The short version
- Marink Reedijk has been named the new manager of Hibernian FC, succeeding David Gray who was dismissed following a poor start to the season.
- Reedijk brings experience from his recent promotion-winning tenure at Beveren and previous academy roles at Ajax and West Bromwich Albion.
- Club officials state the appointment aligns with their existing strategic direction, emphasizing an assertive, high-energy playing style.
Hibernian Football Club has confirmed the appointment of Marink Reedijk as its new head manager, marking a significant shift in leadership for the Edinburgh-based side. The Dutch coach, aged thirty-five, takes over the reins at Easter Road after the club parted ways with David Gray just eight days prior. Gray’s departure followed a challenging beginning to the current campaign, during which the team struggled to find consistent form on the pitch.
Reedijk arrives with a recent track record of success in Belgian football. During his two seasons with Beveren, he guided the club to promotion into the top flight last year, achieving this milestone through an unbeaten campaign. His departure from Beveren occurred over the summer, leaving him available for new opportunities. The Hibernian board views his background as a strong match for their current needs, particularly given his reputation for fostering attacking play and cultivating robust team cultures.
The thirty-five-year-old manager has spent considerable time developing within youth systems before moving into senior roles. His career path includes significant stints in academy environments at Ajax and West Bromwich Albion. Additionally, he has managed senior squads at KSV Roeselare, Vitesse, and RSCA Futures. This blend of developmental and first-team experience appears to have influenced the club’s decision, as they seek a leader who can both manage immediate results and contribute to long-term player growth.
Upon his appointment, Reedijk expressed enthusiasm about the role, noting that he felt a clear sense of ambition within the organization. He emphasized his desire to build a squad that plays with purpose and intensity, aiming to provide supporters with a compelling product. The manager described his vision as one centered on bravery and commitment, qualities he intends to instill in the players under his charge. His comments suggest a focus on creating an assertive identity for the team moving forward.
Sporting director Malky Mackay clarified that this managerial change does not represent a fundamental pivot in the club’s football philosophy. Instead, it is framed as a continuation and evolution of existing strategies. Mackay stated that Reedijk’s approach aligns closely with the qualities the club sought in a successor, highlighting his ability to create dynamic, high-energy environments. The leadership team believes Reedijk can help develop individual players while strengthening the collective spirit of the squad.
Reedijk will be joined by Rogier Molhoek as his assistant at Easter Road. The club has characterized this hiring as an exciting moment for the organization, signaling a fresh start after recent disappointments. Hibernian currently sits in tenth place in the Scottish Premiership standings, having secured only two victories from their first seven matches of the season. Their European campaign also ended prematurely with an exit from the Conference League, adding to the pressure on the coaching staff.
The previous manager, David Gray, had overseen respectable finishes in recent years, including a third-place finish in the 2024/25 season and a fifth-place result last term. He also led the team to the League Cup semi-finals in November, where they are set to face city rivals Hearts. Despite these achievements, the early struggles of the current season prompted the board to seek new leadership. The decision reflects a desire to address immediate performance issues while maintaining strategic continuity.
Fan reactions to the appointment have been generally positive, with supporters expressing hope that Reedijk can turn the team’s fortunes around quickly. Some observers noted his preference for attacking football and the use of wingers as a potential asset for the current squad. While there is acknowledgment that results may not improve overnight, there is a prevailing sentiment of support for the new manager. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Reedijk can stabilize the team and elevate their performance in both domestic and cup competitions.
As Hibernian looks to climb the table, the focus will shift to how Reedijk implements his tactical ideas with the existing roster. The club’s investment in a manager with a proven ability to promote teams suggests confidence in his methods. With the season well underway, the pressure is on to deliver results that justify the change in leadership. The coming matches will serve as an early indicator of whether this appointment marks the beginning of a successful era for the club.
The broader context of Scottish football remains competitive, with Hibernian needing to perform consistently to challenge for higher positions. Reedijk’s task involves not only improving match outcomes but also restoring confidence among players and fans alike. His background in developing young talent may prove valuable in unlocking potential within the squad. As the season progresses, the impact of his leadership will become increasingly apparent, shaping the club’s trajectory for the remainder of the campaign.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Hibs appoint Dutchman Reedijk as new manager
