:Hull City A.F.C.

{{Further|History of Hull City A.F.C.}}

{{For|a statistical breakdown by season|List of Hull City A.F.C. seasons}}

Hull City Association Football Club was founded on 28 June 1904.{{cite web |title=History |url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/club/history |publisher=Hull City A.F.C. |accessdate=27 July 2024}}{{cite news |title=1904–1915: The Formative Years |url=http://www.hullcity-mad.co.uk/feat/edy1/19041915_the_formative_years_30224/index.shtml |work=Hull City Mad |publisher=Digital Sports Group |date=2 January 2002 |accessdate=27 July 2022}}{{cite book|last=Peterson|first=Mike|title=A Century of City|year=2005|publisher=Yore Publications|isbn=0954783077|page=7}} Due to the popularity of rugby league in Kingston upon Hull, previous attempts to found an association football club in the city had proved difficult.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=none of this is mentioned in the next source. the only mention of rugby is 'friendly games... were played at the Boulevard, home of Hull F.C. (one of the City's professional Rugby League clubs).'}} By 1904, both Hull F.C. and Hull K.R. were already well-established sides with passionate local backing.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=none of this is mentioned in the next source. the only mention of rugby is 'friendly games... were played at the Boulevard, home of Hull F.C. (one of the City's professional Rugby League clubs).' Hull Kingston Rovers not mentioned.}} The desire for a third team to represent the city in competitive sport was not particularly present at the time, but support would soon grow. The club faced some initial disruptions after foundation, as they had been unable to apply for membership of the Football League for the 1904–05 season and instead played only in friendlies.{{cite web |title=Hull City |url=http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Hull_City/Hull_City.htm |work=Historical Football Kits |publisher=Dave Moor |accessdate=19 September 2017}} The first of these matches was a 2–2 draw with Notts County on 1 September 1904, with a crowd of 6,000 in attendance.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=none of this is mentioned in the next source. no crowd, no date, no result. nothing.}} These early matches were played at Hull F.C.'s home, the Boulevard. The club's first competitive football match was in the FA Cup preliminary round, drawing 3–3 with Stockton on 17 September, but they were eliminated after losing the replay 4–1 on 22 September.{{cite book

| first = Mike

| last = Peterson

| title = The Definitive Hull City A.F.C. : A statistical history to 1999

| year = 1999

| publisher = Tony Brown

| isbn = 1-899468-13-7

| page = 13 }}

After disputes with landlords at the Boulevard, Hull City temporarily moved to the Circle, a cricket ground in West Park.{{additional citation needed|date=February 2024|reason=source does not specify that it is the Circle. the Circle appears to be on Anlaby Road, but this could be properly verified.}} After having played 44 friendly fixtures the previous season, Hull City were admitted into the Football League Second Division for the 1905–06 season.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=source does not mention any 'friendly fixtures'. so does not state '44'.}}{{cite web |title=Hull City |url=https://www.fchd.info/HULLC.HTM |work=Football Club History Database |publisher=Richard Rundle |accessdate=19 September 2017}} Other teams competing in the league that season included Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as Yorkshire rivals Barnsley, Bradford City and Leeds City. Furthermore, Grimsby Town, from the southern bank of the Humber Estuary in Lincolnshire, were also in the Second Division.{{relevance inline|date=February 2024|reason=a team from a different county? why is it given a separate sentence when the 3 'Yorkshire rivals' are all included earlier? uncited too.}}{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} Hull and Grimsby were the only two professional teams who were granted official exemption from playing league football on Christmas Day because of the demands of the fish trade.{{cite web |title=Hull City: 20 surprising facts about Premier League new boys |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/hull-city-20-surprising-facts-1874351 |work=Mirror |publisher=Paul Cockerton |date = 7 May 2013 |accessdate=21 August 2023}} Hull defeated Barnsley 4–1 at home in their first game, and ended the season with a solid 5th-place finish.{{vague|date=February 2024|reason=what is a 'solid 5th-place finish'? if it is a football term, could the jargon be linked? if it is not, is '5th-place finish' not enough?}}

In March 1906, a permanent home ground was opened for Hull City just across the road from the cricket ground, known as Anlaby Road.{{vague|date=February 2024|reason=was the cricket ground known as Anlaby Road? or the permanent home ground? and what then of the Circle, 'on Anlaby Road', mentioned earlier?}}{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=not in source at end.}} It would house the team until 1939.{{failed verification|date=February 2024}} Under the guidance of player-manager Ambrose Langley, Hull continued to finish consistently in the top-half of the table.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=Ambrose Langley is not mentioned. 12/20 in 1912–13 is not 'top half'.13/22 in 1920–21 is not 'top half'. 17/22 in 1923–24 is certainly not 'top half'. and all the other examples until 1939. if it is until 1914 only, example 1 shows they did not. but the exact time period is unclear.}} They came close to promotion in the 1909–10 season, recording what would be the club's highest-ever league finish for nearly a century. Hull had ended the season level on points with Oldham Athletic, but finished below the Latics due to goal average, where a narrow margin of 0.29 of a goal had meant the Tigers missed out on promotion.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=none of this is mentioned in the link provided.}}

Hull would continue to regularly finish in the top-half of the table prior to the suspension of English football during the First World War, but their momentum had gone after its restart in 1919. The Tigers began to struggle, finishing in the bottom half of the table in seven seasons out of the next eleven. This culminated in relegation to the Third Division North following the 1929–30 season.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=source does not mention/confirm 'relegation to the Third Division North', but the rest is covered.}} Despite the league campaign ending in relegation, Hull found much better luck in the FA Cup. Prior to 2014, Hull's greatest result in any cup competition was achieved in the 1929–30 FA Cup.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason='Success in the FA Cup saw the club reach the semi-final for the first (and only) time in their history' – source is from 2008. so if it changed in 2014... an additional source?}}{{cite news |date=2 January 2002 |title=1919–1939: Inter War Promise Not Fulfilled |work=Hull City Mad |publisher=Digital Sports Group |url=http://www.hullcity-mad.co.uk/feat/edy1/19191939_inter_war_promise_not_fulfilled_30225/index.shtml |accessdate=26 February 2011}} The Tigers began with victories over the eventual champions of the Third Division, Plymouth Argyle and the eventual champions of the Second Division, Blackpool.{{additional citation needed|date=February 2024|reason=sources needed to confirm 'eventual champions of the Third Division' & 'eventual champions of the Second Division'.}} They then overcame Manchester City to meet Newcastle United in the quarter-finals. The first game at St James' Park finished as a 1–1 draw, but, in the home replay, Hull beat Newcastle 1–0. This meant Hull played the semi-finals, where they were paired with Arsenal, in a game held at the neutral venue of Elland Road in Leeds.{{additional citation needed|date=February 2024|reason=source does not mention Elland Road. source needed to confirm St James' Park.}} The semi-final ended 2–2, and, so, was replayed at Villa Park in Birmingham four days later.{{additional citation needed|date=February 2024|reason='four days later' – no dates in source. source just mentions 'Aston Villa' – need to confirm Villa Park as venue.}} Arsenal won the semi-final replay 1–0, thus ending Hull's cup run.File:Hull City30s.JPG

Hull would eventually be promoted back to the Second Division after they won their first-ever league title in the 1932–33 season.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} Managed by Haydn Green, they had finished above 2nd-placed Wrexham by just 2 points, mainly due to the goals of Bill McNaughton who was the league's top-scorer that season with 39 goals.

