New Hibernian manager Marink Reedijk has promised supporters a team built around an “intense and aggressive” approach, while stressing that transforming the side will not happen instantly.
The 35-year-old Dutch coach has been confirmed as David Gray’s replacement at Easter Road after guiding Belgian club Beveren through two successful seasons.
Reedijk’s coaching background includes academy and development work with Ajax and West Brom. He later moved into senior roles with KSV Roeselare, Vitesse, Anderlecht Futures and Beveren.
He will be joined at Hibernian by fellow Dutchman Rogier Molhoek and is due to fly with the squad to La Manga tomorrow for a training camp. His first match in charge will come against Dundee United on October 10.
“I want the fans to feel that they can identify with the team,” Reedijk said in an interview with the club. “For me, that means giving everything, leaving it all on the pitch and playing with intensity, aggression, bravery and a proactive mindset.”
“But I understand I don’t have a magic wand and cannot change everything overnight. It will take time. Ultimately, I want us to be dominant, proactive, aggressive and intense, while also showing the creativity and expression needed to entertain the supporters and build a real connection with the team and the club.”
New Hibs manager Marink Reedijk says the club’s history was a major attraction
Reedijk guided Beveren to promotion after an unbeaten campaign in Belgium’s second tier
Reedijk said Hibernian’s rich history and passionate fanbase played a major part in his decision to move to Edinburgh. He is now looking forward to spending the coming week learning more about his new squad.
“This is one of the biggest clubs in Scottish football, with a unique history, identity and support,” he said. “I’m excited to experience that passion and connection for myself.”
“I could see the ambition here and the clear direction the club wants to take. That was one of the main reasons I was attracted to the opportunity.”
“There is quality and plenty of potential within the squad, and important work has already been done. My immediate priority is to get to know the players, build on those foundations and ensure we are prepared for Dundee United.”
Reedijk departed Beveren in June after overseeing a historic second-tier title win. His team completed the entire campaign unbeaten, becoming the first side to achieve that feat in any professional Belgian league since 1934.
He believes the lessons from his first senior managerial appointment will help him deal with the demands at Hibs, who have endured a disappointing opening to the season following consecutive top-five finishes under Gray.
“Beveren gave me my first opportunity to manage during an important period for the club,” Reedijk said. “We needed to establish a new identity on the pitch and create something different from what had come before.”
“We handled that first season well, and then last year we became unbeaten champions. To complete an unbeaten campaign was an incredible and deeply special achievement for me.”
“It was only after stepping away from the club during the summer that I fully appreciated how remarkable it had been. When you are living through it, everything can feel completely normal.”
“It was a demanding and fascinating season, bringing different pressures to the players, coaching staff and everyone connected with the club.”
“Experiencing all of that was extremely valuable and has helped prepare me for the next stage of my career.”
Gray was dismissed last week after Hibs suffered four defeats in their first six Premiership fixtures. Reedijk’s fifth game in charge is set to be the Scottish Cup semi-final against city rivals Hearts on November 1.
Gray paid the price for poor home form, a European exit and a below-par start to the season
‘Marink’s appointment is an exciting moment for Hibernian Football Club,’ said sporting director Malky Mackay.
‘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.
‘This is not about changing the direction of our football strategy. It is about continuing to evolve it, and we believe Marink is an excellent fit to take the team forward.’
Hibs chairman Ian Gordon added: ‘Marink was the standout candidate. He impressed everyone involved in the process with his clarity, intelligence and drive.
‘He shares our ambition to develop players and consistently compete at the top end of Scottish football and in Europe.’
