Hull City: Ex-Rangers & Sunderland manager emerges as contender to succeed Ruben Selles | OneFootball

Hull City have reportedly interviewed former Sunderland head coach Michael Beale as they search for a replacement for Ruben Selles.

Hull City have reportedly held talks with former Sunderland head coach Michael Beale over their vacant managerial position.

That's according to journalist Pete O'Rourke, who claims that Hull have interviewed Beale as they continue their search for a new manager following the sacking of Ruben Selles last week.

Selles only left his role at Reading to take over at the MKM Stadium in December, and he achieved his objective of keeping the club in the Championship, with the Tigers surviving on goal difference after a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth on the final day.

However, that was not enough to prevent Selles losing his job, with owner Acun Ilicali insisting that he could not be "satisfied" with the season and admitting that he was "not happy about the general picture", and he has now begun the hunt for his fourth manager in just over a year.

Beale's last role in football came as assistant to Steven Gerrard at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, and he has been out of management since January 2024 when he was dismissed by Sunderland after just 12 games in charge following a disastrous spell at the Stadium of Light, but he could be handed a surprise opportunity to return to the dugout with Hull.

Hull City interview Michael Beale for managerial vacancy

The news that Hull have held talks with Beale is the latest twist in what has already been an eventful managerial search, despite Selles only leaving the club on Thursday.

Antalyaspor manager Emre Belozoglu was linked with the Tigers last week, but that sparked a furious backlash from supporters as the 44-year-old has previously been given a suspended prison sentence for racist abuse, and while Ilicali admitted that he is a "candidate" for the job, he stressed that he would not pursue the move if it is against the wishes of the fan base.

Journalist Darren Witcoop then reported that Plymouth Argyle head coach Miron Muslic is Hull's top target to replace Selles, while he also claimed that former Cardiff City boss Erol Bulut is in the frame, but he is now believed to be in talks to take over at Turkish side Kocaelispor, which could rule him out of contention.

According to Hull Live, Dean Smith, Alex Neil and Ryan Mason are also "likely to be considered" for the role, but Tony Mowbray does not feature on Ilicali's list of targets, and while the Tigers are keen on Steve Cooper, he is reluctant to manage in the Championship.

Ilicali confirmed on Saturday that he is hoping to make an appointment within the next 10 days, while he also revealed that he is currently deciding between five candidates, and it now seems that Beale is one of those.

Given the controversial end to Beale's time at QPR and his underwhelming spells at Rangers and Sunderland, his appointment at the MKM Stadium would likely attract a mixed reaction, but Hull's interest has not yet progressed beyond the interview stage.

Acun Ilicali must avoid big Michael Beale, Hull City call

After frustrating supporters by parting company with yet another popular manager in Selles, Ilicali must get this appointment right, and Beale would be far too much of a gamble for the Hull chief to take.

There have been some promising spells during Beale's managerial career, but his last two jobs have not ended well, and he may face an uphill battle to win over the Tigers fan base if he was to take over at the MKM Stadium, just as he did at Sunderland.

Beale does deserve another opportunity to prove himself in management, but he would not be an upgrade on Selles, and Ilicali must think incredibly carefully before pressing ahead with the appointment of the 44-year-old.