David Gray has completed the transition from Hibs player, to captain, to coach and now Head Coach – becoming the 38th person to hold the position at Hibernian FC.
In doing so, Gray becomes the 14th person to both play for and permanently manage the Club during our 148-year history.
The 36-year-old follows in the footsteps of Hibernian greats including Pat Stanton, Eddie Turnbull, Willie Ormond and John Blackley to represent the Club both on the pitch as a player and in the dugout.
Edinburgh-born Gray came through the Manchester United Youth Academy, making his senior professional debut in the Carling Cup in 2006 under legendary Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Several loan spells followed for the defender, before permanent stints at Preston North End, Stevenage and Burton Albion.
In 2014, Gray made the move back home to Scotland’s capital, joining the Hibees in what he described as “the greatest football decision of his life”.
He joined the Club at a time of restructure and was announced as Alan Stubbs’ first signing as part of a wider rebuild – aimed at earning promotion back to the Scottish top-flight.
At the age of 26, the defender made his debut against Rangers in the Challenge Cup – embarking on what turned out to be one of the most iconic Hibs careers to date.
The right-back played 34 times during the 2014/15 campaign and scored his first Hibs goal against Rangers in September 2014.
Following an impressive debut season, Gray was named captain having quickly established himself as a leader in the dressing room.
It was in his first season as skipper that the defender would write his name in Hibernian folklore by scoring a dramatic late winner against Rangers at Hampden to end the Leith club’s 114-year wait to lift the Scottish Cup.
After scoring the biggest goal in Hibernian’s modern history and raising the Cup as captain, Gray’s status as a Hibs icon was secured.
That day in May was followed by more success, as Gray captained the team to promotion as Scottish Championship champions in 2016/17, bringing the Hibees back to the Premiership following three seasons in the second tier.
For his services to the Club as a player, Gray was awarded a testimonial which saw a team of Hibernian Legends face Manchester United Legends at Easter Road. Gray got the winner in a 1-0 win for the hosts.
He would go on to make a total of 177 appearances in green and white before eventually hanging up his boots in the summer of 2021 and joining Jack Ross’ staff as First Team Coach.
Since making the switch, Gray has continued to develop as a coach and prepare for his chance to take on the leading role in the dugout.
On four occasions, he has stepped up as Caretaker Manager, most recently impressing in 2023/24 by earning victories against Aberdeen and Motherwell, while also leading the Hibees at Villa Park in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
A fierce competitor, club legend and hugely respected figure at both Easter Road and HTC, Gray takes on the Head Coach’s role permanently ahead of the 2024/25 season.
