Hibernian Football Club have officially announced the appointment of Marink Reedijk as their new manager, stepping into the role after the dismissal of David Gray eight days earlier. The Dutch tactician 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 leadership qualities. At just 35 years old, Reedijk brings a blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience. Prior to his success in Belgium, he spent time developing young talent in the academies of two well‑known clubs: Ajax, where he was immersed in the famed Dutch total‑football philosophy, and West Bromwich Albion, where he gained insight into the English game and its physical demands.
These varied backgrounds have equipped him with a versatile coaching toolkit, capable of adapting to different playing styles and nurturing players at various stages of their careers. Speaking at the 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." He went on to note that the ambition he sensed within the organisation was a key factor in his decision to join: "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 footballing vision, emphasizing a proactive and courageous approach: "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 also praised the existing squad, acknowledging 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." The new manager will soon travel with the first‑team group to a pre‑season training camp at La Manga in Spain, scheduled to begin on Saturday. This trip will serve as his initial opportunity to assess the squad, implement his ideas, and foster cohesion among the players.
His debut competitive fixture will be an away Scottish Premiership match against Dundee United on 10 October, a test that will immediately place his concepts under scrutiny. Hibernian currently sit 10th in the Premiership table, having secured only two victories from their opening seven league games. The club’s recent form has prompted a desire for fresh direction, and the board believes Reedijk’s appointment can catalyse a turnaround.
Sporting director Malky Mackay commented on the selection: "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." Mackay further highlighted the attributes that stood out during the recruitment process: "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 echoed these sentiments, describing Reedijk as the clear front‑runner for the role: "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 strategic shift for Hibs. The club aims to blend a strong youth development pipeline—leveraging his academy experience—with a competitive first‑team that can challenge for domestic honors and make strides in European competition.
By fostering a high‑pressing, possession‑based style, he hopes to entertain the passionate Edinburgh fanbase while delivering tangible results on the pitch. In the weeks leading up to the La Manga camp, Reedijk will hold individual meetings with each squad member, review match footage from the early season, and begin to outline his training methodology.
Fans can expect a renewed emphasis on fitness, tactical discipline, and creative freedom for attacking players, reflecting the modern Dutch approach he honed at Ajax. The upcoming match against Dundee United will be a litmus test for his ideas. While the result will matter, the performance—how the team organizes defensively, transitions quickly, and shows resilience under pressure—will be the true measure of his impact.
Should the squad respond positively, Hibs could quickly climb out of the lower half of the table and re‑establish themselves as genuine contenders. Overall, the appointment of Marink Reedijk represents a bold and forward‑looking move by Hibernian. With a blend of youthful vigor, continental experience, and a clear vision for an assertive, entertaining brand of football, the club hopes to reignite its fortunes and deliver a renewed sense of optimism to its supporters. The journey begins in La Manga, but the aspirations extend far beyond a single training camp, aiming for sustained success in the Scottish Premiership and beyond.