Hibernian

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Who would be a football manager? Just a few weeks ago, Hibernian were moments away from creating history by reaching the league phase of a European competition for the first time.

Leading Gent late on at Easter Road, David Gray's side had one foot in the draw. Yet two goals conceded in the final 10 minutes cruelly ended that dream and left supporters wondering what might have been.

To Hibs' credit, the response was immediate. A commanding victory at Dundee suggested Hibs had quickly overcome European heartbreak and were ready to build domestic momentum.

Football, however, has a habit of changing the narrative in an instant. Back-to-back defeats, at home to city rivals Hearts then away to newly-promoted St Johnstone, have again intensified scrutiny on those in charge at Easter Road. The pressure has quickly returned.

Gray has served as boss for more than two years and his record compares favourably with his predecessors. Of Hibs' past six permanent managers, only Jack Ross boasts a superior win percentage.

More importantly, Gray has delivered European football in successive seasons, evidence he can build a side capable of competing at the upper end of the Premiership.

That context is important. Managers are often judged on the results of the past few weeks rather than the progress made over a longer period. While recent performances have undoubtedly been disappointing, they should not completely overshadow the work Gray has done since taking charge.

The contrast in mood at Tynecastle has only added to the frustration felt by sections of the Easter Road support.

The Hibs board, though, have remained steadfast in their support of Gray, and rightly so. At 38, he remains one of the youngest managers in the Premiership but possesses an intimate understanding of the club's demands and expectations.

Patience is in short supply in modern football, but it can often be the wisest course of action.

The opportunity to spark an upturn arrives in Dingwall this weekend. Beat Ross County and Hibs will secure a League Cup semi-final place at Hampden. Suddenly, a season that threatens to drift into negativity could take on a different complexion.

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

The optimism that followed Hibs' win in Dundee has well and truly drained from the support after two subsequent performances that fell well short of expectations.

The first Edinburgh derby of the season is always crucial, helping set the tone for the rest of the campaign.

Win it and you've got momentum to go with the bragging rights; lose it and you are looking for a reaction in your next match.

We've lost to Hearts before and we'll do so again. It was the manner of the defeat this time that stung.

A hapless first half, where Hibs chased shadows, was followed by a second half that started brightly but ended prematurely with a ridiculously self-inflicted red card.

We thought we'd see the players go all out to put it right on Sunday, but instead they delivered a thoroughly inept performance. Comical defending, allied to a blunt attack and an anonymous midfield, made for a horrendous afternoon's viewing.

Gray has struggled to keep fans onside this season. The promising start to the campaign has quickly evaporated with losses to Gent, Hearts and now St Johnstone.

What might have been a noisy minority calling for his dismissal prior to those games now appears to be a hefty majority.

The home end at Easter Road was empty long before full-time on Thursday against Hearts, and when fans start voting with their feet it's usually only a matter of time before the board acts.

I'm not at the point where I'd shout for Gray to be replaced, but performances like the derby and Sunday's, where the team looked completely clueless on and off the ball, make the case to support him very hard to make.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

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Hibernian cannot afford to continue their "sloppy and lethargic" starts, says frustrated midfielder Jamie McGrath.

Last week's sore home defeat from Edinburgh rivals Hearts was followed by a similarly self-destructive loss at St Johnstone on Sunday.

On both occasions Hibs conceded first, with head coach David Gray critical of his side's first-half displays.

"We just can't start games the way we have done, especially the last two games," McGrath told Hibs TV.

"We're giving ourselves a mountain to climb and although the second half was better, we just can't afford to start sloppy and it's something as players we need to look at.

"We've been given the set-up correctly and everything, but it's down to us as players to take responsibility and just stop being so sloppy in our decision-making and being lethargic."

Hibs were also slow out of the blocks in their Conference League play-off second leg at home to Gent.

On that occasion, they recovered from a 1-0 half-time deficit to lead only to throw the game away in the last few minutes.

On the 2-1 defeat at McDiarmird Park, McGrath added: "The positives over the second half were probably a bit better. We got more of a foothold in the game and played the majority of the game in their half, but we probably didn't create as much as we'd want.

