Hibernian

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Martin Boyle "thoroughly deserves" his testimonial with Hibs, according to former team-mate Scott Allan, who enjoyed a "telepathic" connection with the forward at Easter Road.

Boyle, who is in his 10th year at the club, is Hibs' 10th all-time top scorer with 114 goals and 74 assists across 420 appearances.

Allan, who played with Boyle for six seasons at the beginning of the 33-year-old's Easter Road career, recalled his first impressions of the Australia international: "It did take him a wee bit of time to really get going at Hibs.

"I remember the year he first walked in, it was a loan deal from Dundee and we didn't quite know how he was going to look in the Hibs team. He ended up a breath of fresh air."

The former Hibs midfielder "really enjoyed" playing with Boyle and told how the pair linked up to get in behind defences.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish football podcast, he added: "Of all the players I've played with throughout my career, I think we had that telepathic way between us.

"The ball came into me, you'd open up and know Martin Boyle would be on his bike looking to get in behind defences."

Hibs women's team head coach Joelle Murray praised Boyle's character and influence at the club.

"He's such a fantastic character," Murray said. "Great to have around at the training centre, so thoroughly deserving of his testimonial season at the club."

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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The Tennent's Sixes returns for the first time in 26 years, albeit in a legends format, this weekend.

The original tournament featured first-team players and ran from 1984 until 1993.

Among the men who helped make the headlines was Darren Jackson.

The former Celtic, Dundee United, Hearts, Hibernian and Scotland forward was involved as the greatest refereeing controversy in the short history of the sixes unfolded in the tournament's last edition.

In 1993, Hibs needed to beat Celtic by two clear goals in their final group match to go through to the knockout stage.

Two goals to the good and with time running out, Hibs were playing "keep ball" to run down the clock.

Rules stated that teams had to have a minimum of two players in their opponents' half at all times to avoid parking the bus on the indoor astro.

A rule Jackson says the Easter Road men were observing assiduously when referee Bill Crombie, to the amazement of all inside the arena, penalised them for time wasting.

Celtic were awarded a free-kick that led to a Gerry Creaney goal. Hibs won the match but were knocked out on goal difference.

"We were all going mental," Jackson tells BBC Scotland. "It was a ridiculous decision.

"All we were doing was keeping the ball within the rules. When the decision was made, we were all thinking 'What's happening?'.

"It was insane. One minute we were going through and then we were out despite winning the match because of a terrible decision."

While Jackson remembers that controversial elimination, he says can't recall scoring the 900th sixes goal during that tournament.

"But I did enjoy playing in the sixes," he said. "I like to think my game was suited to the format, but the best exponent in my time was probably John Collins - his style was so suited to it.

"But every player went into the tournament to win it. We all had the buzz that you were playing football."

"I was disappointed when it stopped. Everyone took it seriously."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Not too many Hibs fans had heard the name Marink Reedijk before the club announced last week he had been given the task of improving their fortunes.

But if the few video clips released by the club from their time away in La Manga are anything to go by, he should prove to be an entertaining and insightful character.

The 35-year-old may not have the experience of top-flight football management but he certainly does not lack confidence or belief.

His preferred style of play is fast and intense, with an emphasis on pinning opponents back. It seems to be the way many of the foreign coaches who have arrived in Scotland in recent years want their teams to play.

Jens Berthel Askou was a huge success at Motherwell last season and his successor Alfred Johansson has largely retained that style. At Hearts, Wouter Vrancken, albeit after a difficult start, has won the fans over with a brand of football that is exciting at both ends of the pitch.

Whenever a new head coach arrives, it is invariably because things have not worked out for the person he is replacing. I'm not sure that was entirely the case with David Gray, who was dismissed despite securing European qualification in successive seasons.

So what will success look like for Marink Reedijk? Quite simply, winning football matches. That has to be the initial goal.

And as the Dutchman seeks the time and breathing space to develop his own team, victory over Hearts in the semi-final of the League Cup would be an early statement of intent.

