This season Edinburgh stand eighth in the PRO12 but head into the European break off the back of a four-match winning streak at home.
And Gilchrist, the 23-year-old lock, insists everyone knows where they stand with the new regime.
"Omar is a big character for such as small bloke," he told the Scotsman. "He is a great guy to have around. "You'll always know where you stand with him, and if you make a mistake in training you'll certainly know about it, but I don't mind that at all.
"I would much rather to have somebody who brings a lot of energy and a lot of intensity to training because that's how we will develop.
"I've learned a lot from the time I have spent with Alan and Omar. They are coaches I really respect. I think all the guys do.
"Alan is a nice guy - but he does have an edge."
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