Hibs board 'supports' boss Gray despite winless run

David Gray endured a winless October and is still searching for a November victory

Hibernian's board has issued a statement saying it continues to "support" head coach David Gray despite a seven-game run without a victory.

The Leith side sit bottom of the Scottish Premiership, a point adrift of Edinburgh rivals Heart of Midlothian after both lost narrowly at the weekend.

Some supporters have called for a change of management after Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by St Mirren.

"We are disappointed with the poor start to our current season, like all Hibernian FC supporters," the board says on the club website.

"Following the weekend's result, we have held discussions as a group addressing how we move forward. We continue to work tirelessly in our quest to improve our performance and achieve the results we need on the pitch."

Gray took over on a formal basis during the close season after four spells in interim charge, including a brief stint late last term following Nick Montgomery's departure.

The 36-year-old former club captain has won five of his 17 games in charge so far this season, the last of those coming against St Johnstone on 14 September.

Bournemouth owner Bill Foley previously made it known his Black Knights group did not approve the appointment after taking a 25% stake in the club.

However, Hibs added: "Through this challenging time, we support our head coach, David Gray, and his management team. All departments are under pressure to deliver.

"We recognise that this is a hard time for our supporters and we know we can do better. Together, with Black Knight Football, we are working hard to make that happen."

Following Saturday's defeat, Gray said he "fully believes" he can turn around the club's form.

"I don't think the word fear is right," he said when asked if he had any trepidation about his position.

"I fully understand the question and I'm justified in being asked it because of the situation we find ourselves in. The position we are in the league is unacceptable.

"I've said that now for a number of weeks. There have been many excuses we could have used but today there's no excuses from me for the first-half performance."

Hibs return to Premiership action following the international break away to Dundee on 23 November.

Surprise public show of support - analysis

Brian McLauchlin, BBC Sport Scotland

The public show of support from the Hibs board for Gray came as something of a surprise, especially after yet another hapless home display against St Mirren on Saturday and many fans calling for his departure with the defeat simply confirming their place at the bottom of the Premiership table with just one win in the league this season.

The manager's job at Easter Road has proven to be a difficult one to hold on to recently.

Since Neil Lennon departed in January 2019, Paul Heckingbottom, Jack Ross, Shaun Maloney, Lee Johnston and Nick Montgomery have all come and gone, with Gray's long-term future very much now the hot topic down in Leith.