Malky Mackay sent defiant Hibs backing amid Easter Road struggles as fan ire over sporting director addressed

Michael Stewart admits Marink Reedijk is still searching for the right formula at Hibs after suffering a second consecutive defeat - as sporting director Malky Mackay earns defiant backing from the ex-midfielder.

Hibs crashed to a 2-1 home defeat to Falkirk on Saturday, with Jacob Murrell scoring twice before Owen Elding brought the hosts back into contention. Stewart praised Falkirk’s tactical execution but believes the result highlighted Hibs’ ongoing struggles to establish a clear identity under the Dutchman.

“There's a lot of questions that remain unanswered for Hibs,” Stewart analysed. “Falkirk knew exactly how Hibs were going to approach the game to begin with and they got themselves firmly on top, putting Hibs under serious pressure. They were shutting them down in all the key areas.”

Marink Reedijk is already under pressure after losing his first two games in charge of Hibs | SNS Group

Stewart contrasted Hibs’ current predicament with David Gray’s first season in charge, when a change of system and an impressive comeback draw against Aberdeen sparked a revival that ultimately ended with a third-place finish.

He explained: “David had such a terrible start and then changed things against Aberdeen, which was the spark that led to a run of results. It feels a little bit like that at this moment now where they're searching for something. They're searching for a system, searching for personnel, searching for partnerships to evolve and bring them results.”

Reedijk has little time to find those answers, with Celtic visiting Easter Road this weekend before an away trip to St Mirren and the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Edinburgh rivals Hearts.

Malky Mackay comes under the microscope

The pressure is also extending beyond the dugout, with supporters questioning sporting director Malky Mackay’s role in Gray’s departure and Reedijk’s appointment. Stewart acknowledged the frustration but defended Mackay’s record, insisting Gray had been a successful appointment and that the new manager had only overseen two matches.

“Of course, I understand it but David was a young manager and Marink is young as well,” Stewart said. “Malky is a very experienced guy. I don't think he can be the target of too many harsh words with regards the manager. Since he’s been in as director of football, I think David Gray was a success. I don't think you could say anything other than that.

“He's made a change that a lot of the supporters were looking for. The new manager is in the door and he's had two games. Okay, granted he's lost both of them, but the overall quality of the squad is pretty good. So when you're looking at what the remit is of the director of football, I don't think Malky’s done too many things that are wrong.”

Ultimately, Stewart believes Reedijk’s success will determine whether Hibs can turn their season around.

“A lot obviously is riding on Marink being a good head coach,” he added. “That is a large part of it, making sure you get the right guy in charge of the team on the park, and it's not off to a great start, that's for sure.

“So I understand the frustration and clearly fans will be asking questions of the director of football, but it's a fickle sport and things can turn quickly. They do need to turn quickly for Hibs because it’s big run of games coming up.

“If they come off the back of this month and they're not in a cup final, having lost to their local rivals, they lose another at home against Celtic and are sitting bottom of the table five games into the manager's appointment, the hole that they're trying to get out of becomes far bigger.”