Gray challenges Hibs to keep momentum and embrace Europa League challenge

Hibs head coach David Gray is excited about the team's Europa League challenge and wants his side to carry their momentum from last season into the new campaign.
A strong second half to the season saw the Leith side climb to a third-place finish in the Premiership after a difficult start.
That achievement looked set to guarantee group stage football in Europe in either the Europa League or at worst the Conference League but Aberdeen's surprise Scottish Cup final triumph over Celtic meant the Dons took the Europe League play-off spot and left Hibs facing three knock-out ties to reach the League Phase.
The Easter Road club have been drawn to face Danish side Midtjylland in the second qualifying round next month and with pre-season training now underway, Gray says they can look forward to the tie.
'Everyone's come back with a spring in their step, as you'd expect off the back of last season,' he said, while speaking at the club's annual Ron Gordon Football Festival. 'And it's just trying to build on that momentum from last year.'
Gray admitted it was difficult seeing Aberdeen's cup success make his own qualifying task more difficult but said the club had prepared for all scenarios and he didn't want it to detract in any way from how well his side had done in reaching Europe.
'We now know exactly what's happening,' he said. You know, you've got the added bonus of knowing exactly who your opponent is well in advance, so you can do all your work and make sure you're ready for that.
'Everyone will have their pre-season friendlies getting in place to try and get the players up to speed as quickly as you can.
'But it's certainly a really good one to look forward to.
'Something that's worked really well for us as a group was taking one game at a time, and I know that was where we found ourself last year.
'But clearly, because it is a knockout stage at this point, that is the way you're gonna have to look at it.
'There's no better one you start with. It's a brilliant opportunity. They're a real top side.
'We know that, but that is the reward for finishing third. That's the reward for coming to this football club and being successful and qualifying for European competitions, that you get the opportunity to test yourself against a really good side.
'The players I'm sure are going to be looking forward to, because I certainly am.'
Gray also anticipates an exciting Premiership season and thinks the new faces in the league will bring a freshness and also a lot of competiveness.
'We had a fantastic season, finished third, and rightly so,' he said.
'The league does not lie by the end of the season, but the challenge now for myself, for the staff, for the players, is to make sure we keep improving.
'Because the league is so tough, we know that. And the teams coming up are going to add to that.
'You've obviously seen there's new managers in place that are going to want to implement their own styles as well. So it's going to be really competitive.
'It always is, but our challenge is, can we keep improving as a group?'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Record

23 minutes ago

• Daily Record

The Nicolas Kuhn transfer fee Celtic should jump at as RB Leipzig move could trigger signing splurge

Kuhn is believed to have suitors down south and in the Bundesliga RB Leipzig's reported £15million bid for Nicolas Kuhn is potentially a sign that the winger isn't completely happy at Celtic. That's the view of Record Sport's very own Scott McDermott, who reckons that the Bundesliga side's reported attempts to step up their interest in the 25-year-old aren't without any interference from the other side. ‌ Despite his form dipping in the second half of last season, Kuhn enjoyed a productive campaign in Glasgow's east end, registering 21 goals and 15 assists in 51 matches in all competitions. ‌ The former Bayern Munich kid is said to be a key target for incoming new Leipzig head coach Ola Werner while Premier League side Newcastle have also reportedly been keeping tabs on the wide man for quite some time. And our man McDermott hints that Kuhn's demeanour in the wake of Celtic's Premiership triumph last season could suggest that he is keen to move on from Brendan Rodgers' side this summer. Speaking on Monday's Hotline Live, he said: "For Celtic, it definitely is. I have said on here before that for £15million, you absolutely bite the hand off for it. "That's taking nothing away from Kuhn, who is a terrific player and has had a brilliant season but for that kind of money, you need to bite the hand on it. "I just wonder, and this is not any inside info, that Kuhn maybe isn't quite 100 per cent happy at Celtic. "I don't think he is angling for a move but I just don't think there is this speculation unless the player has intimated that he might be keen on a move. ‌ "We interviewed him at Tannadice when Celtic clinched the title. He came in and he was happy to win the league but he was a bit grumpy as well about the criticism he had got. "He felt that he needed to prove people wrong and that it was unfair when he got a wee bit of flak when he hit that dip. ‌ "Maybe he was right but he struck me as a guy who wasn't 100 per cent happy at Celtic. "It's interesting that several clubs have now been mentioned. "He has spoken about his determination to play for Germany and maybe he feels that going back to the Bundesliga or going to the Premier League will boost his chances of playing for the national team, despite what he has done for Celtic. "You are just getting that feeling as the summer goes on that Kuhn might be leaving and that certainly would explain why Celtic are keen to get the boy (Benjamin) Nygren in who plays in a similar position. "If Kuhn goes they might need to go back for another winger, certainly if they are getting £15million into the transfer coffers."

