David Gray stunned his wife with the length of his successful job interview presentation.
Hibernian's new head coach, Gray, who is a former Scottish Cup-winning captain at Easter Road, revealed that his interview presentation lasted nearly two and a half hours.
The length and quality of Gray's presentation clearly impressed Hibernian sporting director Malky Mackay and the rest of the recruitment panel.
In fact, one of the interviewers was so satisfied with Gray's delivery that they did not need to ask any follow-up questions.
Gray has been with Hibernian for a decade, the highlight of which was his last-minute match-winning goal against Rangers at Hampden Park in 2016. Now he is now aiming to leverage his deep knowledge of the club to drive it forward in the coming seasons.
“I have heard a few people talk about the length of the interview," the former defender told Hibs TV.
"I’m a man of few words normally. My missus said: ‘What, you spoke for two hours, how did that happen? I normally can’t get two words out of you’.
“I went in there and it was something I felt really passionate about. I have learned so much over three years in a coaching capacity but also seven years as a player, and experienced many highs and low. So I felt I was in a position where I could speak freely about what I believe could improve.
“And I never really had anything to compare it to, I had never had an interview before.
“It was literally my vision for the club moving forward and the importance of me knowing the club, knowing the staff, the players and their strengths and weaknesses, was the biggest thing I could draw on.”
Gray took on the role permanently earlier this month after his fourth spell as caretaker manager, having worked under Jack Ross, Shaun Maloney, Lee Johnson and Nick Montgomery since his playing career ended in 2021.
“On reflection, I wasn’t ready any other time,” the 36-year admitted.
“I was very fortunate that I was able to learn from so many different people. But I felt this time I was at the point where I firmly believed I could do it, and now was the time to apply for the job officially and put my case forward.
“I am absolutely delighted the club saw it the same way and they believe I can take the club forward.”
