Hibernian

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In ending David Gray's two-year tenure as head coach, and 12 years of service at the club, Hibs chairman Ian Gordon said: "Firstly, I would like to thank Dave for everything he has done for the football club, as a player, coach and most recently head coach.

"Dave has been an inspirational figure at the club during his time here, and he has been a true friend and fantastic colleague to so many at the football club.

"On behalf of my family, I would like to personally thank him for everything he has done for us since we joined the club.

"As a person, he constantly set the standard with his attitude, professionalism and general work ethic and he will be sorely missed around the building by all the players and staff at the football club.

"On the pitch, he has delivered some incredible moments for our fans, and brought a level of stability and consistency that we haven't reached in recent years.

"Ultimately, this is a decision that we have not taken lightly, but unfortunately, one as a board we had to make due to the recent downturn of results and performances.

"We wish Dave, Liam Craig and Craig Samson all the best for the future and thank them for their commitment and effort during their time with the club. They will always be welcome back to Easter Road."

Hibs have sacked head coach David Gray following Tuesday night's home defeat by bottom club Kilmarnock.

It was a third successive league defeat and sixth in a row at home for the Easter Road club.

"Ultimately, this is a decision that we have not taken lightly, but unfortunately, one as a board we had to make due to the recent downturn of results and performances," said executive chairman Ian Gordon.

Was Gray's dismissal inevitable amid a poor run - or could he have turned things around? And now he's gone, who should replace him?

Let us know your thoughts here.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

The lack of consistency from Hibs is alarming, but not a surprise. It has been part of the DNA at the club for a number of years.

Tuesday night's home defeat by Kilmarnock - Hibs' third successive league loss and sixth in a row at home in the Premiership - came after one of the poorest performances at Easter Road I can remember in recent years.

The statistics show Hibs dominated possession and had more shots on goal than Kilmarnock, but they rarely troubled Max Stryjek in the visitors' goal. That is worrying.

We all know the buck tends to stop with the manager and, speaking after the defeat, David Gray accepted that much of the criticism coming his way was deserved.

But the players must also shoulder some responsibility. Many of those brought in over the past couple of transfer windows have failed to perform at the required standard on a consistent basis.

Gray has been in charge for more than two years and can be proud of his record in guiding the club into European football in successive seasons.

He has faced adversity during his time at Easter Road and knows full well what the consequences could be if this current run of form continues.

Ultimately, winning games is the only way the noise surrounding Gray and his team will die down.

On Saturday, anything other than victory at home to Aberdeen could prove the final straw for supporters and possibly the board.

For Gray, the next few weeks - perhaps even the next few days - are among the most important of his managerial career.

We asked for your views after Hibs slumped to a sixth straight Premiership home defeat, losing 1-0 at home to struggling Kilmarnock.

Here are some of your comments:

George: All Hibs fans love David Gray but unfortunately, and I don't like saying it, he's probably reached the end. Given the amount of talent at his disposal he just can't get a consistent display out of them. We have a big enough squad too.

Gary: If Malky Mackay and Gray have been so pleased to bring certain players in why are we so bad?

D Fraser: We were absolutely atrocious. No gameplan whatsoever, can't defend for toffee. Sorry Gray but your time's up, you aren't able to get any change out of this lot of players. I don't believe it's all Gray's fault but unfortunately it's a results business and we are not getting them right now.

Nick: Nothing will change until the whole coaching team has been changed. Poor tactics, poor set-pieces, repeating the same thing over and over. Predictable play. Lack of leadership on the pitch. Team captain sitting on the bench. Masses of effort but little to show for it.

Paul: Another lacklustre performance. Toothless and second best all over the field. Only Raphael Sallinger and and Josh Mulligan are fit to wear the jersey. I feel Gray has lost the dressing room, it's time for change or the Hibees are going on freefall for the rest of the season.

Ali: Gray is now a dead man walking. I have always liked him but enough is enough. However, I would be concerned if it was Mackay making the decision to replace him, there needs to be a clearout at Easter road, too many old pals act.

Stefan: I remember watching the great Hibs team of the early 1950s that dominated Scottish football. Since then, Hearts, Rangers, Celtic and Aberdeen have all had periods of success but for Hibs that has come only in fits and starts. Isn't it time that the owners and the managers gave the supporters a dominant team once more?

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Hibernian head coach David Gray: "It's clear to see, not good enough in terms of the result. We didn't create clear enough chances.

"Kilmarnock defended their box a lot better than we did. We gave up too many chances and some of our defending wasn't good enough, that's why we lost the game.

"The only way it turns is by putting yourself out there, sticking together and believing in yourself and trusting your ability."

