Hibs’ board cite horror run as reason to sack David Gray
David Gray arrived at Hibernian as a celebrated former player and captain, yet Ian Gordon, the club’s chairman, announced on a Wednesday in September that the same man now faces the sack after a horror run of form that has left Hibs languishing in the Premiership.
A decade of achievement ends in dismissal
Gray’s 12‑year association with the Easter Road side began as a goalscoring midfielder and culminated in a two‑year spell as head coach that delivered a top‑three finish in his first season and a fifth‑place finish the following term. Those finishes secured back‑to‑back European qualifications, a feat not achieved since Eddie Turnbull in the early 1970s. However, the club failed to reach the Conference League main phase after play‑off defeats to Legia Warsaw and Gent.
Horror run forces board’s decision
The Premiership campaign started poorly, with Hibs losing four of their first six fixtures and enduring a sixth straight home defeat – the first such run since 1920. The nadir arrived on Tuesday night when the Leith side fell 1‑0 to relegation‑strugglers Kilmarnock, prompting Gordon to act on Wednesday and dismiss the 38‑year‑old manager. Assistant Liam Craig and goalkeeping coach Craig Samson also departed.
Future options and search for replacement
Gordon said he will now compile a shortlist that includes former Celtic coach John Kennedy, now Brendan Rodgers’ No 2 at Saudi club Al‑Qadsiah, and ex‑Malmö and Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson. Other names floated are Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill, Manchester United Under‑18 coach Darren Fletcher, Brentford assistant Damien Duff and former Scotland manager Steve Clarke. Former Dunfermline boss Neil Lennon and ex‑midfielder Scott Brown are also mentioned as possible candidates.
Gordon praised Gray’s contribution, stating, “Dave has been an inspirational figure at the club during his time here, a true friend and fantastic colleague.” He added, “On the pitch, he delivered incredible moments for our fans and brought a level of stability we haven’t reached in recent years.” The chairman affirmed that the decision was not taken lightly but was forced by the recent downturn in results.
Beyond the managerial vacancy, the board will also rely on sporting director Malky Mackay, chief executive Dan Barnett and the existing squad to stabilise a side that has been described as “stale” and “rudderless”. The club’s recent form includes six points from six games, a ninth‑place standing, and a League Cup semi‑final loss to Hearts that proved insufficient to retain Gray.
Gray’s legacy includes a famous late goal at Hampden in 2016 and the distinction of being the first Hibs manager to win at Ibrox in three consecutive seasons and to win at Celtic Park last season. Yet his tenure also featured a tumultuous start, with only one league win in his first 14 games and a period in November when Hibs sat bottom of the league. The contrast between those early triumphs and the current slump underscores the board’s resolve to seek a new direction.