Hibernian

Image source, SNS

Head coach David Gray hopes to see "a reaction" when Hibernian take on St Johnstone in Perth on Sunday (15:00 BST).

Hibs were beaten 3-1 at home by Edinburgh rivals Hearts on Thursday, with Jack Iredale sent off for the hosts in the second half.

"The group we've got, we can be really, really competitive this season but in the short term, nobody wants to hear that from me right now, everybody wants to see a reaction," said Gray.

"We need a reaction quickly because losing games of football is really tough to take but losing to your local rivals makes it even tougher.

"The St Johnstone game coming quickly can help because you've not got all week to think about it. It's about getting back out there again and making sure you put it right as quick as you can - and this gives us the chance to do that."

On-loan West Brom right-back Alex Williams and Serbian centre-back Marko Ivezic are in Gray's squad after arriving this week.

"Alex is definitely available, which is great," Gray explained.

"We would hope Marko's work permit will be done in time. He's someone who, if he's available, would certainly come right into the squad."

Steve Evans, the 63-year-old Scot currently in charge of Bristol Rovers, is being eyed by Hibernian and Preston North End should either club change managers. (Football Insider, external)

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

• Hibernian have only lost two of their last 15 Scottish Premiership games against newly promoted opponents (W8 D5), a 2-3 defeat at Dundee United in October 2024 and 1-4 loss at Falkirk in January last season.

• Hibernian have won each of their last four away league games and could win 5+ in a row on the road in the top-flight for the first time since November 2005 (run of six).

• After their 4-3 win over Kilmarnock, St. Johnstone are looking to win both of their first two home games of a Scottish Premiership season for the first time since 2017-18. The Saints have won five of their last nine home matches overall in the competition (D1 L3).

• Hibernian have only lost two of their last 13 Scottish Premiership visits to St. Johnstone (W6 D5), both 1-0 defeats in March 2021 and December 2023.

• St. Johnstone are winless in four league meetings with Hibernian (D1 L3) since a 2-1 victory in April 2024.

Image source, SNS

Hibernian head coach David Gray accepts responsibility for Thursday night's derby defeat to rivals Hearts but is confident his side can still have a strong season.

Gray has come under pressure from fans after Thursday night's 3-1 defeat to their rivals, a defeat that comes a week after their late capitulation at home to Gent in their Conference League qualifier.

To make matters worse for Gray, it's the first time since 2012 that Hibs have lost three consecutive derby games.

"During this period now, you need to own it," Gray said.

"You need to take it to the chin and I certainly need to own it, it's my responsibility when you lose any game."

Hibs have lost two and won two of their Premiership games so far this season as they prepare for Sunday's trip to St Johnstone.

One of those victories did come against Rangers at Ibrox but Gray still feels his side should have picked up more than the six points they've amassed so far.

"If you look back at every game we've lost this season, we certainly could have won every one of them if we'd taken our chances again," Gray added.

"Even looking at the Hearts game in isolation, very fine margins again. So as poor as I thought we were first half, some of that was down to Hearts settling better but we were still in it.

"We scored the next one and I thought we dominated the game from that point. I do think there was very little in it. We created enough chances. We've already shown that domestically we're capable of big performances."

Hibs fans, we asked for your views after Thursday's Edinburgh derby defeat to Hearts.

Here's what some of you said:

Michael: Apart from 20 minutes in the second half, it was a pretty dire performance. Like many times before, there doesn't seem to be a game plan or any tactics. Ante Suto and Thibaut Klidje did more in their cameo appearances than Nathan Lowe has done all season, I don't understand why he is our first choice striker.

Kenny: Pathetic performance especially the first half. Too many poor performances to call. We lost the second goal to a free header and although we got a goal back we never really looked like getting anything from the game. The third goal ended any chance we had and the fans voted with their feet. I'm sorry to say this but David Gray needs to go as things are just not improved and only going to get worse.

Scott: Absolute dross first half. Better start second half until a stupid sending off. No wingers or a goalscorer brought in, not good enough. Unacceptable. Lightweight. Manager seriously under pressure now however the players shoulder most of the blame for this.

