David Gray's future as Hibernian manager is coming under increasing scrutiny following a poor performance in a home defeat by Kilmarnock, with criticism now pouring in from pundits and supporters alike ahead of a pivotal clash with Aberdeen this weekend.
Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan believes Saturday's meeting with Aberdeen has become a must-win fixture for his old teammate. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound, Allan did not hold back in his assessment of the Kilmarnock loss.
"This won't go down well with the Hibs faithful," Allan said. "It's the manner they lost, the level of performance, the amount of duels they lost, how easily it was for Kilmarnock to play through them. It was genuinely incredible at times, while going the other way they hardly created anything of note. That will not be accepted by the Hibs fans and certainly not David Gray."
Former Scotland forward James McFadden echoed those concerns on Sportscene, admitting he was struggling to identify a solution to Hibs' struggles. "If I knew that, I would phone David Gray and tell him," McFadden said. "They are not starting games well, they are having to make changes, not making an impact. They couldn't find the breakthrough against a Kilmarnock side who have been leaking goals, but that's credit to Kilmarnock for the way they defended. Nobody can complain about Kilmarnock winning that game tonight. It is tough times ahead for Hibs."
The result has intensified frustration among the Hibs support, with many taking to social media and phone-ins to vent their dissatisfaction with both the team's performance and Gray's tactical approach. One fan, Kieron, suggested Kilmarnock could easily have won by three or four goals without flattering themselves, adding that Gray's position was "hanging by a thread."
Others pointed to deeper issues within the club. Andy questioned how Gray could continue in his role given what he described as a lack of effort from the players, while also criticising the club's decision to ban a section of supporters known for generating atmosphere and questioning the benching of some of the squad's better performers.
Tactical concerns were also raised, with supporter Chris describing the team's long-ball approach as "desperate" and lacking ambition. Another fan, Paul, was similarly critical, calling for Gray's departure regardless of results against Aberdeen and suggesting the club pursue more experienced managerial options such as Neil Lennon or Steve Clarke.
Not all of the blame was directed solely at the manager, however. Supporter Stuart argued that the players on the pitch must also take responsibility for what he called an "amateur performance," a sentiment repeated in further fan commentary.
One supporter, posting under the name SMcDhfc, said it was clear Gray had lost the dressing room, describing the display against Kilmarnock as toothless in attack despite plenty of effort. Another fan, Craig, said that while he respected Gray, he felt it was time for a change, though he also suggested director of football Malky MacKay should face scrutiny over recent signings if the manager were to leave.
With Hibs sitting close to the bottom of the table, the pressure on Gray appears to be reaching a critical point. Saturday's match against Aberdeen now looms as a potential turning point, one that could determine whether the manager remains in charge at Easter Road.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.