Hibs coach departs as Easter Road backroom shake-up continues - Gray pays tribute to 'colleague and friend'
Arrival of former Jack Ross No. 2 John Potter created space for change
Hibs have shaken up their coaching staff with the departure of long-time David Gray mentor Eddie May, who is stepping down after 12 years on the staff at East Mains. And Easter Road gaffer Gray has personally thanked his close confidante for helping ease his path into management.
Hibs added former Jack Ross No. 2 John Potter to the coaching staff last week. May’s departure was confirmed this morning.
Personal thanks from gaffer
Hibs boss Gray said: “I would like to personally thank Eddie for everything he has done for the football club and for the support he has given me over the years, both as a player and a coach. He has been a fantastic mentor, colleague and friend to me over the years and I am extremely grateful for all his support, advice and commitment.”
Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay added: “On behalf of the Board of Directors and myself, we would like to thank Eddie for his terrific service and commitment to the Football Club over the past 12 years.
“He is an incredible person, who has given his all across multiple roles at the Football Club.
Speaking about his departure, former player May – who was involved in a serious car crash earlier this year - said: “After 12 unforgettable years, the time has come for me to step away from my role at the club. It has been an incredible privilege to work alongside so many dedicated players, coaches, supporters and friends who have made this journey so special.
“Together we’ve shared unforgettable victories, overcome difficult moments and created memories that will stay with me for a lifetime. I leave with immense pride in what we've achieved together and with complete confidence in the club’s future.
“While my role may be ending, the friendships and memories built over the past 12 years will always remain with me. I wish everyone at the club nothing but continued success in the years ahead. Hibernian Football Club will always have a special place in my heart.”
Over 100 appearances as player
In a statement, the club revealed: “Hibernian FC can confirm that Eddie May will leave the club at the end of this month following 12 years of service. May has been associated with the club since his playing days, during which he made over 100 appearances for the Hibees in the late 1980s.
“He returned to Hibs in 2014 in a coaching capacity, working in several roles across the Hibernian FC Academy, Player Development, and First Team departments. During that time, he stepped up to the role of caretaker manager on two separate occasions, the first in January 2019 and the second in November 2019. He managed five matches in total, winning three games.
“ In June 2024, following the appointment of David Gray as head coach, May was named as part of Gray’s backroom team. He enjoyed two consistent seasons with the Hibees – helping Hibs secure a third-place finish in the 2024/2025 campaign, before backing that up with a fifth-place finish last season – achieving back-to-back European qualification for the first time in over 50 years. The 58-year-old departs Hibs with the very best wishes from everyone at the Football Club.”