Hibernian

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Michael Stewart believes Marink Reedijk's status as an "unknown quantity" means he takes on the Hibernian manager's job "with no baggage".

The Dutchman, 34, left Belgium's Beveren earlier this year and replaces David Gray in the Easter Road dugout. Reedijk previously managed Anderlecht Futures.

"There's not going to be an opinion on the manager coming in," Stewart told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.

"It's an unknown quantity. It's a manager that comes in with no baggage.

"It very much is a clean slate. There's a lot of components at the club that are in place - good squad, great club, stadium, training ground.

"Everything's there for them to progress and move forward. It's very much up to the manager now to implement that. It's a huge job."

Former Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo has joined Hibernian at their training camp in La Manga as the 26-year-old Wales international looks to win a contract after his summer release by Brann. (Daily Record, external)

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip in full.

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Hibernian striker Owen Elding made his Republic of Ireland debut from the bench in Thursday's Nations League B game against Kosovo.

The 20-year-old was named on the bench by boss Heimir Hallgrimsson in the 1-0 defeat but was subbed on for the final minutes of the game in Kosovo.

The striker has made 10 appearances for Hibs across all competitions this season and has scored three goals in those outings.

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Assistant first team coach John Potter has left Hibernian, just three months after joining the club.

Potter joined as part of David Gray's coaching staff in June and stepped into the position of interim head coach following Gray's departure where he oversaw a 1-1 draw against Aberdeen.

"We're very grateful to John for his dedication and hard work during his time at the club and the professionalism and commitment during this transitional period," sporting director Malky Mackay told club media.

"John stepped up and led the club for our last match against Aberdeen, and everyone wishes him the very best for the future."

Hibs fans, we asked for your views on the appointment of Marink Reedijk as David Gray's replacement as manager.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Scott: It could be just what Hibs need or it could be an absolute car crash. Let's see what he can do.

Bill: I am glad we brought a young man in with ambition. The club must come forward now and supply him proper players to take us to a better level.

Paul: Brave and exciting, I like the way he comes initially comes across.

Marti: How can anyone see a negative with this appointment? Yes, time will tell, David Gray was young and did very well. A good fresh appointment in my humble opinion

Pat: Let's hope he lasts longer than six months. Hopefully he has some knowledge of the Scottish game. I'll reserve my judgement until after 10 games.

Keith: Really excited about this manager although I have been really excited before all our appointments but this one feels different. Time will tell.

Mike: I think we are definitely making a brave decision in appointing a young foreign coach. He will have to work with this squad until January but hopefully can lift them and also give us a much more entertaining style to watch.

Kieran: A little bit of an unknown yet exciting appointment. Going unbeaten in any second tier division across Europe is a great achievement. Hopefully his attacking philosophy is transferable and he can get the best out of this good Hibs squad, something the previous coaching team could not do.

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Hibernian's appointment of Marink Reedijk as manager is "bold", "positive" but also "risky", according to former Easter Road midfielder Scott Allan.

The 35-year-old Dutchman has just two seasons as a senior manager behind him, Beveren becoming the first Belgian club since 1934 to go undefeated as they won promotion to the top flight last season.

"I think it's positive," Allan told BBC Radio Scotland. "I think it's what many expected - that they'd maybe go down that foreign route.

"You see the effect Jens Berthel Askou had at Motherwell last season and now Wouter Vrancken at Hearts.

"It's not so outside the box anymore, but something in a different direction that will maybe give that energy and front foot, exciting football that maybe Hibs fans have been looking for.

"I don't think you could argue that it's not risky with him not having experience in this league, but at the same time you have to be bold sometimes.

"I think this is maybe the stage where Hibs are looking to do something different."

Allan expects a change in "the brand of football" but points out that the three-week international break gives Reedijk time "to bed in his ideas about what Hibs are going to look like" before travelling to face Dundee United in his first game in charge.

"It's a bold appointment, but I think first and foremost it's an appointment based on the brand of football they've seen him doing at previous clubs," he suggested.

However, Allan pointed out that results will only determine whether the players and supporters "buy in" to Reedijk' tenure.