After the Second World War, the club moved to another new ground, Boothferry Park.{{cite news

| first = Andy

| last = Beill

| title = Boothferry Park

| url = http://www.hullcity-mad.co.uk/feat/edy3/boothferry_park_186699/index.shtml

|work=Hull City Mad |publisher=Digital Sports Group

| date = 6 November 2007

| accessdate = 26 February 2011}} In the 1948–49 season, under the tutelage of former England international and now player-manager Raich Carter, Hull won promotion from the Third Division North as champions.{{additional citation needed|reason=source does not mention Raich Carter, or anything else about him.|date=February 2024}} "Yo-yoing" between the second and third tiers of English football, City had promotion seasons from the Third Division to the Second Division again in 1958–59 and 1965–66, winning the Third Division title in the latter-season.{{additional citation needed|date=February 2024|reason='yo-yoing' is interesting, but does not appear to be mentioned in either source?}}{{cite news

| title = 1939–1961: The Carter Era and Beyond

| url = http://www.hullcity-mad.co.uk/feat/edy1/19391961_the_carter_era_and_beyond_30226/index.shtml

|work=Hull City Mad |publisher=Digital Sports Group

| date = 2 January 2002

| accessdate = 26 February 2011}}{{cite news

| title = 1961–1980: Rising under Britton then Decline

| url = http://www.hullcity-mad.co.uk/feat/edy1/19611980_rising_under_britton_then_decline_30228/index.shtml

|work=Hull City Mad |publisher=Digital Sports Group

| date = 2 January 2002

| accessdate = 26 February 2011}} For the majority of the 1960s, Hull was managed by Cliff Britton, who has since achieved cult-status with supporters of the club for the successes he achieved, especially the Third Division title win in 1966.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=where is the source for 'since achieved cult-status with supporters of the club for the successes he achieved'?}} The side that year featured record club appearance-maker{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} Jock Davidson and record club goal-scorer{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} Chris Chilton as well as striker Ken Houghton and a young Ken Wagstaff, among others. It is widely regarded{{by whom|date=February 2024}} as one of the best squads the club has ever had.

On 1 August 1970, Hull became the first team in the world to be eliminated from a cup competition on penalties, beaten by Manchester United in the semi-final of the Watney Cup.{{additional citation needed|date=February 2024|reason=is 'a cup competition', or any type of competition, covered in this source?}}{{cite news

| first1 = Sean

| last1 = Ingle

| first2 = Scott

| last2 = Murray

| title = Shooting from the hip

| url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jan/10/theknowledge.sport

| newspaper = The Guardian

| date = 10 January 2002

| accessdate = 11 July 2011

}}

By the early 1980s, Hull City were in the Fourth Division, and financial collapse led to receivership.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} Don Robinson took over as chairman and appointed Colin Appleton as the new manager.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} Both had previously held the equivalent roles with non-league Scarborough.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} Promotion to the Third Division followed in 1983, with a young team featuring such players as future England international Brian Marwood, future England manager Steve McClaren, forwards Billy Whitehurst and Les Mutrie, and Hull-born future captain Garreth Roberts.

In February 1983, City fans Henry Priestman and Mark Herman worked under the pseudonyms 'Harry Amber' and 'Mark Black' (together as 'Amber and Black') to release the song "The Tigers are Back", with backing vocals provided by various members of the City squad.{{cite web |last=Buckingham |first=Philip |date=25 December 2022 |title=A celebrated musician, a Hollywood film director and Hull City's chart-topping song |url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-hull-city-eclipsed-duran-1982059 |accessdate=12 June 2023 |website=HullLive }} This was done to help raise funds in order to pay the players' wages, as the club's money struggles were still visible. Herman reworded the song "Out of Luck" by Priestman's previous band Yachts, to get the lyrics. Both the record sleeves and the records themselves contained the logo of the fictional record label 'Don Records' alongside the fictional issue number 'COL001'. These were in tribute to Don Robinson and Colin Appleton respectively.

After narrowly missing out on back-to-back promotions in May 1984, Appleton left his position at Hull, having been enticed to become the new manager of Swansea City.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=none of this is in the next source cited.}} His replacement was player-manager Brian Horton who would first join the Tigers on their summer tour of Florida the following month, where they visited Walt Disney World, and played the Tampa Bay Rowdies, managed by Rodney Marsh, in the return leg of the Arrow Air Anglo-American Cup.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=source does not mention Brian Horton, June 1984, visiting Walt Disney World, playing the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Rodney Marsh, the Arrow Air Anglo-American Cup, its 'return leg'... most of this really. 'Herman and Priestman worked together again with City when charting the club’s tour of Florida a year later' is about all it says.}} Mark Herman would direct and edit a short documentary film of the tour, with Priestman composing its music. Herman released the finished version online in 2016, titled "A Kick in the Grass".{{primary source inline|date=February 2024|reason=does the YouTube link confirm all that is written here?}}{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CG5ysDFxoG4 |title=A Kick in the Grass |date=29 November 2016 |accessdate=13 June 2023}} Promotion followed in the 1984–85 season under Horton,{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} with the young City squad now not only talented but experienced too.

Hull remained in the Second Division for the next six years before being relegated in 1991, by which time the club's manager was Terry Dolan.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=soure does not mention Terry Dolan.}} It was during this period in the Second Division that Hull fielded a black player for the first time, when Ray Daniel made his debut on 23 August 1986 in a home game against West Bromwich Albion.{{cite book |last1=Hern |first1=Bill |last2=Gleave |first2=David |title=Football's Black Pioneers |date=2020 |publisher=Conker Editions |location=Leicester |isbn=9781999900854 |pages=168–169}} He would make 58 league appearances for the Tigers before moving to Cardiff City in August 1989.

File:Hull City AFC League Performance.svg

The Tigers finished 14th in the Third Division in the 1991–92 season, meaning that they would be competing in the new Second Division the following season.{{vague|date=February 2024|reason=explain for the reader how finishing 14th qualified them for 'the new Second Division'?}} In their first season in the rebranded division, Hull narrowly avoided another relegation, but the board kept faith in Dolan and over the next two seasons they achieved mid-table finishes.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} Financial difficulties hampered City's progress, as key players such as Alan Fettis and Dean Windass had to be sold to fend off winding-up orders.{{failed verification|date=February 2024}}{{cite web

| title = Club Profile

| url = http://www.premierleague.com/page/hull-city

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080725093330/http://www.premierleague.com/page/hull-city

| url-status = dead

| archive-date = 25 July 2008

| publisher = Premier League

| accessdate = 11 July 2011}} In the 1995–96 season, Hull were relegated to the Third Division.{{cite news

| title = 1980–1997: Robinson the Saviour – Boring, Boring Dolan

| url = http://www.hullcity-mad.co.uk/feat/edy1/19801997_robinson_the_saviour__boring_boring_dolan_30229/index.shtml

|work=Hull City Mad |publisher=Digital Sports Group

| date = 2 January 2002

| accessdate = 26 February 2011}}

In 1997, former tennis player David Lloyd purchased the club. Lloyd sacked Dolan as manager, and replaced him with Mark Hateley, after Hull finished 17th in the league table.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=source does not say Lloyd 'sacked' Dolan. mentions only that Warren Joyce was sacked.}} Hull's league form steadily deteriorated to the point that they faced possible relegation to the Football Conference. Lloyd sold the club in November 1998 to a South Yorkshire-based consortium, but retained ownership of Boothferry Park.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=November is not mentioned, but is suggested with 'By Christmas 1998'. needs another source to verify. also not mentioned is Lloyd 'retained ownership of Boothferry Park' – source states 'a new South Yorkshire based consortium bought out Lloyd's holding in the Club'.}}{{cite news

| title = 1997–2000: Saved? and Future Prospects

| url = http://www.hullcity-mad.co.uk/feat/edy1/19972000_saved_and_future_prospects_30230/index.shtml

|work=Hull City Mad |publisher=Digital Sports Group

| date = 2 January 2002

| accessdate = 26 February 2011}} Hateley departed in November 1998, with the club at the foot of the table.{{failed verification|date=February 2024}} He was replaced by 34-year-old veteran player Warren Joyce, who steered the club to safety with games to spare.{{vague|date=February 2024|reason=how many games?}}{{failed verification|date=February 2024}} Hull City fans refer to this season as "The Great Escape".{{cite news

| title = Following Tigers through thick and mainly thin finally pays off

| url = http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/other-clubs/following_tigers_through_thick_and_mainly_thin_finally_pays_off_1_2502149

| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120602233244/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/other-clubs/following_tigers_through_thick_and_mainly_thin_finally_pays_off_1_2502149

| archivedate = 2 June 2012

| newspaper=The Yorkshire Post

| date = 24 May 2008

| accessdate = 11 July 2011}} Despite this feat, Joyce was replaced in April 2000 by the more experienced Brian Little.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=unclear from source if this happened in April 2000. It might have happened in May, according to the source, or it might not.}}

Despite briefly being locked out of Boothferry Park by bailiffs and facing the possibility of liquidation,{{failed verification|date=February 2024}} Hull qualified for the Third Division play-offs in the 2000–01 season, losing in the semi-finals to Leyton Orient. A boardroom takeover by former Leeds United commercial director Adam Pearson eased the club's precarious financial situation, and all fears of closure were banished.

