Hibernian have sacked head coach David Gray after four defeats in their opening six Scottish Premiership matches, ending his 12-year association with the Edinburgh club.
Assistant coach Liam Craig and goalkeeping coach Craig Samson have also left, with John Potter placed in interim charge.
Hibs are ninth in the Premiership after their poor start culminated in Tuesday night’s 1-0 home defeat to bottom club Kilmarnock.
The result was their sixth successive league defeat at Easter Road, equalling a club record dating back to 1920.
From cup-winning captain to manager
Gray’s departure carries particular significance because of his history with Hibernian.
He joined the club as a player in 2014 and became one of its modern icons two years later.
As captain, Gray scored the stoppage-time winner against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final, securing Hibs’ first victory in the competition for 114 years.
He remained at Easter Road after retiring as a player, serving in several coaching roles and repeatedly taking interim charge before being appointed permanent head coach in June 2024.
Gray subsequently guided Hibs to European qualification in both of his full seasons in charge.
This season’s results proved enough for the board to make a change.
Six defeats at Easter Road
Hibernian’s problems have been particularly pronounced at home.
Six consecutive league defeats at Easter Road equals a run last recorded by the club 106 years ago.
Executive chairman Ian Gordon said the decision had been difficult because of Gray’s status and contribution to Hibs.
But the club concluded that a change was necessary following the deterioration in results.
That brings an abrupt end to an association spanning his time as player, captain, coach and head coach.
Gray’s place in Hibernian history is secure because of one afternoon at Hampden in 2016.
His managerial tenure has ended very differently – six league games into a season in which four defeats and a century-old home record proved too much for the board.
Sources
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