Ruben Selles takes charge as Hull City's new head coach.© (@secondtierpod )
Hull City have announced Ruben Selles as their new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The 41-year-old Spaniard steps into the role following the dismissal of Tim Walter, who was sacked last week after a winless run of nine games left the Tigers languishing in 22nd place in the Championship. Selles joins from Reading, where he guided the League One side to sixth place despite significant off-field challenges.
Caretaker manager Andy Dawson will oversee Hull City’s home match against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, with Selles set to take charge for the first time next Wednesday when Hull host Watford. Speaking to the club, Selles expressed his excitement about the new role, emphasizing his commitment to unity and hard work, stating, “From now, we go all in, all together, every single time, 100%. Every action is important. We’re going to fight for every inch together.”
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali described Selles as the club’s “number one target,” praising his football philosophy, player development skills, and extensive international coaching experience. Selles’ career has taken him to several countries, including Cyprus, Russia, and Azerbaijan, and he previously managed Reading during a challenging period marked by financial troubles and a transfer embargo. Despite these hurdles, Selles helped Reading achieve a 17th-place finish last season and led them to an impressive start this campaign with nine wins from 18 games.
The Tigers had entered the season with high expectations after finishing seventh under former boss Liam Rosenior, but Rosenior’s surprising summer departure paved the way for Walter’s appointment. However, the German manager struggled to replicate success, culminating in a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday last week. This sealed his fate despite Ilicali’s prior assurances that he would not make a managerial change.
Selles’ reputation as a likable and composed leader was forged during his time at Reading, where he endured considerable challenges under the club’s tumultuous ownership. His ability to navigate crises, adjust tactics effectively, and build rapport with players and fans made him a standout candidate for Hull City. Selles now faces lifting the Tigers out of the relegation zone and instilling a winning mentality as the Championship season progresses.