Daily Mirror

31 minutes ago

• Daily Mirror

Amorim's dream Man Utd XI on first day of season with Mbeumo among 15 transfers

Manchester United have kicked off a summer of heavy spending - but their job is far from done. Ruben Amorim is targeting a major overhaul at Old Trafford following a miserable season last time out. The Red Devils slumped to 14th in the Premier League table, with the Portuguese failing to inspire an upturn in fortunes after taking the reins from Erik ten Hag. And things got even worse in Europe having been defeated by Tottenham in the Europa League final. As a result, the club's finances took a huge hit, with some believing funds for the summer would be limited. But United have tried to not let that affect them. They have already splashed £62.5m on former Wolves forward and Brazilian international Matheus Cunha. It is hoped that he could be the first attacking addition of the summer as Amorim attempts to solve his side's goalscoring woes. And United already have their eyes on a few more. With that being said, take a look at what the starting XI could look like against Arsenal on the opening day of next season: Let's start in the obvious place - in goal. There could potentially be a change ahead of next season. Andre Onana has failed to convince since his arrival from Inter Milan, with Monaco eyeing a swoop for the Cameroonian. And should he be allowed to leave, United could move for Paris Saint-Germain star Gianluigi Donnarumma, who sees his contract expire in a year. He has already reportedly been discussing a move to the Premier League with his Italian colleagues. While United committed to a significant outlay last term in signing Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt to bolster their defence, there could yet be more signings. Youngster Diego Leon is on the way, while it has been reported that Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane Diomande is keen on being reunited with Amorim at Old Trafford. Who else should Man United sign this summer? Share your suggestions in the comments below And United could potentially do with another defender following the exits of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof. Should Diomande be signed, he could potentially replace Lisandro Martinez in the heart of the defence, with the Argentine expected to be sidelined until September. Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui should retain their positions as wing-backs in Amorim's system. Moving into midfield, the Red Devils' line-up seems pretty well set. Last summer's signing Manuel Ugarte should do enough to usurp Casemiro, while captain Bruno Fernandes is a near guarantee to start after spurning interest from Saudi Arabia. Given Christian Eriksen has departed, another signing in midfield might be useful but not crucial. It's really in attack where United will go through a real transformation. A number of forwards are already on the chopping block with loanees Antony, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford all expected to leave permanently. They could be joined by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, who have both been linked with moves to Italy. Of course, a deal for Matheus Cunha is already over the line and he could soon be followed by Bryan Mbeumo. The Brentford star is United's next attacking target and he is already keen on a move to Old Trafford despite late competition from Tottenham. And then leading the line could potentially be current Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku. Reports have suggested that United are already in talks regarding a potential deal and he could potentially slot straight into the side should a deal progress. Potential Man United XI: Donnarumma; Dorgu, Martinez, Diomande, Yoro, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Fernandes; Mbeumo, Cunha, Nkunku. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Metro

34 minutes ago

• Metro

Chelsea set Noni Madueke price tag as Arsenal open talks to sign England winger

Arsenal have learnt how much it will cost to sign Chelsea star Noni Madueke having opened talks with their arch-rivals over a transfer. After falling short in the Premier League title race for the third season in a row, Mikel Arteta is very keen on bolstering his attack this summer. A new striker is the priority but a transfer for top target Benjamin Sesko is proving hard to complete with Arsenal's latest offer just short of the RB Leipzig star's £64million release clause. The Gunners also want to bring in another wide player and have already missed out on long-time target Nico Williams who looks set to join Barcelona. In the last few days, Madueke has emerged as a surprising name on their shortlist after enjoying a good season at Chelsea, recording 16 goal contributions in 41 games and winning the Conference League title. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. The 23-year-old also made his England debut and appears to be key member of Thomas Tuchel's squad going forward. It would seem strange for Enzo Maresca to sell Madueke, especially given that he is short on wide options, yet he is one of 15 players the club have put on the transfer list. According to the Independent, Arsenal's interest has grown as they have spoken to their London rivals about a deal for the player who previously spent four years in Tottenham's academy. And the Blues have named their price, wanting £50million for the forward who cost £30m from PSV in January 2023. More Trending While this is cheaper than alternative targets like Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Newcastle's Anthony Gordon, Arsenal have baulked at the price tag and have cooled their interest for now. Appearances: 89 Goals: 20 Assists: 9 Trophies: Conference League But it is said that this transfer saga is far from over and the Gunners may yet make another move for Madueke before the end of the summer transfer window. Whilst fierce rivals, many players have moved between Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League era, with Kepa Arrizabalaga set to switch Stamford Bridge for the Emirates very soon. For now, Madueke is at the Club World Cup and could next play on Wednesday when the Blues take on ES Tunis. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Man Utd in talks to sign £35m Chelsea flop ahead of Arsenal and Tottenham MORE: Arsenal set price for AC Milan to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko MORE: Victor Osimhen receives 'mind-blowing' contract offer after Man Utd and Arsenal talks