Alan Stubbs expects becoming Hibs head coach will turn David Gray’s life upside down – but believes his former captain can handle the pressure.

In an exclusive, wide-ranging interview with the Hibs Observer, the Scottish Cup-winning manager reacts to the man he brought to Easter Road almost 10 years ago now taking the top job, and draws parallels with his own arrival at the club at a time of major overhaul. Gray was made the permanent successor to Nick Montgomery on Wednesday, finally assuming the role after four separate stints as caretaker manager.

Made captain by Stubbs during his two years in charge, Gray scored the goal that delivered the 2016 Scottish Cup for his manager, and ended an agonising 114-year wait to lift the trophy. Stubbs says Gray will soon find himself being ‘pulled pillar to post’ by the role and all it entails, but has no concerns that the job will be too big for the 36-year-old.

“I’ve got a lot of time for David, he’s a great guy,” said Stubbs. “He was the ultimate professional along with a few others when I was there. It couldn’t have been given to a nicer guy, but that won’t make him successful. He needs the fans support, and he will get that, more than most others who could’ve gone, because of what he’s done for the club.

READ MORE: David Gray as Hibs head coach - why it makes perfect sense

“But that will only get him so far, because then it’s all about results. Like any other manager, he’s in a results driven business now. And he has to get them quickly and consistency to give himself time to model this team in his own mould. As a manager, David will feel as though he’s being pulled from pillar to post. The manager is there to answer to everybody, not just the players – the staff, the fans, the press, the board, he’ll have to be out at games watching opposition.

“David’s family are not going to see a lot of him now! But that’s the world he’s chosen to go into it. I really, really do hope he does a brilliant job. Although, what I will say, and this is an exclusive, I text him this morning to say good luck and he’s not replied yet, which I am not happy about!”

To read the two-part sitdown with Stubbs in full, with the first half dropping on Monday, June 10, subscribe to the Hibs Observer for just £4 for four months. The interview will be available in written, video, and podcast form, and covers a range of topics, including:

  • Reflecting on 10 years since taking the Hibs job
  • The influence of Leeann Dempster, George Craig, and Graeme Mathie
  • Importance of a strong backroom team
  • Parallels between himself and Gray’s appointment
  • The qualities that convinced him to bring Gray to Hibs
  • The importance of Malky Mackay to the new head coach
  • Thriving in the big games
  • Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson'

You can sign up for full access to the Hibs Observer here: www.hibsobserver.co.uk/subscribe

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