Hibs reach pivotal junction as overseas appointment backed but club warned they must avoid another false dawn

Gray was dismissed last week after two-and-a-half years in charge, having stabilised the Easter Road club and guided them to successive European campaigns. But Allan believes the former captain’s position had become increasingly difficult following a tough start to the campaign.

He insists Hibs failed to match last season’s recruitment, when players such as Jamie McGrath and Josh Mulligan enhanced the squad. Yet Allan reckons his former club should be wary of underestimating what Gray achieved as he pointed to the unsettling circumstances that followed Ross’ departure in December 2021 after a similarly lengthy tenure.

“I think after the exit from the Conference League, the first half then the second half finish, there was an inevitability about it for David,” he said. “That just comes with two and a half years of steady progress. I just don't think they added the same quality this season.

"He did a great job but cup runs were maybe a part of that as well. Going out to Dunfermline last year, it drags it down the road and as soon as performances don't hit, the pressure is always going to be on.

“I remember when the same frustration came with Jack Ross after being in the role for over two years. With the landscape of football nowadays there is a bit of boredom where you want to see something different every other week.

“There was real instability with management and, most importantly, the amount of recruitment that Hibs did and they just couldn't find any sort of consistency. It does have that feel to it and that's why the next appointment is crucial for Malky Mackay and Hibs to get right.”

Allan convinced Hibs will follow Motherwell approach in managerial search

Allan expects Hibs to look abroad for their next manager rather than closer to home, influenced by the impact of overseas coaches elsewhere in the Scottish Premiership.

“I think you’ve got Jens Berthel Askou to thank for that,” he stated. “He came into Scottish football last year and opened people's eyes, being able to dominate games of football, being exciting, winning matches and at the same time being able to defend well. I think it would be most likely that Hibs go abroad in this case.”

Whoever arrives in Leith will inherit a squad Allan reckons still possesses a “strong nucleus”, although he identifies the forward position as an area that requires attention. He singled out Stoke City loanee Nathan Lowe, who has struggled to convert opportunities into goals despite being entrusted with the number nine jersey.

“At times I think Lowe should have scored goals,” Allan commented. “It just doesn't look like he finishes with real conviction. That's maybe the pressure of a young striker coming to Hibs.”

Allan stressed that criticism should not be mistaken for writing Lowe off, adding that a new manager could alter the striker's fortunes.

Gray’s legacy, meanwhile, remains secure.

Asked whether the departure changed his standing, Allan replied. “Not for me. We know about his Scottish Cup winning goal which saw him called ‘Sir David Gray’ at Easter Road. I think it's a really solid performance as manager as well.”

As for Gray’s next move, Allan believes there is no need to rush. “Sometimes it's good just to take the sting out of it, get back to that then rebuild that fire in your belly,” he added. “There is no doubt he'll have opportunities to get back into management, probably before the end of the season. It just depends if that's the right move for him.”