When asked how he can change Hibs' fortunes, Gray responds: "One thing I will continue to is work as hard as I can to turn this around. I've been through adversity before at this football club and I will continue until someone tells me otherwise. I believe in my group and believe in what we're doing."

And whether he still has the backing of the board, he adds: "Until someone was to say something different, I will continue to do everything to turn this around."

Kilmarnock finally got their first Scottish Premiership victory of the season, consigning Hibernian to a sixth home league defeat in a row with a hard-fought win at Easter Road.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say on the game here.

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Hibs have issued ultras group Block Seven with a one-game ban from Easter Road because of pyrotechnics use and "general unacceptable conduct".

It means Block Seven will be absent for Tuesday night's visit of Kilmarnock, while a further three-match ban is suspended for the remainder of the season.

"The club will monitor the situation and reserves the right to utilise the further three-match sanction should there be any further unacceptable conduct incidents involving Block Seven during the suspended period," Hibs say.

Their statement added: "The club has discussed the decision with the SPFL and are in communication with representatives from Block Seven, who have been made fully aware of the sanction and have accepted the decision.

"We recognise the passion and atmosphere our supporters create and appreciate the incredible backing the team receives.

"However, the use of pyrotechnics is unacceptable, as it is a breach of the club's ground regulations and unacceptable conduct policies, and the club has a responsibility to act when such incidents occur.

"This is not a decision taken lightly, but following incidents at multiple fixtures this season, we believe it is necessary."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Adam Mayor expects Martin Boyle to resume penalty duties at Hibernian, despite the left-back scoring from the spot in Saturday's League Cup victory over Ross County.

Mayor, 21, took and scored his first spot-kick within regulation time of a match - into the top left corner - to put Hibs 2-0 up in the 3-0 win.

"If Boyley's on the pitch, I think he'll still take them," Mayor said.

"A lot of the lads were laughing after the game. They said it's because I haven't got much going on in my head, it's a bit empty there. It's probably a good thing. I didn't really feel that much pressure.

"It's good that the staff have got the confidence in me. I've taken a few in penalty shootouts and I've put them in the same place."

Hibs, who host Kilmarnock in Tuesday's Premiership match, will face Edinburgh rivals Hearts in the semi-finals, having lost to the Tynecastle side 3-1 in their recent league meeting.

"I had a feeling we were going to get them," Mayor said. "I'm made up with the draw. It's a chance for us to go and get one back.

"That's going to be better and mean more to the fans if we can go and do it in the semis."

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

Everyone was looking at Ross County to provide the shock of the League Cup quarter-finals, but Hibs tucked them away without much fuss to set up a Hampden date against Hearts.

We have a woeful record against our city rivals at the national stadium and, as with recent derbies, an unwelcome habit of shooting ourselves in the foot in increasingly creative ways to hand the result to Hearts.

However, we did see enough in the recent derby to give some encouragement that we can head west to have a real go at getting that Hampden monkey off our backs.

Despite an abysmal first-half showing, when Hibs turned it on in the second half we more than matched Hearts and if it hadn't been for Jack Iredale's rush of blood to the head, we could well have taken something from the game.

David Gray mentioned in his post-match interviews on Saturday that his side are very good when they "put it all together", and we have seen the evidence of that at times this season.

It's putting it all together consistently that's proving the problem, but there's a lot of football to be played between now and the semi-final.

It's a mouthwatering tie. In any cup draw you want the 'easiest' tie, but failing that the next best is to face your rivals with the chance to extend Hearts' trophyless run in this competition closer to 70 years.

One thing's for sure, the city is going to be buzzing for this game. I can't wait for it!

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

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Hibernian centre-half Grant Hanley returns from injury, while striker Owen Elding is also set for a comeback at home to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership on Tuesday.

Jordan Obita and Rocky Bushiri remain are on the sidelines.

Kilmarnock are still without centre-back Robbie Deas through injury.

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hibernian may be on a run of five consecutive home Scottish Premiership defeats, but head coach David Gray is not overly concerned.

The Easter Road side, who host Kilmarnock in the league on Tuesday (19:45 BST), have not won at home in the league since April, when they beat the Rugby Park club 3-0.

Since that victory over the Ayrshire team, Hibs have suffered home Premiership defeats to Hearts twice, Motherwell twice and Celtic.

However, Gray does not believe the scorelines have reflected their performances.

"Big chance here, two home games to get into this international break in a really strong position," Gray said, with Aberdeen at home next up on Saturday.

"There have been some really positive performances at home. It's definitely in us.

"You can find a stat to drive whatever narrative you're looking for. I look at them all in isolation, in games. The only stat, the only thing that matters, is that score in the top corner of the screen when it's on the telly.

