The domestic football season may now have to come an end, but things rarely quieten down with plenty happening behind the scenes at clubs as they prepare for the transfer window.
At Hull City, all the talk surrounds the incoming new head coach, with fans eagerly anticipating the arrival of Bosnian boss Sergej Jakirovic.
While City have yet to confirm his arrival, there has been movement elsewhere in the Championship managerial merry-go-round with a former Tigers favourite getting his first chance in the big job, while there is talk of a potential departure from the MKM Stadium.
Jacob on his way?
There could well be an exodus of players at the MKM Stadium this summer, with City keen to free up space in their squad for new head coach Sergej Jakirovic to stamp his authority on things.
Matty Jacob could be one of those sacrificed with League One side Bolton Wanderers thought to be keen on signing the Tigers academy graduate, who turned 24 on Tuesday. The Trotters are not the only club interested, Hull Live understands, with at least two others at home and abroad eyeing a permanent deal.
The defender played just eight times this season, and found himself behind Sean McLoughlin in the pecking order at left-back playing just eight times. His first City goal in the Championship was hugely significant, coming at Sheffield United in January when he turned in to make it 2-0 as Ruben Selles’ men went on to secure an emphatic 3-0 success.
Barnsley-born Jacob has made just 23 senior appearances for the Tigers, and a move to play regular football is absolutely crucial at this stage of his career. Jacob has two years left to run on his current MKM Stadium deal with the club holding a 12-month option.
Mason makes a big move
Former City ace Ryan Mason has landed his first job in management after being handed the first team job at the Tigers’ Championship rivals, West Brom. Mason had been the assistant to Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur and helped guide the North London club to Europa League success over Manchester United last month.
The 33-year-old has penned a three-year deal at The Hawthorns and will be joined by assistant Nigel Gibbs, who leaves his role at Reading to link up with Mason and Sam Pooley.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been appointed Head Coach of West Bromwich Albion,” Mason said. “This is a huge club with a fantastic infrastructure and an incredible fan base, and I am excited about what we can achieve together.
“Having spoken at length to the board and those at the club, I am convinced that Albion is the perfect place for me to be, and I can’t wait to get started.
“I will bring with me a huge amount of enthusiasm, dedication and ambition and look forward to a positive future together at such a fantastic club.”
Baxter’s back
Ex-City man Nathan Baxter has penned a two-year deal at Watford to mark his return to the Championship after a two-year spell at Bolton Wanderers.
Baxter, who played for City while on loan from Chelsea over two spells between 2021 and 2023, made 72 appearances for the Trotters before leaving at the end of the season.
“I’m excited and feel ready to go,” the 26-year-old said after signing for the Hornets. “It was a busy few weeks talking to other clubs and deciding the best route for me. Now I’m here, and I’m very excited for the challenge ahead.
“I spoke to a few people that have been here in the last few years and everyone said how much they enjoyed it here. I feel like I performed really well in the first season (at Bolton) and it was gutting that we didn’t go up. I wish everyone there all the best, it’s a fantastic football club. Now I’m here and I’m very excited for the challenge ahead.”
Delap set for huge move
There’s been no shortage of transfer chat surrounding ex-City star Liam Delap, and it looks like his future has finally been decided. The Ipswich Town striker has agreed a long-term deal to sign for Chelsea and underwent a medical at the Blues’ Cobham training ground on Monday.
The England Under-21 international will sign for the Stamford Bridge club in a deal worth £30m after a relegation release clause was activated by the Blues.
Delap bagged 12 goals in his first Premier League campaign and was a shining light in an Ipswich side that struggled to adapt to life in the top flight and made an immediate return to thee Championship.
Corry’s delight
Another former City performer is loving life at the moment. Corry Evans, who played 97 times for the Tigers between 2011 and 2013, was a key figure at Wembley on Sunday as Oldham Athletic won a barnstorming National League play-off final 3-2.
Now 34, the Northern Irishman played 101 minutes as a pulsating final with Southend United went into extra time, and despite trailing, the Latics roared back to win 3-2 and secure a momentous return to the EFL after three years away.
Evans only agreed a short-term deal at Boundary Park but will now hope his performances in the final stages of the season are enough to secure him a longer-term deal.