GRAY'S SHOWN CLUBS OUGHT TO STAY LOYAL

CONTINUITY Martindale hopes times are changing.

- BY FRASER WILSON

DAVID MARTINDALE reckons Hibs' rewards for standing by David Gray has benefited managers across the entire country - by reversing the trend for hiring and firing.

The Livingston boss has been hugely impressed by the job Gray has done.

But late in November the 37-year-old looked a cert for the bullet with Hibs bottom of the table having won just one of their opening 16 league games.

Easter Road chiefs had sacked four managers in the previous three years but decided to stick with the Leith legend. And they were rewarded with a run to a third-place finish.

Martindale, whose side face Hibs in Sunday's Premier Sports Cup last 16, said: "I was delighted Hibs stuck by David Gray and it worked out the way it has.

"I don't think that's just a good thing for David, it's massive for managers right across the game.

"You've seen it happen time and time again, the manager pays the price.