David Gray wants Hibs job as caretaker manager throws hat in the ring

David Gray has thrown his hat in the ring for the Hibs job.

The Scottish Cup-winning legend is in his fourth spell as caretaker boss at Easter Road following the sacking of Nick Montgomery. He was previously put in interim charge after the departures of Jack Ross, Shaun Maloney and Lee Johnson. And after 11 games in the dugout, Gray believes he’s ready to take on his first managerial role as Hibs search for their sixth appointment in five years.

Speaking after the final day 1-1 draw away to relegated Livingston, Gray told BBC Sportsound: “I believe I am ready in terms of I’d always back my ability. I think that’s not really what matters at the moment. What matters is what the club decides. I know Malky and the club will take their time to decide who they think exactly is the right man for the job.

“I’ve been asked to do what I’ve had to do between now and the end of the season which is now done. I’m sure in the coming days we’ll find out exactly what’s happening moving forward.

“I think over the last three years I’ve gained a lot of experience, always in difficult situations as well. I’ve also had the benefit of learning from four different managers and four different coaching styles. They’ve all brought their own coaching staff with them as well who have got different ideas.

“So the whole time I’m learning and absorbing as much of that as I can, piecing it all together as I now find myself in these situations and starting to implement what I believe a successful Hibs team should look like by trying to take the good from everybody and trying to reduce what I don’t believe I want the club to look like as much as I can.”

However, the iconic defender dismissed suggestions his appointment would earn him more patience and trust from the Easter Road faithful. He added: “What I’ve done previously has no bearing moving forward, I’d never want that to be the case in terms of having more time. That’s nonsense in my opinion.

“I back my ability to be successful given the opportunity but at the same time, it’s up to the football club what they want to do. I think it’s clear that we’ve underachieved this season, everybody knows that. We need to make sure we get it right over the summer and push on next season and start to push the club back where it needs to be.”