Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has described his journey with the club as a 'miracle' ahead of Saturday's Championship playoff final against Middlesbrough at Wembley. The Turkish media mogul, often compared to Simon Cowell, took over the Tigers in January 2022 for £20 million from the Allam family. Since then, the club has experienced a turbulent ride, including multiple managerial changes, a relegation battle, and now a chance to return to the Premier League after a decade.
A Tumultuous Journey
Ilicali's tenure began with the dismissal of Grant McCann, followed by Shota Arveladze, Liam Rosenior, Ruben Sellés, and Tim Walter before current boss Sergej Jakirovic took over. Despite criticism, Ilicali insists the frequent changes were not driven by ego but by a willingness to correct mistakes. 'People thought I was changing the coaches because of my ego, but I was changing my coaches because of my lack of ego,' he said.
The club's reliance on loan players has also shifted, with Hull now owning every player who started the 2-0 playoff semi-final win against Millwall. Ilicali has invested over £100 million in the squad, which he believes holds significant value. 'This makes me happy, really happy. So, I’m more confident for the future now,' he added.
The Road to Wembley
Hull secured sixth place on the final day of the regular season before defeating third-placed Millwall over two legs. The playoff final opponent was confirmed only on Wednesday night after Southampton were removed due to a spying scandal. 'Wembley is a place that I suffered when I was a kid with Turkish national team games, and now I am going to Wembley for a final as an owner of a club that I bought four years ago. It means a lot to me,' Ilicali said.
The owner is realistic about the challenges ahead, acknowledging that most promoted teams face relegation. 'If you are afraid of things like that, you will never get success. So, if you go to the Premier League, what I expect is first learning to lose,' he explained. He cited Sunderland's first season after promotion as an ideal model.
Ilicali maintains a close relationship with players but is more businesslike with Jakirovic, meeting weekly for dinner. 'I’m an owner who is involved in transfers. I’m an owner who is involved in the team. But involved means not at the disturbance level. I just want to comfort the staff,' he said.
If Hull win, Ilicali has promised a trip to Nevada, adding: 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.' The tension is building, but Ilicali remains composed. 'I don’t celebrate goals very much. I only celebrate when something is completely finished,' he said. A promotion could change that.
