Revealed: Hibs gaffer's message to fans ahead of new campaign
Gray hails Mackay influence and explains backroom recruitment
New Hibs boss David Gray has opened up about his decision to pursue the top job at Easter Road – and revealed that the experience of sporting director Malky Mackay was a major factor in taking the leap into management. Gray, who took on his fourth stint as interim boss following Nick Montgomery’s sacking at the tail end of last season, also revealed more about how he’ll work with his newly-appointed backroom staff in the campaign ahead, admitting that veteran coach Eddie May will play a vital role in keeping the rookie manager calm when stress levels are rising.
The head coach talked about his new role as he made a surprise appearance in front of fans ahead of his first official day as gaffer on the training ground. Gray shocked a specially selected group of punters invited to this morning’s official opening of the new Hibs Store at Easter Road by shirt sponsors bevvy.com, picking up the microphone to speak to the audience of competition winners.
Revealing his thought process behind deciding to pitch for the job, Gray told supporters: “The people at the club now, the Gordon family have been so generous, and we’ve now got Malky in that role, he’s someone who has worked in the game for 30 years, worked at the highest level, worked for the Scottish FA, so he’s got that experience and structure behind him. That was a big appeal to me, as well.
“I’ve been in that position of adversity four times now, as interim manager, so the responsibility is always there. But I think as a player and staff, you have a responsibility all the time. You have a responsibility to do the best as possible.
“I’ve been in a very fortunate position where I’ve been able to learn from four fantastic head coaches who all had their own understanding of how they want the game to be played. I can totally understand why these appointments were made and whey they were brought in because I can see the qualities these guys had. To then be able to use that information, to take the good things and piece it all together, we can hopefully combine it to create a very successful Hibs team.”
Revealing more details on the roles being filled by assistants Liam Craig and Eddie May, as well as new goalie coach Craig Samson, Gray said: “I think they’re all very excited. It was important when it came to the people I brought in.
“I remember Liam from our younger days. We played together when we were young. And once I came to Hibs, just how he was every day, the responsibility he took every single day as captain on the training ground – he’s another one who fully understands the football club.
“Eddie is someone who has been a massive help to me for the last three or four years, especially during the interim spells. He’s a very honest man, he tells it how it is, but his support has been great because he is this extra set of eyes and ears – he’s been in the game for such a long time.
“He’s a real calming influence around me, which is important. The way we’re all going to work together, I see the three of them as assistant managers, helping me move the club forward – and I believe we will be successful because of that.”
Gray’s surprise appearance came as Kit Gordon helped open the new club store in conjunction with merchandising partners Fanatics. There was also a question-and-answer session with first-team players Jordan Obita and Dylan Levitt.