Hibs yesterday gave David Gray a vote of confidence as the manager lives to fight another day.
Many in Scottish football feared the worst for the Hibees boss after home defeat to St Mirren on Saturday which was their seventh in a row without a win and left them as the league’s basement boys.
Gray has been under pressure amid that tough run and it was thought that could be the final straw.
But the Hibs board released a statement yesterday evening confirming the 36-year-old would stay in place for now, along with a recognition that improvement is needed.
Garvan Stewart to play Hibs transfers role
Hibs CEO Ben Kensell and director Ian Gordon recently met with minority investor and Bournemouth owner Bill Foley.
The US businessman had previously hinted he had not been consulted on the appointment of Gray and had been ignored. It was believed the meeting was designed to build bridges but the future of the manager was NOT on the agenda.
It was said there would also now be a weekly dialogue with Tim Bezbatchenko, president of Black Knight Football Club, in order to maintain the relationship.
Now, the Daily Mail is reporting that another key Cherries figure will have a big role to play at Easter Road.
Garvan Stewart is head of recruitment analysis at the Premier League club and is being drafted in to help with Hibs’ work in the transfer market.
The report claims he has been offered a “key role” which would be using data analysis to find new players to hopefully improve the side.
Hibs board on statement on Gray
Hibs have vowed to stand by their man for now as Gray was told he has the full backing of the club hierarchy.
The club acknowledged they are disappointed with the way they have started the season and that things must be better, but insist hard work is going on to that end.
Their statement reads: “We are disappointed with the poor start to our current season like all Hibernian FC supporters.
“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.
“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.