Exclusive:Path to Easter Road for new Hibs boss Reedijk revealed as European opportunities rejected amid 'coup' claim
Bullish club leadership believe young coach will be a hit in Scottish Premiership
New Hibs coach Marink Reedijk knocked back offers to coach with major clubs in Germany, Belgium and Austria before deciding on a move to Easter Road, The Evening News can reveal. And senior figures in the club hierarchy believe landing the 35-year-old Dutchman will be seen as “a real coup”, according to sources with knowledge of the hiring process.
Reedijk had been out of work since walking away from SK Beveren at the end of last season. He’d just guided the Belgian side to a Challenger Pro League title, putting together a record-breaking undefeated campaign to secure promotion to the top flight.
Title win attracted interest
The former Ajax and West Brom youth coach did two years at Beveren, his first full senior job, having previously taken the helm at RSC Anderlecht Futures – effectively a B team for the famous Belgian side. Despite his lack of top-flight experience, his availability sparked a lot of interest among bigger clubs.
Reedijk, who speaks English, Spanish and German as well as Dutch, gave serious consideration to a number of offers. Those included, it is understood, a chance to work in the Bundesliga, as well as opportunities to take the helm with an Austrian top-flight side and an invitation to become manager at one of Belgium’s biggest clubs.
Already on the radar of multiple clubs across Europe, Hibs put his name high on their list of potential candidates when they removed David Gray form his post as head coach last week. Former club captain Gray, who had been at the helm for just over two years, was sacked despite leading Hibs into European competition in back-to-back seasons – something that hadn’t been done in half a century.
One of several lead contenders interviewed by executive chairman Ian Gordon, sporting director Malky Mackay and other senior figures in London earlier this week, Reedijk impressed the hiring panel with his knowledge of the current Hibs side and vision for how they might improve. He spent over six hours in discussions with the group – and asked as many questions as he answered.
Reedijk’s first duties will be to take his new team to La Manga for a warm-weather training camp starting tomorrow. Hibs return to action after the international break, their first game back a tricky Scottish Premiership away clash with Dundee United at Tannadice on October 10.