Hibernian Football Club have announced the appointment of Dutch manager Marink Reedijk as their new head coach, stepping into the role just eight days after the dismissal of former manager David Gray. Reedijk arrives from Belgian side SK Beveren, where he guided the team to the second‑division championship in an unbeaten season, showcasing his ability to build winning squads.
At 35, Reedijk brings a blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience, having previously served in youth development roles at Ajax – a club renowned for its academy pedigree – and later at West Bromwich Albion in England. These positions have equipped him with a deep understanding of player development and modern coaching methodologies, qualities that Hibs hope will translate into success at senior level.
Speaking at the press conference, Reedijk expressed his enthusiasm for the job: "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 proactive, courageous 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 task will be a pre‑season training camp at La Manga in Spain, scheduled for the upcoming Saturday, where he will meet the squad and begin to implement his ideas. The inaugural competitive test for the new manager will be a Scottish Premiership away fixture against Dundee United on 10 October. Hibs currently sit in 10th place in the Scottish Premiership, having secured only two victories from their opening seven matches. The club’s hierarchy believes Reedijk can reverse this trend and restore the team to a more competitive standing.
Sporting director Malky Mackay welcomed the appointment, stating: "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 support, noting: "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 challenges ahead. At SK Beveren, he not only secured promotion but did so without dropping points, a testament to tactical discipline and squad cohesion.
His time at Ajax’s academy exposed him to a philosophy centered on technical excellence, positional play, and nurturing young talent – elements that could prove valuable for Hibs, a club that traditionally emphasizes developing home‑grown players. The transition from youth coaching to senior management can be demanding, yet Reedijk’s stint at West Bromwich Albion gave him exposure to the rigors of first‑team football in the English system, where he worked closely with senior professionals and contributed to match preparation and analysis. Combining these experiences, he is expected to introduce a modern, possession‑based approach while retaining the physical intensity required in the Scottish Premiership. Fans will be watching closely as the new manager integrates his ideas.
Hibernian supporters have long cherished a distinctive identity, rooted in Edinburgh’s East End community, and they anticipate a style of play that reflects both ambition and authenticity. Reedijk’s promise of an "assertive, brave, and intense" team aligns with the supporters’ desire for a side that fights for every ball and creates exciting, attacking football. Beyond tactics, Reedijk will need to manage the squad’s morale after a turbulent start to the season.
Building relationships with key players, assessing the depth of the roster, and making strategic recruitment decisions during the upcoming transfer window will be crucial. The club’s commitment to investing in the squad, as highlighted by Chairman Gordon, indicates that resources will be available to strengthen areas of weakness, provided the manager can articulate clear needs. In summary, Marink Reedijk’s appointment marks a fresh chapter for Hibernian. With a blend of youth development expertise, a proven winning record in Belgium, and a clear vision for an energetic, purpose‑driven playing style, he is poised to revitalize a side currently struggling in the league.
The forthcoming La Manga camp and the early test against Dundee United will offer the first glimpse of his impact, while the club’s leadership expresses confidence that his philosophy aligns with Hibs’ long‑term aspirations. The coming months will reveal whether Reedijk can translate his past successes into sustained progress for one of Scotland’s historic football institutions.