"For us to be successful, you need strong home form and we've got a chance, with back-to-back games, to try and put that right."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hibernian head coach David Gray has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Scottish Premiership match at home to Kilmarnock (19:45 BST).

Here are the key points:

• Gray believes the Premier Sports Cup semi-final with Hearts is a "brilliant opportunity" for everyone at Hibs.

• The head coach feels there will of course be "extra spice" to that semi-final, given it's a derby, but is confident his side "has a real chance" of going through to the final.

• Gray does not believe the recent Premiership loss to Hearts will have any bearing on the semi and says, on their day and at their best, Hibs can "compete with anyone".

• Hibs may be on a run of five straight home defeats in the league, but the head coach is not overly concerned as the way they have played in some of those games has not been reflected in the score.

• Gray expects a very tough game from a Kilmarnock side he feels is "very well coached" by Neil McCann, who has done "a brilliant job" since taking over at Rugby Park.

• Team news: Grant Hanley is back in training and back in the squad for Tuesday, but fellow defender Marko Ivezic out with a virus.

• Regarding long-term absentee Rocky Bushiri, Gray hopes the defender will be back by the New Year.

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• Kilmarnock have conceded 14 goals in five Scottish Premiership games this season; the only sides in the 21st century to concede more at this stage of a top-flight campaign are Motherwell in 2005-06 (15), Gretna in 2007-08 (15), and Dundee United in 2022-23 (18).

• Kilmarnock have failed to score in their past three league games, last going longer without a goal in the Scottish Premiership in February 2021 (five in a row).

• Hibernian have lost five successive home games in the top flight for the first time since August 2010. The last side to lose six consecutive Scottish Premiership home matches were Dundee from February to May 2019.

• Kilmarnock have only won one of their past 17 Scottish Premiership meetings with Hibernian (D6 L10), a 1-0 triumph in November 2022 under Derek McInnes.

• Hibernian are unbeaten in 13 Scottish Premiership home games against Kilmarnock since a 1-0 defeat in May 2014.

Hibs fans, we asked for your views on Saturday's Premier Sports Cup quarter-final victory over Ross County.

Here's what some of you said:

Alan: As pleasing as it is to get a 3-0 victory it has to be remembered that this is League One opposition. The Jekyll and Hyde performance of Hibs continues and it will be interesting to see if Thibault Klidje and Ante Suto are afforded more opportunities in next two games against Killie and Aberdeen which we should and must aim for six points in. Jury is still out on this team as consistency has been elusive so far. But a cup final beckons and that needs to be grasped.

Iain: Great result, pleased for the team but moreso for David Gray. I think the players left out should take a good look at themselves and their previous performances.

Darren: A fantastic result that gets us through to a semi-final. On our day we are capable of beating anyone. The players deserve credit and so does the manager for ringing the much needed changes to personnel. We dare to dream.

Davy: Encouraging but what we need is consistency let's get this going Hibs.

Colin: It should have been expected, but with this lot anything could have happened. Clinical and in the end, comfortable.

Ross: Good win after the pressure was mounting, we're not out the woods yet however. Two home games Hibs should be winning heading into international break. We need to spend time working on getting players back fit and getting some confidence into our play. We are still very sore on the eye and the next crisis feels like it's just around the corner if we don't start imposing ourselves in games against better opposition. I'd like to see Klidje given a run of games and a fair crack at it like Nathan Lowe was given. A lot of work to be done still to convince Hibs fans.

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Hibernian head coach David Gray was full of praise for his team after a comfortable Premier Sports Cup victory away to Ross County.

The visitors arrived in Dingwall after successive league defeats to Hearts and St Johnstone, with criticism following both under-par performances.

"I'm delighted for the players, they fully deserved it for what they put in today," Gray told BBC Scotland.

"It was a really difficult situation when you think about the noise before the game and playing against a side that are in my view, in a false position, in terms of the quality they've got."

Hibs were 2-0 up after 14 minutes thanks to a Thibault Klidje header and an Adam Mayor penalty, while Ante Suto completed the scoring before half-time.

"It was about making sure we got off to a strong start, get on the front foot and try to give the opposition a fright, to show why we're a Premiership side," added Gray, who made six starting changes from the loss in Perth.

"The players delivered on that and we got goals at good times."

Hibs join Hearts in the last four but Gray would not be drawn on the possibility of a derby day at Hampden.

"The most important thing was getting in the hat," he said.

"One thing we have demonstrated, if we put everything together, we are very good side and capable of beating anybody on our day."

Hibs now look forward to home league games against Kilmarnock and Aberdeen before the international break, with Gray stressing "the biggest thing is to stick together and keep pushing forward".

Hibernian avoided pressure intensifying on head coach David Gray by clinically dispatching third-tier Ross County to earn a Premier Sports Cup semi-final date at Hampden.

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