Hibernian Football Club have officially relieved head coach David Gray of his duties, with the team currently sitting ninth in the Scottish Premiership. The decision comes on the back of a dismal run of form that has seen the club suffer four league defeats in just six matches this season, the most recent setback being a loss to league bottom‑placed Kilmarnock on Tuesday. Although the side managed to reach the semi‑final stage of the domestic League Cup, their European ambitions were extinguished after a Conference League play‑off defeat to Belgian side Gent. The loss added to a growing sense of disappointment among supporters and the board alike.
The poor run at Easter Road has historical echoes: Hibs have now endured six consecutive league defeats on home soil, a sequence that matches a club record set back in 1920. The string of poor results has heightened pressure on Gray, who was appointed on a permanent three‑year contract in June 2024 after serving a fourth spell as interim manager. Gray, 38, retired from professional football five years ago to pursue a career in coaching. He is remembered fondly by the Hibernian faithful for his decisive goal against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final, a strike that ended a 114‑year wait for the club to lift the trophy.
His managerial résumé began on a positive note, guiding the team to a third‑place finish in the 2024/25 season after a fifth‑place campaign the year before. Nevertheless, the current situation – with the club only two points clear of the relegation zone – prompted the Easter Road hierarchy to act. The board concluded that a change at the helm was necessary to halt the slide and restore competitive momentum.
This marks the sixth permanent appointment in less than five years for Hibernian. The club has cycled through Jack Ross (who left in December 2021), Shaun Maloney (who departed five months later), Lee Johnson (who exited the following year), Nick Montgomery (who stepped down in May 2024), and now David Gray. The frequency of managerial turnover has become a talking point among fans and pundits, highlighting the challenges the club faces in establishing long‑term stability. In the immediate aftermath of Gray’s dismissal, assistant coach John Potter has been named interim manager for the upcoming Saturday fixture against Aberdeen.
The club issued a statement confirming that a permanent replacement will be announced "in due course," signalling that the search for a new leader is already underway. Executive Chairman Ian Gordon released a heartfelt tribute to Gray, stating: "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, for his part, remained defiant after the Tuesday defeat to Kilmarnock.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he reflected on his tenure: "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 club now faces a pivotal juncture. With the season entering its crucial stages, Hibernian must stabilise their league position, rekindle confidence among the fan base, and lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future.
The appointment of a new permanent manager will be watched closely, as supporters hope for a leader who can blend tactical acumen with the ability to nurture young talent, restore pride at Easter Road, and ultimately steer the team away from the spectre of relegation.