Football is a ruthless business and the days of a manager remaining in the job for more than two or three years are becoming increasingly rare.

But should Reedijk get off to a flying start, it will be all systems go for the rest of this season.

For now, though, the first task is a simple one: win games and give Hibs supporters something to believe in.

At £132m, Rangers have overtaken Celtic by nearly £19m as having the most valuable squad in Scotland after a 4.6% increase this summer, with Hearts third at £22m after a 15.5% increase, but St Mirren have the biggest percentage increase at 18.6%, with Hibernian the biggest drop at 10%. (Transfermarkt, external)

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Hibs winger Martin Boyle has been rewarded for his enduring service to the Easter Road club with a testimonial.

The Australia international joined in early 2015 on loan from Dundee, before signing permanently that summer, and has gone on to become the 10th top scorer in Hibs history.

Boyle has netted 114 goals and contributed 74 assists in 420 appearances over his two spells in Edinburgh, briefly departing for Saudi Arabian side Al-Faisaly in early 2022 before returning that August.

Boyle, who was an unused substitute when Hibs defeated Rangers to lift a first Scottish Cup in 114 years, is the sole survivor from that history-making squad of 2016.

Since his Hibs debut in January 2015, the 33 year-old is the fourth top scorer in Scotland's top two divisions on 86 league goals, three ahead of former Easter Road striker Leigh Griffiths.

Boyle's only other major title with Hibs was a Championship winner's medal in 2017 when the club were promoted back to the top flight at their third attempt.

Other notable moments include Boyle's first-half League Cup semi-final hat-trick in a Hampden win over Rangers before Hibs narrowly lost the 2021 final to Celtic.

Currently vice-captain, Boyle has captained the Leith side on 63 occasions with his most productive season coming in 2024-25 where he netted 15 league goals in 36 appearances.

The winger has 41 caps for Australia, scoring 10 goals, but was overlooked for this year's World Cup having missed out on Qatar 2022 with a serious knee injury.

Boyle's contract with Hibs is due to expire at the end of this campaign having signed a one-year extension at the end of last season.

Graeme Cadger, chair of the testimonial committee, said: "As a Hibee, he became an Australian international. He became a dad, and he married Rachael, who is obviously a Hibs legend in her own right.

"It's been a pleasure to watch him develop in front of our eyes as a supporter, and it's a privilege to be tasked with leading his testimonial committee.

"Martin has chosen the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation as his Official Charity Partner, and subsequently, a portion of the proceeds from his testimonial fund will go to good causes."

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We asked you to rate Hibernian's season and tell us what new boss Marink Reedijk should be focusing on during the international break.

Here are some of your comments:

Brian: Genuinely think we've been a bit unfortunate and haven't got the results our performances deserved. It's a decent squad, but something wasn't quite working. I had backed David Gray all the way until the Killie defeat. Hopefully the new gaffer can get things back on track ASAP.

Alex: I think for most Hibs fans it's a feeling of frustration. It just feels like a continuation of last season. A lot of inconsistency and not getting the best out of the players we have. Hopfully the new manager changes this.

Gordon: I know it's not easy but we must get a Scott Allan type to create chances and a goalscorer to put them away.

Scott: The season thus far has been completely underwhelming. While Reedijk is a risk and could be an utter car crash - nothing ventured nothing gained.

Ian: Same old, same old. We need to get rid of the slow play out of defence, which just gives opposition time to reorganise and close everything down. Speed things up and give our strikers a chance. Too soon to judge new manger, but I'm hopeful.

Mike: Football has evolved. Scottish coaching has struggled to keep up. We once produced some of the game's greatest managers, with leadership skills forged in pits and shipyards. That's why Reedijk's appointment excites me. He is the modern equivalent - bringing a clear philosophy, an understanding of how to get the best from players, and a PhD to back up his thinking. He's shown he can motivate, adapt and manage a game. Players thrive when they know what's expected of them and believe in it. Front foot or back foot, Hibs have spent too long caught between the two. Reedijk offers clarity, direction and consistency. I believe he'll succeed.

