Hibs boss Gray makes 'leader' demand of fan favourite

SNS Group

New Hibs boss David Gray sees Martin Boyle filling a leadership role, on and off the park, in the season ahead. The rookie head coach gave Boyle the captain’s armband from the start in this afternoon’s 1-0 win over MSV Duisburg, with Joe Newell taking over as skipper when the entire starting XI was replaced at half-time.

Gray, pleased to see everyone come through a feisty encounter settled by a Josh Campbell header, said he was looking for Boyle - the subject of transfer speculation linking him to the A-League over the summer - to step up as a senior figure on and off the field, admitting: “He had a little bit of extra responsibility today, as well, in leading the team out. That was great to see from him – and I think he responded well to that.

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“It’s something I’m going to keep pushing him for, to make sure he’s driving the standards every single day – and being the leader I believe he can be. Especially with how long he’s been at the club, and the contribution he’s made, I’m sure he’ll continue to do more.

“I thought he started really well. You could see his constant threat, his pace, his direct running.”

Gray handed debuts to central defenders Warren O’Hora and Marvin Ekpiteta, who looked comfortable in front of vocal new goalkeeper Josef Bursik. Given the defensive problems that plagued Hibs last season, their collective performance – before giving way to Jojo Wollacott, Rocky Bushiri and Riley Harbottle – left the manager feeling encouraged.

“Marvin and Warren had never played together before,” he said, adding: “In the second half as well, Rocky and Riley hadn’t played together for a wee while, so there were things to work on with the boys.

“Josef was vocal, and communication is the most important thing, for goalkeepers and defenders. Having a voice behind you really helps, as a defender.

“Working together as a unit is important. Josef has really hit the ground running with the lads, he’s a confident boy, really good with the players – and I’m delighted with how that started.

“But the most important thing is nobody came out of the game injured.  We’ve got another good 45 minutes into the legs, which is good. After another tough few days, that’s really pleasing.

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“Especially in the first half, we worked a lot on how we want to be without the ball. You saw a lot of that. The intensity was really good, the effort from everyone was excellent. And we won the game with a clean sheet.

“That isn’t important. But, at the same time, it’s good to see intensity rewarded. We got opportunities for players to play together for the first time. And I’m pleased with the result, the way they performed.”