Hibernian

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Outgoing Hibernian striker Dwight Gayle has praised the job of manager David Gray this season.

Gray took over at Easter Road last summer but after a poor run of form towards the start of the campaign, Hibs found themselves at the bottom of the Premiership table.

But a change of formation in October changed the fortunes of the club and Gayle, who is hanging up his boots at the end of this season, insists the manager deserves huge praise for turning the season around.

"Honestly, the pressure that we were under as a team, but the way he was able to conduct himself every day was unbelievable," Gayle said.

"Everything else around him was sort of crumbling but he showed such courage. Every training session was precise and in the direction of the weekend.

"He was able to not even forget about it, but he was able to progress from each defeat and really crack on with the next game.

"It's a testament to himself and his coaching staff because they went on to do so well for us and we're so thankful for what they've been able to achieve. I'm very thankful to be involved in a part of that."

Gayle joined Hibernian last summer after a sterling career south of the border but how has he enjoyed his brief spell in Scottish Football?

"It exceeded my expectations, if I'm completely honest," he added.

"I have such fond memories of some of the games this season and obviously going on the run we have, we created history, so I feel like a lot of the boys in there are going to have such good memories that we look back on and I'm sure we'll meet up in the future."

We asked for your views on Hibs' 2-2 draw against Rangers.

Here's what some of you said:

Kenny: Touch of the old Hibs again. Tippy tappy stuff and Rocky Bushiri don't mix. We really should have been 2-0 down but for the clowns running VAR. we need to learn that we can't keep giving away cheap goals. Apart from that we had some good spells with two well taken goals. All in all a vey good season.

John: Hibs played well and used the wing-backs very well. We clearly should have been two down but these things level themselves out over a season. Great to see the ground nearly full. Hopefully we can get Nectar Triantis signed for a three-year deal.

George: Great season after a flaky start. Squad looking strong and settled, with Junior Hoilett hopefully staying and Triantis looking outside our price bracket while likely not required by Sunderland, a couple of signings needed (one forward, one midfielder) plus a keeper and we could do well in Europa League or Conference League, whichever. But good end to the season - enjoy Sunshine on Leith!

Chris: Amazing season, we were never playing badly, we just had a run of silly mistakes that cost us a goal every time, once that stopped and the belief and trust in David Gray and his assistants kicked in, we showed the true Hibernian, can't wait for the next season, can we take second?

Derek: Hibs deserved a bit of luck going their way, they have been on the receiving end to many times. Great game of football today from both teams .

Sandy: It's the fight in Hibernian that is footballing class, twice a goal behind, and twice bringing it back to level with Rangers who turned up to play. The talent that is Dwight Gayle laying on a world class pass to Martin Boyle and it just got away from him. Pure magic. Hibs came back from bottom place and a bad start to the season, to finish third in the league. Now that's a football team worth supporting. What a ride.

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• Rangers are undefeated in their last six games in the Premiership, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 29 December 2024 to 16 February 2025, a run of nine games.

• Hibernian have failed to win in their last three games in the Premiership, their last longer winless streak was from 29 September 2024 to 26 November 2024, a run of nine games.

• Cyriel Dessers has scored in each of his last five games in the Premiership (six goals), his longest scoring streak in the competition.

• Nicky Cadden has assisted seven goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other Hibernian player.

Image source, Getty Images

We already know Celtic will be in the Champions League play-off round.

And that Rangers will start in the second qualifying stage.

Hibernian, Dundee United and Aberdeen will all be in Europe, too, but the outcome of Saturday's Scottish Cup final will decide who enters which competition and when.

If Celtic win the Scottish Cup...

Hibs will be in the Europa League play-off round. Win that, and they will be in the competition proper. Lose, and it will be the Conference League until Christmas.

Either way, good games and good money.

United will enter the Europa League at the second qualifying round, with the second chance of Conference League preliminaries.

And Aberdeen will enter the Conference League at the second qualifying round.

If Aberdeen win the Scottish Cup...

They will be the ones who will be guaranteed continental combat until December.

