'Consistency' ambition for Hibs in 2026 - gaffer David Gray on transfer talk, record signing and results drive
Kieron Bowie and Josh Mulligan both on Premier League radar - so what happens next?
Consistency, consistency, consistency. Not just in performances, but in results. With a little help and a bit of luck in the January transfer market, there’s no reason why David Gray’s wish list for 2026 shouldn’t pan out exactly as he’d like.
The Hibs boss, happy to have signed off on 2025 with back-to-back league wins for only the third time in a hectic half season of missed opportunities and infuriating dropped points, heads into the new year feeling confident that there is still more to come from his team. Where further improvement might take them in a Scottish Premiership free-for-all throwing up all manner of wild possibilities is anyone’s guess.
Thibault Klidje overcoming early inertia
Addressing everything from transfer interest in Kieron Bowie and Josh Mulligan to the early struggles of club record signing Thibault Klidje, and focusing on maintaining momentum as he takes his team to Kilmarnock for the first contest of 2026, Gray is clear on what he’d like to see from his team over the second half of the campaign. In short, he’d love them to get exactly what they deserve.
The former club captain, now a season-and-a-half into management, said: “We just need to keep moving forward. I think more consistent results, more than anything else.
“I think the performance level across the piece and all the games we've played, there have been been very few times when I've had to come and say that the level of performance hasn't been anywhere near our level. There's only been a few times - if any.
“It's that consistency in results. I think back-to-back wins really sets you up in a good position. We're certainly in a better position as a football club this year than we were last year at this time. There's something to build on.
“I think there's a lot more to come for this group in terms of results. And still improvement to come with a lot of the players within the group. So that's a real strong position to be in.
January window offers chance to strengthen squad
“Obviously coming into January, naturally people will start to look at strengthening squads. We're no different.
“If something can be done that we believe makes the group better, the support we've had, certainly from above, has always been there. And I'm sure we'll continue to be there if we think we can make the group better.
“And that's it. You just need to keep moving forward, keep trying to put more consistency in results together and trying to catch that team in front of us. And that's our challenge now between now and the end of the season.”
Kieron Bowie has been linked with Wolves, while both Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are reportedly interested in Josh Mulligan. While Hibs hope to be active in making signings this month, a lot may rest on their ability to retain two top stars.
“I think all they two can do is keep doing what they're doing,” said Gray, when asked about the pair of Scotland World Cup hopefuls. “So I think they need to keep working hard, which is the biggest benefit.
“They're getting all the plaudits at the moment because of their level of performance, but they're really hard-working, humble boys that are enjoying their football. And that's the most important thing.
“The carrot's still going to be there for them. They’re trying to force their way into Scotland's squad. And all they can do is keep taking care of their own performance levels and helping the team as much as they can
“Speculation will always be there. There's nothing you can do about that, but you need to keep your feet on the ground and keep working hard.”
£1.5 million striker has struggled to make starting XI
Togolese international Klidje scored the vital breakthrough goal in Tuesday night’s 2-0 home win over Aberdeen as Hibs built on their derby victory over Hearts at Easter Road with a second straight triumph. A £1.5 million summer signing, the 24-year-old has only found the net four times in his first half season of Scottish football.
Partly hampered by a series of niggling injuries, but also simply unable to force his way into the starting XI, Klidje got his chance against the Dons because illness to Bowie ruled the former Fulham striker out of the match day squad. With Martin Boyle also limping out of the Aberdeen game with a hamstring injury in the first half, Klidje will be expected to step up.
Gray, who has been patient with the former Luzern forward, said: “Yeah, he’s had to wait. He's had to keep working hard. Delighted to see his shot go in against Aberdeen.
“I believe I worried at one point that it wasn't going to go in! But it definitely got over the line, which is the most important thing. And that will do his confidence good.
“A few weeks ago, we were talking about Kieron Bowie getting his goal, he'd been playing away but not scored for a while. So I think strikers' confidence levels go up when you score goals.
“That will do his confidence a world of good. He needs to keep working hard, keep moving forward. But I think that will do him a world of good.”
Klidje’s running and willingness to put his body between the ball and opponent was crucial as Hibs beat Aberdeen, the diminutive forward winning a series of free-kicks as he tempted defenders into making rash challenges. It’s almost an essential skillset for forwards looking to operate in Scotland’s elite division.
Gray laughed as he said: “Yeah, I think that's just the physicality in Scotland. I'm sure that Jimmy Thelin will probably say some of them weren't fouls, some of them were a wee bit soft.
“But at the same time, I think he's very lively. You see that the way he moves. He's always a threat on behind as well.
“I think he is still adapting to Scottish football, even in training. He's still adapting to just how people train every single day with real intensity. And I think that's something that prepares him well for when he goes and plays.
“I think he's certainly starting to settle down a bit now, which is good. It'll be more consistency in training that will help him as well because of the injuries he's had. And I think the biggest thing is that it helps players have more consistent game time, which he'll be looking to try and do.”
Kilmarnock at Rugby Park up next
Assessing his team’s priorities ahead of Saturday’s trip to Rugby Park, where he’ll face a struggling team still under the leadership of interim Killie boss Kris Doolan following Stuart Kettlewell’s sacking, Gray said: “I know Kris well, and I think he'll have them ready for it. I think the surface always plays a part in it as well. And the quick turnaround in the game, it'll be the third game in the week.
“I've just said that to the players. The importance of the back-to-back wins is fantastic, but can we go and finish this week really strongly?
“It'll be a difficult game, but it is certainly an opportunity. We will go down there with a game plan to try and come back with three points. If we can do that, it'll be a fantastic return from the week.”