Martin Boyle on David Gray's Transition from Team-Mate to Manager at Hibs

Martin Boyle's Journey Under David Gray at Hibernian

For seven years, Martin Boyle and David Gray shared the pitch at Hibernian. Now, with Gray stepping into a permanent managerial role at Easter Road, Boyle faces a unique challenge—he can no longer call his former teammate ‘mate’ without facing a club fine. This playful rule highlights the new dynamics within the team and Boyle's commitment to supporting Gray in his role.

New Leadership Dynamics

Boyle shared his reflections on this change with Sky Sports News, expressing his adjustments to the new environment. "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?" Boyle recounted. The transition from teammate to manager seems to have instilled a sense of professionalism. "There’s a fine system in place if you call him mate, not gaffer, so I’ve just adapted to that,” he added.

Positive Atmosphere

The shift in leadership has fostered a positive atmosphere within the squad. Boyle noted that the team is on board with Gray's vision. "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," he said. The striker believes Gray’s experience and leadership will guide the team towards success this season.

Aiming High After Last Season's Setbacks

Last season, Hibs struggled, failing to finish in the top six and parting ways with both Lee Johnson and Nick Montgomery during a disappointing campaign. Boyle stressed the need for improvement. "[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," he remarked.

Building Team Cohesion

The message from Boyle emphasizes that cohesion is essential for the team’s success. "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," he stated candidly. His ambitions are clear: the team hopes to break into the top six, qualify for the Europa League, and make a significant impact in cup competitions.

Scottish Football on Sky Sports

As the excitement for the new season builds, Sky Sports remains dedicated to bringing fans extensive coverage of Scottish football. Starting from the 2024/25 season, up to 60 Scottish Premiership games will be broadcast across Sky Sports flagship channels, including comprehensive coverage of the Scottish Women's Premier League. Fans can catch the rolling editorial coverage of the league, including highlights and live action, through multiple platforms—Sky Sports News, digital, and social media channels.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

With Boyle's optimism and Gray's leadership, Hibernian is set to embark on a promising journey this season. The combination of fresh energy, experienced leadership, and a unified team spirit could pave the way for a successful campaign as they strive for higher standings in the league and cup competitions.