Hull City: Acun Ilicali explains shock sacking of Liam Rosenior | OneFootball

This comes just three days after the final game of the regular Championship season, where the 39-year-old and his side came within three points of achieving a first play-off berth since being relegated from the Premier League seven years ago.

Ultimately, the decision and the timing has caught many supporters off guard, as well as the wider scope of football fans, particularly in the EFL, given that Rosenior made overall strides of progress during his time as head coach at the MKM Stadium.

Acun Ilicali stance on Rosenior departure revealed

After the likes of reputable news outlets such as talkSPORT and Sky Sports were the first to share their respective understanding of developments in East Yorkshire, the club released a statement on mid-Tuesday afternoon, confirming the departure of Rosenior with immediate effect.

Underneath the confirmation lies a statement from Ilicali, who described it as "the most difficult decision I have had to make as chairman of this wonderful football club," before issuing an honest, and in some ways, brutal verdict around the circumstances.

"No matter how trying the circumstance, I have to remove personal sentiment from these moments and ensure the long-term vision of the club is at the centre of my thinking," he added.

“Since Liam’s arrival, we have enjoyed an open working relationship and progress has undoubtedly been made over the course of his tenure. He will always be a part of this family and I thank him for all his work.

“However, it has become evident that our visions for the future are not aligned and I feel that now is the time to make a change. Our philosophy is clear, we will continue to drive this club forward, and whilst doing so I will continue to be open and transparent with our fans.

Ilicali concluded: “I know what this football club can achieve, and we will not stop in the pursuit of that. We have worked hard over the last two years to develop our squad. We now have many highly talented players at our disposal and we will continue to invest and improve our playing personnel to give this club and its fans the success they deserve.”

A big risk for Hull City

There is no question that the decision to part ways with the 39-year-old and former full-back during the club's most successful period is a risk, despite some holding the view that Rosenior ultimately underachieved as a result of the calibre of players - particularly in attacking areas - that the Tigers possess.

This isn't the first time Ilicali has adopted a bullish approach to proceedings, having dismissed Rosenior's predecessor - Shota Arveladze - on the morning of a game against Luton Town in September 2022 when visions again, weren't aligned.

The most surprising aspect though is, as pointed out by Tiger Tube Player, CEO Tan Kesler seemed rather content with the progress Rosenior had made in an interview with BBC Radio Humberside, even prior to Saturday's 1-0 away defeat at Plymouth Argyle. Therefore, a drastic set of circumstances has clearly unfolded for the hierarchy's vision to not be aligned with Rosenior, who has developed a young side into playing a way which, whilst it splits opinion, has often been successful.

No hints of a successor have been mooted as of yet, but the viewpoint of the fans is that the next appointment must be right, or to an extent, the owner has somewhat ripped up the rulebook midway through his ambitions of bringing top flight football back to HU3.

As for Rosenior, it seems that given his achievements this year, which included the rewarding of a two-and-a-half year contract extension last December - which seems baffling to think given the current circumstances - as well as a Championship 'Manager of the Season' nomination, won't be out of a job for long, and he departs with many Tigers' fans good will, after winning 33 of his 89 games in charge.