Gray 'will continue until told otherwise' - but has Hibs boss lost the fans?
September 16, 2026 01:33
Hibernian lost at home to Kilmarnock as George Stanger’s first-half goal proved decisive, with Kilmarnock holding on despite a late red card. The defeat was Hibs’ sixth successive home loss in the Scottish Premiership, and it left the team ninth in the table.
The result drew audible boos from the Easter Road crowd. Head coach David Gray—who was appointed permanently in 2024 after three caretaker spells—said he will keep working to find solutions and intends to remain in charge “until someone tells me otherwise.”
KEY CONTEXT
- Earlier in the week Hibs had beaten League One leaders Ross County 3-0 to reach a League Cup semi-final against city rivals Hearts; the crowd reaction to the Kilmarnock defeat was noted as a contrast to that cup performance.
- The run in the league represents four defeats in Hibs’ last six matches overall, increasing pressure on the manager and squad.
- Reaction around the club has been critical: former players and pundits on BBC platforms questioned the team’s start to games and overall performance, and supporters at the match and online expressed frustration with tactics, selection and results.
WHY IT MATTERS
The combination of poor home form, slipping to ninth in the league and visible fan discontent puts the club under strain: it raises questions about short-term results and the manager’s ability to reverse the trend. Comments from former Hibs players and pundits in the source underline that the performance level and mentality are being publicly scrutinised, not just the outcome.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan called the forthcoming visit of Aberdeen “a must-win” for Gray; that fixture is presented in the source as a key immediate test.
- The League Cup semi-final against Hearts remains scheduled following the cup win over Ross County, providing a separate knockout opportunity.
- Monitor whether home form improves and whether the club or supporters make any official moves in response to the mounting pressure; Gray has publicly stated his intention to continue until told otherwise.
KEY FACTS
- Hibernian lost at Easter Road to Kilmarnock; George Stanger scored in the first half and Kilmarnock finished the game with a player sent off.