David Gray has dismissed any notion of dressing room factions at Hibernian, insisting the squad remains unified despite a run of three defeats in their last four games. The head coach, in his third season in charge, also confirmed ongoing conversations about signing free agent striker Danny Ings, comparing his potential impact to that of Dwight Gayle.
Gray, a former club captain, was speaking ahead of a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at Ross County, a venue where Hibs won 3-0 just days ago. He stressed that internal unity is non-negotiable during difficult periods. "During these periods, sticking together is the biggest and most important thing -and not breaking off into little groups," Gray said.
Leadership from within
He pointed to the influence of players like Grant Hanley, Joe Newell, and the injured Rocky Bushiri as key to maintaining standards. Gray emphasized that leadership is not defined by age. "You don't have to be 30-plus to be a leader," he noted, citing the example of Junior Hoilett's positive influence on younger players like Nathan Lowe and Owen Elding.
Hibs currently sit eighth in the Premiership with six points from five matches, having scored seven goals but conceded nine. Their recent form shows two wins and three losses, leaving them 12 points behind leaders Celtic. The team will look to build on their convincing 3-0 win at Dingwall, where T. Klidje, A. Mayor, and A. Suto found the net.
Ings talks ongoing
On the transfer front, Gray addressed speculation linking the club with a move for Danny Ings. The 34-year-old striker is a free agent after spells with Liverpool, Aston Villa, and West Ham. "He is unattached at the moment as are quite a few other ones at the minute," Gray told reporters. "So there are still conversations, but I'm not going to speculate or mention any individuals about what we're doing right now."
Gray drew a parallel with Dwight Gayle's successful stint at Easter Road, suggesting a player of Ings' pedigree could have a similar uplifting effect. Any move would be separate from the Deadline Day sale of defender Warren O’Hora and comes as the squad manages injuries to Bushiri and Jordan Obita.
Looking ahead
The immediate focus is the cup tie at Ross County, a chance to secure a semi-final place. After that, attention turns to the Premiership and a home fixture against fourth-placed St Mirren on 30 December. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page and view the latest squad information, including injury updates, on the squad list.
With key players sidelined, the leadership group highlighted by Gray will be vital. The head coach's clear message is that the squad's spirit is intact as they handle a busy period on the pitch and potential additions off it.
