Hibernian Football Club have announced the appointment of Dutch coach Marink Reedijk as their new manager, stepping into the role just eight days after the dismissal of David Gray. Reedijk arrives from Belgian side SK Beveren, where he guided the team to the second‑division championship in an unbeaten season, a remarkable achievement that has drawn attention across Europe. At 35, Reedijk brings a blend of youthful energy and substantial experience, having previously held development positions within the youth academies of Ajax and West Bromwich Albion, where he honed his skills in nurturing talent and implementing modern football philosophies. In his introductory press conference, Reedijk expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead: "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. 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." He went on to outline his vision for the team, emphasizing a desire for an assertive, brave, and intense style of play: "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. There is quality and potential in the squad, and good work has already been done. My first job is to get to know the players, build on those foundations and make sure we are ready for Dundee United." Reedijk's first assignment will be a pre‑season training camp at La Manga in Spain, scheduled to begin on Saturday.
The camp is intended to give the new manager a chance to assess the squad, install his tactical concepts, and foster cohesion among the players before his debut match, a Scottish Premiership away fixture at Dundee United on 10 October. Hibs currently sit 10th in the league table, having secured only two victories from their opening seven games, a position that underscores the urgency of turning the season around.
Sporting director Malky Mackay welcomed the appointment, describing it as a pivotal moment for the club: "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. His teams are proactive, high energy and dynamic.
What also stands out is his ability to develop individuals and create a strong collective environment. 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." Executive chairman Ian Gordon also praised the selection, noting that Reedijk distinguished himself among the candidates: "Marink was the standout candidate. He impressed everyone involved in the process with his clarity, intelligence and drive.
He shares our ambition to develop players and consistently compete at the top end of Scottish football and in Europe. 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." Reedijk's track record suggests he is well‑suited to the task. At SK Beveren, he not only secured promotion but did so without suffering a single defeat, a testament to his tactical discipline and motivational skills.
His earlier work at Ajax's famed academy exposed him to a philosophy that values technical proficiency, positional play, and a proactive attacking mindset—principles that align with Hibs' desire to play an attractive, high‑tempo brand of football. Moreover, his stint at West Bromwich Albion gave him insight into the rigors of English football, where physicality and resilience are paramount, traits that will be valuable in the Scottish Premiership. The new manager faces several immediate challenges.
First, he must quickly establish rapport with a squad that has experienced a turbulent start to the season, restoring confidence and belief. Second, he needs to integrate his preferred formations and training methods without causing disruption, balancing continuity with innovation.
Third, he must navigate the expectations of a passionate fan base that expects both progress and entertaining football. Beyond the tactical and psychological aspects, Reedijk will also be tasked with player development.
Hibernian have a reputation for producing young talent, and the club's hierarchy has emphasized the importance of nurturing home‑grown players. Reedijk's background in academy environments positions him to identify promising prospects, provide individualized coaching, and create pathways for youth to transition into the first team. Financially, the club has signaled its commitment to backing the manager with appropriate resources. Gordon's remarks about continued investment suggest that the board is prepared to support strategic signings, infrastructure improvements, and staff enhancements that align with Reedijk's vision.
This financial stability could prove crucial in attracting quality players and retaining existing talent. In summary, Marink Reedijk steps into Hibernian with a clear mandate: to inject energy, ambition, and a winning mentality into a side that has struggled early in the campaign. His blend of unbeaten success in Belgium, academy expertise from Ajax, and experience in English football provides a solid foundation for the task ahead.
The upcoming La Manga camp will be his first opportunity to imprint his ideas, and the Dundee United clash will serve as an early test of his impact. With the backing of the club's leadership and a supportive fan base eager for revitalisation, Reedijk's tenure promises to be an intriguing chapter in Hibernian's storied history.