Hibernian

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How does a backroom team get built?

Sporting director Malky Mackay sat down with club media in the Netherlands, where Hibs are on a training camp, to offer insight into the decision to name Eddie May, Liam Craig and Craig Samson as assistant coaches to David Gray.

What does a good backroom team look like?

"It's a really important blend the manager has to have around him. There has to be trust. You've got to make sure the guys have that sense of security they can tell him how they actually feel, what he doesn't want to hear without fear it's going to spoil the relationship. But at the same time, when he makes his mind up on something then they follow.

"There has to be the balance that generally they think similarly in a direction of travel. It's not an easy balance to strike sometimes."

Why these three & what will they bring?

"David's a new head coach, he needs people around him he is comfortable with. I think it is important that we didn't put someone with him who we decided on. At the same time, these guys have got to have an impact, they can't just be your friends.

"Eddie May has a long history with the club. He has been with David four times now, so there is a sense of security there and an understanding. He brings a calmness.

"Liam Craig captained the club, so we have someone who understands the fabric of it. From the feedback I received from clubs he's been at, he's not only a popular member but a real deep thinker.

"Craig Samson has been at the club before. His role is much bigger than a goalkeeping coach. He's a very positive, loud and bright person, and very experienced in Scottish football."

How are the team gelling?

"As I expected, really well. I did a fair bit of homework on the characters of the three individuals. All of them will be assistant coaches, which is important because there isn't a pecking order.

"I'm delighted the way the ambience of the training ground has been since they came in. They've been positive, proactive and enjoyed their work."

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Hibernian's narrow win over German third-tier side MSV Duisburg produced plenty of positives, according to Chris Cadden, as the team get to grips with David Gray's demands of "high-intensity football".

Josh Campbell's first-half header was all that separated the sides but defender Cadden admitted it was another crucial test under the new head coach with the start of the competitive season looming.

"It was good to just get back playing football, an 11-a-side game," Cadden, 27, said.

"It was a good test for the boys, I thought they looked sharp and they were a good team so a good way to get prepared for the start of the season.

"The gaffer had a meeting with us yesterday and told us what he wants from us in his style of play, so drip-feeding us information, especially for the new boys, was good to get.

"He wants high intensity so it was good to get them used to that."

Cadden played his part in the second half, with Gray naming a fresh team at the interval, after which tackles started to fly in.

"I always find that pre-season games end up like that, I don't know why," Cadden added.

"It was a little bit feisty, they were throwing a few challenges in, we did it as well, but it gets you ready for the start of the season.

"It's been tough, but that's what pre-season is about, we're well aware of that. It's a shorter pre-season with the League Cup coming so early so it's good to get the hard work in."

Hibernian midfielder Ewan Henderson, 24, is close to joining Beerschot in Belgium. (Herald - subscription), external

Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.

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Hibs made it two pre-season wins from two as they edged out German third-tier side MSV Duisburg 1-0 in the Netherlands.

Josh Campbell grabbed the only goal of the game when he headed home a first-half corner.

Dylan Vente had a goal ruled out for offside and Elie Youan hit the bar with a late header, but Hibs survived a scare when Jihad Boutakhrit fired wide after rounding goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott.

New signings Warren O'Hora and Marvin Ekpiteta made their debuts from the start as David Gray fielded a different XI in each half.

Harry McKirdy wasn't risked as the forward's workload is managed as he steps up his return from heart surgery.

Gray's side, who thumped Edinburgh City 5-0 in their opening friendly last Saturday, play Greek club PAOK on Saturday (15:00 BST) before returning from their week-long Dutch training camp on Monday.

Who do you think will be Hibernian's breakout star in the coming season?

Is there one particular youngster you are backing to impress or perhaps a fringe player who will come to the fore?

Have your say here, external.

Hibernian will pocket a minimum of £150,000 after Ewan Henderson agreed terms to join Belgian club Beerschot after Oostende, where the 24-year-old midfielder was on loan last season, were unable to take up their right-to-buy option because of financial difficulties. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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"They needed a lot of work, but it could have been a really enjoyable club to work for."

Shaun Maloney has opened up on his enjoyable and beneficial, albeit short, spell in charge of Hibs in an interview with The Coaches Voice., external

When the former Scotland attacker was appointed manager in December 2021, he started strongly with back-to-back victories that made the management gig look easy.

But it couldn't be sustained and after just four months at the helm, he was sacked, with then chairman Ron Gordon admitting it "ultimately didn't work out".

While that may have been the case, Maloney only has positives to pick from the experience.

"I learned so much in my time there," the current Wigan Athletic manager said.

"I learned that I absolutely love the role, and that I love working with players as a manager.

"Our objective was to try and make the top four in the league. We made the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup, which was a really good achievement, but we missed out narrowly on the top six in our final game before the split and that led to me leaving in April 2022."

Despite only being in charge for 19 games, his tenure didn't come without troubles. Martin Boyle was sold while Kevin Nesbitt suffered a season-ending injury.

"I was very aware of where the team was deficient, so the way the squad was meant I knew that making the top six was going to be 50-50, but I also knew what was needed to reach the top four," Maloney added.

