David Gray’s Relief as Hibs Turn Jeers to Cheers in Conference League
In just seven days, David Gray went from facing fierce criticism to hearing Hibernian supporters sing his name.
There was no denying the pressure on the head coach following his team’s dreadful performance in Kosovo the previous week.
The fans who travelled to eastern Europe left no doubt about their feelings after Hibs suffered a 2-0 first-leg loss to Malisheva, leaving their Conference League campaign in serious danger.
Gray acknowledged that both the scoreline and the performance were unacceptable, but he knew the most effective response had to come on the pitch.
During the second half at Easter Road on Thursday, with Hibs four goals ahead on the night and closing in on an aggregate triumph, the stadium echoed with chants of Gray’s name.
His legendary standing at the club remains secure thanks to his winning goal in a Scottish Cup final, but these songs were not celebrating his achievements as a player. Instead, they recognised how his side had reacted to a difficult setback.
Hibs started at full speed, inspired by the ever-reliable Martin Boyle, and erased the two-goal deficit inside the opening 15 minutes.
When Boyle weaved beyond several stunned defenders to score the fourth goal, Hibs appeared incapable of putting a foot wrong.
Their level dipped during the final 20 minutes and Malisheva managed to pull one back, but Gray chose to highlight the encouraging aspects after the match.
“We discussed the tempo we expect to play with, as well as showing purpose from the opening whistle by moving the ball forward, making forward runs and giving the supporters something to rally behind,” he said.
“I witnessed those qualities in training, and the players thoroughly earned this victory. We could have settled the contest much earlier after striking the woodwork twice and failing to convert three or four excellent opportunities.
“Conceding late made the finish slightly uncomfortable, but the players still merited their reward. I am extremely pleased for them.”
Asked whether he felt relieved after the disappointment of the previous week, Gray conceded that the satisfaction he gets from a victory rarely lasts long.
“Winning as a coach feels very different from winning as a player,” he said. “First comes the relief, and then your attention immediately turns to the next match.
“You allow yourself a couple of minutes to appreciate it before beginning preparations for the next challenge.”
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
