When the full-time whistle blew at Easter Road on Saturday the home fans were far from happy.
The loss to Motherwell was Hibs’ fifth in eight matches and with only one victory in that period, those who doubted the appointment of David Gray in the summer were given more ammunition.
But some grace should be given to ‘Sir David’ as he is yet to be able to put what could be described as his best team on the pitch.
Martin Boyle and Joe Newell, both certain starters in recent years, have been missing games through injury and are sorely missed.
In addition, a number of players recruited in the summer have yet to hit top form and, along with the fact a new centre-back pairing of Warren O’Hora and Marvin Ekpiteta and new goalkeeper Josef Bursik are now in place, it’s understandable mistakes can happen.
However, what is not acceptable is the action of Nectarios Triantis. Booked for simulation early in the game, there was no reason for the challenge on Tony Watt that left referee Matt McDermid with no option other than to send him off.
The Australian has played well since his return in the summer and looks more assured in midfield rather than the defender he was originally brought in to be.
The fact there is a two-week break now before the next game will irk both Gray and his players.
Losing, particularly at home, is sore to take and there will be lots of thought between now and the visit to Tannadice as to how they turn their fortunes around.
Also looming large is the first Edinburgh derby of the season. Given the form of the Tynecastle club, this is the type of game you want to go into brimming with confidence. Nothing could be further from the truth for either side right now.
A win against Dundee United would help enormously.