Hull City Relegation Hopes After Seven Points From Three Games

Just last year, Hull escaped relegation to League One on goal difference.

Sixteen months later, they are competing with some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.

Their remarkable transformation began with Jakirovic’s appointment before the start of last season.

The former Bosnia international took charge while the club was under a transfer embargo, meaning he could recruit only free agents and loan players, yet he still turned Hull into promotion challengers.

Jakirovic led Hull past Millwall in the play-offs despite their opponents finishing three positions and 10 points ahead of them. Oli McBurnie’s dramatic late winner against Middlesbrough then sealed promotion to the top flight.

Hull continued to make significant changes during the summer.

They became the Premier League’s most active club in the transfer market, adding 18 players for approximately £150m. Six signings were completed on deadline day, including Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam for £22m.

“I understand which players form the foundation of my team, and they are the ones who competed in the Championship,” said Jakirovic, who agreed to a two-year contract extension on Friday.

“We added new players to strengthen the squad and increase its quality.

“My main concern is that some of them did not complete a pre-season, which is a major issue, but we will work through it.

“Tuesday’s Carabao Cup match against Sunderland, for instance, will allow us to give them playing time, and they will eventually earn another opportunity.”