"I still think Hibs have a good enough squad to produce better than what they've been showing," he added.

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New Hibernian manager Marink Reedijk insists he is more a man of action than an academic despite having a philosophy doctorate in sports coaching.

The Dutchman is only 35 but had already worked in coaching with Ajax and West Bromwich Albion, Roeselare, Vitesse and Anderlecht before leading Beveren to the Belgian second-tier title and promotion last season.

"I'm not a really an academic guy," he told Hibs TV. "It sounds strange if you have a doctorate, but I'm more of a practitioner who likes to be more educated, or broader educated."

Reedijk thinks it does help him "structure and explain my thoughts in a much better manner because of the knowledge of the theory" but stresses that he still "does things a little bit off the cuff instead of overthinking and theorising things".

His time in academia helps him understand the point of view of those in sport science and the medical department.

Reedijk admitted that he knew little of Scottish domestic football other than Celtic and Rangers before exploring the possibility of being Hibs manager.

However, he revealed he spoke to chairman Ian Gordon and the board for "six or seven hours" and found that they were "good people" and that their ideas "aligned".

Reedijk, who was also attracted to Scottish football thanks to the passion of the Tartan Army at this summer's World Cup, is delighted to have joined "a big club with such big supporter fan base with a big history".

"The facilities are really good - a very good level and they even want to improve," he added.

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

I had hoped Hibs would break the mould when they came to appoint Sir David Gray's successor, but if I'm completely honest I had my doubts the club would deliver.

Those doubts were unfounded though as Hibs have made a bold, brave and exciting appointment in Marink Reedijk.

With no senior playing career to speak of and a coaching background that 'only' goes as high as the Belgian second tier, it would have been easy for Malky Mackay and Ian Gordon to overlook Reedijk.

Winning promotion with an unbeaten campaign last season at Beveren will have caught their eye and when his name appeared in speculation linking him to the job, my own curiosity got the better of me and I did some digging into his background.

That is when I got excited and he quickly became my preferred option for the role, having had no clue who I wanted before that. Fickle? Yes, of course. I'm a football fan, it comes with the territory.

This is exactly the type of appointment I want Hibs to be making. There's no guarantee of success, but I can absolutely get behind rolling the dice on someone who has dedicated their life to coaching excellence and backed it up with a title-winning season early in his managerial career.

Reedijk's background is equally impressive, working with Ajax, West Brom and the Netherlands national team's youth set-up, among others.

It feels like the appointment Hibs need right now, so hats off to the board. They've committed to investing in the squad to back Reedijk and hopefully this sparks some renewed optimism at Easter Road.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

Marink Reedijk will be eager to begin imprinting his attacking vision for Hibs when he whisks the squad off to a Spanish training camp in the coming days.

The 35-year-old Dutchman has become the youngest manager in the Scottish Premiership, taking the mantle from Motherwell's Alfred Johansson, 36.

And while predecessors David Gray and Nick Montgomery were both head coaches, Reedijk is the first Hibs boss since Lee Johnson to have the title of manager. A significant tweak hinting at greater influence on football operations?

The Easter Road job is Reedijk's first crack at managing a top-flight club having spent three years in Belgium's second tier.

He marked his first managerial role at Anderlecht's B team - RSCA Futures - with a 12th-place finish in 2023-24.

That was enough to attract the attention of Beveren, whom Reedijk led to fourth place before they stormed to the title last term unbeaten, winning 28 of 32 games and scoring a league-high 74 goals while boasting the division's meanest defence.

After then taking the surprising decision to resign, the Dutchman said: "I don't think I'm too demanding, but there has to be someone who's willing to give my profile a chance.

"I'm not a former player and I'm still young. So a club would have to fully commit to that."

Hibs have now committed to Reedijk with a three-year contract and he has just over a fortnight to work with the squad before his opening game, a trip to Dundee United on 10 October.

His Easter Road debut against Falkirk the following weekend offers the opportunity to halt the wretched home form that culminated in David Gray's departure.

Hibs then host reigning champions Celtic and visit St Mirren before a mouthwatering Hampden showdown with capital rivals Hearts in the League Cup semis. Winning that one would go a long way to making Reedijk an early hit with fans.

