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 spent the last two seasons with Beveren, earning promotion to the 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 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 football 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."

Analysis: Academic on management fast track

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.

What do the Hibs fans think?

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: B...