On a warm spring bank holiday, Sergej Jakirovic stood on the balcony of Hull City Hall and celebrated the club’s remarkable promotion to the Premier League with 40,000 jubilant fans. “My only objective before the campaign was to keep the team in the Championship, and I did not achieve it. Instead, we are heading to the Premier League!” Jakirovic shouted as the crowd erupted.
Oli McBurnie had scored a late winner in a 1-0 victory against Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff final two days earlier, completing one of the most unexpected promotions in recent memory. Hull had avoided relegation to League One on goal difference in 2024-25, but Jakirovic’s leadership produced an extraordinary transformation.
Three months after those memorable scenes, the Bosnian coach and his rebuilt squad face an even greater challenge as they attempt to remain in the Premier League. Bookmakers and commentators have widely predicted relegation, with former England players Carlton Cole and Joe Cole mocking Hull’s chances on their podcast. The latter claimed the club were certain to go down despite spending £70m and suggested they had reached the top flight through good fortune.
The criticism has not unsettled Hull’s head coach, who remained characteristically upbeat before Manchester United’s Saturday lunchtime trip to the MKM Stadium. “I’m incredibly excited,” the 49-year-old said. “There is clearly a huge difference between the Championship and the Premier League. We will face outstanding teams, players and coaches, and I have read all the forecasts. However, those opinions give us even more determination to prove people wrong because we have nothing to fear.
“Last season’s success was a major accomplishment, but football always moves forward and yesterday’s achievements no longer count. Our aim is to progress, develop and demonstrate that we can become an even stronger team. Naturally, staying up would require another miracle. Surviving would be a greater achievement than earning promotion. The target is 40 points, so we know exactly what must be done.”
Jakirovic’s success has restored pride across Hull, a city that has often endured an unfairly negative reputation. Responding to the comments from the two former players, which angered Tigers supporters, he said: “Their remarks were foolish and showed no respect for the club or the squad. We earned our place through our performances, and nothing was handed to us. It is particularly disappointing to hear that from former professionals who understand how much effort is required to reach the Premier League. They would fight if they were in my position. Predicting that we will finish last is easy, but would they risk everything on it? They might be right or they might lose, and time will provide the answer. What is certain is that we deserve to be here.”
Club chairman Acun Ilicali has publicly promised to continue supporting Jakirovic even if Hull are relegated. He has recruited 11 players, although several are currently injured, and has twice broken the club’s transfer record. The extensive rebuilding process, which some observers have viewed as lacking focus, is not yet complete. “We anticipate adding another three or four players,” Jakirovic said. “The newcomers have quality and considerable potential, but I understand that they need time to settle in and establish strong connections with their teammates.
“The chairman and I have shared an excellent relationship since our first conversation, and we approach everything as a partnership. We discuss every decision and constantly look for different ways to strengthen the team.”
Hull’s spectacular progress last season, which secured their fourth promotion to the Premier League since 2008, captured widespread attention. Jakirovic’s personal journey is equally compelling. He was born in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, when it was still part of Yugoslavia, and grew up in the Croatian town of Metkovic. His experiences as a child, including fleeing air attacks and hiding during the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s, had a lasting influence on his resilience and outlook.
During his playing career, the commanding former central defender represented clubs in Slovakia, Slovenia and Bulgaria. He later became a coach and arrived at Hull last summer, making the club his eighth managerial appointment in nine years. “I always sleep peacefully because, ultimately, this is only sport,” he said with a smile. “I must be rested for Saturday, and I also have an opportunity to demonstrate my ability and show that I belong at this level. I am confident because I have already proved that I can accomplish exceptional things.”
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