Gray Urges Hibees To Stay Calm In The Chaos

Hibernian Head Coach David Gray has urged his side to remain ‘calm amongst the chaos’ ahead of the upcoming Edinburgh Derby. 

The Hibees make the short trip to Tynecastle, hoping to make it back-to-back wins in the Edinburgh Derby for the second season in a row. 

David Gray’s side come into the fixture off the back of taking four points from our last two matches, drawing with Rangers at Easter Road before coming from behind to beat Dundee United 3-2 thanks to an injury-time winner from Ante Šuto.

Speaking to Hibs TV ahead of the Derby, Gray insisted that spirits have been high on the training pitch. 

“This week, I think training has had a wee edge to it, partly because we’re looking forward to the derby – and also off the back of a last-minute winner, that’s something that obviously gives you that confidence and belief coming back into training. 

“It has been good to get some time with the new lads on the grass as well. I think that’s something I was looking forward to straight after the game. I know I spoke about it in my post-match — the opportunity to try and get more time on the grass with the new players.

“I’ve certainly seen that freshness in the group and when you’ve got a game like the Edinburgh Derby to look forward to and prepare for, it certainly raises the standard in training, which is always a good thing.”

Gray is no stranger to the Edinburgh Derby, having featured in 10 as a player and winning three out of four during his time in the dugout. 

The Hibs Head Coach outlined what he expects from his players and what is required to take three points in midweek. 

“It takes a bit of calmness in the chaos that is an Edinburgh Derby, because they’re always fast and frantic – especially at Tynecastle. It’s a slightly tighter pitch, and when you’re the away team, you’re outnumbered in terms of supporters, but the noise you get from the fans behind the goal is incredible.

“They’re brilliant atmospheres to play in, so the team that can settle in that atmosphere usually comes out on top. You need to show composure on the ball rather than it becoming too much of a fight. You also need to stand up and win the fight, but you need to have that discipline at the same time.

“There are a lot of different variables that go into the derby. What I would say is they’re brilliant games to be involved in and brilliant games to play in. It’s what the players should all be looking forward to. It’s the most important fixture in the calendar for a Hibs player, and there’s no better place to go and win.”

The Hibees will be without Josh Mulligan, Chris Cadden, and Grant Hanley due to injury, with Jordan Obita also limping off against Dundee United. 

“We did pick up a few knocks,” Gray continued. 

“Jordan (Obita) came off with a muscle injury, so he’s out this weekend. Grant Hanley is still out, Chris Cadden is still out, and Josh Mulligan is still out as well.

“But today, Warren O’Hora and Jamie McGrath both trained, which is really positive. We’ll just see how they came through because it was their first proper session with the group. Both have told me they’re feeling really good, as you’d expect, because they want to be involved tomorrow.

“But we won’t be taking any unnecessary risks, as we need to make sure it’s going in the right direction in terms of the squad getting healthier as well.”