Hull City are expected to outline their plans for the summer today after a season which saw the Tigers survive by the skin of their teeth on goal difference.
Ruben Selles guided the Tigers to safety on the final day of the season with a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth, coupled with West Brom’s 5-3 win over Luton Town, which relegated the Hatters.
In the days since that great escape on the South Coast, the future of Selles has been the topic of much conversation, with City owner Acun Ilicali reflecting on what was a challenging campaign.
Earlier this week, sporting director Jared Dublin, board member Mustapha Yokes and newly-appointed head of recruitment Martin Hodge flew out to meet Ilicali at his Istanbul-based offices to thrash out what they want to happen in the coming weeks and months.
High on the agenda was the future of Selles, who claimed 33 points from his 26 games in charge to see City survive on goal difference. Despite survival, Hull Live understands the Spaniard’s position has remained precarious in recent days and news of some sort of announcement by the club will only increase the expectation the manager will be departing, with rarely announcements made to say the manager is staying.
Another key topic of discussion was the club’s recruitment plans. Having found themselves playing catch-up last summer and making the bulk of their signings after the final pre-season friendly against Selles’ Reading side, City are keen to avoid a repeat.
Signing two forwards are paramount, especially with Joao Pedro set to leave the club when his one-year deal expires in the next few weeks. The club are also discussing any potential permanent move for Oscar Zambrano with the Ecuadorian midfielder set to return to action in early November after having his doping ban reduced.
Selles had held lengthy discussions in recent weeks with Dublin over his summer wishlist, but it’s likely there will be a sale or two to help free up funds. Steven Alzate and Gustavo Puerta could be on their way with firm interest in the Colombian pair. The City owner is also expected to announce another fan Q&A, which will be held later this summer.