Hibernian have found their David Gray replacement as Dutchman Marink Reedijk is announced as the club’s new manager.

Reedijk, who possesses a PHD in Coaching Science from Cardiff Metropolitan University is now tasked with replacing arguably Hibs’ biggest ever legend in David Gray. The Scottish Cup winning captain’s 12-year stint at Hibs was ended last week, two-and-a-half-years into his time in the dugout.

Still only 35-years-old, Reedjik is relatively new to coaching the role of head coach spending a season at Anderlecht’s ‘futures’ team in Belgium’s second tier. He’d then go on to coach fellow Belgian second division side SK Beveren for two years. Beveren missed out on promotion during Reedijk’s first year as they finished fourth, but would storm the league in his second as they went invincible on 28 wins and four draws to win the league by 21 points, boasting a +51 goal difference. He’d then leave the club at the end of last season in search of a new challenge.

Upon becoming Hibernian boss, Reedijk said: “I am honoured to be appointed Manager of Hibernian Football Club.

“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.”

Here’s how Reedijk’s Hibernian may shape up:

Formation 

David Gray’s Hibs sides were known to favour a back three, often switching between 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-2-1 formations, but Reedijk’s preferred formation from his time at Beveren will switch things up, with the Dutchman reverting Hibs to Gray’s initial formation, the 4-2-3-1.

Style of play

Reedijk’s style of play favours high pressing football, favouring the likes of Josh Mulligan and Miguel Chaiwa, but his forward line could act as the first defender when out of possession. Many have been critical of Nathan Lowe early into his Hibs career, but the forward’s work rate can’t be doubted. If he can increase his scoring rate, he could go onto be a very important player for a new-look Hibs side.

Coupled with the high press, many of Beveren’s goals under Reedijk have come from crosses or wide areas, which will lead to an emphasis in importance in wingers. The issue for Hibs is that they’ve spent transfer windows phasing out wingers due to a marriage to the 3-4-1-2 system.

It’s clear wide players will be first on the Dutchman’s January shopping list, but for the time being it could lead to increased importance from the likes of Nicky Cadden and Felix Passlack. Cadden has struggled to get back into the Hibs side this season following an injury and Adam Mayor’s form, but he could find his place as a makeshift winger and lean on his crossing ability in the early days of Reedijk. As for Passlack, it’s clear that he’s much better going forwards than backwards and could be another makeshift winger in the short term. The German has two goals and an assist from wingback so far this season and his attacking output could be utilised on the wing whilst Kanayo Megwa claims the right-back spot.

Of course, Hibs do have other options that could fill in out wide, such as Jamie McGrath, Callum Wright, Ante Suto, Martin Boyle and Owen Elding, with Rudi Molotnikov rejoining the squad in January.

Reedijk also has prior coaching experience in the Ajax academy, so fast-paced, efficient football could be expected if he still follows the culture of the Amsterdam club.

The Dutchman is next in the European-isation of Scottish football following recent appoints of Jens Berthel Askou, Wouter Vrancken and Sebastien Pocognoli as he aims to break the mould and change the footballing culture at Hibernian.

Reedijk won’t be a stranger to everyone in Edinburgh, having coached Hearts goalkeeper Beau Reus at Beveren last season. He arrives during the elongated International break and has until October 10th to prepare for his first game as Hibs travel to Tannadice. Fans in Leith will hope he hits the ground running as Hibs face-off against their rivals Hearts at Hampden on November 1st with a place in the Premier Sports Cup final at stake.