Marink Reedijk has officially taken the helm at Hibernian, with his debut match slated for Saturday as the Edinburgh club travel to Tannadice to face Dundee United. The 35‑year‑old Dutchman, who spent the last fortnight acclimatising to his new role, arrived in Edinburgh after a seven‑hour sit‑down with the club’s board in London, a meeting that he described as “very intense” but ultimately convincing.
Reedijk’s introduction to Hibs began with a Zoom call, followed by a lengthy face‑to‑face session in which the board and the manager discussed everything from tactical philosophy to the club’s culture. “We talked about my way of playing football, the club itself, how we see management, how we see doing things together,” he said. The conversation, he added, was a key factor in his decision to accept the role, noting that the club’s supportive fan base and family‑like atmosphere were appealing. “When I first entered the building and since I’m here, it feels like a family,” he remarked.
The Dutchman joined the squad for a warm‑weather training camp in Spain, where he met the players, coaching staff and club personnel. “A lot to do, a lot to discover but it was really good,” Reedijk said. “Long days but very fruitful days for me.” He stressed that while results are paramount, building a collective identity is equally important. “We want to become even more of a family and do things together,” he explained, adding that every member of the club should feel involved and carry the club’s identity on and off the pitch.
Reedijk comes to Hibs after guiding Belgian side Beveren to promotion last season, and this will be his first managerial appointment in a top‑flight league. Hibs currently sit 10th in the Scottish Premiership, and Reedijk is clear that his primary objective is to win as many matches as possible. “I don’t like to not win,” he said, adding that even a light‑hearted comparison to a game of Monopoly would still demand a victory. He believes the Scottish game offers ample opportunity for growth, citing its passion, tradition and the fact that “everybody can win from everybody,” making it a challenging yet rewarding environment.
With his first competitive game approaching, Reedijk’s focus remains on integrating his tactical ideas and fostering a strong team spirit. The Hibernian faithful will be eager to see whether the Dutchman can lift the club’s fortunes, while the club’s board and supporters hope his “intense” discussions and clear vision translate into tangible success on the pitch.