Pearson began funding the club upon his arrival, allowing Little to rebuild the team ahead of the 2001–02 season. An overhaul amongst the attack followed, with the additions of Gary Alexander,{{cite news|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2024/january/27/shared-shirts-gary-alexander/|title=Shared Shirts: Gary Alexander|work=Hull City A.F.C.|date=27 January 2024|accessdate=18 August 2024}} David Beresford,{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/players/david-beresford-4013/|title=David Beresford|work=11v11.com|accessdate=23 April 2025}} Lawrie Dudfield,{{cite news|url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hull-city-record-transfer-fee-2230894|title=How Hull City's record transfer fee has evolved over the last century|work=Hull Daily Mail|date=14 April 2020|accessdate=23 April 2025}} and Ryan Williams.{{cite web|url=https://www.oncloudseven.com/801-ryan-williams/#:~:text=When%20City%20signed%20Ryan%20Williams,season%20in%20a%20Chesterfield%20shirt.|title=801 Ryan Williams|accessdate=23 April 2025}} On top of this, Faroese international Julian Johnsson was signed to bolster the midfield,{{cite web|url=https://www.oncloudseven.com/800-julian-johnsson/#:~:text=Faroe%20Islander%20Julian%20Johnsson%20joined,%2C%20tackled%2C%20passed%20and%20created.|title=800 Julian Johnsson|accessdate=23 April 2025}} whilst Ben Petty joined from Stoke City to strengthen the defensive line.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/2558811.stm|title=Tigers let Petty go|work=BBC Sport|date=9 December 2002|accessdate=23 April 2025}} These new signings initially oversaw success, with Hull occupying a play-off spot for much of the campaign. However, following a rocky start to the new year, Little was dismissed as manager on 27 February 2002.{{cite news|url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/brian-little-hull-city-reign-2236122|title=Unpaid wages, administration and Adam Pearson's regrets, the story behind Brian Little's Hull City reign|work=Hull Daily Mail|date=7 April 2020|accessdate=23 April 2025}} In the time it took to find his replacement, interim Billy Russell lost five out of his seven games in charge. Jan Mølby, coincidentally Hull's first non-British or Irish manager, was eventually appointed on 4 April 2002.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/1910587.stm|title=Molby takes Hull job|work=BBC Sport|date=4 April 2002|accessdate=23 April 2025}} Despite the former Liverpool midfielder's arrival, he could not recover the club's waning form as they slumped to 11th at the season's close.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/eng-league-two-2001-2002-spieltag/46/|title=League Two 2001/2002 » 46. Round|work=worldfootball.net|date=28 March 2024 |accessdate=23 April 2025}}

File:Boothferry park last day.jpg, 14 December 2002]]

The 2002–03 campaign was much the same as its predecessor. Despite its mediocrity, two key signings were made during the prior summer transfer window. Future Hull City Hall of Fame inductees Ian Ashbee and Stuart Elliott arrived from Cambridge United and Motherwell respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/club/history/hall-of-fame/ian-ashbee/|title=Ian Ashbee|work=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=23 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/club/history/hall-of-fame/stuart-elliott/|title=Stuart Elliott|work=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=23 April 2025}} Soon after, Ashbee was announced as the new club captain. On 11 October 2002, Mølby was sacked,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/2319321.stm|title=Molby sacked by Hull|work=BBC Sport|date=11 October 2002|accessdate=23 April 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/11/newsstory.sport8|title=Molby quits Hull at second attempt|work=The Guardian|date=11 October 2002|accessdate=23 April 2025}} before Peter Taylor replaced him the next day.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/12/sport.comment1|title=Taylor takes the reins at under-achieving Hull|work=The Guardian|date=12 October 2002|accessdate=23 April 2025}} The highlight of the season, though, was the change in stadium. After 56 years at Boothferry Park, the Tigers played their final match there on 14 December 2002, a 1–0 loss to Darlington.{{cite news|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2020/december/on-this-day-farewell-boothferry-park/|title=On This Day: Farewell Boothferry Park!|work=Hull City A.F.C.|date=14 December 2020|accessdate=23 April 2025}} On 18 December 2002, Hull played their first game at the new KC Stadium, a 1–0 friendly win over Sunderland. Steve Melton scored the first goal at the new ground.{{cite news|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2024/october/17/raich-carter-trophy-2024/|title=Raich Carter Trophy 2024

|work=Hull City A.F.C.|date=17 October 2024|accessdate=23 April 2025}} The first competitive match came a week later, on 26 December 2002, a 2–0 win over Hartlepool United in the league.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/2588395.stm|title=Hull 2-0 Hartlepool|work=BBC Sport|date=26 December 2002|accessdate=23 April 2025}} There was a crowd of 22,319 spectators in attendance.{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/hull-city-v-hartlepool-united-26-december-2002-15008/|title=Hull City v Hartlepool United, 26 December 2002|work=11v11.com|accessdate=23 April 2025}} By the end of the season, there was nothing to play for, with the Tigers finishing 13th.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/eng-league-two-2002-2003-spieltag/46/|title=League Two 2002/2003 » 46. Round|work=worldfootball.net|date=28 March 2024 |accessdate=23 April 2025}}

The 2003–04 season saw the beginning of one of the club's best-ever eras. Before it began, that summer's transfer window saw the signing of another future Hull City Hall of Fame inductee, as Andy Dawson joined on a free from Humber derby rivals Scunthorpe United.{{cite web|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/club/history/hall-of-fame/andy-dawson/|title=Andy Dawson|work=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=23 April 2025}} Other important arrivals that window were Danny Allsopp, Richard Hinds, Jason Price, and Alton Thelwell.{{cite news|url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/hull-city-peter-taylor-reign-4018676|title=Peter Taylor's Hull City reign revisited: Pride, regrets, advice from Sir Alex and almost returning|work=Hull Daily Mail|date=4 April 2020|accessdate=23 April 2025}} Later that season, young prospects Ryan France and Boaz Myhill both also signed for the club.{{cite news|url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/hull-city-ryan-france-student-2929946|title='What a ride' - How Hull City's Ryan France went from student nights to the Premier League|work=Hull Daily Mail|date=25 April 2020|accessdate=24 April 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2024/may/28/your-winner-is-boaz-myhill/|title=Your winner is... Boaz Myhill|date=28 May 2024|work=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=18 August 2024}} After 17 games, Hull were sat 1st in the league table.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/eng-league-two-2003-2004-spieltag/17/|title=League Two 2003/2004 » 27. Round|work=worldfootball.net|date=28 March 2024 |accessdate=24 April 2025}} They were eventually forced to settle for 2nd-place promotion behind Doncaster Rovers, largely due to dropping vital points either side of a strong Christmas period.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/eng-league-two-2003-2004-spieltag/46/|title=League Two 2003/2004 » 46. Round|work=worldfootball.net|date=28 March 2024 |accessdate=24 April 2025}} The following year, in the 2004–05 season, the Tigers completed the impressive feat of back-to-back promotions.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/eng-league-one-2004-2005-spieltag/46/|title=League One 2004/2005 » 46. Round|work=worldfootball.net|accessdate=24 April 2025}} The most noteworthy addition to the squad had been Hull-born veteran Nick Barmby, who arrived on a free transfer from Leeds United.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/3852967.stm|title=Hull sign Barmby|work=BBC Sport|date=6 July 2004|accessdate=24 April 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/hull-cit-nick-barmby-romantic-3059939|title=A romantic homecoming and statement of intent: How Hull City signed hometown hero Nick Barmby|work=Hull Daily Mail|date=6 July 2019|accessdate=24 April 2025}}

