"Up there as one of the best" - Hull City claim issued on Acun Ilicali's ownership | OneFootball

FLW's Hull City fan pundit has given his verdict on the ownership's connection with the supporters

Acun Ilicali purchased Hull City in January 2022 to much fanfare, as he ended the tenure of the divisive Allam family in East Riding of Yorkshire.

The Turkish businessman has been very involved in the decision-making process at the Tigers since taking control nearly three years ago, appointing the likes of Shota Arveladze, Liam Rosenior and Tim Walter as head coaches in that time.

Hull have finished 19th, 15th and seventh since Ilicali took over the club, with their eyes set on a return to the Premier League ever since.

Walter was most recently hired to replace Rosenior over the summer, and in recent weeks some form has finally been put together following an indifferent start to the current campaign.

Acun Ilicali ownership claim issued by Hull City fan pundit

When asked about Ilicali’s connection to the supporters, FLW’s Hull fan pundit Ant Northgraves claimed that the 55-year-old must be one of the most open and transparent owners in English football.

While not every decision has proved popular, he believes Ilicali has done well communicating with the fans, and even suggested the supporters are starting to be won over by Walter as manager after his tough start to life in England.

“I think the club’s connection with the fans is good,” Northgraves told Football League World.

“He regularly comes through, does Q&As, alleviates fan’s fears, he addressed problems that the fanbase have online and within the stadium and things like that.

“I think that’s a really good thing.

“Because we have had a history of owners who don’t listen to what the fans want, don’t care what the fans want, and just do as they please.

“So, to have an owner like Ilicali has unified the fanbase, and you can see that because we’re getting 20,000-plus fans in the stadium again.

“The only concerns at the moment, sometimes when off-field decisions are made that go against what fans would want.

“But that’s going to happen whatever decision you make - you can’t please everybody.

“And obviously that vindication has to come on the pitch, and with some of the recent results under Tim Walter, a lot of the fans are back onside and understanding the change a bit more, and see why it was made.

“I think in terms of the connection between the fans and the club, it’s up there as one of the best.”

Hull City’s Premier League ambition

Hull have not competed in the Premier League since 2017, having come close to a play-off place just last year under Rosenior.

Despite coming seventh in the table, Ilicali opted for a change in manager which led to the appointment of Walter.

The German has overseen three wins and three draws from their opening eight games, leaving them with 12 points from a possible 24.

The Tigers are currently ninth in the table ahead of Saturday’s clash away to Norwich City.

Acun Ilicali’s ownership has been a bright change of pace for Hull

It was a difficult few years for Hull prior to Ilicali taking over the club in early 2022, having had to endure a year down in League One in 2020/21 following a torrid second half of the season the year prior under Grant McCann's management - the decision to cash in on both Jarrod Bowen and Kamil Grosicki not paying off.

But the club is clearly on an upwards trajectory under his ownership, with smart decisions being made with recruitment and behind the scenes to improve the team on and off the pitch.

Promotion to the Premier League will be a real challenge due to how competitive the top six has been already this year, but it is clear their ambition is in the right place.

Walter is starting to win over the fans too, which Ilicali really needed as owner as he made a very bold call to replace Rosenior after last season’s impressive league finish.