Hibernian have named Marink Reedijk as their new head coach, turning to the 35-year-old Dutchman just over a week after parting ways with David Gray. The Scottish Premiership club confirmed the appointment as they look to reverse a sluggish start to the season.
Reedijk arrives from Belgian side Beveren, where he spent the last two campaigns before stepping away in the summer. His final season in charge was a remarkable one, guiding the club to the Belgian top flight with an unbeaten record of 28 wins and four draws. Notably, he chose to leave rather than take Beveren into the top division himself.
Before his time at Beveren, Reedijk worked in academy set-ups at Ajax and West Bromwich Albion, and held senior coaching roles with KSV Roeselare, Vitesse, and Anderlecht's B team, including a debut head coaching stint at Anderlecht Futures. He also holds a philosophy doctorate in sports coaching and has previously worked under managers Thomas Letsch and Phillip Cocu.
Speaking after his unveiling, Reedijk expressed his enthusiasm for the project at Easter Road. "I can feel the ambition and see the clarity of what the club is trying to achieve," he 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."
The new head coach will be supported by assistant Rogier Molhoek, with the club describing his arrival as an exciting development for the squad. Hibs' sporting director Malky Mackay explained that the decision to bring in Reedijk was rooted in continuity of philosophy rather than a drastic overhaul. "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."
Reedijk takes charge of a Hibs side currently sitting 10th in the Premiership table after winning just two of their opening seven league matches. The club also suffered a disappointing exit from the Conference League play-offs earlier this season, a result that has cast a shadow over what had otherwise been a period of steady progress under Gray, who led Hibs to third place in 2024-25 and fifth last season, as well as a League Cup semi-final berth against rivals Hearts.
Despite his lack of top-flight managerial experience, Reedijk's methods have drawn attention within coaching circles, particularly his impact at Beveren, where his sides improved by four places in the table during his debut campaign. Hibs fans have shown moments of promise this season, including away wins over Rangers and Dundee, and a spirited second-half comeback attempt against Belgian leaders Gent, though that match ultimately ended in disappointment.
The incoming boss will have a training camp in Spain and four Premiership fixtures to prepare his squad before a high-stakes League Cup semi-final against Hearts at Hampden Park in November.
Reaction from supporters has been mixed but largely open-minded. Some fans welcomed the swift appointment and highlighted Reedijk's attacking philosophy as a promising fit, while others expressed reservations about his inexperience in Scottish football and the club's long history of managerial turnover.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Scotland.