Preview Hibernian under pressure as cup quarter‑final looms
David Gray at Hibernian and Stephen Robinson at Aberdeen have steered their clubs into the Premier Sports Cup quarter‑final weekend, but both face growing fan pressure in September 2026 as supporters demand answers about their futures, after a month of criticism since the first Premiership match was lost in anger.
Supporters have been questioning the two managers since before the first Premiership ball was booted in anger a little over a month ago, and while managers can survive dressing‑room revolts and boardroom sceptics, a turn in fan sentiment makes it near‑impossible to regain favour.
Hibernian under the microscope
Gray has guided Hibs to a third‑tier cup tie at Hampden, hoping a win over Ross County will restore consistency. Ross County have lost only once in all competitions ahead of the weekend, a record that Gray envies. The Hibs boss admitted the lack of reaction to the recent St Johnstone defeat was inexcusable. GRAY has repeatedly stressed the need for consistency.
Earlier this season Hibernian impressed in the Europa Conference League against Gent before bouncing back with a 2‑0 victory at Dens Park. Yet ill‑discipline haunted them, notably Jack Iredale’s red card in the Edinburgh derby that handed Hearts the initiative. Gray reflected on his early tenure, recalling a single win in his first 14 league games followed by a 17‑match unbeaten run that secured third place.
Aberdeen face mounting scrutiny
Robinson’s Aberdeen endured a goalless draw with Kilmarnock, prompting boos as the team left the pitch. The manager described his players as ‘tired’, ‘lethargic’ and ‘rank rotten’, acknowledging a season‑long slump despite 14 new signings. He warned that criticism follows a lack of victories and urged the squad to be strong enough to change the outlook.
The Dons must win at Rugby Park to break a run of away defeats, the first such victory since December last year. Their upcoming schedule includes trips to Motherwell and Hibernian within a week, a demanding stretch that Robinson admits feels like a huge week. While away woes cannot be laid solely at his door, performances have not improved since his March appointment.
Both Gray and Robinson possess enough credit to merit patience, yet the fed‑up supporters at Easter Road and Pittodrie will decide whether that leeway endures as the cup quarter‑finals approach.