Marink Reedijk has been confirmed as the new Hibernian manager, tasked with turning around the club's fortunes at Easter Road. The appointment comes just nine days after David Gray was sacked following a 1-0 home defeat to Kilmarnock.
Reedijk arrives from Belgian side Beveren, where he enjoyed an unbeaten season in the second tier. The 34-year-old, who has a doctoral thesis on his own coaching experience, represents a departure from the club's usual managerial profile.
Home comforts
Hibs' home form was a major criticism under Gray. The loss to Kilmarnock was their sixth consecutive Premiership defeat at Easter Road, stretching back to last season and including two Edinburgh derby losses. Reedijk will have early goodwill to fall back on, with the atmosphere expected to help him initially.
A result against Falkirk, followed by Celtic in the capital and then two away games either side of a trip to Hampden, would be the optimal start to ensure the run doesn't linger.
Cancel the late show
The number of late goals Hibs concede has become a long-standing problem. In two consecutive seasons, they have let a place in the Conference League group stage slip away against Legia Warsaw and Gent.
In 2024/25, Hibs lost points due to late goals conceded against Ross County, Hearts and both Dundee clubs, in minutes 88, 90, 90, 90, 86, 90, 87 and 90. Last season was worse, with late goals in defeats to Midtjylland, Legia, Livingston, Dunfermline, Dundee and three times in Edinburgh derby losses to Hearts. This season, Motherwell hit an 85th-minute winner on the opening day while Gent struck in the 86th and 90th minutes.
Build some resilience
When Hibs fall behind, they rarely turn the game around. It has been 557 games and 30 matches since Hibs won after conceding the first goal. Reedijk needs to instil belief that the three points are not gone as soon as the opposition scores.
Pick a striker
Hibs lack a reliable goalscorer since selling Kieron Bowie to Hellas Verona in January for £6.5 million. Owen Elding looks their best long-term bet. Nathan Lowe, on loan from Stoke, has not looked equipped to be the main man. Martin Boyle, at 33 and out of contract at the end of the season, is not a long-term solution. The club record signing Thibault Klidje has been limited to cameos, and the position will need addressing in January.
Case for the defence
There are issues at centre back, not helped by selling Warren O'Hora to Leicester City. Replacement Marko Ivezic has not yet appeared. Jason Kerr's commitment can't be doubted but he has been defensively suspect. Grant Hanley increasingly looks in decline, and Rocky Bushiri is not due back until the winter.
End the Hampden hoodoo
Hearts have won four of the last five meetings, the last three in succession and the last two at Easter Road. The Premier Sports Cup semi-final draw has set up another capital clash at Hampden, where Hibs' record against their rivals is four played, four lost, by an aggregate score of 14-3. Reedijk will have the chance to stop that rot.
