Neil Lennon has explained why he used to brand Hibernian a 'boy band team'. 

Hibs have only won one Edinburgh Derby since 2020, with Heart of Midlothian triumphing on seven occasions and the other six finishing as draws from the last 14 encounters. 

Lennon managed the Leith club between June 2016 and January 2019, and actually had a decent record during his tenure but he claims that was helped by trying to change the mentality around the place.

Manager David Gray, who is a Hibs legend after winning the Scottish Cup in May 2016, has come under-fire with the Leith side languishing at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership table.

Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd argued that stability is important with Gray becoming the sixth Hibs manager since Lennon departed nearly six years ago. 

The Northern Irishman chimed in stating how the attitude to win regularly has been lacking for a long time and told the story of his experience walking into the Easter Road hot seat. 

Hibs had just secured their first major silverware for nine years, yet they were in the Scottish Championship, finishing third behind Rangers and Falkirk, when Lennon came through the door.

Read more: 

"When I took over, it was always that way [no consistency]," Lennon revealed. "I wanted to change the mentality a little bit. I wanted to instil more discipline and a little more humility around the place. 

"I used to call them a boy band team, where they would turn up for the big games then not bother for the rest of the time. They would strut around Edinburgh as though they were the top dogs. 

"I wanted to get that consistency of performance and results. Some people liked it, some people didn't, but it brought us a deal of success." 

Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of the latest contest between the capital city club's, Lennon said: "I was at the game last year when [Lawrence] Shankland scored a worldie at the end and that was the difference in quality. 

"There's a mentality thing as well with Hearts, they just seem to have that little bit extra edge over Hibs. I'm impressed with the way he [David Gray] has approached his team selection. He's put a huge amount of impact on [Kyeok-Kyu] Kwon and [Nectarios] Triantis in the midfield. I expect [Elie] Youan and [Martin] Boyle to really hold the width with the speed they've got. [Dwight] Gayle is a very experienced player, and [Junior] Hoilett has played very well."