David Gray believes that the Edinburgh derby is the best fixture to be involved in as a Hibs player.
The pair met exactly 150 years ago at the Meadows on Christmas Day 1875, thus starting the world’s oldest derby and they will meet again at Easter Road on Saturday.
Gray is no stranger to the fixture, having experienced it as a player, captain, coach and now Manager on the sidelines; and has highlighted the importance of the fixture to his players in the lead up to this one.
“I am really looking forward to it, and I know the fans will be, and the players certainly should be as well, because I say it all the time, it’s very much – in my opinion – the best fixture to be involved in as a Hibs player.
“I fully understand what it means to everybody involved and the significance of the game. I have said it many times now, it doesn’t matter where the teams are in the league, or if the teams are in different divisions, these fixtures are always massive games.
“We know the significance of the game, regardless of what’s at stake in terms of league position – it’s about going into the game and trying to win it, because we know what it means to everybody.”
Gray emphasised the importance of starting the game positively and the crucial role supporters can play on the day.
“You want to try and use home advantage as best you can, and that comes from getting the crowd right behind you from the start.
“I know they will be because of the atmosphere, but you also need to keep them on your side by going toe-to-toe and making sure you’re up for the fight.
“The first thing you have to do is earn the right – that’s true in any game, but no more so than in a derby. You need to do that in a controlled, disciplined way, trust your ability, and make sure the players are fully aware of the challenge they’re going to face. That’s my job and the staff’s job, but also giving them the belief to go and win the game.”
The Edinburgh Derby starts a busy run of fixtures over the festive period, with three games in the space of a week and Gray is confident a positive result in the Derby can be a catalyst for further success.
“That’s the key to it. I said before the Dundee United game that the next few fixtures were an opportunity to really kick on in the league. What’s probably let us down a little bit is the consistency of our results.
“The performances have been there to a certain extent, but it’s about complete performances and turning them into consistent results. Back-to-back home games give us an opportunity to do that, and getting three points in a derby would be a great way to kick-start that and build confidence for everyone involved.
“I said off the back of the Dundee United game that it could be a very good point – but only if you go and back it up with three points, and that’s the mindset of the players going into the Derby.”
