Marink Reedijk has opened up on the lengthy process that led to his appointment as Hibernian manager, revealing that a seven-hour meeting with the club's board in London played a decisive role in convincing him to take charge at Easter Road.
The 35-year-old Dutchman will take his first steps as Hibs boss this Saturday when his side travel to Tannadice to face Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership. Before that, Reedijk spent two weeks settling into his new role, including joining the squad on their warm weather training camp in Spain, an experience he described as intense but worthwhile.
Reflecting on how quickly events unfolded, Reedijk explained that his move to Hibs began with a video call before escalating into a face-to-face meeting that lasted the better part of a day. "It was sort of a rollercoaster when it happened. We had first a Zoom call and just a few days later I was in London meeting with the board and sat down for seven hours," he said. He described the discussions as wide-ranging, covering his footballing philosophy, his approach to management, and how he envisioned working alongside the club's staff and players.
Those conversations, he said, ultimately persuaded him that Hibernian was the right fit. Reedijk emphasized that his decision was not based solely on football matters but also on the identity and culture surrounding the Edinburgh club. He said he had researched Hibs thoroughly before accepting the role and was struck by the loyalty of its fanbase, which he likened to an extended family. According to Reedijk, that sense of community was evident from the moment he walked into the building, and it has remained a constant since his arrival.
Hibs currently sit 10th in the Premiership table, and Reedijk was unambiguous about his primary objective in the dugout. "Win as many matches as possible for me," he said. "I don't like to not win." He added a light-hearted admission that his competitive streak extends well beyond professional football, joking that even playing a board game against a five-year-old relative brings out his desire to come out on top — a trait he conceded isn't always admirable in everyday life but one he considers valuable on the pitch.
Beyond results, though, the new Hibs boss stressed that building a strong collective spirit within the squad and club would be just as important to his tenure. He said fostering unity was one of his key priorities, aiming to ensure that everyone connected to Hibernian — players, staff, and supporters alike — feels part of a shared identity both during matches and in everyday club life.
Reedijk arrives in Scotland following a successful spell at Belgian club Beveren, whom he led to promotion last season. While this marks his first managerial role in a top-flight league, he expressed confidence that Scottish football presents a compelling challenge. He noted that outside observers, including those in his native Netherlands, often focus narrowly on a handful of prominent clubs when assessing the Scottish game. However, having studied the league closely, he believes it is far more competitive than it might appear from the outside, pointing out that any team can beat another on a given day.
For Reedijk, that unpredictability is part of the appeal, representing both a professional test and a personal opportunity for growth as he embarks on this new chapter of his managerial career.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.