Martin Boyle on David Gray's New Role: "He's Not My Mate!"

Martin Boyle and David Gray: A New Era at Hibernian

Martin Boyle has had a long standing partnership with David Gray at Hibernian (Hibs), having played together for seven years. However, with Gray now stepping into the role of permanent manager, Boyle faces an unusual stipulation: a fine if he addresses Gray as "mate" instead of "gaffer." This quirky rule has sparked discussions among the players, emphasizing the shift in their dynamic.

Adapting to New Changes

During an interview with Sky Sports News, Boyle revealed his adjustments to Gray's new managerial position. "I was away with the Socceroos when I first got that call with him when he got the job and I was asking what do I call him. There's a fine system in place if you call him mate, not gaffer so I've just adapted to that," he stated.

Team Morale and Expectations

Boyle reflected on the positive atmosphere surrounding the club as Gray takes the reins. "The boys are fully on board with what he wants to do. He was a leader when he was the captain here, and I was obviously a teammate with him for a long time. He’s a mate, but that goes out the window when he’s your manager now." Boyle’s confidence in Gray’s leadership is apparent, as he believes Gray can guide the team towards success.

Correcting Past Mistakes

Last season was a challenging one for Hibs, with both Lee Johnson and Nick Montgomery being sacked after a string of poor performances. Boyle, who was part of the 2016 Scottish Cup-winning team, shared his hopes for the upcoming season: "We need to correct some wrongs from last season and finish above where we did last season. For a club of this stature, it was unacceptable and the performances were not good enough."

Focus on Team Cohesion

Boyle also emphasized the importance of teamwork and unity under Gray’s leadership. "I feel we need to be a lot more together as a unit and I think Dave has brought that out in us. We’ve made a good few signings, we’ve lost a few boys, but I feel if we’ve got that togetherness, I’m sure we can go far." His emphasis on unity suggests a strong desire to build a resilient team.

Ambitious Goals for the Future

Looking ahead, Boyle has set ambitious goals for Hibs. "We want to break into that top-six, we want to get into the Europa League and be competing in the cup competitions." The club aims to surpass last season's performance and re-establish itself as a formidable force in the Scottish Premiership.

Scottish Football Coverage with Sky Sports

As the excitement builds around the upcoming season, fans can look forward to comprehensive coverage of the Scottish Premiership and SWPL on Sky Sports. With at least five SWPL matches and up to 60 Scottish Premiership games available across channels like Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, football enthusiasts won't miss any action.

Stay Connected with Scottish Football

Fans can engage with 24/7 coverage on Sky Sports News (channel 409), featuring exclusive interviews, live blogs, and highlights. Additionally, Sky Sports maintains a strong social media presence, offering insights and updates on games and players through platforms like their dedicated X page @ScotlandSky.

Final Thoughts

Martin Boyle’s insights reflect the optimism growing within Hibs as David Gray takes on his managerial responsibilities. With a focus on togetherness and improvement, the team aims to make strides in the league. As the new season approaches, Hibs supporters will be watching closely to see how these changes play out on the pitch.