Mackay Provides Insight On Backroom Team

Hibernian FC Sporting Director Malky Mackay gave supporters an insight in the makeup of a coaching team.

Earlier this summer, new Head Coach David Gray named his backroom team bringing Liam Craig and Craig Samson to the Club, alongside promoting Eddie May.

Despite all three being announced with specific roles, Gray has been clear that he sees them all as his Assistant Head Coaches due to their individual skills and abilities.

The four have worked intrinsically together since the players’ return to HTC – but what does a good backroom actually look like?

To find out, Hibs TV sat down with Malky Mackay:

“It’s a really important blend that the Head Coach has to have around him. He has to have trust. They have to tell him what they actually feel, to tell him what he doesn’t want to hear, but also the ability to follow when the Head Coach has made his mind up about something.

“There has to be that balance, though, where they think similarly and are on the same direction of travel. It’s not an easy balance to strike, but they have to have that sense of security and trust to say what they think without being worried it’ll ruin their relationship.

“They need to be able to connect with the players and the staff. You need someone with a tactical mind to support with the coaching aspect. You need someone with a calm head, and someone who keeps an eye on everything. All these factors come into it.

“When I spoke to David around the people he was bringing in – Liam, Craig and Eddie – we had that conversation about balance. He’s a new Head Coach so he needs people around that he’s comfortable with. We didn’t want to force him into anything. But these guys have to have an impact because if they’re just your friends, then situations fail, and it’ll never be right. David was clear on that in his interview and that’s why we proceeded to bring them to the Football Club.”

Since the start of pre-season the foursome have worked well together and gelled exactly how Mackay expected, which has helped set early standards and a positive culture at HTC. He went into detail about what each of the backroom team offer.

“Eddie May is someone that’s got a long history with the Football Club and has worked as a staff member at the Football Club for a long period of time. He’s settled into the role very well. There’s an ease of relationship with him and the staff already. He’s worked with David four times in an interim period, so there’s a security and an understanding between the two of them. Eddie deciding to stand shoulder to shoulder with him was something I really liked because it showed his belief in him. He’s seen a lot, watched a lot of games, and provides an extra layer of calmness.

“Liam captained the Football Club and understands the fabric of the Club. He had a good professional football career and has worked as a coach at a couple of clubs. The work that I did, in terms of feedback on him, showed he was a popular person but also a real deep thinker in the game. He’s known David a long time – not as a close friend – but more through coaching courses together where they spoke about football until late at night; I really liked that, that it’s not his mate, it’s people that share an idea, values and standards. He’s got a good reputation and is another who has a smile on his face. He will continue to improve and is another good addition.

“Craig is someone who’s been at the Club before and we’re keen to stress he’s not just a Goalkeeping Coach, he’s an Assistant Coach because of what his job entails. He’s a very positive person, very experienced in Scottish football, a good reputation in football, and someone who’s loud, bright and bubbly. He’s a really positive member of staff and I’m delighted to get him back in the building. Hearing him shouting along the corridor every morning telling Pedro – our kitman – to get the tea on really made me smile. He’s someone that has good emotional intelligence, which is good for the Football Club as well, so I’m delighted with the three of them.”

Watch the full 10-minute interview below on Hibs TV!