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Hull City could be on the lookout for a new manager as Acun Ilicali prepares to sack Ruben Selles, but EFL Analysis understands that Tony Mowbray isn’t one of the names being considered at the MKM Stadium.
The 2024/25 season ended in relief rather than delight for Hull City, who confirmed their Championship status with a 1-1 draw against Portsmouth.
After finishing seventh in 2024 under Liam Rosenior, who was shockingly sacked by Acun Ilicali 12 months ago, the Tigers survived by the skin of their teeth on goal difference this time around.
City have endured a downward spiral since Rosenior was relieved of his duties, although their issues have boiled down to the appointment of Tim Walter, a poor summer of recruitment, and not replacing their star loan players from last term.
Ruben Selles, who replaced Walter in December 2024, has been a saving grace in their season, with supporters hoping he gets the summer to invest in his squad. However, the Hull owner has other ideas.
Tony Mowbray is not in the running to replace Ruben Selles at Hull City
Shortly after celebrating their survival at Fratton Park, it shockingly emerged that Ilicali wanted to sack Selles, despite rescuing the Tigers from relegation.
We have since revealed that Hull plan to relieve Selles of his duties in the coming days, and former West Brom manager Tony Mowbray was said to be one of the managers on their radar.
However, our Chief Football Correspondent at EFL Analysis, Graeme Bailey, can exclusively reveal that Mowbray is not in the running to take the job at the MKM Stadium if the Spaniard is sacked.
Although the 61-year-old is close with Hull’s new Head of Recruitment, Martin Hodge, that isn’t enough to convince him to replace Selles.
Mowbray was sacked by West Brom in April after witnessing their Championship play-off hopes crumble with just five wins in 17 matches.
Acun Ilicali would be foolish to sack Selles
Selles was tasked with keeping City in the second tier when he was handed the role in December. He only just achieved that by staying up on goal difference, but the statistics show what an underrated job he’s done.
As highlighted by BBC commentator James Fletcher, Hull had the fourth-best defensive record in the division with just 27 goals conceded after Selles took charge.
The Tigers would have also finished in 14th position if the league started when the 41-year-old was appointed, telling of the decent job he’s done to turn their fortunes around.
Admittedly, Hull’s attacking play left much to be desired, with only Luton Town finding the net fewer times. But, they had to contend with long-term ACL injuries to influential wingers, Mohamed Belloumi and Liam Millar.
There was also no reliable goalscorer among the ranks. Joao Pedro was their top scorer in the Championship with a measly six, and ahead of the summer transfer window, that area of the pitch needs addressing.
Truthfully, Hull looked dead and buried before Walter was sacked, and now, they’ve lived to fight another day. Ilicali should reward that achievement by sticking with the young Spaniard instead of ripping up their summer transfer plans for a second year running.