Can Hull's Underdog Shock Chelsea in Rosenior's Comeback?

Sergej Jakirovic's appointment as head coach of Hull City was initially met with scepticism, but the club has turned its fortunes around and is now in contention for promotion to the Premier League. Under Jakirovic's leadership, Hull has significantly improved their performance, moving from a near-relegation situation to just five points off the promotion places in the Championship.

Last updated: 08 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Hull City, under the management of Sergej Jakirovic, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in the current Championship season. The Tigers are currently challenging for promotion to the Premier League, having improved their league standing significantly since early season struggles. With only five points separating them from the top two positions, there is renewed hope among supporters, especially as they prepare to face Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round on 13 February at the MKM Stadium.

Key takeaways

Jakirovic's appointment was initially controversial, but results have vindicated the decision.
Hull City is currently in contention for promotion, sitting just five points off the top two in the Championship.
The team has shown a significant improvement in both defence and attacking play under Jakirovic.

Timeline: how we got here

Hull City's journey under Jakirovic has been notable, especially considering the context of the previous season:

June 2023: Sergej Jakirovic appointed head coach, following the sacking of Ruben Selles.
August 2023: Hull City opens the season with a mixed record, struggling initially with two wins, three draws, and three losses.
November 2023: A significant 4-1 defeat to Middlesbrough prompts a tactical rethink.
January 2024: Hull City records a strong run, winning eight out of twelve matches and achieving six clean sheets.
February 2024: Preparing for the FA Cup fourth round against Chelsea.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent performances have seen Hull City establish themselves as serious promotion contenders, with Jakirovic's tactical adjustments leading to a much-improved goal-scoring record. The team's defensive performance has also strengthened, reducing the number of goals conceded significantly since the Middlesbrough defeat.

What was already established

Prior to Jakirovic's arrival, Hull City faced challenges including a relegation battle and a lack of stability. The previous manager, Ruben Selles, was dismissed after a disappointing seventh-place finish, and the team struggled with injuries and a lack of depth. Jakirovic brought a fresh perspective and a focus on building team morale and trust.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The resurgence of Hull City in the Championship could have positive implications for local businesses and communities. Increased match attendance and enthusiasm from fans could stimulate economic activity in the area, providing a boost to hospitality and retail sectors in East Yorkshire.

Businesses and jobs

With Hull City potentially returning to the Premier League, there is optimism regarding job creation in various sectors linked to the football club. Increased visibility and success could attract investment, leading to expansion opportunities for local businesses and potentially creating jobs as matchday operations grow.

Policy and regulation

As Hull City progresses in the league and potentially returns to the Premier League, it may also face scrutiny regarding compliance with financial regulations and governance standards, especially given the restrictions on player transfers and financial fair play rules that apply to clubs in the EFL.

Numbers that matter

5: Points separating Hull City from the top two Championship teams.
34: Goals conceded by Hull City in the first 19 games, the second-worst record in the league.
9: Goals conceded in the subsequent 12 games, showcasing a dramatic improvement in defensive performance.
12: Goals scored by striker Oli McBurnie in 22 league appearances this season.
8: Clean sheets recorded in the last 12 matches, reflecting the team's defensive solidity.

Definitions and jargon buster

FA Cup: An annual knockout football competition in England.
Championship: The second tier of professional football in England.
Clean Sheet: A term used when a team does not concede any goals in a match.
EFL: English Football League, governing body for professional football leagues in England outside the Premier League.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Hull City will focus on maintaining their momentum as they approach key fixtures in the Championship, including the FA Cup match against Chelsea. The next few weeks will be critical for solidifying their position in the promotion race.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, Hull City will need to navigate potential injuries and squad depth while continuing to build on their current form. The club's recruitment strategy will be essential as they look to add quality to the squad without breaching financial regulations.

Signals to watch

Performance in upcoming fixtures, particularly against top teams in the league.
Injury updates on key players and how it affects squad rotation.
Fan engagement and support levels as the club pushes for promotion.

Practical guidance

Do

Support the team by attending matches and engaging with the club's community initiatives.
Stay informed on player health and match schedules to optimise support for the team.
Participate in discussions about club developments and strategies as they unfold.

Don’t

Don’t underestimate the impact of fan support on the team’s morale and performance.
Don’t overlook the importance of player fitness and depth as the season progresses.
Don’t ignore the potential for further recruitment to strengthen the squad.

Checklist

Check upcoming match dates and plan to attend home games.
Follow Hull City's social media for updates on player conditions and performance.
Engage with fellow fans to share insights and support the club’s journey.
Monitor the club's recruitment announcements to understand potential squad changes.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Hull City's current position is promising, several factors could impact their promotion bid. Injuries to key players could hinder performance, and the team's ability to maintain form against stronger opponents remains uncertain. Additionally, financial regulations may limit their ability to strengthen the squad, potentially affecting long-term success.

Bottom line

Sergej Jakirovic's leadership has revitalised Hull City, bringing hope for a return to the Premier League after nine years away. As the club navigates a critical phase of the season, maintaining squad morale and performance will be vital for achieving their ambitious goals.

FAQs

What has changed for Hull City under Sergej Jakirovic?

Since Jakirovic's appointment, Hull City has significantly improved their league performance, moving from a relegation battle to being just five points off the promotion spots in the Championship.

How has the injury situation affected Hull City this season?

Hull City has faced a lengthy injury list, which has challenged their squad depth. Despite this, the team has managed to maintain a strong performance, with effective management from Jakirovic and his staff.

What are Hull City's chances of promotion to the Premier League?

Hull City is currently in contention for promotion, sitting close to the top two in the Championship. With continued strong performances, their chances of returning to the Premier League appear promising.