David Gray: Hibernian sack head coach with club ninth in Scottish Premiership after Kilmarnock defeat

Hibernian have sacked head coach David Gray with the club ninth in the Scottish Premiership.

It follows a fourth league defeat in six games this season as Hibs lost to bottom side Kilmarnock on Tuesday.

Despite progressing to the League Cup semi-finals, Hibs were also knocked out of Europe after a Conference League play-off defeat to Gent.

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Stretching back to last season, the Easter Road side have now lost six consecutive league games at home, equalling a club record last seen in 1920.

Gray was appointed on a permanent basis in June 2024, signing a three-year deal after his fourth stint in interim charge.

The 38-year-old, who retired from playing five years ago to focus on coaching, became a club legend when he scored the winner against Rangers in 2016 to end their 114-year wait to lift the Scottish Cup.

His start in the dugout was positive with a third-place finish in the 2024/25 campaign, while Hibs finished fifth last season.

However, with the team now two points off the bottom, the Easter Road hierarchy has decided it is time for change again.

Hibs are now searching for a sixth permanent boss in less than five years after the departures of Jack Ross in December 2021, Shaun Maloney five months later, Lee Johnson the year after, Nick Montgomery in the summer of May 2024 and now Gray.

Coach John Potter will take interim charge for Saturday's match against Aberdeen, with Hibs adding in a statement they "will announce a new permanent head coach in due course".

Gray sacked due to 'downturn of results and performances'

Hibernian executive chairman Ian Gordon said: "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.

"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."

Gray's last words as Hibs boss

Gray remained defiant following Tuesday's defeat against Kilmarnock, and speaking to Sky Sports following the game, he said:

"I've been here during difficult times and I've been here during good times and you can't just say it's brilliant when things are going well and then not expect a bit of criticism when things aren't.

"In terms of asking for patience, the fans are frustrated because we're not achieving what we need to be at this stage and winning enough games consistently, especially at home.

"And I accept that. All I can say is until someone tells me otherwise, I will be doing everything in my power, everything I possibly can as I have done at this football club to turn it around and I believe we can.

"It's a difficult time for everybody, the players, football club, because we've lost again off the back of a good result at the weekend and then failed to back it up again."

Hibernian's upcoming Premiership fixtures

• Aberdeen (H) - Saturday
• Dundee Utd (A) - October 10
• Falkirk (H) - October 17
• Celtic (H) - October 24
• St Mirren (A) - October 28
• Dundee (H) - October 31

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