SpotlightThe GuardianUnverified source· 21 Aug 2026
Jakirovic's Alchemy Turns Hull's Survival into Premier League Return
From relegation escape to promotion glory, Hull's coach defies the odds in a fairytale ascent.
S. Jakirović
coach
Role
Head coach
Club
Hull City
Achievement
Promoted to Premier League
Key result
1-0 win over Middlesbrough in playoff final
What happened. Sergej Jakirovic led Hull City to a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff final, securing an unlikely promotion to the Premier League after narrowly avoiding relegation the previous season.
- Hull survived relegation to League One on goal difference in 2024-25.
- Oli McBurnie scored the late winning goal in the final.
- Jakirovic addressed 40,000 fans from Hull City Hall, joking he failed his task to stay in the Championship.
“I only had one task before the season – to stay in the Championship … I failed. We're going to the Premier League!”
— Sergej Jakirovic
Hull will host Manchester United in their Premier League opener on Saturday.
In this story
Hull CityMore to read
BBC Sport
'We showed we can compete' - Jakirovic
BBC Sport
Jakirovic urges Hull to 'stay humble' after back-to-back wins
GiveMeSport
Hull City Reward Sergej Jakirovic With New Contract After Man Utd Win
Daily Mail Football
'If we fail, it won't be Sergej's fault... I'll stand by him': Hull City owner ACUN ILICALI's promise to boss Jakirovic, a recruitment 'disaster' he's desperate to avoid and his masterplan for transfer window 'that will decide Hull's next five years'
