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 coach, 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 honed his skills in player development and modern coaching methodologies.
Speaking at a press conference, Reedijk expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge: "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. 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 appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Edinburgh side, who currently sit 10th in the Scottish Premiership after securing only two victories from their opening seven fixtures. The club's leadership sees the new manager as a perfect fit for their long‑term vision. Sporting director Malky Mackay commented, "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 added his endorsement, stating, "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." In preparation for his first competitive test, Reedijk will travel with the squad to a pre‑season training camp in La Manga, Spain, this Saturday. The camp is designed to give the new manager a chance to assess the squad's strengths and weaknesses, implement his tactical ideas, and foster team cohesion ahead of the upcoming Scottish Premiership fixture at Dundee United on 10 October.
Reedijk's background provides a blend of success at senior level and a deep understanding of youth development. 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 time at Ajax's famed academy exposed him to a footballing philosophy that values technical proficiency, positional play, and a proactive attacking mindset—principles he intends to adapt to the Scottish game.
Meanwhile, his stint at West Bromwich Albion offered insight into the rigors of English football, where physicality and intensity are paramount. The Hibs fanbase, known for its passionate support and strong community ties, will be eager to see how Reedijk translates his continental ideas into the fast‑paced, physically demanding environment of the Scottish Premiership.
Early indications suggest he plans to instill a high‑pressing, possession‑based approach, encouraging players to take the initiative and maintain pressure on opponents. He has also emphasized the importance of mental resilience, noting that the club's recent mixed results have highlighted the need for a more consistent winning mentality.
Beyond tactics, Reedijk is expected to place a significant emphasis on player development. Hibernian have a reputation for nurturing young talent, and the new manager's experience with academy structures aligns with the club's commitment to giving home‑grown players a clear pathway to the first team. By integrating promising youngsters with seasoned professionals, Reedijk hopes to create a balanced squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, including domestic cup competitions and, potentially, European qualification. The club's immediate priority under Reedijk will be to halt the slide in the league standings and secure a respectable finish that keeps the team clear of relegation worries.
However, the longer‑term objective, as outlined by both Mackay and Gordon, is to build a sustainable model that consistently challenges for top‑four positions and eventually European spots. Investment in scouting, sports science, and infrastructure will accompany Reedijk's footballing blueprint, ensuring that Hibernian can attract and retain quality talent. As the La Manga camp commences, supporters will be watching closely for early signs of the new manager's impact—whether through changes in training intensity, tactical drills, or the morale of the squad. The upcoming clash with Dundee United will serve as the first litmus test of Reedijk's philosophy in action.
A positive result could galvanise the team and provide a springboard for the remainder of the season, while a setback would offer valuable lessons for adjustment. In summary, Marink Reedijk arrives at Hibernian with a proven track record of success, a clear developmental ethos, and a vision that resonates with the club's leadership.
His appointment signals a commitment to evolving the team's playing style, fostering a strong collective identity, and ultimately elevating Hibs back into the upper echelons of Scottish football. The journey ahead promises excitement for players, staff, and fans alike as they embark on this new chapter together.