Hibernian Football Club have confirmed the appointment of Dutch coach Marink Reedijk as their new manager, stepping into the role just eight days after the dismissal of former boss 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 highlighted his tactical acumen and ability to motivate a squad. At 35, he brings a blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience, having previously held developmental positions within the youth academies of Ajax and West Bromwich Albion, where he honed his skills in player development and modern football methodology.
In his introductory 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." He went on to outline his footballing philosophy, 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," he said. Reedijk also praised the existing squad, noting the quality and potential already present.
"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," he added, indicating that his immediate priority will be a thorough assessment of the roster before the first competitive test.
Reedijk’s arrival coincides with a pre‑season training camp in La Manga, Spain, scheduled to begin on Saturday. The squad will travel together for intensive sessions designed to integrate the new manager’s ideas and to foster team cohesion ahead of the upcoming Scottish Premiership fixture against Dundee United on October 10. Hibs currently sit in 10th place in the league, having secured just two victories from their opening seven matches, a record that underscores the urgency of a turnaround. Sporting director Malky Mackay welcomed the appointment, describing it as a pivotal moment for the 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 explained. He highlighted Reedijk’s proactive, high‑energy, and dynamic approach, noting the coach’s proven ability to nurture individual talent while fostering a cohesive collective. "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," Mackay added. Executive chairman Ian Gordon also voiced strong support for the new manager, stating that Reedijk stood out among the candidates. "Marink was the standout candidate. He impressed everyone involved in the process with his clarity, intelligence and drive," Gordon said.
He emphasized the shared ambition to develop players and compete consistently at the top tier of Scottish football and in European competitions. "Marink 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," Gordon concluded. The appointment of Reedijk signals a fresh chapter for Hibernian, a club with a storied past and a passionate fan base eager for improvement. By blending his experience from successful campaigns abroad with a clear vision for an aggressive, purposeful style of play, Reedijk aims to revitalize the team's performances on the pitch.
The upcoming La Manga camp will serve as a crucial period for the manager to instill his tactical concepts, assess player strengths, and begin shaping a squad capable of challenging for higher league positions. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Reedijk’s first competitive outing against Dundee United.
A positive result could provide an early boost to confidence and set the tone for the months ahead. Conversely, the challenges of the Scottish Premiership – known for its physicality and intense rivalries – will test the adaptability of Reedijk’s methods and his capacity to motivate a squad that has struggled to find consistency.
Beyond the immediate fixtures, Reedijk’s background in youth development suggests a longer‑term strategy focused on nurturing home‑grown talent, a pathway that aligns with Hibs’ historical emphasis on developing players from within. By integrating promising academy prospects with experienced professionals, the club hopes to build a sustainable model that delivers both short‑term results and future success. In summary, Marink Reedijk’s appointment marks a decisive step for Hibernian as they seek to reverse a disappointing start to the campaign.
With a clear mandate to implement an assertive, high‑energy style, and backed by the club’s hierarchy, Reedijk faces the dual challenge of immediate performance improvement and laying foundations for lasting growth. The forthcoming training camp and the October 10 match against Dundee United will be the first litmus tests of his impact, and supporters will be watching closely to see whether the new manager can fulfill the ambitions articulated by both the sporting director and the executive chairman.