EFL Championship · Championship · Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England · MKM Stadium
Hull City Association Football Club
A club transformed by Turkish media mogul Acun Ilicali's ambitious ownership, Hull City carry memories of their 2014 FA Cup final appearance and Premier League years into a Championship present defined by managerial instability and the search for the right formula to recapture top-flight football.
2008–2017
The Premier League Years
Top-flight football and an FA Cup final
Hull City's promotion to the Premier League in 2008 under Phil Brown was a watershed moment — the club's first ever season in the top flight in 104 years of existence. They survived their first season before being relegated, but returned under Steve Bruce in 2013 and produced the most memorable moment in the club's history: the 2014 FA Cup final against Arsenal.
Hull raced into a 2-0 lead at Wembley through early goals from James Chester and Curtis Davies, but Arsenal fought back to win 3-2 in extra time with Aaron Ramsey scoring the winner. It was a heartbreaking defeat but confirmed Hull's status as a club capable of competing at the highest level. A second relegation in 2015 was followed by an immediate return under Bruce's successor Steve Bruce, but the Tigers went straight back down in 2016-17.
The Allam family, who took over in 2010, provided financial backing but became deeply unpopular with fans after proposing to rename the club Hull Tigers — a move rejected by the FA but which permanently soured the relationship between ownership and supporters.
Key Facts
- Reached the Premier League for the first time in 2008 after 104 years
- Led the 2014 FA Cup final 2-0 before losing 3-2 to Arsenal in extra time
- Three Premier League seasons across two separate spells
- Allam family's attempt to rename the club was rejected by the FA
2022–Present
The Acun Ilicali Era
Turkish ambition meets Championship reality
Turkish media mogul Acun Ilicali completed his takeover of Hull City in January 2022, bringing energy and global visibility to the club. Ilicali's enthusiasm and hands-on approach were refreshing after the Allam years, and he has invested in the playing squad with the stated aim of reaching the Premier League.
However, the search for the right manager has been Hull's Achilles heel under Ilicali. Shota Arveladze was replaced by Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed despite positive football. Tim Walter lasted just 18 games before being sacked in November 2024 after a run of four straight defeats. Ruben Selles arrived in December 2024 and kept the club up on the final day, but was himself dismissed in May 2025. Sergej Jakirovic became the fifth manager of the Ilicali era ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The managerial carousel has prevented the club from building any sustained momentum, and the 2024-25 season — a 21st-place finish with just 49 points — was the nadir of Ilicali's ownership. Despite this, the owner's commitment appears undimmed, and the quality of the MKM Stadium and Hull's East Yorkshire catchment area provide a foundation for future growth if stability can be achieved on the touchline.
Key Facts
- Acun Ilicali completed takeover in January 2022
- Five different managers in three-and-a-half years under Ilicali
- Narrowly avoided relegation in 2024-25, finishing 21st
- Sergej Jakirovic appointed as manager for 2025-26