File:Paul Duffen at KC Stadium as Chairmain of HFAFC, 2008 (cropped).jpg, owner of Hull City between 2007–2010]]

File:Bristol City 0-1 Hull City.png against Bristol City]]

File:Hull City promotion celebration.jpg and players celebrate on promotion to the Premier League in 2008]]

The 2005–06 season was Hull's first in the second tier since the 1990–91 campaign. At the turn of the new year, they were in 17th-place,{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/eng-championship-2005-2006-spieltag/27/|title=Championship 2005/2006 » 27. Round|work=worldfootball.net|accessdate=24 April 2025}} only falling to 18th-place by the end of the season, finishing above the drop by 10 points and securing survival.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/eng-championship-2005-2006-spieltag/46/|title=Championship 2005/2006 » 46. Round|work=worldfootball.net|accessdate=24 April 2025}} However, after the campaign's conclusion, manager Taylor left Hull for Crystal Palace.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crystal_palace/5067262.stm|title=Taylor named new Palace manager|work=BBC Sport|date=13 June 2006|accessdate=24 April 2025}} He was succeeded by Phil Parkinson, who struggled at his new job, having overseen previous success with Colchester United.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/5129748.stm|title=Parkinson confirmed as Hull boss|work=BBC Sport|date=29 June 2006|accessdate=24 April 2025}} On 4 December 2006, Parkinson was sacked with the Tigers in the relegation zone.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/dec/04/newsstory.hullcity|title=Parkinson and Hull part company|work=The Guardian|date=4 December 2006|accessdate=24 April 2025}} His replacement would prove pivotal to the next few years of the club's history. Phil Brown was announced as the new manager on 4 January 2007, having worked as interim boss alongside his new assistant Colin Murphy since Parkinson's dismissal.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/6228967.stm|title=Hull unveil Brown as new manager|work=BBC Sport|date=4 January 2007|accessdate=11 July 2011}} In that time, Brown and Murphy had accelerated Hull up to 21st-place and away from immediate danger.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/eng-championship-2006-2007-spieltag/27/|title=Championship 2006/2007 » 27. Round|work=worldfootball.net|accessdate=24 April 2025}} On 17 January 2007, local legend Dean Windass made a return to the Tigers, joining on loan from Bradford City for the remainder of the 2006–07 season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/6270951.stm|title=Hull capture Windass in loan deal|work=BBC Sport|date=17 January 2007|accessdate=11 July 2011}} His eight goals helped secure Hull's Championship status, with a 21st-placed finish.{{cite web|url=https://www.oncloudseven.com/678-dean-windass/|title=678 Dean Windass|work=oncloudseven.com|accessdate=24 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/eng-championship-2006-2007-spieltag/46/|title=Championship 2006/2007 » 46. Round|work=worldfootball.net|accessdate=24 April 2025}}

Ahead of the 2007–08 campaign, Windass' move was made permanent.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/6725825.stm|title=Windass completes Tigers switch|work=BBC Sport|date=19 June 2007|accessdate=24 April 2025}} Other key signings made in the transfer window included forward Caleb Folan{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/6972013.stm|title=Hull break record to land Folan|work=BBC Sport|date=31 August 2007|accessdate=24 April 2025}} and Australia international Richard Garcia, with the latter arriving from Brown's old club, Colchester.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/6225940.stm|title=Garcia leaves Colchester for Hull|work=BBC Sport|date=2 July 2007|accessdate=24 April 2025}} The club only managed to afford these transfers through new ownership. On 11 June 2007, Adam Pearson had sold the club for a reported £13m to a consortium led by Paul Duffen.{{cite news|url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/who-paul-duffen-what-hull-2072288|title=Who is Paul Duffen and what was his Hull City legacy?|work=Hull Daily Mail|date=3 October 2018|accessdate=24 April 2025}} Russell Bartlett and Martin Walker were also involved in the takeover. In response to the news, Pearson said that during his tenure he "had taken the club as far as [he] could".{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/6740257.stm|title=New owner takes over at Hull City|work=BBC Sport|date=11 June 2007|accessdate=24 April 2025}}

On the pitch, things started slowly. After 11 games, Hull were in 18th.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/eng-championship-2007-2008-spieltag/11/|title=Championship 2007/2008 » 11. Round|work=worldfootball.net|accessdate=24 April 2025}} However, after gaining momentum through the winter, the Tigers were in 8th-place after 33 games, and only one point off the play-offs.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/eng-championship-2007-2008-spieltag/33/|title=Championship 2007/2008 » 33. Round|work=worldfootball.net|accessdate=24 April 2025}} Since the start of the campaign, Fraizer Campbell had been loaned in to help push the team up the league and it was clearly working.{{cite web|url=https://www.oncloudseven.com/903-fraizer-campbell/|title=903 Fraizer Campbell|work=oncloudseven.com|accessdate=24 April 2025}} By the close of the season, not only had Campbell had racked up 15 goals,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/7569025.stm|title=Campbell not ruling out Hull loan|work=BBC Sport|date=19 August 2008|accessdate=24 April 2025}} but Hull had finished 3rd-place and qualified for the play-offs.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/eng-championship-2007-2008-spieltag/46/|title=Championship 2007/2008 » 46. Round|work=worldfootball.net|accessdate=24 April 2025}}

In the semi-finals, they faced Watford. Hull earned a 2–0 win away at Vicarage Road in the first leg, in part thanks to John Eustace receiving a red card and reducing their hosts to 10 men.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7381815.stm|title=Watford 0-2 Hull|work=BBC Sport|date=11 May 2008|accessdate=24 April 2025}} In the second leg, Darius Henderson provided a scare as Watford went 1–0 up, only for the Tigers to score a late flurry of goals and win 4–1 on the night and 6–1 on aggregate.{{cite news|url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7393756.stm|title=Hull 4–1 Watford (agg 6–1)|work=BBC Sport|date=14 May 2008|accessdate=11 July 2011}} On 24 May 2008, Bristol City were the only thing between Hull and the Premier League. At Wembley Stadium, Phil Brown's men reached the top-flight for the first time in the club's history, after Dean Windass' incredible first half volley secured a famous 1–0 win.{{cite news|url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7416502.stm|title=Bristol City 0–1 Hull|work=BBC Sport|date=24 May 2008|accessdate=24 May 2008}} Hull's ascent from the fourth tier to the first tier in just five seasons was the third-fastest in English football history, behind joint-first Swansea City (1977–81) and Wimbledon (1982–86).{{cite news|title=The wait ends for Lyon and Hull|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/news/newsid=780472.html|work=FIFA|date=28 May 2008|accessdate=11 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112032244/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/news/newsid%3D780472.html |archive-date=12 November 2012}}

Amidst the promotion campaign, 'Amber and Black' (now stylised as 'Amber & Black'), released the song "The City's on Fire" on MySpace.{{cite web|date=1 January 2008|url=https://myspace.com/amberandblack/music/song/the-city-s-on-fire-3188434-3166768|title=Amber & Black - The City's on Fire|website=Myspace|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613054312/https://myspace.com/amberandblack/music/song/the-city-s-on-fire-3188434-3166768|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 June 2023|accessdate=13 June 2023}} It was their first Hull City song since 1983, and it was later re-released just before the 2014 FA Cup final.{{cite book|last=Clayton|first=David|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vKM7AwAAQBAJ|title=The Hull City Miscellany|date=1 September 2012|publisher=The History Press|isbn=978-0-7524-9063-2|chapter=Record Breakers}}{{cite AV media|title=Amber & Black – The City's On Fire (2014)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIhZKu60QQM|accessdate=13 June 2023}}

