Hibernian dismiss David Gray after poor league form
Hibernian have parted ways with head coach David Gray following a run of six consecutive home league defeats that left the club ninth in the Scottish Premiership. Gray, who had been in charge for over two seasons, previously guided the team to consecutive European qualifications and a Scottish Cup win as a player. His exit came after a 2-0 loss to Kilmarnock and growing concerns about the team's lack of energy and direction.
Gray's tenure featured historic highs, including back-to-back European qualification—a feat not achieved at Easter Road since the early 1970s—and three consecutive league victories at Ibrox. However, his final months were defined by a catastrophic home record, with six straight league defeats matching a club low from 1920.
The board, including sporting director Malky Mackay and chairman Ian Gordon, now face questions about recruitment and direction. Players were also criticized for underperformance, while two failed European play-off attempts cost the club significant revenue. A League Cup semi-final against Hearts proved insufficient to offset the growing sense of drift.
The dismissal could reshape fan trust in Hibernian's leadership, as supporters may question the board's ability to select a suitable successor. It may also affect player morale and the club's short-term competitive prospects, potentially influencing attendance and season-ticket sales. More broadly, it underscores the intense pressure on Scottish Premiership managers, where a poor run can quickly erase prior achievements, impacting the stability and long-term planning of clubs across the league.