Hibernian manager David Gray has insisted he is not troubled by mounting criticism as his side prepare for a Scottish Cup quarter-final clash against League 1 outfit Ross County, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Gray, who took charge at Easter Road following a difficult opening spell that saw him win just one of his first 15 league matches, acknowledged that the circumstances surrounding him now are markedly different from those early days. Back then, he had the backing of sporting director Malky Mackay, who was himself newly appointed and helping steer the club through a period of transition.
"Malky was also just in the door in terms of the structure and the transitional period that the club was in at that time," Gray explained, reflecting on how the situation has evolved since.
Asked whether he expected scrutiny to intensify more rapidly given the club's now more settled state, Gray was candid in his response. "Would I have expected [criticism] to come on quicker now because we're a bit more settled and we've had time to do things? Naturally. I'm not averse to criticism, I'm not shying away from it," he said. He added that rather than feeling sorry for himself amid the pressure, he uses it as motivation, saying his mindset is "the opposite."
Hibs have gone without a Scottish Cup semi-final appearance since November 2023, when they were knocked out by Aberdeen in the same round. At that time, Gray was part of the coaching staff serving under then-manager Nick Montgomery, giving him a personal stake in seeing his current side go further this time around.
Gray revealed that reaching Hampden Park was identified as a central objective when the campaign's targets were mapped out before the season began. "When we spoke about challenges and objectives at the start of the season, getting to Hampden was right at the very top of the list," he said.
The Hibs boss stressed the importance of staying focused amid external pressure, warning that allowing outside noise to seep into preparations could prove costly. "If I allow the noise to affect what we're doing or distract me in any way then you just go under in that situation," he said. "I've been through adversity before and the focus is simply that we need to make sure we win. The form and everything else doesn't matter this weekend. It's about making sure everyone knows the job in hand, which is a real chance to get to Hampden."
Standing in Hibs' way is a Ross County side that remains unbeaten in League 1 this season following their relegation from the Championship. The Highland club has maintained full-time professional status and largely kept its squad intact, with veteran striker Brian Graham among those firing on all cylinders — his nine goals this season include one scored in a group-stage draw against Dundee in this very competition.
Gray was full of respect for County's progress, suggesting their infrastructure and playing squad could see them return to the top flight before long. "They've stayed full-time and kept their core together," he said. "It wouldn't surprise me if they found themselves back in the Premiership again with the infrastructure, players and management team they've got. They've started the season really well, they're used to winning games and they'll be playing with confidence. That adds to the challenge we've got."
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.