"The first goal in this league is important and you can't afford to concede it as it gives teams the chance to sit in.

"I thought they defended well, and they sat in and made it difficult for us. But as front players we have to be better. We had a few half-chances and we need to be better in those positions."

We asked for your views after Josh Fowler scored a double to help St Johnstone defeat Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

Here's what some of you said:

Grant: Think the time is sadly up for David Gray. Been hoping for things to pick up but that performance lacked any identity of what the team wanted to do from start to finish.

Darren: Sadly this goes much deeper than just sacking the manager. The club from top to bottom is a mess. You only need to look at some of our recruitment. Ian Gordon, Garvan Stewart and Malky Mackay have made a right mess of it.

John: Same old disjointed performance. Once again terrible defending cost us two goals. Urgency only when we're behind is not acceptable and the lack of a winger in the team to create chances is desperately needed.

Ringo: I think it's time for Gray to do the decent thing and resign before he's sacked. He can't take Hibs any further - his team has no passion or fight. Jamie McGrath was the only player with pass marks in my opinion. The rest couldn't care less if they lost. Go now, Gray, while you have the chance.

Ian: The manager has once again said that the team did not start well. Is this because they don't know what they're supposed to do? There is no recognisable plan. Against Dundee they were progressive and entertaining. Have the coaches managed to stamp that out?

Brian: We're not far off being a good team. More fight, and moving the ball quicker... the basics. Changing the manager would be totally detrimental at this point.

Josh Fowler's first-half double made it back-to-back home Scottish Premiership victories for St Johnstone as they leapfrogged a lacklustre Hibernian in Perth, cranking pressure up on head coach David Gray.

Read the full match report here

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Hibernian head coach David Gray: "Again there's real frustration, disappointment and anger.

"The reaction I was looking for, I certainly didn't get in the first half and St Johnstone didn't have to work too hard to score two goals today.

"Off the back of the disappointment of Thursday, and probably because of our how second half was, and the reaction I got at half-time, you were hoping that would come in to today. In the first half there was a real lack of intent and aggression.

"Second half we huffed and puffed but I'm certainly not going to be making excuses for how we started that game.

"It's a responsibility across the board. As a player you've got to be the best you can be. You can't play well every week, technically, sometimes you can have poor games and make mistakes and I think we're being punished for mistakes.

"You can't give away two goals like that and not come under criticism and I know it is my responsibility.

"You can feel sorry for yourselves or you can look for that responsibility. We need everybody together and pulling in the right direction.

"I totally understand [fan frustration]. Supporters spend their money to come and support their team, they have high standards for this football club.

"It should be aimed at the manager. You get paid to win games of football and I think if you've not won you come under criticism, That's what you sign up for as a manager. I won't shy away from that responsibility, it will drive me on to work harder.

"I know we've got a good group. I know I've still got the group. I think I'll be able to show to the players why I think this can turn very quickly, because of what we've got in there."

Midfielder Josh Mulligan believes the strong leaders in the Hibernian dressing room will help David Gray's side bounce back from the disappointment of Thursday's defeat by Hearts. (Hibs Observer), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

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Head coach David Gray hopes to see "a reaction" when Hibernian take on St Johnstone in Perth on Sunday (15:00 BST).

Hibs were beaten 3-1 at home by Edinburgh rivals Hearts on Thursday, with Jack Iredale sent off for the hosts in the second half.

"The group we've got, we can be really, really competitive this season but in the short term, nobody wants to hear that from me right now, everybody wants to see a reaction," said Gray.

"We need a reaction quickly because losing games of football is really tough to take but losing to your local rivals makes it even tougher.

"The St Johnstone game coming quickly can help because you've not got all week to think about it. It's about getting back out there again and making sure you put it right as quick as you can - and this gives us the chance to do that."

On-loan West Brom right-back Alex Williams and Serbian centre-back Marko Ivezic are in Gray's squad after arriving this week.

"Alex is definitely available, which is great," Gray explained.

"We would hope Marko's work permit will be done in time. He's someone who, if he's available, would certainly come right into the squad."

