Flawless EPL Start Earns Jakirović Extended Hull City Contract

Hull City's head coach, Sergej Jakirović, has cemented his future with the newly promoted club by signing a fresh two-year agreement. This new contract will see the 49-year-old tactician remain at the MKM Stadium until the close of the 2028 summer transfer window, with an additional club option to prolong his stay by 12 months, potentially keeping him until the end of the 2028/29 season. The club officially announced this development in a statement released on its website on Friday.

Jakirović has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround since assuming leadership in June 2025. He successfully steered Hull City away from the brink of relegation during his inaugural season in English football, ultimately guiding them to a coveted promotion to the Premier League. His outstanding work has seamlessly transitioned into the top flight, where Hull has commenced their campaign with two consecutive league victories, impressively keeping clean sheets in both encounters.

The Tigers kicked off their Premier League journey with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Manchester United at their home ground, the MKM Stadium. This was followed by another crucial three points secured through a 1-0 away win against Coventry City. PUNCH Online highlights that Jakirović, alongside Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta, are the only two coaches among the four who have won their opening two Premier League matches to also maintain perfect defensive records, preventing any goals against them. Chelsea's Xabi Alonso and Manchester City's Enzo Maresca also achieved two wins to begin their respective campaigns.

Notably, Hull's opening-day victory over Manchester United marked a significant milestone, being their first league win against the Red Devils in 52 years. During his debut Championship season, Jakirović maintained an average of 1.58 points per game, a performance that propelled Hull to a play-off spot on the final day, clinched with a 2-1 victory over Norwich City. He subsequently navigated the Tigers past Millwall in the semi-finals before securing promotion by defeating Middlesbrough in the play-off final at Wembley. Jakirović achieved this feat with an impressive run of three consecutive clean sheets, making him only the third manager in Hull City's history to lead the club to the Premier League via the play-offs.

Expressing his satisfaction with the new agreement, Jakirović stated: “I have felt the support from the club and our fans from the minute I arrived, so I am delighted that this journey will continue. Hull feels like my home and I’m excited for this journey to continue.” He added, “Promotion to the Premier League is a dream come true. You have to believe in your work and we have a special group here who are sticking together as a family. We have shown in our first games of the season that we can compete at this level and be dangerous. We will, of course, continue to work hard and perform in a way that makes our supporters proud.”

Hull City's chairman, Acun Ilıcalı, also conveyed his pleasure regarding the coach's extended tenure. “From the first day we met, it was clear that we had a special relationship. Everyone at the club believes that Sergej is a high-quality coach and it is a big privilege to have him here,” Ilıcalı remarked. He further stated, “He is the perfect coach for our vision and, having experienced last season together, we created some amazing moments at Wembley. I thank him for that. We are happy that Sergej is happy here. This is a special day for us, and we look forward to our journey continuing together in the Premier League.” Jakirović, who was appointed in June 2025, has been rewarded for his transformative impact, lifting Hull from relegation concerns to the top flight and making an immediate impression upon their return after a decade-long absence.