Gray has to create new glories at Hibs

[BBC] David Gray could have done without Sunday's Premiership defeat by Motherwell. The opening weekend of a new season is supposed to be filled with optimism, fresh starts and the belief that this could finally be your year. Instead, Hibernian left Easter Road to a chorus of familiar questions. That's football. One defeat should never define a season but expectations have shifted at Hibs. Consecutive back-to-back European campaigns have raised the bar. Supporters no longer simply want progress – they expect it. Few understand that expectation better than Gray. His place in Hibernian folklore was secured long before he became head coach. His winning goal in the 2016 Scottish Cup final ended 114 years of hurt and ensured his name would forever be woven into the club's history. Had a statue of 'Sir David', as some supporters affectionately call him, appeared outside Easter Road, there would have been few objections. But sentiment only carries you so far in football management. Gray's task now is not to relive past glories but to create new ones. There is a strong case to suggest Hibs have enjoyed a successful couple of seasons. Consecutive European qualifications represent clear progress and, although they narrowly missed out on reaching the Conference League proper last term, they more than held their own against experienced continental opponents in Midtjylland, Partizan Belgrade and Legia Warsaw. Those performances earned respect, what they did not earn was patience. Football supporters are rarely willing to wait, particularly when they believe their team is capable of more. Every setback invites scrutiny and every defeat increases the noise. Gray is no novice. This is his third pre-season in charge and he has had ample opportunity to shape the squad in his own image. There is plenty to encourage him. Owen Elding looked increasingly assured towards the end of last season and continued that form against Malisheva last week. The hope is that further development follows. Keeping hold of Josh Mulligan and Miguel Chaiwa before the transfer window closes could prove just as important. Both provide energy, balance and control in midfield, while Martin Boyle's decision to remain at the club for another season gives Hibs a proven match-winner capable of making the difference in tight games. The next seven days already feel significant. First comes Thursday's Conference League qualifier against the unfamiliar but potentially dangerous FK Shkendija. Hibs will want to take a healthy lead to North Macedonia and avoid leaving themselves with an uphill task in the second leg. Then attention turns to Ibrox. It was a happy hunting ground in May but Rangers have changed considerably since then. Derek McInnes is now in charge, while familiar faces Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin will be waiting in blue. It promises to be another stern examination. Football has a habit of changing the mood remarkably quickly. Win the next couple of matches and the doubts surrounding Gray will disappear almost as quickly as they surfaced. Fail to do so and the questions will only become louder.