Throughout the summer of 2008, Brown worked hard to secure new signings to improve squad depth. Craig Fagan returned from Derby County for his third stint with Hull,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/7486205.stm|title=Fagan returns to Hull from Derby|work=BBC Sport|date=2 July 2008|accessdate=28 April 2025}} whilst former Barcelona midfielder Geovanni arrived from Manchester City.{{cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/3779464/hull-seal-geovanni-deal|title=Hull seal Geovanni deal|work=Sky Sports|date=5 July 2008|accessdate=28 April 2025}} Furthermore, three internationals joined the club, namely George Boateng, Péter Halmosi, and Bernard Mendy.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/7506630.stm|title=Hull clinch triple transfer swoop|work=BBC Sport|date=16 July 2008|accessdate=28 April 2025}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/7465877.stm|title=Hull seal deal for defender Mendy|work=BBC Sport|date=11 July 2008|accessdate=28 April 2025}} Loans were also agreed for a number of players. Marlon King and Paul McShane became Tigers for the season,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/7560863.stm|title=King completes loan move to Hull|work=BBC Sport|date=14 August 2008|accessdate=28 April 2025}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/7589894.stm|title=Hull bag defender McShane on loan|work=BBC Sport|date=30 August 2008|accessdate=28 April 2025}} whilst deals for Anthony Gardner and Kamil Zayatte were both made permanent during the campaign.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/7560398.stm|title=Hull make Gardner record signing|work=BBC Sport|date=14 August 2008|accessdate=28 April 2025}}}{{cite news|url=https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/7670353.stm|title=Hull City agree fee for Zayatte|work=BBC Sport|date=14 October 2008|accessdate=28 April 2025}} Daniel Cousin was the last major incoming transfer of the window, signing from Rangers on 11 September 2008.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/7591851.stm|title=Striker Cousin makes Hull switch|work=BBC Sport|date=11 September 2008|accessdate=28 April 2025}}

Despite their strong transfer business, Hull were seen by many as a firm candidate for relegation.{{cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/3961435/2008-09-predictions|title=2008/09 predictions

|work=Sky Sports|date=13 August 2008|accessdate=14 August 2024}} However, on 16 August 2008, the Tigers achieved a 2–1 home victory over Fulham on the opening day.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7551167.stm|title=Hull City 2–1 Fulham|work=BBC Sport|date=16 August 2008|accessdate=20 August 2023}} Having gone 1–0 down inside 10 minutes, new signing Geovanni scored Hull's first goal ever in the top-flight to equalise, curling a low shot beyond Mark Schwarzer from outside the box. Caleb Folan then won the match late on, after Fagan capitalised on a defensive mistake from Paul Konchesky. The Premier League debutants then went on an impressive run into the early autumn, losing only one of their first nine games. This period included shock away wins over both Arsenal{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7626886.stm|title=Arsenal 1–2 Hull|work=BBC Sport|date=27 September 2008|accessdate=14 August 2024}} and Tottenham Hotspur.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7639500.stm|title=Tottenham 0–1 Hull|work=BBC Sport|date=5 October 2008|accessdate=14 August 2024}} In addition, after a 3–0 win away to West Bromwich Albion,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7674094.stm|title=West Brom 0–3 Hull|work=BBC Sport|date=25 October 2008|accessdate=24 March 2025}} Hull temporarily found themselves joint-second in the table, level on points with Chelsea and only three more behind Liverpool.{{cite news|url=https://www.premierleague.com/matchweek/637/table|title=Matchweek 9 Table|work=Premier League|accessdate=24 March 2025}} The Tigers had initially appeared to prove their doubters wrong, only to win just twice more all season.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8066370.stm|title=Hull deserved to stay up – Brown|work=BBC Sport|date=25 May 2009|accessdate=14 August 2024}} However, after a 1–0 home loss to Manchester United on the final day,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8048308.stm|title=Hull 0–1 Man Utd|work=BBC Sport|date=24 May 2009|accessdate=14 August 2024}} Hull escaped relegation thanks to other results going in their favour.

On 29 October 2009, chairman Paul Duffen resigned from his position, likely due to off-the-pitch constraints and having lost the backing of the board.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/oct/29/hull-city-paul-duffen-chairman-resign-football|title=Paul Duffen resigns as Hull City's chairman|work=The Guardian|date=29 October 2009|accessdate=24 March 2025}}{{cite news|url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8330852.stm|title=Hull chairman Duffen steps down|work=BBC Sport|date=29 October 2009|accessdate=11 July 2011}} His predecessor, Adam Pearson, was reinstated to replace him on 2 November 2009.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/nov/02/hull-adam-pearson-phil-brown|title=Adam Pearson aims for Hull clear-out to help tackle debts|work=The Guardian|date=2 November 2009|accessdate=24 March 2025}} By this point, the club's performances were very reflective of their financial situation behind the scenes. At the time of Pearson's return, Hull were sat 19th and with the worst goal difference of any team in the league.{{cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/matchweek/678/table|title=Matchweek 11 Table|work=Premier League|accessdate=24 March 2025}} Very little had changed by 15 March 2010,{{cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/matchweek/695/table|title=Matchweek 28 Table|work=Premier League|accessdate=24 March 2025}} the day manager Phil Brown was put on gardening leave after a run of four straight defeats.{{cite news|url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8567985.stm|title=Hull City relieve manager Phil Brown of his duties|work=BBC Sport|date=15 March 2010|accessdate=11 July 2011}} Brown's replacement was former Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic boss Iain Dowie,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/8571513.stm|title=Iain Dowie confirmed as new Hull City manager|work=BBC Sport|date=17 March 2010|accessdate=14 August 2024}} who was announced as the club's "Temporary Football Management Consultant" two days later.{{cite news|url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hull-city-iain-dowie-relegation-3967880|title=The inside story of how Hull City's 50-day gamble backfired to confirm Premier League relegation|work=Hull Daily Mail|date=20 March 2020|accessdate=24 March 2025}} The appointment was met with some disbelief by supporters who were hoping for a stronger and more ambitious replacement.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/mar/17/iain-dowie-hull-city-manager|title=Iain Dowie swaps the downhill for a black run at Hull|work=The Guardian|date=17 March 2010|accessdate=14 August 2024}} Dowie could not keep the Tigers up, with relegation confirmed on 3 May 2010, after a 2–2 draw away at Wigan Athletic.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8649742.stm|title=Wigan 2–2 Hull|work=BBC Sport|date=3 May 2010|accessdate=14 August 2024}} Both Brown and Dowie had their contracts swiftly terminated after the season's conclusion.{{cite web|url=http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10338~2066135,00.html|title=Club Statement|work=Hull City A.F.C.|date=7 June 2010|accessdate=7 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314155926/http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10338~2066135%2C00.html |archive-date=14 March 2012}}{{cite news|title=Hull City: Dowie's been told thanks, but no thanks after poor Premier League record|url=http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/HULL-CITY-Dowie-s-told-thanks-thanks/story-11956124-detail/story.html| work=Hull Daily Mail|date=19 June 2010|accessdate=11 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101658/http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/HULL-CITY-Dowie-s-told-thanks-thanks/story-11956124-detail/story.html|archive-date=3 May 2012}}

