Gray: We’ve Let The Fans Down

Hibernian Head Coach David Gray admits we’ve let the fans down after a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Dundee at Dens Park.

We started brightly in Dundee taking an early lead through Nicky Cadden after two minutes. Unfortunately, we were reduced to 10-men when Jordan Obita saw red for a late tackle and we couldn’t cope with the numerical disadvantage, with the hosts scoring three goals before half-time before adding a fourth in stoppage time.

Speaking to Hibs TV after the match, Gray shared his frustration on the manner of the defeat.

“It is extremely difficult to take. Purely because of the way we started the game, we were in control and we were on the front foot. I sensed all week, that there was a real appetite and desire to turn this around – but a moment of madness has cost us the game again. The anger and frustration comes from the fact that I have stood here too many times this season and said the same thing.

“It’s hard enough to win games of football with 11 players on the pitch let alone with 10 – so, to put ourselves into that position is frustrating.

“I have no complaints about the red card, there is no malice in the challenge and people make mistakes - but from that moment we were right up against it.

“On the other side, the goals we conceded were individual errors that cost us and we need to be better in these moments.”

The result means we stay bottom of the William Hill Premiership and Gray understands the fan's frustration at our poor start to the campaign.

“I am not going to stand here and try and make excuses and defend the situation that we are in. It is 100% my responsibility to fix, I am the one that selects the players and puts them on the pitch – so it’s my responsibility to change it.

“I totally understand why the fans are frustrated, they travelled again today in their numbers – 1500 made the effort to support the team to try and turn our fortunes around – especially given the challenging weather across the country.

“I know we are letting the fans down, but we are going to need them to stick with us as much as they can - because it won’t turn around unless we all stick together.

“There is no time to feel sorry for ourselves, I know I’ve said that numerous times now, but that is the reality of the situation.

“It takes players with real courage and belief to turn this around, and we have an opportunity to do that against Aberdeen at home on Tuesday night. We need to recover quickly, not feel sorry ourselves and do everything we can to change this as quickly as we can.”

Watch the full interview on Hibs TV!