Hibernian Football Club have officially announced the appointment of Marink Reedijk as their new manager, stepping into the role just eight days after the dismissal of former boss David Gray. Reedijk, a 35‑year‑old Dutch tactician, arrives from Belgian side SK Beveren, where he guided the team to the second‑division championship while remaining unbeaten 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 talent and refined his coaching philosophy. In his introductory press conference, Reedijk expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge, 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 ambition he perceives within the organization, adding, "I can feel the ambition and see the clarity of what the club is trying to achieve. That was a big part of what attracted me here." Reedijk outlined his vision for the team, emphasizing an aggressive and committed playing style.
"I want us to be an assertive team – brave, intense and committed. A team that gives everything, plays with purpose and gives our supporters something to really get behind," he said. He praised the existing squad, noting the quality and potential already present, and promised to build on the foundations laid by his predecessor.
"My first job is to get to know the players, build on those foundations and make sure we are ready for Dundee United," he concluded. 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 opportunity to work directly with the players. His debut competitive fixture as Hibs manager will be a Scottish Premiership away match against Dundee United on 10 October.
Hibernian currently sit in 10th place in the Scottish Premiership, having secured only two victories from their opening seven league games. The club hopes that Reedijk’s fresh perspective and proven track record can spark a turnaround in form and lift the team up the table.
Sporting director Malky Mackay welcomed the appointment, describing it as an "exciting moment for Hibernian Football Club." He explained that the recruitment process was guided by a clear vision of the type of football the club wishes to play and the attributes required of a manager. "Marink's football philosophy, his work with players and his leadership style are strongly aligned with that," Mackay said. He highlighted Reedijk’s preference for proactive, high‑energy, and dynamic teams, as well as his talent for nurturing individual players and fostering a cohesive collective environment.
Mackay added that the hiring does not signal a shift in the club’s overall football strategy, but rather an evolution of it. "This is not about changing the direction of our football strategy. It is about continuing to evolve it, and we believe Marink is an excellent fit to take the team forward," he affirmed.
Executive chairman Ian Gordon also praised Reedijk, calling him the "standout candidate" after a thorough selection process. Gordon noted that Reedijk impressed the panel with his clarity of thought, intelligence and drive.
"He shares our ambition to develop players and consistently compete at the top end of Scottish football and in Europe," Gordon said. He assured that the club would continue to invest in the squad to provide Reedijk with the resources needed for success.
"Marink has our backing, and we will continue to invest in the team to give him the best possible platform to succeed. We're delighted to welcome Marink and his family to the club," Gordon concluded.
Reedijk’s arrival marks a new chapter for Hibernian, a club with a storied past and a passionate fan base. The expectations are high, and the pressure to deliver results will be immediate. However, his unbeaten title win in Belgium, combined with his experience developing young talent at top academies, suggests he possesses both the tactical acumen and the player‑management skills required to navigate the challenges of the Scottish Premiership.
The upcoming La Manga camp will be crucial for Reedijk to assess the squad’s strengths and weaknesses, implement his training methods, and begin instilling the high‑intensity, assertive style he described. Fans will be eager to see how quickly his ideas translate onto the pitch, especially as the first test against Dundee United looms. If Reedijk can harness the existing potential within the team, foster a strong collective spirit, and deliver the kind of purposeful, attacking football that the supporters crave, Hibernian could see a swift improvement in results.
The club’s leadership appears committed to giving him the support needed, both in terms of resources and strategic alignment, to achieve those goals. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Reedijk’s ability to turn around a struggling Hibs side, navigate the rigors of the Scottish Premiership, and perhaps lay the groundwork for future European ambitions.
The journey has just begun, and the excitement among the Hibs faithful is palpable as they anticipate a new era under Marink Reedijk’s guidance.