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson was appointed as the Tigers' next permanent manager on 29 June 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10338~2080724,00.html|title=Tigers Name New boss|work=Hull City A.F.C.|date=29 June 2010|accessdate=29 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314155950/http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10338~2080724%2C00.html |archive-date=14 March 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Undefined-Headline/story-11972315-detail/story.html|title=Hull City: Tigers tempted Nigel Pearson with ambitious plans|work=Hull Daily Mail|date=29 June 2010|accessdate=11 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503101732/http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Undefined-Headline/story-11972315-detail/story.html|archive-date=3 May 2012}} With yet more financial worries as a result of relegation, Pearson was forced to be frugal in the transfer market ahead of the 2010–11 campaign. A handful of free transfers were made to cover the gaps left by departing members of the first team. The highlight of these was the acquisition of West Brom midfielder Robert Koren, who had just captained Slovenia at the 2010 World Cup.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/8911685.stm|title=Slovenian midfielder Robert Koren joins Hull City|work=BBC Sport|date=13 August 2010|accessdate=14 August 2024}} On 16 December 2010, it was confirmed that Assem Allam had become the new owner of Hull City,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/9260836.stm|title=Allams complete takeover at Hull City|date=17 December 2010|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|accessdate=20 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101217051125/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/9260836.stm|archive-date=17 December 2010|url-status=live}} having promised to pay back club debts and eliminate any possibility of financial ruin.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/oct/19/hull-city-takeover-assem-allam|title=Hull City in talks with local businessman Assem Allam over sale|date=19 October 2010|work=The Guardian|accessdate=14 August 2024}} This allowed Hull to spend more money in the upcoming January transfer window, which included reuniting Pearson with his star striker from his time at Leicester, Matty Fryatt, who arrived for £1,200,000.{{cite news|date=1 January 2011 |url=http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10338~2255391,00.html |title=City Complete Fryatt Deal |work=Hull City Official Website |publisher=Hull City A.F.C. |accessdate=20 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723145508/http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10338~2255391%2C00.html |archive-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead }} The newly revitalised team set a new club record on 12 March 2011 with 14 away matches unbeaten, breaking a previous record held for over 50 years.{{cite news |url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/9418731.stm |title = Coventry 0 – 1 Hull |work=BBC Sport |date = 12 March 2011 |accessdate = 11 July 2011}} The streak was finally broken at 17 matches when Bristol City beat the Tigers 3–0 on the last day of the season at Ashton Gate.{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13247134.stm |title = Bristol City 3 – 0 Hull |work=BBC Sport |date = 7 May 2011 |accessdate = 29 September 2011}} On 15 November 2011, Nigel Pearson left the club to return to Leicester.{{cite news| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15621888.stm| title = Leicester City appoint Hull City's Nigel Pearson as boss| date = 15 November 2011|work = BBC Sport| accessdate = 15 November 2011}} Former player and Hull local Nick Barmby was appointed as his successor, initially as a temporary player-manager, but later as the full-time head coach, after retiring from professional football in January 2012.{{cite news| title = Hull City appoint Nick Barmby as manager| url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16484345.stm| work = BBC Sport| date = 10 January 2012| accessdate = 10 January 2012}} Barmby was sacked on 8 May 2012, after publicly criticising the club's owners in an interview.{{cite news | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17927073 | title = Hull City sack manager Nick Barmby | date = 8 May 2012 |work = BBC Sport | accessdate = 12 May 2012}} In the same month, the club's consultancy agreement with Adam Pearson was terminated.{{cite web |url=http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10338~2755715,00.html |title=Official Statement |date=1 May 2012 |publisher=Hull City A.F.C. |accessdate=1 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507233916/http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10338~2755715%2C00.html |archive-date=7 May 2012 }}

On 8 June 2012, Steve Bruce was appointed the club's new permanent manager on a three-year deal,{{cite news | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18192719 | title = Steve Bruce appointed Hull City manager on three-year deal | date = 8 June 2012 | work = BBC Sport | accessdate = 12 June 2012}} an appointment which would prove pivotal for the club's history. Bruce began by signing experienced defender Abdoulaye Faye from West Ham United,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18909702|title=Hull City sign former West Ham defender Abdoulaye Faye|date=20 July 2012|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} young winger Sone Aluko from Rangers,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18929914|title=Rangers: Former winger Sone Aluko joins Hull City|date=25 July 2012|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} and technical midfielder Stephen Quinn from Sheffield United.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19435787|title=Stephen Quinn and Nick Montgomery exit Sheffield United|date=31 August 2012|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} Alongside then-loanee Ahmed Elmohamady,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19428641|title=Hull City sign Sunderland's Ahmed Elmohamady on loan|date=30 August 2012|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} this quartet would be amongst the backbone of Bruce's promotion push in his first season as manager, the 2012–13 campaign. After a 2–1 victory away at Derby County on 21 December 2012, the Tigers found themselves in the league's top two for the first time that season.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20723125|title=Derby 1–2 Hull City|date=21 December 2012|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} Loans for Irish internationals Robbie Brady and David Meyler were both made permanent in the January transfer window,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20953020|title=David Meyler and Robbie Brady complete Hull transfers|date=8 January 2013|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} whilst striker Gedo was loaned in from Egyptian giants Al Ahly.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21281092|title=Hull City sign Egyptian trio on loan until the end of the season|date=31 January 2013|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} He would hit the ground running in East Yorkshire, scoring five goals in his first six games.{{soccerbase season|53425|2012|accessdate=14 August 2024}}

Bruce would eventually guide Hull back to the Premier League, after a nervy final day of the season at home to newly crowned league champions Cardiff City on 13 May 2013. The Tigers came from behind to lead 2–1, before Nick Proschwitz had the chance to finish the game off with a penalty in the dying embers of the match. The German saw his effort saved by David Marshall, allowing the Bluebirds to spring a counter-attack. The champions then won a penalty of their own, which was duly converted by Nicky Maynard. Hull would now have to rely on their Yorkshire rivals Leeds United to beat third-placed Watford at Vicarage Road. A lengthy-stoppage for an injury to Watford goalkeeper Jonathan Bond meant the game in Hertfordshire was 15 minutes delayed, leaving Hull in jeopardy as they were forced to wait to find out if they had done enough for automatic promotion. With the score level at 1–1 in added time, Ross McCormack attempted to chip substitute goalkeeper Jack Bonham, and thanks to Bonham mishandling the ball, it dropped into the net, securing Leeds the win and Hull a return to the top-flight in dramatic fashion.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22320548|title=Hull 2 – 2 Cardiff|date=4 May 2013|work = BBC Sport|accessdate=13 May 2013}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22320478|title=Watford 1 – 2 Leeds United|date=4 May 2013|work = BBC Sport|accessdate=13 May 2013}}

Following promotion, Bruce set about improving the squad so it was fit to compete in the Premier League. He started by making the loans of Elmohamady and George Boyd permanent,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23099525|title=Ahmed Elmohamady: Hull City sign Sunderland midfielder|date=28 June 2013|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22691495|title=Hull City: George Boyd signs two-year contract after loan spell|date=28 May 2013|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} before signing Maynor Figueroa,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22935716|title=Maynor Figueroa: Hull City sign Wigan Athletic defender|date=17 June 2013|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} Allan McGregor,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23146952#:~:text=Hull%20City%20have%20signed%20former,that%20everything%20is%20done%20now.|title=Allan McGregor: Hull City sign Scotland goalkeeper|date=2 July 2013|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} and Tom Huddlestone{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23699608|title=Hull sign Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone & Jake Livermore|date=14 August 2013|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} throughout the summer transfer window, among others. Furthermore, Jake Livermore, who had made his England debut the previous year, was loaned in for the entirety of the 2013–14 campaign. The Tigers began the season slowly, but there were clear signs of progress. A 3–1 home victory over title-chasing Liverpool on 1 December 2013,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25074365|title=Hull City 3–1 Liverpool|date=1 December 2013|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} and a narrow 3–2 defeat to Manchester United a few weeks later,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25442218|title=Hull City 2–3 Manchester United|date=26 December 2013|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} put Hull in a good position for their upcoming home fixture against Fulham. On 28 December 2013, Hull recorded their biggest-ever Premier League win, thrashing the visitors 6–0 and lifting them into 10th place.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25474691|title=Hull City 6–0 Fulham|date=28 December 2013|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} The game is well-remembered for Huddlestone celebrating his goal (Hull's fourth), by cutting a lock of his hair for charity having promised to grow it out until his next goal.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25538140|title=Tom Huddlestone cuts hair during Hull victory over Fulham|date=28 December 2013|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} The promise had lasted two years, as Huddlestone had not scored since 20 April 2011, when playing for his old club, Tottenham Hotspur, in their 3–3 draw with arch-rivals Arsenal.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9459329.stm|title=Tottenham 3–3 Arsenal|date=20 April 2011|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}}

