Marink Reedijk Appointed New Hibs Manager, Promises Aggressive Style

Marink Reedijk has been appointed as the new manager of Hibernian Football Club, vowing to implement an ‘intense and aggressive’ playing style designed to connect with the club’s supporters. The 35-year-old Dutchman, who succeeds David Gray, arrives at Easter Road after a successful two-season tenure with Belgian side Beveren.

Reedijk’s previous experience includes academy and development roles at clubs such as Ajax and West Bromwich Albion, along with senior coaching positions at KSV Roeselare, Vitesse, and Anderlecht Futures. He will be joined by fellow Dutchman Rogier Molhoek as his assistant.

The new manager emphasized his desire for the team to be proactive, brave, and dominant on the pitch, stating, “I want to be giving the fans the feeling that they can identify themselves with the team, and for me, how I see it, is that you need to be doing everything, and you have to leave everything on the pitch by being intense and aggressive but also proactive and brave.” However, Reedijk also cautioned that significant change will require time, adding, “At the same time, I realise I don’t have a wand in my hand to change it overnight. This will take time, but over time I want our team to be dominant, proactive, aggressive, and intense but at the same time have this expressive and creative side of the game in order to entertain the fans and identify themselves with the team and the club.”

Reedijk cited the history and passionate fanbase of Hibernian as key factors in his decision to take the role. “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,” he said. He also noted the club’s ambition and clarity of vision as attractive elements. "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 plans to get to know the existing squad and build upon the foundations already in place before the team’s first match against Dundee United on October 10. Reedijk will travel with the squad to La Manga for a training camp starting tomorrow.

During his time at Beveren, Reedijk led the team to an unbeaten championship title in the Belgian second division last season, a feat not achieved in any professional Belgian league since 1934. He believes this experience, which involved managing various pressures and expectations, has prepared him for the challenges at Hibernian, who have had a difficult start to their current campaign.

Sporting director Malky Mackay expressed enthusiasm for Reedijk’s appointment, stating that his football philosophy aligns with the club’s vision. “Marink’s appointment is an exciting moment for Hibernian Football Club,” 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 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.”

Hibs chairman Ian Gordon echoed these sentiments, calling Reedijk the “standout candidate” who impressed with his “clarity, intelligence and drive.” Gordon added that Reedijk shares the club’s ambition for player development and consistent competition at the top level of Scottish and European football.

Gray was dismissed last week following four losses in the opening six league matches. Reedijk’s fifth match in charge will be a Scottish Cup semi-final against Hearts on November 1.