Hibs would go into the Europa second qualifying round, with the safety net of a second shot in the Conference preliminaries. But no assured league stage football.

And Dundee United would enter the Conference League second qualifying round.

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Hibernian and Rangers played out a thrilling four-goal draw amid controversial scenes on the final day of the Scottish Premiership top six.

Barry Ferguson's side twice took the lead, thanks to goals from Cyriel Dessers and Nicolas Raskin, but on both occasions they were pegged back - initially in very controversial circumstances.

Kieran Bowie got Hibs' first equaliser, moments after Raskin thought he had scored before Rocky Bushiri cleared.

Did the ball cross the line? Referee Nick Walsh and VAR Andrew Dallas thought not, and could not find a camera angle that proved it either way.

Martin Boyle scored the second leveller, connecting with a Nicky Cadden cross for his 20th goal this season in all competitions - a fine way to celebrate his new deal.

What did you make of that, Hibs fans? A worthy point? Did it sum up the season quite nicely?

How do you reflect on the season? Let us know your thoughts.

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

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In a match which mattered not, Hibs' summed up their season rather quaintly. Start dreadfully, slowly grow into it, and finish by thinking of what could have been.

The first Rangers goal came from comical play at the back, with keeper Smith chipping the ball onto the head of Raskin, who played in Dessers to score.

This was the Hibs' of September, October and November. Fragile, a little all over the place.

Rangers' really should have been 2-0 up, but instead it was Hibs who made the chances count.

Bowie took his opportunity, tapping in a Boyle cut back, while the second goal exhibited Nicky Cadden's deadly delivery. At the other, Smith produced seven saves to continue his role as unheralded hero.

The fightback in the game against at times a rampant, flowing Rangers, epitomised the unbelievable journey they've been on.

At the heart of it, David Gray - a man who knows the meaning of the word perseverance. His head was on the chopping block on a couple of occasions, but each time he escaped.

As for next season, only a fool would predict what type of campaign Hibs will have. Just keep an eye on the ride.

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Hibernian head coach David Gray tells BBC Scotland: "We gave away a bad goal and put ourselves 1-0 down very early on. It was never going to be a nothing game, there's always a wee edge to these games.

"It was a bit frantic, both teams were desperate to win. We didn't want to just fade away, it was full commitment from both sets of players. There was everything in the game.

"It was probably fitting, the way our season has gone. To not lose is another positive, the players could enjoy 'Sunshine on Leith' again, fully deserved for their efforts.

[On the not-given Rangers goal] "It's always going to be one of these ones. Until you can categorically prove whether it's over or not, it's a very difficult one to give. It's harder when the ball is in the air as well.

"I understand why the frustration is there. We've benefitted a couple of times this season but it balances itself out. I've not complained about decisions, and I'm not going to do that on the last day of the season.

[On his season] "I think of the last three years, the experiences I've gained in such a short period of time, constant change. I'm the one that has benefitted most.

"I've learned a lot about myself, about my players and staff. To come through that took a lot of perseverance and belief that we would turn it round. I got that from the players.

"They bought in, demonstrated why it would turn. The players' achievement is incredible, the league doesn't lie at this stage of the season. I can't speak highly enough of the players. To end it the way we did takes some character."

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Jordan Smith. An under-rated goalkeeper in this league, the 30-year-old produced seven stops to deny Rangers.

Without him, the visitors might have run away with this game but - perhaps spurred on by his early mistake - he denied Cyriel Dessers and Danilo a few times.

Sunderland midfielder Nectar Triantis, currently on loan to Hibernian, is not a transfer target for Portsmouth despite stories linking them with the 22-year-old Australian. (The News), external

Hibernian striker Dwight Gayle insists he is sticking to his decision to retire after Saturday's Scottish Premiership curtain call against Rangers at Easter Road and the 35-year-old plans to become an agent and spend more time with his family. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Hibs pair Joe Newell and Rudi Molotnikov (both groin) are still out while head coach David Gray reported that a couple of others are doubtful with "bumps and bruises".

Barry Ferguson will assess his Rangers squad but Ianis Hagi, Ridvan Yilmaz and Dujon Sterling remain out.

