From relegation candidates to the Europa League. It was some journey and one of the best runs by a team outside of the big two in Glasgow that we have seen.
“I’ve spoken to the players to remind them of the size of the achievement,” Gray said.
“But also because of where we’d been and how the season started, the adversity at the start and when you think back to just before Christmas, we were still bottom of the league.
“So, to then turn it round and finish third shows an incredible run of form and it shows anything is possible and anything is achievable.
“The players deserve all the credit for that. That togetherness throughout the whole piece and the magnitude of the achievement.”
Due to Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup win, Hibs will start in the second qualifying round of the Europa League with a place in the third qualifying round of the Conference League as a safety net.
“It’s not something this club has done enough,” he added.
“Finishing third, with the power of the big two in Scottish Football is almost like winning the league.
“European football is a genuine opportunity which will have its own challenges but it’s brilliant, it’s what everyone wants.
“You have to have a squad that is able to deal with that. But, it’s brilliant for the football club.”
Next season, as the club celebrates its 150th year, could be another special one for Gray personally with the tantalising prospect of managing Hibs to the Scottish Cup on the 10th anniversary of his greatest moment.
“I’d certainly take it,” he said.
“It would be a brilliant achievement. Top six, European football, but can you win a trophy?
“I’ve been very fortunate to experience it. It is a genuine opportunity and ambition. It is a target and goal every single pre-season.
“We were very unfortunate to draw Celtic away in both cups so that was a bit of a blow.
“Winning cups are the extra special moments that this football club can provide.”
And ‘Sir’ David would know.
Listen to David Gray’s interview with Liam in full on Saturday’s Sportsound, BBC Radio Scotland, from 14:00 BST.
