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 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 survived relegation to League One only on goal difference in 2024-25 but Jakirovic, an intriguing character and fine raconteur, proved the man with the alchemist’s touch.