George: Close, but no cigar. Overall, we are slack in defence too often and we don't take our chances so we'll lose more often than not. Not a great picture, and not sure how this gets sorted, because it's been this way for a while. Fed up? Yes, big time.

Colin: Tactically naive and didn't compete in the first half which isn't good enough in a derby. Sorted things out at half-time but it was 45 minutes too late. Jack Iredale's stupidity cost us as we fought to get back into the game. Collective failure after such a good performance at Dundee.

Scott: Embarrassing result, totally outplayed and out-coached in the first half and only looked good for 15 minutes of the second. The hoofball Hibs play is rubbish to say the least, no game plan whatsoever- just boot it up to Lowe who is another poor signing. For me Gray has to go, he has run out of ideas.

Former England forward Danny Ings, 34, is a potential free agent signing for Hibs. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required, external)

Hibs head coach David Gray laments defender Jack Iredale's "needless" red card in Thursday's 3-1 Premiership home defeat by Hearts. (Record - subscription required, external)

Friday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

Hibs head coach David Gray tells BBC Scotland: "First half 2-0 down, not good enough in terms of the second balls we lost and the goals we lost were really poor.

"But even within that there was a 10-minute period when we should equalise.

"We hit the bar and then lose a second goal, but going in 2-0 down I really can't complain.

"Made a couple of changes at half-time, which helped and the second half was the way we wanted to start the first half - much more on the front foot and more aggressive.

"We really got into Hearts, won second balls and deservedly got a goal to get back to 2-1 and then at that point we're really pushing and the momentum was with us.

"Then it's a multitude of errors at the red card and then at that point all the hard work to get back into the game is undone."

Hibernian buckled in the Edinburgh derby as they went down 3-1 to rivals Hearts.

MATCH REPORT

HAVE YOUR SAY

Image source, Getty Images

Hibernian have signed wing-back Alex Williams on loan from West Bromwich Albion until the end of the 2026/27 season.

The 21-year-old, who becomes Hibs' ninth summer signing, came through West Brom's academy before making his debut against Derby County last summer.

The right-sided Welsh defender has been capped at Under-21 level and has also represented his country throughout the age groups.

"I'm pleased to bring Alex into the building," head coach David Gray said.

"And he's a player who will provide additional strength in depth to our defensive unit.

"He is a hard-working individual who will bring great energy to the team on the pitch, and he's a forward-thinking fullback/wing-back who gives us more options on the right-hand side.

"He's a good fit for our league, he is eager to get started, and I'm excited to welcome him into the group."

Image source, SNS

Hibernian midfielder Josh Campbell has joined fellow Premiership side St Johnstone on loan for the remainder of the 2026/27 campaign.

The 26-year-old has made 184 appearances for the Easter Road club, five of those have come this season, with 23 goals and 20 assists across those outings.

"I would like to wish Josh the very best with this loan move," head coach David Gray said.

"I have known Josh for a very long time and watched him grow up and develop as a player over the years. During that time he has scored some big goals for us and provided some big moments over the years.

"Ultimately, he expressed his desire to go and seek more game time elsewhere, and this is an opportunity for him to go and do that."

Image source, SNS

• Last season, all six of Heart of Midlothian's goals against Hibernian came in the second half of games, with four of those coming in the 86th minute or later. Hibs, by contrast, scored three of their four goals in this fixture in first halves.

• Hearts have only won one of their last eight away league outings (D2 L5), although that was at rivals Hibernian in April (2-1).

• Hibernian have lost each of their last four home league games, their longest run in the top-flight since August 2011 (also four), while they last lost five in a row in August 2010.

• Hibernian have lost both of their last two league games against Hearts, but haven't lost three in a row to their Edinburgh rivals in the top-flight since March 2012.

• After their 2-1 win in April, Hearts could enjoy back-to-back away league wins over Hibernian for the first time since March 2020.

Image source, Getty Images

Hibernian have signed Marko Ivezic after selling fellow central defender Warren O'Hora to Leicester City.

Capped once for Serbia, 24-year-old Ivezic arrives from German second tier side Holstein Kiel and has agreed a three-year deal.

Irishman O'Hora, 27, has also penned a three-year contract at Leicester and reunites with manager Russell Martin after their time together at MK Dons.