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Chairman Ian Gordon has vowed to financially back new Hibs manager Marink Reedijk, who emerged as the "standout candidate" in the club's search.

"He impressed everyone involved in the process with his clarity, intelligence and drive," said Gordon.

"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.

"We're delighted to welcome Marink and his family to the club."

Sporting director Malky Mackay described the 35-year-old former Beveren head coach as an "excellent fit to take the team forward".

"His teams are proactive, high energy and dynamic. What also stands out is his ability to develop individuals and create a strong collective environment," Mackay added.

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Dutchman Marink Reedijk is "honoured" to become Hibs boss and insists the club's ambition was a driving force in his decision to join.

The 35-year-old moves to Leith after leading Beveren - where he forged a reputation for attacking football - to the Belgian top flight before stepping down in the summer.

Reedijk previously held academy roles at Ajax and West Brom plus senior coaching positions at KSV Roeselare, Vitesse and RSCA Futures (Anderlecht reserves).

"I am honoured to be appointed manager of Hibernian Football Club," he said.

"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.

"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."

Hibs have appointed Marink Reedijk as their new manager on a three-year deal.

The 35-year-old Dutchman, who replaces the sacked David Gray, moves to Easter Road after two years in charge of Beveren, whom he led to promotion from the Belgian second tier last season with an unbeaten league campaign.

What do you make of Reedijk's appointment? Is he the right man - and what should his priorities be in the hotseat? Share your thoughts here.

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Hibernian are closing in on a new manager after a final round of in-person interviews, with Dutchman Marink Reedijk, 34, emerging as a leading contender. (Edinburgh Evening News, external)

Inter Turku manager Vesa Vasara is unlikely to leave the Finnish club to take over at Hibernian. (Hibs Observer - subscription required, external)

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Former Arminia Bielefeld boss Michel Kniat and Vesa Vasara, currently in charge at Finnish side Inter Turku, are understood to be among those being considered for the head coach's position at Hibernian. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required, external)

And ex-Beveren head coach Marink Reedijk is keen on the Hibs vacancy. (Record - subscription required, external)

Shamrock Rovers head coach Stephen Bradley would be available without compensation should Hibs pursue the Irishman. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required, external)

Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Shamrock Rovers head coach Stephen Bradley is a leading candidate to take over at Hibernian following David Gray's departure. (Irish Independent - subscription required, external)

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

It was good to get Saturday's game out the way after a difficult couple of weeks at Hibs.

Easter Road was quite subdued before kick-off and I think most fans will agree the break has come at a good time for the club.

There was a notable lifting of tensions around the stadium, in stark contrast to the charged atmosphere on Tuesday where the team was chastised for any and every mistake by sections of the crowd.

It felt like full-time properly brought the curtain down on (Sir) David Gray's tenure, even if the separation had formally happened a few days earlier, and the club now have the luxury of a bit of break in which to recruit a new head coach.

The team are scheduled to head to Spain for a training break - an incoming head coach could use this as a mini-pre-season with time to convey their ideas and tactics without the pressure of managing a game-to-game schedule.

We can now look forward with some optimism and excitement. The club need to get this appointment right and there's a fine balance between reading the room in terms of gauging supporter sentiment and being brave enough to back whoever they identify as Gray's successor, even if it's not a universally popular choice.

This is where Malky Mackay and the recruitment team have to earn their corn. The assumed benefit of having a sporting director is to minimise disruption when a head coach leaves, so hopefully Gray's successor is announced sooner rather than later.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

Sportscene's Steven Thompson and James McFadden discuss head coach David Gray's departure from Hibernian.

Cal Gilkison
BBC Sport Scotland

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Hibernian should follow the example of city rivals Hearts as they search for David Gray's successor as head coach, according to the club's former midfielder Scott Allan.

Gray departed the club after a 1-0 defeat against bottom of the table Kilmarnock. The club's sixth successive home league loss, a run that stretched back to last season.

Hearts appointed Belgian coach Wouter Vrancken as Derek McInnes' successor in the summer, who has instilled an attacking brand of football at Tynecastle.

