News has broken out today confirming Liam Rosenior’s dismissal, following Hull City‘s unsuccessful play-off onslaught. Many fans have been left bemused by the decision, but others are already starting the rumour mill of the 39-year-old’s successor.
The ex-Tigers defender took his team seventh this season, narrowly missing out on the play-offs. With one of the most impressive squads in the league, expectations were understandably high and his failure to capitalise on the ambitious transfer window is likely the reason for his departure. The Yorkshire side could face a lot of change in a short space of time, with Ryan Giles, Tyler Morton, Liam Delap, Fabio Carvalho, Anass Zaroury, and Noah Ohio all with expiring loans. Two big money departures could also see Jacob Greaves and Jaden Philogene-Bidace leave in search of Premier League football, following mounting interest.
Rosenior’s severance is certainly a brave move from the board and it could either be one of exceptional rewards or replicate the consequences of John Eustace’s dismissal from Birmingham City earlier this season. There are some managers who could fit Hull’s profile working across England, Europe and currently unaffiliated.
When Liam Rosenior took over at Hull, they were 21st in the Championship.
19 months later, they’ve finished 7th.
And now he’s been sacked. pic.twitter.com/gNemC6d2nE
— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) May 7, 2024
Will Still
After recently parting ways with French outfit, Stade de Reims, 31-year-old Will Still could be set for a return to England. This week, it’s been reported that West Ham and Sunderland could be looking to acquire Still’s managerial prowess. With no UEFA Pro Licence, Reims were ordered to pay a £22,000 fine for every game that the Englishman managed. An unfortunate turn of events, with seemingly no backing in the January window despite his request for it, Still mutually terminated his contract with the French side. The top division side are now sitting 12th in Ligue 1 following their 4-1 defeat against relegation-threatened Clermont Foot, who ironically sit at the foot of the table.
Apparently, Still is looking for an ambitious Championship club to settle down at. After the Tigers’ ruthless decision with Rosenior, there’s no doubt there is some element of ambition already there. Starting out on Football Manager, the 31-year-old has harnessed his abilities in Belgium and France. He struck the headlines for his ability to switch between English and French during his team talks, and his approach to dealing with squad cohesion is unique and impressive. Still could definitely fit the mould.
🚨🔴 Will Still leaves Stade de Reims with immediate effect, it’s over between 31 year old manager and the French club. pic.twitter.com/pbGqXE8IqC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 2, 2024
Steve Cooper
Some feel that Cooper’s dismissal from Nottingham Forest in December was premature and impatient. Considering his impressive Championship run with the Reds, taking them from rock bottom in the table to play-off football and eventually the Premier League, it was a surprise decision to turn on the coach who brought such success to the club. The former Swansea manager could be an astute appointment if the Tigers are in the market for someone who has had recent experience in the second tier.
The Welshman’s style of play is similar to Rosenior’s too, so it would be a like-for-like change for the Humberside outfit. His 4-3-3 approach has already worked in this tough division. Having already combated one major rebuild with Forest, the 44-year-old should have enough resolve to oversea the project at the KCOM Stadium.
Frank Lampard
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is often over-criticised for his work at Derby County, Everton and Chelsea. His work at Derby however, remains very underrated. Undoubtedly, the former England midfielder had remarkable loan players like Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori at his disposal, and the play-off final heartbreak culminated in failure. But the 45-year-old managed to gel a brilliant squad together who only fell at the final hurdle.
Speaking on The Overlap with Gary Neville, Lampard explained that he felt he did quite well at the club and is somewhat unfairly judged considering he took the team far into promotion contention. Albeit his stints at Everton and Chelsea weren’t as successful, but being thrown head-first into the top flight is always going to prove difficult at first. A refresher in the Championship could be perfect for both parties this time around; Lampard could take City one step further than his aforementioned Nottinghamshire side.
Javi Gracia
Hull may be deterred by Gracia’s axing from Leeds United in May 2023, but the Spaniard insists that his record isn’t as bad as people make out. In an interview with The Athletic, the 54-year-old expresses his insistence on patience with youth players, which is something the Tigers could benefit from massively with a new rebuild looking likely. Gracia started off really well with the Yorkshire side but left the club before they were eventually relegated from the Premier League last season. Unfortunate capitulations, including the 5-1 defeat against Crystal Palace, gave the Whites no choice but to part ways.
Gracia has some decent experience with another Championship club, Watford. In the 2018/19 season, he took the Hornets to 11th place in the Premier League, which remains a record-high finish for the club. The former Spain midfielder also stormed to the FA Cup final with the London-based side the same season, for the first time in 35 years. This would be a very ambitious appointment for Hull but it could also prove to be a risky gamble considering both Gracia’s dismissals with English clubs. At Championship level, the out-of-contract man could really thrive.
