Hibernian Football Club have announced the appointment of Marink Reedijk as their new manager, stepping into the role just eight days after the dismissal of David Gray. The 35‑year‑old Dutch coach arrives from Belgian side SK Beveren, where he guided the team to the second‑division championship in an unbeaten season, a remarkable achievement that attracted attention beyond the Low Countries. Reedijk's résumé also includes valuable experience working within the youth structures of Ajax, one of Europe’s most renowned academies, and a stint at English club West Bromwich Albion where he helped develop emerging talent. This blend of success at senior level and a strong grounding in player development made him an appealing choice for a Hibs side seeking both immediate improvement and a longer‑term footballing philosophy.
Speaking at the press conference, Reedijk said, "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: "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 will join the Hibs squad for a pre‑season training camp in La Manga, Spain, beginning on Saturday. The camp will provide the new manager with his first opportunity to assess the squad, implement his tactical ideas and establish the standards he expects. His inaugural competitive test will be an away Scottish Premiership fixture against Dundee United on 10 October, a match that will serve as an early barometer of how quickly his concepts can be translated onto the pitch.
Hibernian currently sit 10th in the Scottish Premiership table, having secured only two victories from their opening seven games. The club’s recent form has prompted a desire for fresh ideas, and the board believes Reedijk can inject the necessary energy and direction.
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." Beyond the immediate tactical considerations, Reedijk's appointment signals a broader commitment by Hibernian to nurture home‑grown talent while remaining competitive on the domestic stage. His background at Ajax, famed for its emphasis on technical skill and positional play, suggests he may introduce a more possession‑oriented approach, encouraging young players to express themselves within a structured system. At the same time, his unbeaten campaign with SK Beveren demonstrates an ability to instill confidence and resilience, traits that will be crucial as Hibs look to climb out of the lower half of the table. The upcoming La Manga camp will also serve as a cultural immersion period, allowing Reedijk to understand the club’s traditions, the expectations of the passionate Edinburgh fan base, and the nuances of Scottish football.
By integrating his continental experience with the local context, he hopes to craft a style that resonates with supporters while delivering results. Fans can look forward to a refreshed training methodology, potentially incorporating modern sports science, video analysis and individualized development plans—tools that have become standard in elite European clubs. Such investments aim to elevate the overall standard of the squad, reduce injury rates, and ensure that each player maximises his potential.
In summary, Marink Reedijk arrives at Hibernian with a proven track record of success, a clear developmental philosophy, and a determination to build a team that is both entertaining and results‑driven. The club’s leadership has expressed confidence that his appointment will propel Hibs forward, both in the Scottish Premiership and in future European aspirations.
The next few weeks, culminating in the first league match against Dundee United, will be critical in assessing how quickly his ideas take root and how the supporters respond to the new direction.