When asked about who he thought could replace Gray, Allan did not name names, but thinks it should be a coach with a clear "style of play" as Hearts have done.

"There is no getting away from it, they can't get this next appointment wrong," he said. "It has to be the right one and I think the fans will demand that."

Reflecting on Gray's tenure as head coach, Allan says the club's former captain helped "stabilise the club" after three managerial appointments in the space of two years.

Allan also mentioned the "fine margins between being successful and unsuccessful," referencing that Hibs were 13 minutes away from qualifying for the Conference League and the second half of the Edinburgh derby defeat earlier this month as key moments that contributed to Gray's departure.

Hibernian interim head coach John Potter says appointing the right successor to David Gray is more important than rushing a decision as the players head for a warm weather training camp. (The Scotsman, external)

Hibs striker Owen Elding says his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad is a massive chance as the 20-year-old prepares to face Kosovo, Israel and Austria after a long wait to resolve red tape issues. (Edinburgh Evening News, external)

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Interim Hibernian manager John Potter insists the next permanent boss is inheriting a dedicated squad who need to start overcoming the fine margins in football.

In their first game since David Gray was sacked from the dugout, the Leith side fought back to claim a point in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Aberdeen.

In earning a share of the spoils Hibs also avoided losing a seventh straight home league game for the first time in their history.

The club board will now use the international break to step up their pursuit of a new head coach but Potter insists that person will come across a group of players desperate to get the team moving in the right direction.

Potter said: "There's a good group of players that really, really work hard every day. They train well and they always give 100 per cent.

"It doesn't always go our way, and it's not in the last little while, but that's those small percentages that can go either way in a game by a missed chance or a red card or whatever that needs to be.

"Those small things maybe didn't go our way but that's not through a lack of effort and it never has been, since I've been in here at the club anyway.

"It's probably just bringing it all together for 90 minutes."

A disappointing week got even worse for Hibs when Kevin Nisbet fired Aberdeen ahead with a well-taken goal in the 17th minute.

But the hosts improved after the break and got the leveller through Martin Boyle from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute after Jack Milne dragged Jason Kerr to the ground inside the box.

Potter added: "I don't actually think the first half was that bad. I thought we got into good areas but the final bit was just missing and we're obviously disappointed with their goal.

"I thought we got into some good areas but when they play like that and they play on the front foot, we can be a good team and we can be a threat.

"There's just those small things that we need to try and do and maybe get that second goal or be a little bit better in the goal that they scored – small things at this level are a big part of the game."

Hibernian draw their first game since head coach David Gray's departure against Scottish Premiership visitors Aberdeen (UK only).

Hibs fans, we asked for your opinions on the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at Easter Road. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Mark: Where to start? Too slow, nervous on the ball, a lot of players not sure what they should be doing! We need a total overhaul of players and a manager who will get rid of some of these imposters!

Jamie: We're celebrating a draw at home to a poor Aberdeen side, during which we failed to trouble their goalkeeper, apart from the penalty. We badly need a manager who can coach this bunch of players into a team.

Sandy: Maybe that second half when we upped our game is a sign at last. John Potter stuck to basically same formats as a David Gray team including his subs. Whoever comes in has a hard act to follow, Gray is a legend.

Lee: I wondered last week what if Hibs had moved Gray into a higher position and it was Malky Mackay that had been shown the door. I read Tom English comments post-Gray sacking and it made me realise how close Gray had gotten to greatness. In crisis, Hibs always focus on the dugout when maybe the problem lies elsewhere?

Tony: Poor first half and their goal was oh-so similar to previous goals conceded. Poor defending and lack of insight going forward. Second half was better but not great. The formation we are playing limits us, as do the players who can come on and it's too predictable. Full change of tactics and set-up needed to utilise the strengths in the team. They're well hidden but there are good players there.

Andrew: I'd rather play the youth team. Gray has been carrying the blame for Hibs ineptitude. We're tenth in the table, we lost to the bottom of the league and scraped a draw at home to a poor Aberdeen. Why is Malky Mackay still in post, our recruitment has been awful for years. The club is a shambles.