File:Arsenal vs Hull City 2014-05-17.svg]]

The Tigers' form dropped in January, losing all four of their league matches in the month. However, they beat Middlesbrough{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25531662|title=Middlesbrough 0–2 Hull City|date=4 January 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} and later Southend United{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25789061|title=Southend United 0–2 Hull City|date=25 January 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup. It took two legs to defeat Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26236715|title=Hull City 2–1 Brighton & Hove Albion|date=24 February 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} before a 3–0 home victory over Sunderland{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26404261|title=Hull City 3–0 Sunderland|date=9 March 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} and an entertaining 5–3 win against Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium, saw Hull reach their first FA Cup final in history.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26908665|title=Hull City 5–3 Sheffield United|date=13 April 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} Meanwhile, in the league they had suffered greatly since the turn of the year. Yet, despite losing their final three games of the campaign, Bruce's side avoided relegation by four points, finishing in 16th, the club's highest-ever league finish.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27273312|title=Hull City 0–2 Everton|date=11 May 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} On 17 May 2014, Hull contested the 2014 FA Cup final with Arsenal. The Gunners were the favourites heading into the game, so when James Chester broke the deadlock inside five minutes, Arsenal were stunned. Curtis Davies doubled this lead moments later, leaving the opponents on the verge of capitulation. However, manager Arsène Wenger lifted his team back off their feet and their quality eventually shone through, with Aaron Ramsey completing an incredible 3–2 comeback deep into extra-time.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27354148|title=Arsenal 3–2 Hull City|date=17 May 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} Hull may have been beaten finalists, but their consolation prize was a place in the following season's Europa League third qualifying round. This was because cup winners Arsenal were already set to compete in the Champions League.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26657763|title=Premier League and Football League: Ups and downs|date=26 May 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} It would be the first time that the club competed in a major European competition.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28508325|title=AS Trenčín 0–0 Hull City|date=31 July 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=31 July 2014}}

Hull's squad would need another rebuild if it was to maintain stability in the Premier League and qualify for the group stages of the Europa League. With two signings made under Pearson leaving, the now-captain Koren{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28632485|title=Robert Koren signs for Melbourne City following Hull City release|date=3 August 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} and semi-prolific goalscorer Fryatt,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27764900|title=Nottingham Forest: Matt Fryatt joins but Veldwijk deal not yet done|date=10 June 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} depth was becoming a problematic issue that Bruce would need to resolve. After a successful loan spell, the first piece of business the Tigers did that summer was bringing Livermore back on a permanent deal for a reported club record fee of around £8,000,000.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27957557|title=Jake Livermore: Hull City break transfer record for midfielder|date=25 June 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} Not long after, Robert Snodgrass and Tom Ince arrived from Norwich City and Blackpool respectively.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28040408|title=Robert Snodgrass: Hull City sign Scotland midfielder from Norwich

|date=30 June 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28203490|title=Tom Ince: Hull City sign Blackpool winger on two-year deal|date=7 July 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} Then, the double signing of Harry Maguire and Andrew Robertson was announced on 29 July 2014.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28545303|title=Hull City sign defenders Andrew Robertson and Harry Maguire|date=29 July 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} Two days later, Hull made their debut in European football, a 0–0 draw away to Slovakian side AS Trenčín. The home leg saw their first European victory, a 2–1 win on 7 August 2014. Goals from Elmohamady and Aluko were enough to advance to the final play-off round.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28604686|title=Hull City 2–1 AS Trenčín|date=7 August 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=17 June 2015}} There, they were drawn against Belgian club K.S.C. Lokeren. However, after a 1–0 defeat in the first leg,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28878317|title=KSC Lokeren 1–0 Hull City|date=21 August 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=17 June 2015}} a 2–1 win at home was not enough to progress due to the away goals rule, and Hull were eliminated from the competition.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28945696|title=Hull City 2–1 KSC Lokeren (agg 2–2)|date=28 August 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=20 August 2023}}

At the end of the summer the Tigers made a flurry of new signings and loan deals. Defender Michael Dawson,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28922020|title=Michael Dawson: Hull sign Tottenham defender|date=26 August 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} Uruguayan international Abel Hernández,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29017830|title=Transfer deadline day: Abel Hernandez joins Hull in £10m deal|date=2 September 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} and midfielder Mohamed Diamé{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29016533|title=Transfer deadline day: Hull sign Gaston Ramirez and Mo Diame|date=2 September 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} all arrived permanently in the last week of the window. Furthermore, Premier League talents Gastón Ramírez and Hatem Ben Arfa both arrived on loan. Although Hull had not been a success in Europe, they had started well back on home soil, being ninth place in the league after their goalless away draw with Liverpool on 25 October 2014.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29670447|title=Liverpool 0–0 Hull City|date=25 October 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} However, by the time Bruce signed his second three-year deal with the club on 11 March 2015, they had dropped to 15th and were just sat above a relegation dogfight.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31870162|title=Steve Bruce confirms signing new three-year deal with Hull City|date=13 March 2015|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=13 March 2015}} The situation soon became uncomfortable and Hull slipped into the relegation zone, before having their fate sealed on the final day after drawing 0–0 at home to Manchester United, with other results failing to go their way.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32770866|title=Hull City 0–0 Manchester United|date=24 May 2015|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}}

Bruce stayed in spite of relegation and largely managed to keep the same squad going into the 2015–16 season. After the 2–0 victory away at Brentford on 3 November 2015, Hull found themselves atop of the Championship table.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34644748|title=Brentford 0–2 Hull City|date=3 November 2015|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} This came a week after their League Cup penalty-shootout win over eventual Premier League champions Leicester City,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35988673|title=Leicester City win Premier League title after Tottenham draw at Chelsea|date=2 May 2016|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} which took the Tigers to their first-ever quarter-final appearance in the competition.{{cite web | url = http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/bruce-delighted-to-take-tigers-through-2769313.aspx | title = Bruce Delighted To Take Tigers Through | publisher = Hull City A.F.C. | date = 27 October 2015 | accessdate = 27 October 2015 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151208194324/http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/bruce-delighted-to-take-tigers-through-2769313.aspx | archive-date = 8 December 2015 }}{{cite news | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34578000 | title = Hull 1–1 Leicester | date = 27 October 2015 |work = BBC Sport | accessdate = 27 October 2015}} That appearance, on 1 December 2015, saw Manchester City beat Hull 4–1 at the Etihad Stadium.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34907256#:~:text=Manchester%20City%20reached%20the%20League,a%20rebound%20off%20the%20post.|title=Manchester City 4–1 Hull City|date=1 December 2015|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} Coincidentally, the Citizens would go on to win the cup later that season.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35624164|title=Liverpool 1–1 Manchester City (pens 1–3)|date=|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} Hull would also taste glory in the 2015–16 campaign, overcoming Derby County 3–2 on aggregate in the semi-finals of the Championship play-offs.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36253545#:~:text=But%20Hull%20held%20off%20relentless,straight%20season%20in%20the%20Championship.|title=Hull City 0–2 Derby County (3–2 agg)|date=17 May 2016|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=14 August 2024}} In the final, on 28 May 2016, a long-range effort from Diamé was enough to beat Sheffield Wednesday, securing the Tigers an immediate return to the top-flight.{{cite news |title=Hull City 1–0 Sheffield Wednesday |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36348885 |accessdate=23 July 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=28 May 2016}}

