Hibernian's Home Form Struggles: David Gray Remains Optimistic

Hibernian’s home form is on the floor. David Gray isn’t panicking.

Five straight Scottish Premiership defeats at Easter Road would rattle most head coaches. The stands feel it, the league table shows it, and the narrative writes itself. Yet Gray, preparing for Kilmarnock’s visit on Tuesday night, is pushing back against the idea that Hibs are in freefall.

The numbers are stark enough. Hibs have not won a home league game since April, when they swept Kilmarnock aside 3-0 at Easter Road. Since that comfortable victory over the Ayrshire side, the fixture list has turned ugly: losses at home to Hearts twice, Motherwell twice and Celtic.

That run has framed the build-up to this week. Gray, though, insists the story is more nuanced than a grim sequence of Ls.

“There have been some really positive performances at home. It’s definitely in us,” he said, as he looked ahead to Kilmarnock on Tuesday and Aberdeen at Easter Road on Saturday. “Big chance here, two home games to get into this international break in a really strong position.”

The pressure finally told in recent weeks, with every home setback feeding the anxiety in the stands. Gray, however, is refusing to let the mood be dictated by one statistic.

“You can find a stat to drive whatever narrative you’re looking for,” he argued. “I look at them all in isolation, in games. The only stat, the only thing that matters, is that score in the top corner of the screen when it’s on the telly.”

For all the talk of performances, he knows what counts. Hibs need wins. Especially here, in Leith.

“For us to be successful, you need strong home form and we’ve got a chance, with back-to-back games, to try and put that right,” he said.

Two matches. Same stadium. Same questions.

By Saturday night, Easter Road will have delivered its verdict.