David Gray reveals Hibs secret behind Hearts derby triumph as bold Christmas Day call pays off big time

David Gray has revealed the secret behind Hibs' derby success at Hearts.

The Easter Road outfit bagged a priceless three points and with that not only a late Christmas present for the travelling fans but also the bragging rights in the backyard of their city rivals. Both sides have been struggling at the wrong end of the table, but the Hibees starting to edge away towards a top six position, while plunging the Jambos into bother at the bottom where the occupy the relegation playoff spot.

Gray - a legend of the club - has been a player at this time of year but never a manager and responsible for the decision over Christmas Day. But he explained the thought process behind giving the players the morning off to spend with their families and loved ones before bringing everyone together at night to turn full focus to Neil Critchley's men.

He told Edinburgh Evening News: "I've obviously been a player, but this is the first time I've actually been responsible for deciding what we do on Christmas Day. I think it's about looking at your squad, trusting your squad, trusting the players to do the right things.

"But also making sure everyone's aware of the magnitude of the game, making sure everyone does it properly. We gave them the morning off to spend the morning with their families, because that's moments you'll never get back in your life.

"You know, I've had the opportunity, some of the boys have got young kids. I know myself how special that day is for me. Having said that, I always had one eye on the game. I probably wasn't the best of company, to be honest!

“Then bringing the players together again at night, I thought was great, because the players responded well to having the time off in the morning. But it’s not as if