"I was very clear on the team and players. I knew why we were one of the best teams in the league, defensively – behind only Celtic and Rangers – and why we were really struggling in attack.

"I was also really clear on where we were headed. The big thing I had to take away was about how I could have made the team more efficient and clinical in the final third – the areas we could get into, and the numbers we could attack with."

Following his dismissal, Maloney took time away from the game to reflect on his maiden venture in management before joining the Latics in January 2023.

"I loved their history, their support and the city of Edinburgh – and I loved how they sold their vision of the role to me," he added. "It was everything I wanted in a first managerial job."

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Kenny Miller is "really surprised" Hibs opted to give David Gray the head coach job and says he needs to hit the ground running.

After four spells in interim charge at Easter Road, Hibs legend Gray, 36, has been given a three-year contract in his first permanent managerial role.

"It's one thing stepping in and taking charge for a few games as an interim and another being right at the helm leading it for your first job," former Hibs and Scotland striker Miller told BBC Scotland.

"This is where he's going to be judged now. If you don't get through the early stages of the season well, pressure can start to build.

"I was really surprised by the appointment. You look over the last years since Jack Ross left, they've gone through Shaun Maloney, Lee Johnson and Nick Montgomery, I'm really surprised they went down the David Gray route.

"Similarly at Aberdeen with Stephen Glass, Jim Goodwin, Barry Robson and Neil Warnock, there's been mistakes made at these clubs over the last three or four seasons. I thought they might have looked for a different option."

Former Hibs midfielder manager John Collins was also surprised by Gray's appointment but is hoping he succeeds.

"I like young coaches getting opportunities but he's got no experience in management," Collins said.

"I hope he does very well, fingers crossed for him, but I was surprised."

Hibernian sporting director Malky Mackay defends Ian Gordon's role in recruitment at Easter Road, insisting the representative of the club's majority shareholders should be involved in how the club is run. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Every new manager wants the fans on side, and it appears David Gray has one of Hibs' big-hitters in the stands behind him.

Even though Jamie Murray is preparing to pair up with brother Andy in the the Men's Doubles at Wimbledon later this week, the Hibernian supporter had a spare minute to back the recent appointment at Easter Road.

"He's a club legend, he knows what the fans want, what it means to play for the club and hopefully he brings in players and staff who are passionate about playing for Hibs, that's what I want at my club anyway," the 38-year-old told BBC Scotland.

When asked if the former defender is the right man for the job Murray replied, "yeah, I think so."

"Hopefully they can achieve that and they get guys there that are fighting for the team and for the shirt and desperate to do well."

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Defender Oscar MacIntyre has rejoined Scottish League 1 side Queen of the South on loan for the upcoming season.

The 19-year-old spent the first half of last season at the Doonhamers, making 15 appearances before moving to Annan Athletic in February under Peter Murphy.

Now in charge in Dumfries, Murphy has decided to call on the youngster's services again in a move that Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay believes is a huge benefit.

"This is a good move for Oscar, playing in a competitive league that he knows well," Mackay told Hibs' website.

"The fact he has worked with their manager [Peter Murphy] before is a positive and shows that he holds Oscar in high regard."

Hibernian forward Harry McKirdy says he has "a lot to prove" as he continues his comeback from long-term illness absence. (Scotsman - subscription), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

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Former Hibs player and manager John Collins says the club have to get this summer's recruitment right if David Gray is to succeed as head coach.

Gray finished last season in caretaker charge following Nick Montgomery's sacking, before being handed the role on a permanent basis.

"I like young coaches getting opportunities; I hope he does well," Collins said.

"Malky Mackay has come in as director of football - does he want an experienced manager in front of him? He wants a younger manager.

"He’ll have to get off to a good start. The fans will back him because he’s a club legend.

"The key thing for Hibs now is the recruitment. I’m interested to see how he sets up, but the key is signing better players than they have got."

Hibernian want to bring 32-year-old striker Simon Murray back to Easter Road from Ross County. (Alan Nixon on Patreon), external

Hibs are eager to bolster their forward line and Ross County's Simon Murray is on their shortlist as a potential signing. (Scotland On Sunday), external

Ross County manager Don Cowie and chairman Roy MacGregor have made it clear they want top scorer Simon Murray to remain at the club amid interest from several Scottish Premiership rivals. (Daily Record), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Hibs kicked off David Gray's tenure as permanent head coach with a 5-0 friendly win at Edinburgh City.

With the visitors fielding a different XI for each half, they led by three at the interval after Harry McKirdy netted from 30 yards.

Chris Cadden had opened the scoring by slotting home a through ball from Dylan Levitt, who soon added the second.

Reuben McAllister made it four shortly after the restart and Josh Campbell wrapped up the win over the League 2 hosts at Meadowbank.

Gray, who now takes his squad to a training camp in the Netherlands, told Hibs TV: "Very positive performance after a tough week for the players."