Steve Evans, the 63-year-old Scot currently in charge of Bristol Rovers, is being eyed by Hibernian and Preston North End should either club change managers. (Football Insider, external)

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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• Hibernian have only lost two of their last 15 Scottish Premiership games against newly promoted opponents (W8 D5), a 2-3 defeat at Dundee United in October 2024 and 1-4 loss at Falkirk in January last season.

• Hibernian have won each of their last four away league games and could win 5+ in a row on the road in the top-flight for the first time since November 2005 (run of six).

• After their 4-3 win over Kilmarnock, St. Johnstone are looking to win both of their first two home games of a Scottish Premiership season for the first time since 2017-18. The Saints have won five of their last nine home matches overall in the competition (D1 L3).

• Hibernian have only lost two of their last 13 Scottish Premiership visits to St. Johnstone (W6 D5), both 1-0 defeats in March 2021 and December 2023.

• St. Johnstone are winless in four league meetings with Hibernian (D1 L3) since a 2-1 victory in April 2024.

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Hibernian head coach David Gray accepts responsibility for Thursday night's derby defeat to rivals Hearts but is confident his side can still have a strong season.

Gray has come under pressure from fans after Thursday night's 3-1 defeat to their rivals, a defeat that comes a week after their late capitulation at home to Gent in their Conference League qualifier.

To make matters worse for Gray, it's the first time since 2012 that Hibs have lost three consecutive derby games.

"During this period now, you need to own it," Gray said.

"You need to take it to the chin and I certainly need to own it, it's my responsibility when you lose any game."

Hibs have lost two and won two of their Premiership games so far this season as they prepare for Sunday's trip to St Johnstone.

One of those victories did come against Rangers at Ibrox but Gray still feels his side should have picked up more than the six points they've amassed so far.

"If you look back at every game we've lost this season, we certainly could have won every one of them if we'd taken our chances again," Gray added.

"Even looking at the Hearts game in isolation, very fine margins again. So as poor as I thought we were first half, some of that was down to Hearts settling better but we were still in it.

"We scored the next one and I thought we dominated the game from that point. I do think there was very little in it. We created enough chances. We've already shown that domestically we're capable of big performances."

Hibs fans, we asked for your views after Thursday's Edinburgh derby defeat to Hearts.

Here's what some of you said:

Michael: Apart from 20 minutes in the second half, it was a pretty dire performance. Like many times before, there doesn't seem to be a game plan or any tactics. Ante Suto and Thibaut Klidje did more in their cameo appearances than Nathan Lowe has done all season, I don't understand why he is our first choice striker.

Kenny: Pathetic performance especially the first half. Too many poor performances to call. We lost the second goal to a free header and although we got a goal back we never really looked like getting anything from the game. The third goal ended any chance we had and the fans voted with their feet. I'm sorry to say this but David Gray needs to go as things are just not improved and only going to get worse.

Scott: Absolute dross first half. Better start second half until a stupid sending off. No wingers or a goalscorer brought in, not good enough. Unacceptable. Lightweight. Manager seriously under pressure now however the players shoulder most of the blame for this.

George: Close, but no cigar. Overall, we are slack in defence too often and we don't take our chances so we'll lose more often than not. Not a great picture, and not sure how this gets sorted, because it's been this way for a while. Fed up? Yes, big time.

Colin: Tactically naive and didn't compete in the first half which isn't good enough in a derby. Sorted things out at half-time but it was 45 minutes too late. Jack Iredale's stupidity cost us as we fought to get back into the game. Collective failure after such a good performance at Dundee.

Scott: Embarrassing result, totally outplayed and out-coached in the first half and only looked good for 15 minutes of the second. The hoofball Hibs play is rubbish to say the least, no game plan whatsoever- just boot it up to Lowe who is another poor signing. For me Gray has to go, he has run out of ideas.

