Hibs star Chris Cadden backs David Gray for manager of the year

Hibernian FC star Chris Cadden has backed head coach David Gray to win the SPFL Manager of the Year award.

The Easter Road side have turned their season around and climbed from the foot of the table all the way up to third place with five games to go.

The team currently hold a post-war club record of 17 unbeaten league games, dating back to the end of 2024 and still haven’t been defeated in the calendar year.

Cadden has been a big part of that success with a string of impressive performances and he insists the manager deserves extra credit for how he turned the campaign around.

He said: “We have belief and there is confidence within the squad, but we can’t get complacent now.

“In terms of the manager, he has been brilliant, when we were facing adversity he never panicked and he never lost his cool despite being under a lot of pressure.

“So we are just buzzing for him with the success we have had this season and hopefully we can continue that and have a successful end.

“As far as manager of the year is concerned I think you have to take everything into account, so he definitely should (be in the running) why would he not be?

“He would be my pick, even if I am a bit biased, to be honest, but he’s been great.

“Especially when you consider the turnaround, and it being his first job, and with the pressure of being a player here as well, he has been brilliant.

“As a manager and as a person he has been great for us, and hopefully if we continue our success until the end of the season then the gaffer will get the recognition that I think he deserves.”

Cadden has had the extra bonus of sharing a pitch with twin brother Nicky this season with the pair both excelling together in a Hibs jersey.

And he admits that it makes the season even more special on a personal level.

He said: “It’s been a special season from a Cadden family point of view, it was a tough start, but as soon as Nicky joined and when you are winning games with Hibs it’s a special place and there’s really no better place to be.

“On top of that, when you look across the pitch and see your brother there, it’s a special moment.

“It’s great, and something we could never have imagined growing up to be at one of Scotland’s biggest clubs together and being successful here as well.

“He’s not only my brother, but my twin and my best mate as well, so hopefully we can end the season successfully.

“So playing with him will always be special, the first time we took to the pitch together will always be something to look back on and be a proud moment for the family.

“And hopefully when we look back on this season we can remember it as one of the best.”