New boss Reedijk promises 'brave and intense' Hibs

Former Beveren head coach Marink Reedijk has vowed to develop a "brave, intense and committed" Hibernian team after becoming the club's new manager.

The Dutchman, 35, replaces David Gray, who was sacked eight days ago after a difficult start to the term for the Scottish Premiership outfit.

Reedijk has spent the last two seasons with Beveren, earning promotion to the Belgian top flight last season after an unbeaten campaign before leaving in the summer.

He previously worked in academy roles at Ajax and West Bromwich Albion, as well as the senior teams at Roeselare, Vitesse and Anderlecht B.

Hibs say Reedijk - who is "honoured" to be appointed - arrives with a reputation for attacking football and building a strong team culture.

"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."

Reedijk, who has signed a three-year contract, will be assisted by Rogier Molhoek at Easter Road, with the club hailing his arrival as "an exciting moment".

Hibs are currently 10th in the Premiership, with two wins from their opening seven matches, and endured a gut-wrenching Conference League play-off exit.

Under Gray, they finished third in 2024-25 and fifth last term, with the departed manager also leading them to November's League Cup semi-finals, where they will face city rivals Hearts.

Sporting director Malky Mackay insists Reedijk's recruitment is not about "changing the direction" of their footbal strategy but is about "continuing to evolve it".

"We believe Marink is an excellent fit to take the team forward," he added.

"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."

The new boss is not much older than Hibs players Grant Hanley, Martin Boyle and Joe Newell.

He never played in the professional ranks and his experience as a head coach is from three years in the Belgian second tier.

However, his 'invincibles' run to the title last season, 28 wins and four draws, certainly grabbed attention - as did his decision to step down rather than lead Beveren in the top flight.

Reedijk, who has worked under Thomas Letsch and Phillip Cocu, has a philosophy doctorate in sports coaching and his methods lifted Beveren four places to fourth in his first campaign at the club after a debut term at Anderlecht Futures in the same division.

He spoke of "quality and potential" in a Hibs squad that has looked stale, risk-averse and unimaginative in recent weeks.

Hibs have shown glimpses of what they are capable of with good wins away to Rangers and Dundee, while a stirring second-half display at home to Gent, joint top of the Belgian Pro League, was undone by a calamitous climax.

Reedijk will have a Spanish training camp and four Premiership outings to get Hibs firing before a derby at Hampden, a huge showdown that will most definitely require the bravery and intensity he seeks.

Ross: 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: 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: 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.

Alan: Reedijk inherits a good squad that has been under-performing - most obviously since the European disappointment. If he can get off to a good start, particularly at Hampden, he will gain a great deal of goodwill. Good luck to him.

Fraser: Exciting appointment and something different. Can't accuse the board of not trying with this appointment

Forbes: Time will tell whether he is the right choice or not. Hopefully he does well, although his lack of managerial experience is a concern despite doing well at Beveren.

Duncan: Best of luck to the guy, but this is our 15th manager in 20 years. And I can count on the fingers of one hand the number that have done a good job. When will we learn that maybe the manager isn't the problem?

Malcolm: How does this guy have a record of knowing Scottish football? This is going to be another waste of time with relegation coming our way. What was wrong with Steve Clarke?