Hibernian Football Club have officially confirmed the appointment of Marink Reedijk as their new manager, stepping into the role after the club dismissed David Gray just over a week ago. The 35‑year‑old Dutch tactician arrives from Belgian side SK Beveren, where he guided the team to the second‑division championship while remaining unbeaten throughout the campaign. Reedijk’s résumé also includes valuable experience working within the youth structures of Ajax and West Bromwich Albion, giving him a solid foundation in player development and modern coaching methodologies.
Speaking at a press conference at Easter Road, 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 proactive, fearless 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," he added. Reedijk’s first assignment will be a pre‑season training camp in La Manga, Spain, which the squad will attend on Saturday. The camp is intended to give the new manager time to assess the playing group, install his tactical concepts and foster team cohesion ahead of his debut match – a Scottish Premiership away fixture at Dundee United scheduled for 10 October.
Hibs currently sit in 10th place in the league after seven games, having secured only two victories. The club’s recent form has been a cause for concern among supporters, and the board hopes that Reedijk’s fresh ideas and proven track record can reverse the trend.
Sporting director Malky Mackay praised 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 echoed these sentiments, highlighting Reedijk’s suitability for the club’s long‑term vision. "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 overhaul, Reedijk is expected to bring a modern, data‑driven approach to training and match preparation, drawing on his experiences at Ajax’s famed academy and the analytical culture at West Brom. His unbeaten season with SK Beveren demonstrated an ability to instill confidence and resilience in a squad, qualities that Hibs will need as they aim to climb out of the lower half of the table.
The appointment also signals a broader strategic shift for Hibernian, which has been seeking to blend home‑grown talent with astute foreign signings. By hiring a manager who values player development and has a clear vision for a high‑pressing, attacking style, the club hopes to create a more attractive brand of football that resonates with its passionate fan base.
Reedijk’s arrival comes at a time when Scottish football is becoming increasingly competitive, with clubs investing heavily in scouting networks and sports science. Hibs’ leadership believes that a manager with an international outlook and a reputation for nurturing young talent can help the club not only improve domestically but also make a mark in European competitions in the future. Supporters will be watching closely as Reedijk implements his ideas during the La Manga camp and the upcoming match against Dundee United.
If his philosophy translates onto the pitch, Hibernian could see a swift turnaround in results, greater cohesion among the squad, and a renewed sense of optimism throughout the Easter Road faithful. The club has also hinted at further investment in the playing staff, suggesting that the summer transfer window may bring in players who fit Reedijk’s high‑tempo system.
With the backing of the board, the sporting director, and a clear mandate to progress, the new manager’s task is to translate ambition into tangible performance on the field. In summary, Marink Reedijk’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Hibernian. His unbeaten record in Belgium, combined with his developmental expertise from Ajax and West Brom, positions him as a promising figure capable of revitalising a side that has struggled early in the season. The upcoming training camp and his first league test against Dundee United will provide the first real indicators of how quickly his ideas can take root and whether Hibs can climb the Scottish Premiership table under his guidance.