Hibs Star Boyle on Gray's Manager Role: 'He's Not My Mate!'

Martin Boyle Faces Fines for Calling His Manager "Mate" at Hibs

Martin Boyle, the forward for Hibernian, has revealed an interesting twist in his relationship with head coach David Gray as he embarks on a new season. Having played alongside Gray for seven years, Boyle is now adjusting to his role as a player under Gray's management, which has introduced a unique rule: a fine system for players who refer to him as "mate" instead of the formal "gaffer."

The Transition from Teammate to Manager

In an interview with Sky Sports News, Boyle discussed the significant changes at Easter Road under Gray's leadership. "I was away with the Socceroos when I first got the call. I was asking what do I call him," Boyle explained. This transition to a more formal addressing of Gray underscores the shift in their dynamic, with Boyle acknowledging that during their time as teammates, it was a more relaxed environment.

High Hopes for the Upcoming Season

Boyle expressed his optimism about the upcoming season, stating, "The boys are fully on board with what he wants to do. He was a leader when he was captain here, and now as a manager, we want to follow his direction." His confidence in Gray’s managerial capabilities stems from the lessons learned and experiences shared during their time as teammates, enhancing the bond they share.

Reflecting on Hibs' Past Season Performance

Reflecting on Hibernian's struggles last season, where they failed to finish in the top six and saw both Lee Johnson and Nick Montgomery dismissed, Boyle emphasized the urgency for change. “For a club of this stature, it was unacceptable. The performances were not good enough.” He believes that the squad is ready to correct last year's mistakes and aims to achieve a better league finish.

The Importance of Team Cohesion

According to Boyle, one of the pivotal factors for improvement is the unity within the team. "I feel we need to be a lot more together as a unit, and I think Dave has brought that out in us," said Boyle, highlighting the camaraderie that's necessary for success. With new signings enhancing the squad's depth, the team's target is clear: to break into the top six and compete in cup competitions.

Looking Forward to Scottish Premiership Matches

As the Scottish Premiership gears up for another season, Hibernian fans can look forward to watching their team on Sky Sports. From 2024/25, up to 60 Scottish Premiership games will be broadcasted on Sky Sports' flagship channels, complemented by comprehensive digital coverage.

How to Stay Updated with Scottish Football

• Follow the latest from Scottish football on SkySports.com and their app.
• Watch exclusive features and interviews, plus in-game clips and highlights.
• Stay engaged with the dedicated live blog coverage throughout the season.

For those eager for ongoing updates, the bespoke X page @ScotlandSky continues to be the home for all Scottish football content on Sky Sports, while dedicated round-ups from the cinch Premiership air weekly on Sky Sports Football.

Conclusion

As Hibernian approaches the new season under David Gray, Martin Boyle's journey from teammate to his manager’s player epitomizes the challenges and excitement of Scottish football. With a fresh perspective and a focus on unity, both Boyle and the team look poised to take on new challenges in their quest for success.