Hibernian crisis: David Gray under pressure at Edinburgh club

Ten days ago, Hibernian were six minutes away from creating history and reaching the league phase of the Conference League.

David Gray, already lauded in Leith for his Scottish Cup heroics as a player, would have been glorified to an even greater extent.

Never before has a Hibs side reached league phase - or group stage - football in Europe. They could almost touch it, and the riches that come with it.

But then there was a complete capitulation against Gent as they fell at the final hurdle for the second year running.

One week later - after beating Dundee in between - they were back at Easter Road for the first Edinburgh derby of the season. Only a win would suffice, but it was Hearts who emerged victorious.

Victory against St Johnstone on Sunday would not have atoned for a bruising derby defeat, but it would have boosted morale.

Instead, a lifeless and rudderless Hibs side huffed and puffed to a lacklustre loss in Perth, leaving supporters shaking their heads, pointing their fingers and venting their frustrations at Gray and his players.

The head coach cut a dejected figure at full-time and in his post-match interviews after a performance that, once again, left him with a raft of questions about his team and the direction they are headed.

Deflated and rather despondent, there was a shift in Gray's manner after the action at McDiarmid Park.

How long ago must the post-match celebrations in Gent following their goalless draw in the first-leg feel for him?

He would be forgiven for admitting being confused by his team, because it's certainly how many other onlookers are feeling.

Last weekend at Dens Park, they played some glorious football. They started the second half of the derby well on top, and looked good value for an equaliser before Jack Iredale's mind-boggling red card.

But at times on Sunday, they were like a bunch of strangers searching for someone to step up, take control and grab... something, anything.

Instead, two of Gray's supposed leaders let him down.

Although only signed in the summer, Jason Kerr, the boyhood Hibee - who captained St Johnstone to their 2021 cup double - inexplicably allowed Josh Fowler a simple tap-in from close range before skipper Martin Boyle - who was hooked at half-time - committed a clumsy foul in the box for a clear-cut penalty.

Hibs have now failed to win any of their past 18 league games when conceding first.

"The manner in which we lost the two goals today summed up our first-half performance," Gray told BBC Sport Scotland.

"We were nowhere near aggressive enough to stop the ball coming into the box. We were very passive, gambling and guessing in the box rather than staying goal side.

"Then, we give away a needless penalty which you just can't do.

"You can't give two goals away like that and not come under criticism for it and I know that's my responsibility."

While he is taking responsibility, it doesn't look like his players are on the pitch.

Jamie McGrath could leave McDiarmid Park with considerable pass marks, but he was the exception.

Of course, Gray has to shoulder some of that. It's his plan - or otherwise - they are attempting to carry out, but they looked devoid of direction on the field.

"When I watch Hibs, I don't know how they're trying to score goals, I don't know what they're trying to do," former Scotland defender Charlie Mulgrew said on Premier Sports.

"That's the first time I've watched St Johnstone this season and I can clearly see what they're doing.

"Hibs are scratching for something. It's not like they're going, 'this is our style, this is what we're doing and we're just going to hammer home with that - even if we don't do it right'.

"They completely changed the midfield on Thursday, they made two changes at half-time against St Johnstone, I don't see what they're trying to do."

Grant: Think the time is sadly up for Gray. Been hoping for things to pick up but that performance today lacked any identity of what the team wanted to do from start to finish.

Ralph: We're such a hard watch at the moment, dreadful on Thursday and dreadful today - there was no reaction from the players whatsoever.

Our style of football is as flat as a pancake - dire, not enjoyable and not entertaining. At this rate I'm strapping in for a painfully long season. Again painful to say but Sir David Gray, 'tick tock'.

Niall: Genuinely what is the point anymore? It's the same season after season at this stage and won't be changing anytime soon, because the club are happy enough for it to be this way. Badly out of his depth, the manager needs sacked, but in fairness who else would take this job on? Shocking, shocking, shocking.

Nick: Just dreadful, a real lack of commitment. Think Sir DG has lost the dressing room - so sad to see but a pure lack of ambition from the players. He will soon become Mr DG at the club.

John: Awful boring football, side to side at the back and slow going forward. Take the shackles off and start playing attacking football. That's me finished until the performances improve. I will get pelters for saying that but it's my opinion.

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