Former Hull City midfielder Ray Parlour believes the club could suffer a similar fate to Birmingham City following the shock sacking of Liam Rosenior yesterday.
The Tigers enjoyed a decent campaign, although ultimately fell short at the final hurdle. They went into the final day knowing a win at relegation-threatened Plymouth Argyle could see them sneak into the play-off places. However, they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Home Park, meaning another season in the Championship beckons.
Despite the disappointment, Rosenior was widely praised for the job he performed at the MKM Stadium. Although there has been heavy investment from owner Acun Ilcali, the Humberside outfit have still arguably overachieved this season, especially with the likes of Leicester City, Leeds United and Southampton all dropping down from the Premier League.
Some excellent performances caught the eye throughout the campaign, and it wasn’t a major surprise to see the 39-year-old nominated for the Championship Manager of the Season. Eventually the award was won by the deserving Kieran McKenna, but even the recognition showed how much the job he was doing in East Yorkshire was appreciated.
Ultimately though, the owner thought otherwise, claiming that his vision for the future was not shared by Rosenior. It was a decision which shocked the majority, including that of former Arsenal and England star Ray Parlour. The Romford Pele has even gone as far as to say they could suffer the same fate as Birmingham City, who will now play in League One after their relegation was confirmed last week.
The Blues enjoyed their best start to a season in years under the stewardship of John Eustace. A 3-1 win over rivals West Bromwich Albion in October saw them move into the play-off places. However, three days later, the 44-year-old was cast aside in favour of Wayne Rooney.
The England legend lasted just 15 games before he too was sacked, and the West Midlands side were unable to recover. It all proved too-little-too late for Tony Mowbray, and then Gary Rowett, and they were confined to relegation despite a 1-0 win over Norwich City on the final day.
Speaking to NetBet Online Casino, Parlour said Hull’s decision could backfire on them too:
“This was a shock for me as Liam Rosenior did a great job for Hull City. They have improved year on year and only just missed out on the play-offs.
“Absolutely this could happen (suffer same fate as Birmingham) as Birmingham were flying at the start of the season under John Eustace and then now, they got relegated.
“You have to be careful what you wish for as Rosenior really impressed me with the way his team played and the championship is such a tough division and this is the highest Hull City have finished for many years. The fans were on side with the Coach and the team have played great football.
“I hope they get the next appointment right, but Rosenior will be back in work in no time as he is a really impressive young Coach and whoever takes him as Coach will inherit a fantastic guy who, given time will do really well.”
Hull are hoping to make a swift appointment to allow ample time to plan for the new campaign. The Tigers have been linked to the likes of Marti Cifuentes and Danny Rohl.
