Hibernian captain Joe Newell has described the mood at the club as 'melancholy' following the departure of David Gray, a figure present for his entire five-year stay. The 33-year-old midfielder's words come ahead of a key home match against Aberdeen this Saturday, a game that could see Hibs suffer a seventh consecutive home league defeat for the first time in their history.
Newell, who joined Hibs in 2019, acknowledged the profound impact of Gray's exit. "Every day at this football club I've been here, he's been here," Newell said. He described the former manager as a "good, good guy, good friend," highlighting the personal connection felt throughout the squad. The training session at the club's East Mains facility on Friday was marked by this reflective atmosphere as the team prepared under interim boss John Potter.
The Gray era ends
David Gray's association with Hibernian spanned 12 years, evolving from player to club captain, Scottish Cup-winning hero, coach, and finally manager. After taking the managerial reins, he guided Hibs to a fifth-place finish and European qualification in 2024, followed by a third-place finish and a 17-game unbeaten run in the 2024/25 season. However, recent poor results and performances led to his departure this week, just before a three-week international break.
Interim manager John Potter, a 46-year-old who returned to the club this summer in a coaching role initially brought in by Gray, acknowledged the difficulty of the situation. "Thursday was difficult, to be honest, but it always is," Potter stated. He emphasized the club's ambition, saying, "Hibs are a brilliant club and we want to be towards the top of the league." Potter, who previously served as assistant under Jack Ross, the man who gave Gray his first coaching opportunity, now takes temporary charge for the Aberdeen fixture.
A season at a crossroads
The context for this managerial change is a challenging start to the Premiership campaign. Hibernian currently sit ninth in the table with six points from six matches, having won two and lost four. Their goal difference stands at minus three, having scored seven and conceded ten. The team's recent form reads two wins and three losses from their last five outings, a sequence that includes a 1-0 home defeat to Kilmarnock last time out.
This Saturday's opponents, Aberdeen, sit one place above them in eighth, making the Easter Road encounter critical for halting the slide. A loss would not only see them overtaken but would also set an unwanted club record for consecutive home league defeats. The squad will also be without several key players, including Jordan Obita, Marko Ivezić, Kanayochukwu Megwa, and Rocky Bushiri, who are all currently sidelined. Fans can check the latest availability on the club's injuries page.
Newell's call is for a performance-driven response from the players on the pitch. With the emotional chapter of Gray's departure now turning, the focus shifts entirely to the 90 minutes against Aberdeen. The interim coaching team, led by Potter, will be looking to build on the positive aspects of the 3-0 away win at Ross County earlier this month. The next fixture, a home match against a direct rival, offers the immediate chance to change the narrative. The full run of upcoming games is available on the fixtures schedule.
Background and full detail: The Scotsman Football
