BBC Sportswriter Tom English Discusses Hibs’ Deep-Seated Issues

Tom English, BBC Scotland’s chief sportswriter, responded to questions concerning Hibs. An anonymous inquirer asked: “Do we continue with David Gray and hope he turns the situation around or, as I suspect the board will do, throw him to the wolves? We can’t afford to give this job to someone with no managerial experience. I know he’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but Neil Lennon is available.” English’s response highlighted Hibs’ current position at the bottom of the league with eight points after 12 games, which he described as “disgraceful” and “unacceptable” for a club of Hibs’ stature. He contrasted this with the team’s performance under Lennon, when they were “playing good football, scoring tremendous goals, giving the Old Firm a bloody nose from time to time,” stating that the Lennon era could be seen as “halcyon days” compared to the current situation. English attributed blame broadly across Hibs, including the players, manager, sporting director Malky Mackay, and the board of directors, citing “terrible” recruitment over many years. He clarified that while Gray is currently “carrying the can,” the issues stem from long-standing decisions, including those made in the summer. English noted the team’s prolonged need for “competent” centre-halves. He pointed to Mackay’s summer arrival and responsibility for recruitment, mentioning the signings of Marvin Ekpiteta, Warren O’Hora, and goalkeeper Josef Bursik, and questioning their quality. He concluded that the team is in an “awful, awful state,” and Gray might lose his job, potentially becoming “another one through the revolving Easter Road door.” English then speculated on future developments, suggesting Mackay “might come in as the manager,” leading to a fresh start. He concluded by stating that “there’s something really fundamentally wrong with that club,” describing Hibs as being on a “vicious cycle of making terrible decisions” that will repeat in a “Groundhog Day” pattern until sounder choices are implemented.