Reedijk 'not an academic guy' despite doctorate
· Yahoo Sports
New Hibernian manager Marink Reedijk insists he is more a man of action than an academic despite having a philosophy doctorate in sports coaching.
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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.