Hibernian Football Club have officially announced the appointment of Marink Reedijk as their new manager, stepping into the role just eight days after the departure of former boss David Gray. 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 feat that underscored his tactical acumen and ability to foster winning mentalities.
Reedijk’s résumé also includes valuable experience in youth development, having held coaching positions within the academies of Ajax and West Bromwich Albion. Those stints have given him a solid grounding in nurturing young talent, a quality that Hibs hope will translate into a more dynamic, forward‑thinking first team. 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 assignment will be a pre‑season training camp in La Manga, Spain, scheduled to begin on Saturday. The camp is designed to give the new manager a chance to assess the squad, implement his ideas, and forge a collective identity before his inaugural competitive match – a Scottish Premiership away fixture at Dundee United on October 10.
Hibs currently sit in 10th place in the Scottish Premiership, having recorded just two victories from their opening seven games. The club’s leadership sees Reedijk as the catalyst needed to reverse that 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 those sentiments, adding, “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 arrival comes at a pivotal moment for Hibs, a club that boasts a storied past dating back to 1875 and a fervent fan base that expects both attractive football and tangible results. The manager’s unbeaten record with Beveren demonstrates his capacity to organise a side that can dominate a league, while his academy work suggests he will be comfortable integrating promising youngsters into the senior squad – a strategy that aligns with Hibs’ tradition of developing home‑grown talent. Beyond the immediate tactical challenges, Reedijk will need to address broader issues such as squad depth, injury management, and the psychological resilience required to navigate a congested Scottish calendar that includes league fixtures, cup competitions, and potential European commitments.
His experience in the Netherlands and England should aid him in adapting to the physical style of Scottish football while introducing a more possession‑based, high‑pressing approach. The upcoming La Manga camp will be a crucial testing ground. It offers an environment away from the pressures of Edinburgh, allowing Reedijk to experiment with formations, set‑piece routines, and player roles.
It also provides a chance to bond with the squad, assess fitness levels, and identify any gaps that may need reinforcement during the upcoming January transfer window. Fans have responded with a mixture of optimism and cautious hope.
Social media commentary highlights excitement over the fresh perspective Reedijk brings, while also acknowledging the work required to climb out of the lower half of the table. The club’s supporters, known for their vocal presence at Easter Road, will be keen to see whether the new manager can deliver the “brave, intense and committed” style he promised.
In summary, Marink Reedijk’s appointment represents a strategic move by Hibernian to blend youthful development with a winning mentality. With a clear mandate to improve performances, instil a proactive brand of football, and guide the team to a stronger league position, Reedijk’s tenure will be closely watched by both the club hierarchy and its passionate fan base. The next few months, beginning with the La Manga camp and culminating in the first league test at Dundee United, will set the tone for what could become a transformative era at Easter Road.