement that a permanent manager will be appointed "in due course" suggests a measured approach, likely involving a thorough vetting process. Potential candidates may include seasoned Scottish managers, promising coaches from abroad, or former players with a deep connection to the club.
Regardless of the choice, the new manager will inherit a squad eager to reverse its fortunes, a fan base hungry for success, and a board determined to restore Hibernian's competitive edge. In summary, David Gray's departure marks another chapter in a turbulent period for Hibernian. While his legacy includes memorable moments—most notably the 2016 Scottish Cup winner—his recent inability to halt a slide down the table has led to his exit. The club now faces the dual task of stabilising the immediate situation under caretaker John Potter and embarking on a comprehensive search for a permanent head coach who can deliver consistent results, revive home performances, and re‑establish Hibernian as a force in Scottish football.