A decade has passed, and now Hull City return to the Premier League, with their campaign commencing this afternoon as they welcome Manchester United to a packed MKM Stadium.
Predicted by many to face immediate relegation last summer, the club surpassed expectations by securing promotion through the play-offs at Wembley almost three months ago, and now they aim to silence their critics once more.
Despite widespread mockery for achieving promotion, manager Sergej Jakirovic is eager to lead the Tigers onto a global stage, determined to prove the skeptics incorrect.
The understated Croatian, who spent his childhood kicking a football around with friends while bombs dropped overhead during the devastating conflict in his homeland during the early 1990s, is excited about testing himself against England’s elite, confident he has prepared thoroughly for a campaign offering the Tigers an opportunity no one anticipated 12 months ago.
Jakirovic expressed to Hull Live that this represented a dream fulfilled, noting he was part of the finest league and feeling tremendous pride. He mentioned sleeping soundly, understanding sport is ultimately just sport, and refusing to become so elated that it would affect his rest ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
Since Jared Gillett blew the final whistle at Wembley in May, the club has savoured their celebrations. From a procession through the city culminating at Queen Victoria Square where 40,000 supporters gathered for their trophy parade, to breaks away with victorious owner Acun Ilicali, Jakirovic has cherished every moment, yet while admitting he wishes those festivities could persist, he recognises football offers no opportunity to rest on past accomplishments, regardless of how significant they were.
He stated he felt immense pride, joking that he would prefer that period never ended, perhaps suggesting the season should simply not commence to preserve that sensation. However, he acknowledged that whilst it constituted a tremendous achievement, football moves forward rapidly, and what occurred previously no longer matters. The objective is to enhance performance, develop players further, and field an increasingly competitive side this term. They understand challenges lie ahead, but intend to compete vigorously. Forty points will be required, and the approach remains straightforward.
Maintaining top-flight status presents an enormous challenge. Critics have dismissed the Tigers before a ball has been kicked, anticipating they will struggle to match Derby County’s notorious 11-point tally from 2007/08. They finished bottom of the promotion standings, invested the least amount of funds, and face overwhelming odds for an immediate return to the Championship. Nevertheless, Jakirovic suggests this external dismissal only strengthens the motivation of a squad fully aware of their circumstances, presenting a chance to prove predictions incorrect.
He emphasized that preserving their Premier League position would hold immense significance, allowing competition against elite clubs, outstanding players, and top managers. The objective extends beyond mere participation. He acknowledged the difficulty, having reviewed all forecasts, yet viewed it as powerful incentive to potentially demonstrate everyone mistaken. Contingency strategies exist should results prove unfavourable. Numerous precedents exist, and outcomes remain uncertain. The task will be demanding, though competition awaits. Their potential will certainly emerge.
His communication to supporters centred on requesting continued support similar to the previous season. He observed that external expectations differed from play-off expectations, and during the final seven matches felt considerable pressure. He asked for backing, confident supporters would deliver, and promised the team would never concede until the final whistle.