Murray takes Gray advice on step up to Hibs head coach

New Hibernian women head coach Joelle Murray says she sought counsel from men's manager David Gray on the transition from assistant to the top job.

The 39-year-old, who replaces Celtic-bound Grant Scott, is following the same path as Gray, from player to captain, from first team coach to head coach.

"It's been fantastic to draw on his experience," said Murray.

"There's a lot of experienced people in the building and everyone has popped their head in to offer their congratulations."

Murray said the last 48 hours had been an "emotional rollercoaster", revealing: "It's a role I've had aspirations for ever since I started my coaching badges."

She turned to coaching when ending a 21-year playing career at the club in 2024, having featured in more than 500 games.

Across those two decades she won two league titles and lifted 12 cups.

The first woman to sign a pro contract at Easter Road, Murray also earned 48 Scotland caps.

Murray has agreed a three-and-a-half year contract and says having the backing of sporting director Malky Mckay and the club's owners, the Gordon family, "means everything" to her, explaining that such support is crucial in combating "self doubt" and "imposter syndrome."

Hibs sit fifth in the SWPL after their surprise title victory last season and Murray says she does "not want to reinvent the wheel", but instead make "small changes" over the rest of the campaign.

On the announcement of Murray's internal promotion, Mackay added: "We are constantly planning for the future, and, following Grant Scott's departure, there was no doubt in our minds that Joelle was ready to step up.

"She already has good relationships with the current playing squad, staff, knows the Scottish women's game inside out, and lives and breathes Hibernian FC."