Photo by Malcolm Mackenzie/Getty Images
Photo by Malcolm Mackenzie/Getty Images
Hibernian announced they sacked David Gray on Wednesday, with the club sitting ninth in the Scottish Premiership.
Manchester United sent Jacob Devaney on loan to Hibernian in the summer. The move has given the United Academy prospect a chance to build on the impressive form he showed at St. Mirren in the Scottish Premiership last season.
Devaney, 19, has featured in five games for Hibernian so far this season, amassing 286 minutes of first-team action. That will satisfy United, as it backs up their decision to send the Republic of Ireland youth international back to Scotland this season to aid his development.
The last thing United would have wanted when they sent Devaney to Hibs was managerial instability, which we’ve seen previously can result in players being overlooked by successors who don’t prioritise them in their long-term plans.
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How David Gray’s sacking could impact Jacob Devaney’s Hibernian loan
It’s no secret that our focus, as United fans, is a promising academy midfielder enjoying a constructive loan spell rather than Hibernian’s struggles.
On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Hibs had parted ways with Gray after suffering defeat to Kilmarnock following a run of six consecutive home defeats for the first time since 1920. The 38-year-old was appointed head coach in June 2024 and lasted just over two years before being dismissed. He’d previously held the position in an interim capacity on four occasions.
An influential figure in bringing Devaney to Easter Road, Gray’s exit means there is managerial instability at the Scottish Premiership club. This could be a concern, as a new head coach creates uncertainty for the United loanee’s starting spot and tactical fit.
📊 Jacob Devaney stats for Hibs:
4 Scottish Premiership appearances
1 Scottish League Cup appearance
1 yellow card
Hopefully, Gray’s replacement – whoever it is – doesn’t favour another squad member over a young loan player. That would be a huge setback because Devaney had been enjoying plenty of game time at Hibs up until this point.
A new head coach can also come with positives for Devaney if it helps Hibs get better results on the pitch. It could also see him tasked with a different system.
Only time will tell how Devaney’s loan to Hibs will work out, but we’re all rooting for him to play a starring role in their revival. They take on Aberdeen on Saturday at 3pm.
Jacob Devaney’s record under David Gray
Devaney experienced two wins and three defeats during his time under Gray, but the youngster will still be respectful of the opportunities given to him by the former Hibs head coach.
Only one of those victories came in the Scottish Premiership, along with the three losses, including the fatal blow for Gray away at Kilmarnock.
Gray’s second and final win of the season as Hibs head coach came against Ross County in the Scottish League Cup. Devaney came off the bench, played 32 minutes, and received a yellow card.
Hopefully, Devaney will soon enjoy better results at Hibs as well as a more regular game time under Gray’s successor.