David got my thumbs up given all we hear is radio blah blah

Del commends Gray for thriving after sack talk

- BY GORDON PARKS

DEREK McINNES admits he once switched on his radio to hear rumours of David Gray's imminent dismissal as Hibs manager being greatly exaggerated.

The Hearts boss didn’t elaborate on which station was jumping the gun.

But he insists the remarkable reversal of fortunes for his Easter Road counterpart is a triumph over adversity which has earned his full admiration.

Gray's appointment into the Hibs hotseat last summer coincided with a dreadful run of eight defeats in 14 games and being cut adrift at the foot of the table, the club’s rock bottom being a 4-1 loss to Dundee 11 months ago.

McInnes will shake Gray's hand on the Tynecastle touchline tomorrow evening before the first Edinburgh derby of the season.