Hull City: Ray Parlour sends Mark Robins message to Acun Ilicali after Tim Walter sacking | OneFootball

The former Tigers midfielder spoke to FLW about the sacking of Tim Walter, who he believes should be replaced with Mark Robins by Acun Ilicali

Former Hull City midfielder Ray Parlour has urged Acun Ilicali to hire Mark Robins as the successor to Tim Walter, who was handed his marching orders on Wednesday afternoon following a miserable run of four consecutive defeats.

The under-fire owner is now conducting a search for the fourth permanent manager of his reign at the MKM Stadium after purchasing the club less than three years ago, having appointed Walter back in the summer following the contentious post-season sacking of Liam Rosenior.

Rosenior, who was widely regarded as a progressive and popular young head coach but did have his critics among the club's fanbase, was dispensed just days after the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign, having to record a finish inside the top six. The decision to part ways with the former defender was met with intense external scrutiny, and while Rosenior did divide opinion somewhat with supporters, there's little getting away from just how much Ilicali's bold judgment call has backfired.

Walter won just three games while in charge of the Tigers, who have been left in 22nd place after his sacking, which was ultimately undertaken following Tuesday evening's flat 2-0 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

The unpopular German boss left his final game in charge to boos across the MKM Stadium and the writing always seemed on the wall from there on in. It's now going to be imperative that Hull strike the right replacement for Walter to get as far away from the relegation zone as possible, with the prospect of relegation to English football's third tier an eerie one indeed.

Ray Parlour urges Acun Ilicali to replace Tim Walter with Mark Robins at Hull City

Former Tigers midfielder Parlour, who wound down his playing days in East Yorkshire after enjoying a storied career with Premier League giants Arsenal, spoke to Football League World and encouraged his old side to appoint Robins as a successor to Walter.

The ex-Coventry City boss is currently out of work after his own controversial dismissal from the Sky Blues earlier this month and is reportedly under consideration from Hull, with his appointment surely one the majority of supporters would get behind.

When quizzed on whether he thinks the 54-year-old would be interested in returning to management with the Tigers, Parlour told Football League World: "If Mark Robins wants to jump straight back in then yes, he can definitely help Hull City stay in the League.

"This is the number one priority for them right now. They need to get back to basics and have everyone rooting in the same direction.

"They are struggling and do need to get someone in who knows the league and Robins has those credentials in waves."

Hull City, Acun Ilicali's managerial search following Tim Walter sacking

It has recently been revealed in a report published by Hull Live that, in spite of the club's precarious league position at present, Ilicali intends on taking his time and carefully running the rule over the potential candidates to replace Walter.

It's said that he is not in any rush to bring in an immediate successor for the German, although there are a number of names believed to be under consideration. According to the report, both Robins and ex-Fulham and Sheffield United boss Slavisa Jokanovic are among "five or six" potential options being weighed up by Hull, who have also identified other undisclosed domestic candidates.

The report also adds that Championship experience is viewed as a vital qualification for the job and, it must be said, Robins has that in abundance. The former Manchester United forward managed the Sky Blues for four full second-tier seasons before being relieved of his duties earlier this month and possesses a strong reputation as one of the best managers at EFL level, so many fans will hope he soon represents the club's replacement for Walter.