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New Hibernian performance manager Rogier Molhoek says he followed Marink Reedijk from Beveren because they "click" as a coaching team.

The 45-year-old Dutch former midfielder started and ended his playing career with Dordrecht, where he became assistant coach, but inbetween turned out for Waalwijk, AZ Alkmaar, Breda, Vitesse and Venlo before going into coaching.

He was also assistant at Breda before joining forces with Reedijk to win promotion to the top flight after an unbeaten league season with Beveren.

When his fellow Dutchman decided to leave this summer, "I cannot imagine that I'd be there without without him", Molhoek admitted, describing it as "a kind of loyalty".

"When he called [and said] do do you want to go with me [to Hibs], for me it was not difficult," he told Hibs TV.

Asked how their relationship works, Molhoek added: "He lets me be myself and to do things that I want be creative.

"Sometimes he says, 'no, it's too much'. So that's why I need him sometimes to calm me a little bit down."

However, the biggest reason he enjoys working with Reedijk is "you can be yourself".

"You have to click and the way we think about football helps. It's it's pretty much the same."

As for their football philosophy, Molhoek added: "We like to have the ball and, if we lose the ball, we want to have it right away back."

As the extended international break continues, we want to hear your thoughts on Hibs' opening seven games in the Scottish Premiership.

New boss Marink Reedijk is tasked with improving the club's fortunes after poor form cost David Gray his job as head coach.

Hibs have yet to win at home in the league and crashed out of Europe with an injury-time sucker punch against Gent, although there is a League Cup semi-final against rivals Hearts to look forward to in November.

How do you rate Hibs' start to the season and why? And what should Reedijk be focusing on during the extended break?

Share your views here.

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

With the countdown on to Marink Reedijk's first game in charge, we've been relying on short bursts of club-produced content for our Hibs fix.

And while you can't read anything into five-minute clips, the energy and enthusiasm from the new manager has certainly caught supporters' attention.

The team are currently on a training camp in La Manga where they've reportedly been joined by trialist Rabbi Matondo, the former Rangers winger.

This is an interesting development, not least because Hibs didn't utilise wingers under David Gray, so there's already an indication a change in style might be imminent.

Matondo's pace caught the eye at Rangers and it looks like injuries have disrupted his career since.

The Wales international has played just six matches in 2026 and has been without a club since the end of last season. However, the 26-year-old will be desperate to salvage his career.

If Hibs can keep him fit and available he could be a real asset for the rest of the season should he suitably impress Reedijk in Spain.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

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Marko Ivezic is impressed by new Hibs head coach Marink Reedijk and has declared himself ready to make an impact after a disrupted start his Easter Road career.

The Serbia cap has yet to make his debut since arriving earlier this month from German second-tier side Holstein Kiel.

Ivezic revealed he was suffering from illness, but is now ready for action under David Gray's successor Reedijk, who is working with the squad at a training camp in Spain in preparation for his first game in charge against Dundee United on 10 October.

"I was ill and then I started two weeks to progress and train harder, so now I'm ready maximum to train and be an option," the 24-year-old told Hibs TV.

"I think this is a perfect opportunity for all of us because it's a new coach and we are all together here. We don't have a lot of time like normal pre-season so this is perfect for the ideas of the new coach and to be ready for next week.

"You can see already his idea of football, directly playing, so I think it fits perfectly for us."

Ivezic, who won his solitary Serbia cap in 2023, has top-flight experience in Germany and his homeland and sees moving to Hibs as the ideal opportunity to advance his career.

"This is a perfect step for me," he said. "For me, this is the next step and I really look forward and want to give my maximum here and to bring my experience and to improve.

"I'm looking really forward to play for this club and especially in our stadium. It's very nice and I feel happy because I'm now training normally with the team.

"I've already watched a few games, two in our stadium, so I'm really excited to play and wear this jersey."

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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.

Image source, Hibernian FC

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.

Image source, Getty

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.

Image source, Getty Images

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)