Turning the Tide: David Gray's Revival at Hibernian

As the Scottish Cup fifth round approaches, Hibernian's manager, David Gray, finds himself reflecting on a tumultuous season that seemed to have no end in sight just a few weeks ago. When Hibernian suffered a 4-1 defeat to Dundee in November, few anticipated that Gray would still be at the helm just three months later. However, following a remarkable turnaround, Hibs now stand proudly in fifth place in the Scottish Premiership, exuding a sense of positivity that starkly contrasts with the uncertainty surrounding the club during those early struggles.

Gray's journey has been inspired by his experiences as a player under one of the greatest managerial minds in football history - Sir Alex Ferguson. Scouted by Manchester United as a teenager, Gray’s formative years were shaped by the meticulous approach Ferguson employed. "On my first day, Sir Alex knew every player’s name and their families’ details, which struck me as astounding. It demonstrated his incredible attention to detail," Gray recalls. These early lessons have been pivotal as he transitioned into coaching after several stints as Hibs' interim manager, eventually securing a permanent position in June.

Reflecting on his managerial path, he acknowledges the pressure that comes with coaching a club in rigorous competition. "After that loss to Dundee, I recognized that a change could have come, and I wouldn’t have been able to argue against it. The early season was riddled with individual errors and late blunders, and I have to take full responsibility for that," Gray explains. "But there was never a moment I lost faith in my players. It was my job to extract the best from them."

This resilience paid off remarkably when Hibernian defied expectations by fighting back to draw 3-3 against Aberdeen just three days after their drubbing from Dundee. "I’ve always believed that if you maintain a consistent level of professionalism and organizational structure within the team, the players will respond positively," he asserts. The sudden shift in performance sparked a revival, heightening the team's confidence as they looked forward to their upcoming challenge against Ayr United at Somerset Park.

As Hibernian gears up for this crucial Scottish Cup match, Gray feels a profound gratitude toward the club that welcomed him back to Scotland in 2014. His iconic moment—a Scottish Cup-winning goal against Rangers in 2016, which ended a 114-year wait for the trophy—remains a highlight of his career, further solidifying his legacy at Hibs. "That victory changed my life, and I hope to bring similar joy to the club during my managerial tenure," he reflects.

Fans will surely tune in to watch this exciting Scottish Cup clash unfold, especially as Gray looks to prove his capabilities on the grand stage once more. Kick-off is set for 19:45 GMT, with coverage available on BBC Scotland and the BBC Sport website from 19:30 GMT.