"It's good to hear," comes the reply from David Gray, with a smile and a chuckle. "You wouldn't want it to be the other way, that's for sure."

The topic of discussion is something a few of his predecessors will maintain they were not afforded: time. Specifically, Hibs managers not getting enough of it, and owner Ian Gordon's resolve for that to change. Gray is the fifth permanent occupant of the Easter Road dugout since 2021, and he himself took on the caretaker role no fewer than four times in those largely turbulent years.

There is, then, probably no one better placed to understand the precariousness of his own position, at least in the recent past. But if Gordon's conciliatory series of interviews earlier this month are any indication, Hibs are determined to move on from the hiring and firing culture which has stunted the club's progress for too long. 

But while Gray takes reassurance by the board's commitment to a long-term project, he knows that time is only guaranteed if he earns it.

"I’m delighted to hear that he is willing to do that," said Gray. "I know that is not a given though, at all. And I would never take that for granted. I fully understand the challenge and the expectation for the club and I also know how good it can be.

"It’s also great that people have managed to see Ian in that way as well, coming out and speaking honestly about things because that is the type of guy he is every single day. He wants the best for the club, he has been so supportive. From being a coach to head coach, the support he has given me but also from what I’ve seen with every single manager that’s been there since he joined the club.

"All they have wanted is success and to be honest it’s over to me and the rest of the boys and everyone involved to bring success they deserve and the family deserve for their input."

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Gordon's interviews, in which he admitted to a series of mistakes the club had made across various areas over the last several years, were certainly a change of tack from what you typically get from club owners when there's blame to be apportioned. It was the first time Hibs supporters had heard from the 34-year-old since he took over running the club following the passing of his father Ron in February 2023, and while his answers did not appease every single supporter, there was broad consensus that opening himself up to scrutiny was the right thing to do. For his part, Gray feels that Gordon showing accountability is reflective of how the club is attempting to operate moving forward.

"I think that is something that drips down the whole chain from top to bottom, we talk about accountability all the time," said the head coach. "I don’t think people do it on purpose, mistakes are made because we are human and no one is perfect, as long as you feel the decisions you make at the time are the right ones, and honest ones, it can only leave you in a good place.

"But at the same time, accountability is really important and creates a real good culture. You are prepared to not point the finger and look at yourself first and that is what we're looking to do here."