David Gray admits it’s an honour to be placed in charge of Hibs - even if it ends up only for one game.
The 33-year-old will take the reins against St Mirren on Saturday and could still be in charge for next weekend’s Premier Sports Cup Final after being installed as caretaker “for the forseeable future” following Jack Ross ’ sacking on Thursday.
But Record Sport understands the 2016 Scottish Cup Final hero won’t be putting himself forward for the job permanently as he feels it’s not the right time.
Likewise Steve Kean is NOT in the running to replace sacked Ross - despite the recently-appointed Academy Director being among the bookies favourites to take over.
The former Blackburn Rovers boss will remain as the club’s head of youth.
Gray has also been hotly tipped in the last 48 hours. But last night he insisted he’s looking no further than today’s trip to face St Mirren - a match he has dubbed as Hibs’ biggest of the season.
He said: “Is it an honour to be the manager even for one game? Absolutely.
“I have been here a long time and what it means to me, I wouldn’t say I am happy as it is a result of two people losing their job, but I am determined to do it to the best of my ability.
“This is not the time to be talking about cup finals. With all due respect.
“I only have eyes on St Mirren at the minute and making sure the boys are fully ready for that. It’s the biggest game of our season.
“The cup final will come when it comes. Whether it’s myself or anyone else in charge it will take care of itself.
“At the moment our full focus is on the most important thing which is our league performances and results which everybody knows have not been good enough recently.”
American owner Ron Gordon swung the axe on Ross after a miserable nine-game run which brought just one league win culminated in Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat at Livingston.
Gray, dubbed ‘Sir David’ by Hibees after scoring the winning goal as captain in 2016 and ending a 114-year wait for the Scottish Cup, would be a popular choice to succeed Ross with some sections of the Leith support.
But while he has ambitions to be a manager outright in the future, Record Sport understands he does not feel this is the right time.
Derek McInnes, Callum Davidson and James McPake are all among the early contenders. Alex Neil and former boss Neil Lennon have also been linked.
But Gray said of his own situation: “It’s been a whirlwind for me and everyone else involved.
“I think it would be disrespectful to talk about myself in any other role other than the job I’ve been given which is to help the team as best I can.
“It’s just over 24 hours since two people lost their jobs which is never nice.”
Gray was taken onto the coaching staff by Ross this summer after hanging up his boots and admits huge shock when news broke of the sacking on Thursday.
He said: “It was a sad day, one that shocked me.
“I was a bit all over the place, a bit flat. It’s never nice when someone loses their job, especially when you are close like that.
“There are some boys who have taken it harder than others. I think you always find that in a dressing room.
“He wished me all the best when he spoke to me on Friday.
“I thanked him for what he’s done for me. And also for what he has done for the football club.”
Gray’s job is made all the tougher with defensive duo Paul McGinn and Paul Hanlon suspended after their red cards at Livi and a decision on Ryan Porteous’ fitness has still to be made after he limped off in West Lothian.
Gray said: “The most important thing is picking the players up as quickly as possible.
“Results haven’t been good and that’s why we are in this position.
“But performances over the last few weeks we haven’t always got what we deserved in games.
“It’s the small margins sometimes and I don’t think there is a lot wrong.
“It’s about making sure the players are up and ready for this.”
