Hibs boss in 'I learned a lot' admission as Shaun Maloney makes Easter Road return with Martin O'Neill

Barely 18 months into football management, David Gray reacts with a sort of mock horror when asked if he could see himself still bouncing around the technical area like Martin O’Neill – a man almost twice his age – almost four decades down the line.

“Based on the last year, I’m not sure!” said the Hibs boss, 37 to interim Celtic saviour O’Neill’s 73, the ‘youngster’ adding: “I’ve been through a lot in a short period, right enough.

“Switching from playing to coaching in just three or four years, dealing with managerial changes, cup finals, European football as an interim coach, and then having success last season. Coaching in Europe myself was a huge test.

Veteran manager has enormous experience

“Martin O’Neill has enormous experience, and facing a coach like that is another learning opportunity. We need to approach it positively.”

Gray is focused on O’Neill, obviously, because Hibs host the reigning champions at Easter Road tomorrow. It is likely to be a final game at the helm for the veteran, one of the most successful managers in the history of Scottish football during his first stint at Celtic Park.

For Gray, the chance to pit his wits against the Northern Irishman represents a glorious opportunity. Especially as the Celtic coaching brains trust also boasts the sharp mind of Shaun Maloney, whose brief stint as Hibs boss – with Gray on his backroom staff – remains an odd sort of blot on a more-than-respectable coaching CV.

Assessing the challenge of taking on O’Neill, Gray confessed: “He’s a very successful manager. I’ve never met him personally or coached against him, but whenever people talk about him they speak with real respect.

“Even watching TV coverage of the game the other night, people like Johan Mjallby still call him gaffer, which shows the admiration he has in the game. He’s achieved so much, and since coming back he’s earned positive results.

“He and his staff have done a fantastic job in a difficult situation. But for me, it’s about looking at our own group, getting a reaction, and giving ourselves the best chance to win. We did it last season; it’s difficult, but the players are capable.”

Maloney didn’t last long as Hibs boss

Maloney lasted just four months after replacing Jack Ross in December of 2021. It’s fair to say that Hibs fans don’t look pack on that period with any great fondness.

Yet Gray expresses nothing but admiration for a coach who, rather famously, worked as Roberto Martinez’s assistant with the Belgian national team, the former Easter Road captain saying: “Even though it was a short period, I learned a lot from Shaun. I enjoyed working with him.

“He worked differently from Jack—Jack was very hands-on, while Shaun gave me a bit more responsibility early on because of the situation when he arrived. I enjoyed that.

“The staff he brought—Valerio (Zuddas) on the defensive side, and Gary Caldwell with his experience—created a good blend. The new approach was fresh for me.

“I’ve learned something from every manager, and Shaun was very good tactically, very organised, enthusiastic, and intense. I’ve benefited from that.

“He’s coached at a very high level, including with a national team and some of the best players in the world. He’s also managed successfully down south.

“Tactically he’s always been strong and enthusiastic about working on the training pitch. I think Celtic are benefiting from those qualities right now.

“You can see traits that Shaun brings. But again, it’s up to us to develop a game plan to go against them.

“Concentration is key. You have to avoid mental fatigue and stay switched on for the full game. High-level teams can punish you in a second if you switch off.

“It’s a great test for us to see how far we’ve come as a group and as individuals. You want to challenge yourself against players competing in Europe.

“They had a positive result last night, and we’ve had positive results in Europe too. We know we’re good enough to get a result, and it’s my job to make sure the players believe that when they step on the pitch Sunday—winning has to be the only thing in their minds.”