Hibernian Football Club have officially announced the appointment of Dutch coach Marink Reedijk as their new manager, stepping in after the club dismissed David Gray just eight days earlier. Reedijk, who is 35 years old, arrives from Belgian side SK Beveren where he guided the team to the second‑division championship without suffering a single defeat throughout the campaign. His résumé also includes valuable experience working within the youth academies of Ajax and West Bromwich Albion, where he helped develop promising talents and honed his tactical acumen.
In his introductory press conference, Reedijk expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, "I am honoured to be appointed manager of Hibernian Football Club. This is one of the biggest clubs in Scottish football, with a unique history, identity and supporter base, and I am excited to experience that passion and connection first‑hand." He went on to highlight the clear ambition he perceives within the organization, noting that this forward‑looking vision was a major factor in his decision to join the Edinburgh side.
Reedijk outlined his footballing philosophy, emphasizing a desire to build a side that is "assertive, brave, intense and committed." He wants his players to give their all on the pitch, to play with purpose and to provide the fans with a style of football that they can rally behind. "There is quality and potential in the squad, and good work has already been done," he said. "My first job is to get to know the players, build on those foundations and make sure we are ready for Dundee United." The new manager will travel with the squad to a pre‑season training camp in La Manga, Spain, on Saturday, where he will have his first hands‑on session with the team.
His inaugural competitive assignment will be a Scottish Premiership away fixture against Dundee United on October 10, a match that will serve as an early test of his ideas and the squad's adaptability. Hibs currently sit in 10th place in the Scottish Premiership, having secured only two victories from their opening seven league matches. The club hopes that Reedijk's fresh perspective and proven track record can reverse this sluggish start and steer the team back toward the upper echelons of the table.
Sporting director Malky Mackay praised the appointment, saying, "Marink's appointment is an exciting moment for Hibernian Football Club. We began this process with a clear idea of the type of team we want to continue to build and the qualities we wanted from our next manager. Marink's football philosophy, his work with players and his leadership style are strongly aligned with that." Mackay added that Reedijk's teams are known for being proactive, high‑energy and dynamic, and that his ability to nurture individual talent while fostering a cohesive collective environment makes him an ideal fit for Hibs. Executive chairman Ian Gordon also weighed in, describing Reedijk as the "standout candidate" who impressed the selection panel with his clarity, intelligence and drive.
Gordon emphasized that Reedijk shares the club's ambition to develop home‑grown players and to compete consistently at the top end of Scottish football and, eventually, on the European stage. "Marink has our backing, and we will continue to invest in the team to give him the best possible platform to succeed," Gordon said, adding a warm welcome to Reedijk and his family.
Reedijk's arrival marks a new chapter for Hibernian, a club with a storied past that includes two Scottish league titles and a reputation for nurturing talent. The manager inherits a squad that, despite its recent struggles, possesses a core of promising players and a solid work ethic. Over the coming weeks, Reedijk will assess the squad's strengths and weaknesses, implement his preferred tactical systems, and likely make strategic adjustments in the transfer market to bolster key areas. Beyond the immediate tactical concerns, Reedijk faces the broader challenge of reconnecting the team with its passionate fan base.
Hibs supporters are known for their vocal support and deep-rooted loyalty, and they expect an attractive, attacking brand of football that reflects the club's identity. By fostering a culture of bravery and intensity, Reedijk aims to deliver performances that not only win points but also reignite the emotional bond between the club and its followers. The upcoming La Manga camp will be crucial for establishing training routines, building rapport with the players, and introducing the new playing philosophy.
It will also give Reedijk the opportunity to evaluate the squad's fitness levels and to begin shaping a cohesive unit ready for the rigors of the Scottish Premiership. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Reedijk's ability to translate his unbeaten success in Belgium to the Scottish game, where physicality, weather conditions, and a highly competitive league present unique obstacles. If he can blend his continental tactical insights with the rugged nature of Scottish football, Hibernian could see a resurgence that propels them back into the top half of the table and restores confidence among the supporters. In summary, Marink Reedijk's appointment signals Hibernian's commitment to a progressive, high‑energy style of play and a focus on player development.
With the backing of the club's hierarchy and a clear mandate to improve results, Reedijk's task is to harness the existing talent, instill his philosophy, and guide Hibs toward a more successful and exciting future on and off the pitch.