Eddie May Leaves Hibernian After 12 Years as Coach

Eddie May will leave Hibernian at the end of June, bringing down the curtain on a 12-year coaching spell that has quietly underpinned much of the club’s recent era at Easter Road.

The 58-year-old, a popular midfielder in his playing days, first pulled on a Hibs shirt between 1985 and 1989, making more than 100 appearances. He returned in 2014, this time to shape the club from the touchline and the training pitch rather than the centre of midfield.

Since then, May has worked across almost every corner of the football department: academy, player development, and the first-team set-up. When Hibs needed a steady hand, they often turned to him.

Twice in 2019 he stepped up as caretaker manager, winning three of the five games he took charge of and steadying the side during turbulent moments. It was typical May: low profile, high reliability.

His latest role began only this summer. In June 2024, as David Gray was confirmed as head coach, May was appointed assistant coach alongside Liam Craig. The idea was continuity, experience, and a trusted voice beside a young manager.

But the landscape has shifted again. Last week, Hibs confirmed the return of John Potter, formerly assistant to Jack Ross from 2019 to 2021, adding another experienced figure to Gray’s backroom team. Now comes the news that May will move on when his current stint ends this month.

Gray was quick to underline the scale of May’s contribution.

"I would like to personally thank Eddie for everything he has done for the club and for the support he has given me over the years, both as a player and a coach," Gray said. "He has been a fantastic mentor, colleague and friend to me over the years and I am extremely grateful for all his support, advice and commitment."

Those words carry weight. Gray came through as a player and now as a coach with May in the background, guiding, advising, and often shielding others from the pressure that comes with the Hibernian job.

May’s influence has not been confined to Leith. He previously managed Falkirk from 2009 to 2010, gaining the frontline experience that later fed into his development work at Hibs.

Reflecting on his departure, May described his time at Easter Road as "an incredible privilege to work alongside so many dedicated players, coaches, supporters and friends who have made this journey so special".

For Hibernian, this is more than a routine coaching change. It is the end of a long association with a figure who has seen the club through promotions, cup runs, managerial changes and rebuilds, often from just off-camera.

The next phase of Gray’s tenure will unfold without one of his most trusted allies at his side. How Hibs adapt to that quiet but significant loss in the dugout will help shape what comes next at Easter Road.