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"Outstanding servant" Martin Boyle is staying at Hibs for next season after the club triggered the one-year extension clause in his deal.

The Australia forward had attracted interest from abroad amid his most productive campaign for the club, registering 19 goals and 10 assists across all competitions as David Gray's side clinched a third-place Premiership finish.

But with European group-stage football secured, Boyle will extend his Hibs career into a 12th season, having made 361 appearances and scored 98 goals across two spells.

"We're delighted to extend Martin's contract, and this decision makes complete sense for the football club," said head coach Gray.

"Boyler has been an outstanding servant to Hibernian and his contribution on the field has been demonstrated yet again this season with his invaluable goals and assists.

"Not only that, he has also stepped into the role of captain in Joe Newell's absence and has demonstrated his leadership qualities with extra responsibility.

"Having played with him and coached him, he is the type of player that knows exactly what it means to play for Hibernian FC, and he will be a real asset for us next year."

Hibs fans, is keeping hold of Boyle a real statement of intent by the club as they look to build on an impressive season?

Let us know your thoughts.

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Hibs head coach David Gray says beating Rangers on Saturday for a ninth successive home win would be a fitting end to a magnificent season.

Gray's side overcame a difficult first half of the campaign to soar up the Premiership table and guaranteed a third-place finish with their draw at St Mirren on Wednesday.

With a match in front of their own fans to end the season, Gray has called for his players to sign off with victory.

"That's the challenge to the players - can you finish the season in style?" Gray said.

"We've clearly achieved everything we've set out to do in the league campaign, but we want to finish the season with a win at home.

"Really difficult game, they always are, but a really good game to look forward to and I'm sure the atmosphere will be good as well."

Gray played down the notion of this game being a dead rubber, with Rangers long since out of the title race and Hibs secure in third place.

"There's no such thing as a nothing game," he said. "Rangers will be coming to try to win and these games are always feisty.

"We want to win again against them. The way the season has went and all the accolades the players are getting, you want to finish it as well as you can."

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Hibernian head coach David Gray has been talking to the media before his side's final Scottish Premiership match of the season, against Rangers on Saturday.

Here are the key points from his news conference:

• Challenged his players to finish the season "in style" and expects a good atmosphere having sealed a third-place finish.

• Says beating Rangers would be a fitting end to the season Hibs have had.

• Wouldn't be drawn on the budget he might have at his disposal over the summer. Hibs will be guaranteed European group-stage football if Aberdeen lose the Scottish Cup final against Celtic.

• Joked about how his squad have tried to convince striker Dwight Gayle to extend his playing career, but says the former Newcastle and Crystal Palace man deserves to retire on his own terms.

• Gray says there have been "lots of positive conversations" with Rocky Bushiri and Martin Boyle, who are both out of contract this summer. He emphasised that both players have performed to a very high level in the past six months despite the ongoing speculation over their futures.

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• After their 2-0 win in April, Hibs could pick up back-to-back top-flight victories over Rangers for the first time since November 2005 under Tony Mowbray.

• Rangers are unbeaten in their past 25 top-flight away games against Hibs (W16 D9) since a 2-1 defeat in September 2006 under Paul Le Guen.

• Hibs have only won their final game in one of their past eight top-flight league seasons (D4 L3 – including curtailed 2019-20), a 4-0 victory over St Johnstone in 2021-22.

• Rangers have only lost their final game in one of their past 16 league seasons (W9 D6 – including curtailed 2019-20 season), a 2-1 defeat to Kilmarnock in 2018-19.

• Cyriel Dessers is now the top scorer in this season's Scottish Premiership with 17 goals, scoring in each of his past four games in the league (five goals). The last player to score in five successive appearances in the competition for Rangers was James Tavernier in April 2024, and the last forward to do so was Alfredo Morelos in March 2021.

Hibernian have expressed an interest in midfielder Ryan Ledson, who is leaving Preston North End this summer, but his former club, Oxford United, Bolton Wanderers, Huddersfield Town and Plymouth Argyle also want the 27-year-old. (Daily Record), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Watch the Sportscene panel discuss Hibernian's turn around.

