Hibernian Football Club have officially announced the appointment of Marink Reedijk as their new manager, stepping into the role after the club dismissed David Gray eight days earlier. 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 has attracted attention across Europe. Reedijk’s résumé also includes valuable experience in youth development, having held academy positions at Ajax—one of the world’s most renowned talent factories—and later at English club West Bromwich Albion. This blend of success at senior level and a solid grounding in nurturing young players made him an appealing candidate for Hibs, a club that prides itself on a strong community identity and a tradition of developing home‑grown talent.
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 continued, "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 to begin on Saturday. The Dutchman will travel with the squad to work on tactics, fitness and team cohesion before his inaugural competitive fixture – a Scottish Premiership away game at Dundee United on 10 October. Hibernian currently sit 10th in the league table, having secured only two victories from their opening seven matches, a record that underscores the urgency of turning the season around.
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 perspective, 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 will bring a modern, possession‑based approach, tempered by the pragmatic defensive discipline required in the Scottish Premiership.
At SK Beveren, his side not only clinched the league title but did so without suffering a single defeat, a testament to his ability to instill confidence and consistency. Moreover, his time at Ajax’s academy exposed him to a philosophy that emphasizes technical skill, quick passing, and intelligent movement—principles he is likely to integrate into Hibs' playing style. The club’s supporters have expressed cautious optimism.
Many recall the excitement generated by previous managerial changes that led to periods of resurgence, and they hope Reedijk can replicate that momentum. The upcoming La Manga camp will be the first real opportunity for fans to gauge the new manager’s methods, as training sessions are expected to be streamed for supporters unable to travel. Off the pitch, Reedijk will also be tasked with strengthening the club’s scouting network and forging stronger links with local youth setups, aligning with Hibs’ long‑standing commitment to community engagement. His experience in academy environments should prove valuable in identifying promising Scottish talent and providing a clear pathway to the first team.
In summary, Hibernian have taken a decisive step by appointing Marink Reedijk, a young yet seasoned coach with a blend of championship‑winning experience and a proven ability to develop players. The club’s hierarchy believes his vision aligns with their strategic goals, and the upcoming training camp and first match against Dundee United will serve as early indicators of how quickly he can translate his ideas into results. The next few months will be crucial for both Reedijk and Hibs as they aim to climb the league table, re‑ignite the passion of their fan base, and lay the foundations for sustained success both domestically and in European competition.