O'Hora made 85 appearances for Hibs and captained the side on several occasions.

"We're sad to see him go, but ultimately we understand that this is a life-changing move for him and his young family," said head coach David Gray of the departure for an undisclosed fee.

"He constantly set the standards in training ,and he is a true professional both on and off the pitch."

Ivezic is the eighth summer arrival at Easter Road and began his career with FK Vozdovac before joining Holstein Kiel in the summer of 2023.

He helped the club gain promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time and made 23 appearances in the German top-flight as their stay lasted just one season.

His sole cap came as a substitute in a 2-1 friendly victory over the United States in January 2023.

"He brings a really good combination of both physical defensive qualities and experience," said Gray of Ivezic, who is right-footed like O'Hora.

"He's very versatile, which gives us another option within the squad, and at 24 he has his best years ahead of him. We believe he is primed and ready to fit right into the squad."

Hibernian are keen on a loan deal for Nottingham Forest defender Zach Abbott but face competition from the English Championship for the 20-year-old. (Football Insider, external)

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

We asked for your views after Hibernian earned a Scottish Premiership victory at Dundee on Sunday.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Ross: Much better - great tempo, good energy. Jacob Devaney is the missing number six link. Thought he was excellent. That's how we should play. Nathan Lowe is still a liability and should be dropped. Evergreen Martin Boyle superb again.

Niall: Frustrating last 10 minutes, but it cannot be allowed to colour the rest of the game. That was one of the best performances I've seen from Hibs under David Gray. The level of control with Devaney in midfield was so noticeable, especially when he went off. Could've scored more goals for sure, but the response after the gutting loss on Thursday needs to be praised for what it was.

Sandy: Strongest performance of the season. Midfield looked excellent and with a rotated squad. Only thing - we need some squad depth. Bring on the Jambos!

Martin: Following on from a very good second half on Thursday night, we took control of this game early on and never let go until about the 84th minute, when we let Dundee back into it. We should have been out of sight by then, but the positives far outweigh any negatives. Fantastic debut from young Devaney - he gives the platform for guys like Jamie McGrath, Boyle and Josh Mulligan to attack. Roll on Thursday and hopefully the same attacking set-up.

Neil: A great performance from Hibs. Devaney looks like he could be the missing piece in our midfield - excellent display. Should have been out of sight in this game, but once again we made it unnecessarily uneasy for ourselves towards the end of the match.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Jack Walton (Dundee United): Five saves and a clean sheet - job done.

Felix Passlack (Hibernian): An assist from the consistently impressive German.

Bert Esselink (Dundee United): Powerful performance and an away clean sheet.

Grant Hanley (Hibernian): Was it intentional? Who cares. Great assist for Martin Boyle.

Will Ferry (Dundee United): Glorious strike with his less favoured right foot as United put Kilmarnock to the sword.

Callum Wright (Hibernian): Another goal for the English midfielder just gives him the nod here over new addition Jacob Devaney, who was also very good.

Emmanuel Agyei (Dundee United): Two key passes and a goal from the Ghana international.

Alex Lowry (Motherwell): Five key passes and always looking to get Motherwell on the front foot.

Samuel Ramos (St Mirren): A goal and two assists from the Spaniard.

Camilo Duran (Celtic): The difference maker against Falkirk with two goals.

Mehdi Merghem (Dundee United): The Algerian more than played his part in an outstanding away display with two assists.

A goal in each half gives Hibernian a deserved Scottish Premiership win at Dundee (UK only).

Hibernian soothed their midweek European blues with a deserved Scottish Premiership win over Dundee at Dens Park.

MATCH REPORT

HAVE YOUR SAY

Image source, SNS

Hibernian head coach David Gray: "Usually, people say we're looking for a reaction after a disappointing result. It was more about maintaining our standards.

"The players were outstanding, given the disappointment and everything that went in to Thursday night [losing to Gent]. As a group, I thought we were outstanding and fully deserved the win.

"For 80 minutes, complete control, probably should've scored another goal to kill the game out completely. They get the goal right at the very end. The players found the answer to make sure we seen it out.

"That's certainly the right way to bounce back.

"I'll certainly add to the squad whilst the window's open, you're always looking as well."