Hibs appoint Marink Reedijk as new manager after David Gray sacking
Hibs turn to Dutchman Reedijk to revive Easter Road fortunes
Hibernian have confirmed the appointment of Dutchman Marink Reedijk as their new manager, with the 35-year-old vowing to develop a "brave, intense and committed" team at Easter Road.
The former Beveren head coach replaces David Gray, who was sacked eight days ago after a difficult start to the season for the Scottish Premiership outfit. Reedijk arrives at a club currently sitting 10th in the Premiership with two wins from their opening seven matches, and still reeling from a gut-wrenching exit from the Conference League.
A rising reputation in European football
Reedijk spent the last two seasons with Beveren, earning promotion to the Belgian top flight last season after an unbeaten campaign before departing in the summer. His coaching background includes academy roles at Ajax and West Bromwich Albion, as well as spells with the senior teams at KSV Roeselare, Vitesse and RSCA Futures.
Hibs say the Dutchman arrives with a reputation for attacking football and building a strong team culture, and he will be assisted by Rogier Molhoek at Easter Road, with the club hailing his arrival as "an exciting moment".
"I can feel the ambition and see the clarity of what the club is trying to achieve," Reedijk said. "That was a big part of what attracted me here. I want us to be an assertive team. A team that gives everything, plays with purpose and gives our supporters something to really get behind."
Sporting director backs continuity over change
Sporting director Malky Mackay was keen to stress that Reedijk's recruitment is not about "changing the direction" of the club's football strategy, but rather "continuing to evolve it".
"We believe Marink is an excellent fit to take the team forward," Mackay said. "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 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."
Under Gray, Hibs finished third in 2024/25 and fifth last term, with the departed manager also guiding the club to November's League Cup semi-finals, where they will face city rivals Hearts.
Fans react to the appointment
Supporters have largely given a cautious welcome to the new boss, with many praising the speed of the appointment.
Ross said: "Decent appointment, time will tell if it's the right one. His credentials and philosophy sits well with me and what we want to achieve. Welcome and all the best."
Lee added: "Another young manager! Let's get behind him, and the team and give him a chance to show what he is capable of. I hope it works out, because if it doesn't, beyond the dugout is where the spotlight should be."
Tony commented: "Brilliant, good to have someone in quickly. Not a great knowledge of the guy but from what I've read he likes an attacking team with wingers so that's a positive. Will be good to see what he can do with the current squad. It probably won't solve it quickly but let's see."