David Gray: I understand the expectation that comes with being Hibs boss

David Gray and Malky Mackay have spoken about their determination to achieve success at Hibernian, with new head coach Gray saying he fully understands the expectation at the club.

Gray was appointed as the club’s new head coach earlier this month after the former Scottish Cup-winning captain had taken charge of the first team for a fourth interim spell.

Along with new director of football Mackay, he will now look to revive the team’s fortunes on the park after a disastrous season that saw the team finish in the bottom six of the Premiership, having sacked head coaches Lee Johnson and Nick Montgomery in the space of nine months.

Gray said that he is well aware of what the Hibernian fans want from their club and says he will be ensuring that the players know their part of that, and what is needed to enjoy success together.

“I fully understand the demands of the football club, the expectations around being a player here,” he said. “I know what it feels like to be successful.

“I also understand that when things aren’t going well, that you look at the size of this club and the expectation we’ve got, the facilities and the resources, it needs to be doing better.

“I am fully aware of that and I take it on board every single day.

“The message going back to the players will be that if we can get this right, and I firmly believe we will, then it’s a fantastic place to be.

“We’re lucky to be at such a good club and for me personally to have this opportunity for my first full-time head coach job to lead this football club is a very proud moment and a special one.”

Mackay, who took on the director of football role at Easter Road months after leaving Ross County, says he has gotten to know everyone at the club and feels there is potential to be unleashed with the right direction.

“I want the best of this club and the best for this badge,” he said. “Hibs supporters want that as well.

“What you will see is people on the pitch who are going to give sweat for the jersey, staff who are in here from seven in the morning until late at night.

“Already I’ve seen that people want to work for David Gray and that’s a great starting point.

“I’ve been in the building now for two or three weeks and there’s a lot of good people here that I think just needed direction.

“I think that’s what was needed and certainly on the training ground. Direction was needed.

“We’ve obviously now got our head coach in and there’s a momentum of people who desperately want to work for David for the good of the club and the badge.

“There’s obviously a harmony within the staff of the football club and a direction that’s communicated towards. That makes people push in the one direction and it’s a big thing for all of us.”