Former England forward Danny Ings, 34, is a potential free agent signing for Hibs. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required, external)

Hibs head coach David Gray laments defender Jack Iredale's "needless" red card in Thursday's 3-1 Premiership home defeat by Hearts. (Record - subscription required, external)

Friday's Scottish gossip

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Hibs head coach David Gray tells BBC Scotland: "First half 2-0 down, not good enough in terms of the second balls we lost and the goals we lost were really poor.

"But even within that there was a 10-minute period when we should equalise.

"We hit the bar and then lose a second goal, but going in 2-0 down I really can't complain.

"Made a couple of changes at half-time, which helped and the second half was the way we wanted to start the first half - much more on the front foot and more aggressive.

"We really got into Hearts, won second balls and deservedly got a goal to get back to 2-1 and then at that point we're really pushing and the momentum was with us.

"Then it's a multitude of errors at the red card and then at that point all the hard work to get back into the game is undone."

Hibernian buckled in the Edinburgh derby as they went down 3-1 to rivals Hearts.

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Hibernian have signed wing-back Alex Williams on loan from West Bromwich Albion until the end of the 2026/27 season.

The 21-year-old, who becomes Hibs' ninth summer signing, came through West Brom's academy before making his debut against Derby County last summer.

The right-sided Welsh defender has been capped at Under-21 level and has also represented his country throughout the age groups.

"I'm pleased to bring Alex into the building," head coach David Gray said.

"And he's a player who will provide additional strength in depth to our defensive unit.

"He is a hard-working individual who will bring great energy to the team on the pitch, and he's a forward-thinking fullback/wing-back who gives us more options on the right-hand side.

"He's a good fit for our league, he is eager to get started, and I'm excited to welcome him into the group."

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Hibernian midfielder Josh Campbell has joined fellow Premiership side St Johnstone on loan for the remainder of the 2026/27 campaign.

The 26-year-old has made 184 appearances for the Easter Road club, five of those have come this season, with 23 goals and 20 assists across those outings.

"I would like to wish Josh the very best with this loan move," head coach David Gray said.

"I have known Josh for a very long time and watched him grow up and develop as a player over the years. During that time he has scored some big goals for us and provided some big moments over the years.

"Ultimately, he expressed his desire to go and seek more game time elsewhere, and this is an opportunity for him to go and do that."

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• Last season, all six of Heart of Midlothian's goals against Hibernian came in the second half of games, with four of those coming in the 86th minute or later. Hibs, by contrast, scored three of their four goals in this fixture in first halves.

• Hearts have only won one of their last eight away league outings (D2 L5), although that was at rivals Hibernian in April (2-1).

• Hibernian have lost each of their last four home league games, their longest run in the top-flight since August 2011 (also four), while they last lost five in a row in August 2010.

• Hibernian have lost both of their last two league games against Hearts, but haven't lost three in a row to their Edinburgh rivals in the top-flight since March 2012.

• After their 2-1 win in April, Hearts could enjoy back-to-back away league wins over Hibernian for the first time since March 2020.

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Hibernian have signed Marko Ivezic after selling fellow central defender Warren O'Hora to Leicester City.

Capped once for Serbia, 24-year-old Ivezic arrives from German second tier side Holstein Kiel and has agreed a three-year deal.

Irishman O'Hora, 27, has also penned a three-year contract at Leicester and reunites with manager Russell Martin after their time together at MK Dons.

O'Hora made 85 appearances for Hibs and captained the side on several occasions.

"We're sad to see him go, but ultimately we understand that this is a life-changing move for him and his young family," said head coach David Gray of the departure for an undisclosed fee.

"He constantly set the standards in training ,and he is a true professional both on and off the pitch."

Ivezic is the eighth summer arrival at Easter Road and began his career with FK Vozdovac before joining Holstein Kiel in the summer of 2023.

He helped the club gain promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time and made 23 appearances in the German top-flight as their stay lasted just one season.

His sole cap came as a substitute in a 2-1 friendly victory over the United States in January 2023.

"He brings a really good combination of both physical defensive qualities and experience," said Gray of Ivezic, who is right-footed like O'Hora.

"He's very versatile, which gives us another option within the squad, and at 24 he has his best years ahead of him. We believe he is primed and ready to fit right into the squad."