Hibs skipper Joe Newell breaks silence on 'living legend' David Gray sacking as 'horrendous' feeling addressed
‘There’s an element of blame for all of us’ - midfielder speaks out
Hibs captain Joe Newell has spoken for the first time since manager David Gray’s sacking. And the Easter Road skipper admits players have to take their share of the blame for a “horrendous” situation that cost a “living legend” his job.
Gray was axed on Wednesday, having presided over a sixth consecutive home league loss against Kilmarnock the previous evening. Newell, who played alongside and then worked under the former club captain, expressed sadness over the decision.
Gray served just over two years
The midfielder said: “It's always horrendous when it happens, isn't it? So it's been a tough week for everyone, not just the players, everyone at the club.
“The man that's done so much here, along with Sammy (Craig Samson) and Liam Craig, both had a massive part in the recent history. As well as obviously what he’s done over his spell as a player, coach, everything.
“I think when people lose their jobs, it's never on the back of positivity, it's not because we've been doing things right. So there's always an element of blame for all of us.
“He takes responsibility, that's something he's always done. He always protected his players.
‘Noble’ Gray took the flak
“It was always something I thought was really noble and kind of summed him up as a man. It was always his team and his responsibility.
“Football moves on quickly, but I think it's important that everyone at the club remembers him for what he's done. Which they will, I'm sure they will. He's not just a living legend here, he'll go down in history.
“I think time's always a, I don't want to say a healer in this instance, but I think months and years of reflection and people look at Dave's tenure here and say it was a success. I'd go much more than not bad.
“He's stepped in from a player, he's moved into a coach, he's took interim roles, he's done everything. And then his time in charge of the club was a massive success.
“And I think, like I say, the more time goes on, the more people appreciate that. It's obviously raw and it's hard now.
“But I think from the place we were in to where we went under Dave was, like I said, I think something he should be massively proud of because where we were. If you would have said two years later, this is what we've achieved, these are the days and nights we've had, not many people would have believed you.
“We all know that football management is a very volatile thing. Even two years in a job is a success nowadays, isn't it?”