We asked for your views on Hibs' 2-2 draw against St Mirren.

Here's what some of you said:

Josh: For Hibs to have third secured with a game spare after the gap of 12 games in is truly remarkable. We were such an attacking threat, and it's that consistency of scoring multiple in games that gets us where we are. David Gray deserves every plaudit that comes his way, as do many of the players who were written off far too early. Sure, there'll be a few sore heads at Hibs training centre, but it's deserved!

Craig: Very disappointed with the draw, going two nil up the way we've played recently. A cracking save from Jordan Smith in goal near the end, at least preserved a point and ultimately secured third place. Knowing that makes up for the throwaway lead, and the turnaround since November has been magical, something that few could have predicted. If only we had a more solid start, we could have given Rangers a real push for second. Get the passports out, Hibs are on their way!

Stephen: What a fantastic season from everyone at the club. Hibernian showed trust in Gray, and he delivered. The sun is shining on Leith.

John: The turnaround has been exceptional and huge credit to David for his tenacity and determination to prove people wrong. He has huge potential and, with the right investment from the board, can sustain the position we are in, which is never easy when playing Thursday and Sunday.

Kenny: We got the job done with a game to spare. Everyone can enjoy the Rangers game now without looking over our shoulder. Huge congratulations to everyone at Hibs for an outstanding second half of the season. Just think what might have been if we could have started like that. Champions League? Well done, lads.

Paul: St Mirren are a huge team of NFL proportions. They play route one, in-your-face, physical football, which is really difficult to play against. Hibs just couldn't cope with this in the second half.

Watch highlights as St Mirren draw 2-2 against Hibs in the Scottish Premiership.

Available to UK users only.

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• Hibernian have lost 25 points from winning positions in the Premiership this season, only Dundee (28) have lost more.

• St. Mirren are undefeated in their last 5 games in the Premiership, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 6th August 2023 to 30th September 2023, a run of 7 games.

• Martin Boyle has contributed to goals in his last 3 games in the Premiership (3 goals, 0 assists).

• Martin Boyle has scored 14 goals in the Premiership this season (1 in this game), more than any other Hibernian player.

• St. Mirren have scored in their last 5 games in the Premiership, their joint longest scoring streak this season.

Image source, BBC Sport

Were you in Paisley or following the match at home?

Either way - we want to hear your views on Hibernian's 2-2 draw with St Mirren - have your say here.

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Two assists for Junior Hoilett who was superb tonight.

He played a lovely pass through to tee up Martin Boyle's opener and he was again the provider for Hibs' second.

His perfect cross set up Mykola Kuharevich to double the visitors' lead in what was one of their best first half displays of the season.

And a special mention for Martin Boyle who caused the St Mirren defence problems all night. His sharp finish put his side ahead within three minutes, before he had another effort ruled offside and could have put the game away in a one-on-one with Zach Hemming all inside the first twenty minutes.

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Hibs manager David Gray tells BBC Scotland: "It's an incredible achievement, especially when you think back to how the season's went, the start we made, finding ourselves at the bottom of the league.

"So, to turn that around, the hard work, the dedication, the commitment, the togetherness, all the things you need for a successful team, I've definitely got that from my players this season and they've given me absolutely everything.

"I'm delighted for the players, and I'm delighted for the club because I think they deserve it.

"It's always the objective at the start of the season. Top six is an absolute minimum but can you finish in Europe and can you have a good run and try and win a cup?

"Unfortunately, we didn't get quite the luck of the draw in the cups, but to go and finish third with the big two and how powerful they are and everything that goes with that, it's almost like winning the league for us.

On securing European football next season: "It's why you would want to come and play for Hibs, to try and get into the European stuff. You've seen what Hearts did in Europe this year.

"You want to test yourself against good players and different ways of playing, and I've said it to a lot of the players that when you're down south potentially you don't always have a fantastic career but never play in Europe so this is something that is brilliant on your CV, it's a brilliant different experience.

"I've been fortunate enough to have a couple of games myself and they're brilliant nights to be involved in and it's brilliant for the club as well."