Jovial Jakirovic determined to haul Hull over and beyond Coles’ relegation jibes

Club ‘not here by accident’ and revamped squad return to Premier League against Manchester United on Saturday

On a baking spring bank holiday, Sergej Jakirovic basked in the glory of Hull’s fairytale promotion to the Premier League in an address to 40,000 ecstatic supporters from the balcony of Hull City Hall. “I only had one task before the season – to stay in the Championship … I failed. We’re going to the Premier League!” roared the Jakirovic to the delight of those in attendance.

Oli McBurnie’s late goal had secured a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff final 48 hours earlier, clinching one of the unlikeliest ascents for years. Hull only survived relegation to League One on goal difference in 2024-25 but Jakirovic, an intriguing character and fine raconteur, proved the man with the alchemist’s touch.