Marink Reedijk Appointed New Hibernian FC Manager 2026

Key Points

• Scottish Premiership club Hibernian FC appointed 35-year-old Dutch coach Marink Reedijk as their Men’s First Team Manager on a three-year contract.
• Reedijk joins the club after leading Belgian side SK Beveren to the 2024/25 Challenger Pro League title with an unbeaten season, the first in professional Belgian football since 1934.
• Known for a high-pressing, possession-heavy tactical style, Reedijk replaces David Gray, who left Easter Road earlier in September 2026 after 12 years at the club.
• Hibs Chairman Ian Gordon and Sporting Director Malky Mackay cited Reedijk’s tactical clarity, focus on player development, and high-energy philosophy as the reasons for his appointment.
• Dutch coach Rogier Molhoek joined the staff at Hibernian as Reedijk’s assistant manager.

Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily) September 24, 2026 — Scottish Premiership side Hibernian FC have officially confirmed the appointment of Marink Reedijk as their new Men’s First Team Manager on a three-year deal. The 35-year-old Dutch tactical coach moves to Easter Road following a remarkably successful two-year tenure at Belgian side SK Beveren, replacing former manager David Gray, who left his post earlier this month.

Reedijk brings a highly praised footballing brand built upon aggressive high-pressing, tactical discipline, and a possession-heavy build-up model designed to dominate matches through physical intensity and ball control.

What is Marink Reedijk’s tactical philosophy?

As reported by STV News, Sporting Director Malky Mackay outlined that Reedijk’s footballing philosophy was central to the club’s hiring decision, stating: “Marink’s appointment is an exciting moment for Hibernian Football Club. 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”. Mackay added: “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’s strategic setup relies heavily on forcing opposition errors deep within their own territory. By utilizing an aggressive pressing structure, his teams aim to win possession in the attacking third to instantly create high-probability scoring opportunities before the opposition’s defensive block can reorganise. When in possession, his teams focus on maintaining control through structured pass networks, dynamic rotations, and demanding high physical output from wide players and midfielders.

What did Marink Reedijk say upon his appointment?

In his first official remarks as Hibernian manager, as reported by STV News, Marink Reedijk stated: “I am honoured to be appointed manager of Hibernian Football Club. 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”.

Addressing the tactical identity he intends to establish in Edinburgh, Reedijk continued: “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. I want us to be an assertive team. Brave, intense and committed. A team that gives everything, plays with purpose and gives our supporters something to really get behind. There is quality and potential in the squad, and good work has already been done. My first job is to get to know the players, build on those foundations and make sure we are ready for Dundee United”.

Speaking to the Hibs Observer, Reedijk emphasized the importance of squad communication and player management across a busy domestic campaign: “For me, again, it starts with knowing the people who are behind the player, and then it is also important that you stay in communication with every player. Every player counts. They come to the club, give a lot to the club as well… At the end of the day, we need everybody in the building, every quality of every individual, because the season is long and the players will help each other to be better”.

How did the Hibernian board justify the recruitment process?

As reported by STV News, Hibernian Chairman Ian Gordon expressed absolute confidence in the Dutchman’s managerial credentials, stating: “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. Marink has our backing, and we will continue to invest in the team to give him the best possible platform to succeed”.

What background led to Reedijk’s managerial rise?

Before taking up his post in the Scottish Premiership, Reedijk cultivated a strong background in youth development and tactical coaching. He earned his foundational coaching credentials within the academy systems of European clubs, including AFC Ajax, Vitesse, and English side West Bromwich Albion, before taking on senior squad responsibilities at KSV Roeselare and RSCA Futures in Belgium.

His breakthrough in senior management arrived at SK Beveren. During his first season, he stabilized the Belgian club before engineering an extraordinary campaign in 2024/25, leading SK Beveren to the Challenger Pro League title without suffering a single league defeat. This marked the first time a professional Belgian club completed an entire league season unbeaten since 1934.

Reflecting on that achievement with The National, Reedijk stated: “Beveren gave me the opportunity to lead as a manager for the first time in an interesting period of the club… We managed that first season quite well, then last season we were unbeaten champions and had an unbeaten season, and that was an amazing and very special year for me”.

Background of the development

Hibernian FC’s search for a new head coach was triggered following the dismissal of David Gray earlier in September 2026. Gray, a revered figure at Easter Road who etched his name into club folklore by scoring the winning goal in the 2016 Scottish Cup Final, was relieved of his duties following an underwhelming opening stretch to the season.

Despite achieving back-to-back top-five finishes, an inconsistent run of league results prompted the Hibernian board to seek a fresh tactical direction.

During the recruitment phase, several names were linked with the vacant manager seat at Easter Road. As reported by Scott Burns of the Daily Record, candidate options under consideration included Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley and former Salford City boss Karl Robinson.

Additionally, data analytics firm Jamestown Analytics had highlighted Reedijk’s statistical profile during his unbeaten campaign at SK Beveren, flagging his high-pressing metrics and player efficiency ratings. Following extensive interviews with the hierarchy at Easter Road, Reedijk emerged as the unanimous choice of Ian Gordon and Malky Mackay to spearhead Hibs’ long-term football strategy.

Predictions: How this development will affect Hibernian FC and their supporters

The appointment of Marink Reedijk signals an operational and tactical shift that will directly impact the Hibernian squad, the club’s supporters, and the broader competitive dynamics of the Scottish Premiership.

Impact on the First-Team Squad

For the Hibernian players, Reedijk’s arrival demands a rapid adjustment to a physically rigorous style of play. Transitioning from a more flexible setup under David Gray to an aggressive high-pressing scheme requires elevated physical conditioning, tactical discipline, and quick decision-making under pressure.

Squad members who excel in high-intensity pressing and possession retention are likely to see their roles elevated, while players accustomed to a lower defensive block may face an adjustment period. However, given Reedijk’s track record of individual player development at Ajax, West Bromwich Albion, and RSCA Futures, younger members of the squad stand to benefit significantly from his tailored coaching methods.

Impact on Hibernian Supporters

For the Easter Road faithful, Reedijk’s high-pressing and possession-heavy philosophy promises an entertaining, forward-thinking style of football. Supporters can expect a team that proactively dictates tempo and aggressively seeks to regain the ball high up the pitch. While implementation of such tactical systems often involves brief periods of volatility as players adapt to new defensive line heights and risk-taking in build-up play, the long-term prospect offers fans an assertive identity tailored for sustained European and domestic qualification pushes.