Hibernian head coach David Gray plans to give Martin Boyle more responsibility in the dressing room amid speculation that the 31-year-old winger wants to move to the A-League. (The Scotsman), external

Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay says he is introducing a "recruitment process" designed to reduce the risk of signings not working out. (The Scotsman, print edition)

Paul Hanlon, the 34-year-old centre-half freed by Hibs, has revealed he knocked back the chance to move abroad or stay in the Scottish Premiership to "put down roots" at Raith Rovers. (The Courier), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

We asked for your thoughts on Hibs' fixtures for the upcoming season, as well as where you think the side might end up in the league.

Here's what you had to say:

Steven: Hibs have a big rebuild project ongoing and it might take sometime for any new arrivals to gel. Four top-six teams in the first five games will be an excellent litmus test for the new head coach and his side.

Kenny: It all depends on recruiting the right players and not filling up the team with loan deals. We need to be bringing in academy players season after season gradually building a strong Hibs team that will be able to compete at the top. We need a plan in place so we need to hang on to our manager for at least five years to see it through.

Alkan: I feel David Gray and Malky Mackay will be a good partnership. Progression is a must since 2019. He knows Hibs and support them both.

Gary: Supported them for 55 years boy and man. We all love and appreciate Gray and I admire Mackay but I'm concerned about the appointment and slow acquisition of recruits. The potential loss of Martin Boyle and Elie Youan would be a disgrace. Hibs should be signing Emiliano Marcondes, two goalkeepers and a striker ASAP. Say goodbye to Rocky Bushiri.

Scott: Wanted nothing to do with Mackay. Gray was part of the defensive problems and is untested as a manager. Underwhelming signings thus far. Mid-table mediocrity beckons.

Darren: Nobody can say for sure until we get bodies in the building. Good recruitment is vital, so we wait.

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Marvin Ekpiteta says the "history" of Hibs was a big selling point after the defender signed a three-year contract at Easter Road.

The 28-year-old centre back was most recently with Blackpool, making over 100 appearances for the Bloomfield Road outfit.

Conversations were sporting director Malky Mackay were key to making the deal happen, according to Ekpiteta.

"There was a bit of initial interest at first, then my agents spoke to Malky and it progressed quite nicely," he said.

"I liked everything that I heard about the club and I liked what I have seen so far, so it’s definitely a good move for me.

"I have really enjoyed my career so far. I have come all the way up from non-league to the Championship down south, now I am up in the Scotland and I feel my whole career I have been on an upward trajectory.

"The history (of the club) was a bit thing for me and to play at this level against some really good teams was a big thing for me.

"It’s something different for me, a new challenge that I am looking forward to."

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Hibernian have signed centre-back Marvin Ekpiteta on a three-year contract after the 28-year-old was released by Blackpool.

The Enfield-born defender, who has played for Nigeria Under-20s and England C, spent four years with the League One club, making 103 appearances.

Hibs head coach David Gray told his club website: "He has great experience at a good level in England and adds extra leadership to the dressing room.

"Physically, he has all the attributes that fit the demands of Scottish football; he’s big, strong, dominant, very athletic and will be an asset in both boxes."

Ekpiteta came through the youth ranks with Oxford United before spells with Chelmsford City, Witham Town, Concord Rangers, East Thurrock United, Leyton Orient then Blackpool.

Last season, he made 39 appearances, all but three of them starts, as Blackpool finished eighth in the third tier having also been a regular starter in the Championship the previous two seasons.

New Hibs head coach David Gray sets out his aims as he looks to revitalise the club after last season's disappointment.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hibs head coach David Gray says he has “no fear” about taking on the top job at Easter Road.

Gray was appointed earlier this month after his fourth spell as interim manager. He ended last season in temporary charge following Nick Montgomery's dismissal after the club failed to secure a top-six finish.

Former skipper Gray, 36, played his final game for Hibs at the end of the 2020-21 season but is mostly remembered as the captain of the team that lifted the Scottish Cup in 2016 when he scored the winning goal against Rangers at Hampden.

“I think the challenge and the expectation within the club is the same every year," said Gray.

"It’s slightly different from when I joined because we were in the Championship and it was a rebuild at the time.

“The challenge I have set the players is what I always had in front of me - realistic expectations and goals. To try and win a trophy and to try and finish in Europe. Those are the challenges at the start of the season.

“Everything is in place to go and do that, the infrastructure, the facilities, the fanbase is there. They will be with you every step of the way. They are 100% behind you and craving to take the club forward.

“If we can get this right it’s a great place to play and an exceptional club to be part of."

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Centre-back Warrren O'Hora says he was in "disbelief" that Hibs wanted to sign him.

The Irishman, 25, has arrived on a three-year deal at Easter Road after four seasons with MK Dons.

"I’m delighted to be here," O'Hora told Hibs TV. "I couldn’t believe it when the call came, to be honest.

"It was excitement and a small bit of disbelief that a club this size wanted to come and sign me.

“I came up and saw the facilities, the stadium was amazing, the city of Edinburgh is lovely; I was really taken aback by it.

"I couldn’t say no, it was a no-brainer for me and my family. I am really happy and really looking forward to it."