On 22 July 2016, Bruce resigned from his position as manager due to an alleged rift with the club's owners and Mike Phelan was appointed interim manager.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36868495|title=Steve Bruce: Hull City manager leaves newly promoted club|date=22 July 2016|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=13 August 2024}}{{cite web|url= http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/2016-17/club-statement-3201375.aspx|title= Club Statement|date= 22 July 2016|publisher = Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate = 23 July 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160818014407/http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/2016-17/club-statement-3201375.aspx|archive-date = 18 August 2016|url-status = dead}} Steve Bruce's four-year tenure as Hull City manager was one of the most successful in the Tigers’ history, as his team achieved two promotions to the Premier League, including the club's highest-ever league finish, as well as an FA Cup final and European football. By the summer of 2016, supporters had already become frustrated and disillusioned with the Allam family's ownership of the club,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/apr/26/steve-bruce-hull-city-fans-protest-assem-allam|title=Steve Bruce asks Hull City fans not to protest against Assem Allam|date=26 April 2016|work= The Guardian|accessdate=13 August 2024}} mainly due to the failed suggestion for the club to be rebranded as Hull Tigers.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/24920893|title=Hull City: Tigers chairman dismisses fans' protests|date=12 November 2013|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=18 January 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33483016|title=Hull City lose FA vote to change name to Tigers for the second time|date=11 July 2015|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=11 July 2015}}

Fans' desires for the club to be sold only increased after Bruce's resignation, and worries about the upcoming season were made more apparent by the fact that there had been no new first team signings since promotion. It was that point in particular that garnered the attention of social media and national news outlets after nine of the 13 remaining fit senior players at the club jokingly posed for a squad photo whilst on their pre-season tour of Austria.{{cite news|url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/hull-city-austria-inside-story-4083804|title=Inside Hull City's chaotic Austria tour: No manager, 13 senior players and THAT infamous team picture|date=28 April 2020|work=Hull Daily Mail|accessdate=13 August 2024}} At the time of the photo, Diamé, who had scored Hull's promotion-winning goal just over two months earlier, had left the club to join Newcastle United,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36967079|title=Newcastle United sign Mohamed Diame and Ciaran Clark|date=3 August 2024|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=13 August 2024}} whilst a permanent replacement for Bruce was still yet to be found.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/aug/11/hull-city-worst-ever-premier-league-pre-season|title=Have Hull City suffered the worst-ever Premier League pre-season?|date=11 August 2016|work=The Guardian|accessdate=13 August 2024}} An approach for then-Wales boss Chris Coleman had reportedly been made, in response to him guiding his nation to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 earlier that summer.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36932257|title=Hull City: Chris Coleman in frame to succeed Steve Bruce as Tigers boss|date=30 July 2016|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=13 August 2024}} However, this was abruptly blocked by the Welsh FA on 2 August 2016.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36954978|title=Chris Coleman: FAW rejects Hull City's approach for Wales manager|date=2 August 2016|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=13 August 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/aug/02/hull-city-approach-chris-coleman-rejected-welsh-fa|title=Hull City's approach for Chris Coleman rejected by Welsh FA|date=2 August 2016|work=The Guardian|accessdate=13 August 2024}}

File:Leicester Line (28337204214).jpg, 2016]]

By the time the 2016–17 season was underway, Phelan was still in charge as interim manager. Despite low attendances at home games in protest of the Allams' ownership,{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/furious-hull-fans-plan-protests-8553135|title=Furious Hull fans plan protests on opening day of the Premier League season as summer of discontent continues|date=3 August 2016|publisher=The Mirror|accessdate=13 August 2024}} on-pitch results were surprisingly good considering the club's uncomfortable situation. This was highlighted by an unlikely opening day 2–1 win at home to Leicester City, the reigning Premier League champions at the time.{{cite news|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36994520|title = Hull City 2–1 Leicester City|date = 13 August 2016|work=BBC Sport| accessdate = 20 August 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/pre-season-shambles-premier-league-8623933|title=From pre-season shambles to Premier League table toppers – how managerless Hull City upset champions Leicester|date=13 August 2016|publisher=The Mirror|accessdate=13 August 2024}} Although good results continued until September, Hull's form drastically dipped. Despite this, on 13 October 2016, Phelan became Hull's permanent head coach, but was sacked less than 3 months later, on 3 January 2017, after little improvement.{{cite news|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37644253|title = Hull City: Mike Phelan named full-time head coach|date = 13 October 2016|work=BBC Sport| accessdate = 13 October 2016}}{{cite news|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38503364|work=BBC Sport|title = Struggling Hull Sack Manager Phelan|date = 3 January 2017|accessdate = 3 January 2017}} Two days later, Marco Silva was appointed as the club's new manager,{{cite web|url = http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/2016-17/tigers-appoint-marco-silva-as-new-head-coach-3502300.aspx|title = Tigers Appoint Marco Silva As New Head Coach|date = 5 January 2017|publisher = Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate = 5 January 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170106012013/http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/2016-17/tigers-appoint-marco-silva-as-new-head-coach-3502300.aspx|archive-date = 6 January 2017|url-status = dead}} but he was unable prevent relegation at the end of the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39833968|title=Crystal Palace 4–0 Hull City|date=14 May 2017|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=13 August 2024}}

Following relegation Silva resigned,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40043130#:~:text=Marco%20Silva%20has%20resigned%20as,the%20drop%20to%20the%20Championship.|title=Marco Silva: Hull City manager resigns after the club's relegation|date=25 May 2017|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=13 August 2024}} and on 9 June 2017, the club announced Leonid Slutsky as the new head coach.{{cite web|url=http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/2016-17/tigers-confirm-leonid-slutsky-as-head-coach-3729610.aspx|title=Tigers Confirm Leonid Slutsky As Head Coach|date=9 June 2017|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=9 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609213513/http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/2016-17/tigers-confirm-leonid-slutsky-as-head-coach-3729610.aspx|archive-date=9 June 2017|url-status=dead}} He would not last long in Hull though, with the Russian leaving by mutual consent on 3 December 2017 after a poor run of results.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41888751|title=Leonid Slutsky: Hull City's Russian manager leaves after six months in charge|date=3 December 2017|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=13 August 2024}}{{cite news| url = https://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/articles/2017/201718-slutsky-departs-by-mutual-consent/| title = Slutsky Departs By Mutual Consent| date = 3 December 2017| publisher = Hull City A.F.C. season| accessdate = 3 December 2017| archive-date = 3 December 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171203203426/https://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/articles/2017/201718-slutsky-departs-by-mutual-consent/| url-status = dead}} He was replaced by former Southampton boss Nigel Adkins,{{cite news| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42223717| title = Nigel Adkins: Hull City appoint former Southampton and Reading boss| date = 7 December 2017| work = BBC Sport| publisher = BBC| accessdate = 7 December 2017}} who led the team to avoid relegation and finish 18th at the end of the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43938850|title=Brentford 1–1 Hull City|date=6 May 2018|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=13 August 2024}} Despite being in the relegation zone after 19 games of the following season, the 2018–19 campaign,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46270412|title=Hull City 0–0 Norwich City|date=27 November 2018|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=13 August 2024}} an upturn in form saw the Tigers finish in 13th place. However, Adkins resigned at the end of the season after rejecting a new contract.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48567210|title=Nigel Adkins: Hull City boss to leave club at end of contract|date=8 June 2019|accessdate=8 June 2019|work=BBC Sport}}

On 21 June 2019, Hull appointed Grant McCann as head coach on a one-year rolling contract.{{cite news|url=https://www.hullcitytigers.com/hull-city-appoint-new-head-coach/|title=Hull City Appoint New Head Coach|date=21 June 2019|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=21 June 2019|archive-date=21 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621191752/https://www.hullcitytigers.com/hull-city-appoint-new-head-coach/|url-status=dead}} The Tigers began the 2019–20 season well, finding themselves in 8th place after a 1–0 away win over Sheffield Wednesday on 1 January 2020.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50908503|title=Sheffield Wednesday 0–1 Hull City|date=1 January 2020|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=13 August 2024}} However, McCann's reliance on wingers Jarrod Bowen and Kamil Grosicki would prove fatal after both were sold by the end of that month's transfer window.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51323082|title=Jarrod Bowen: West Ham sign forward from Hull on five-and-a-half year deal|date=31 January 2020|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=13 August 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51326544#:~:text=West%20Bromwich%20Albion%3A%20Kamil%20Grosicki%20and%20Lee%20Peltier%20join%20Baggies,-Published&text=West%20Bromwich%20Albion%20have%20signed,contract%20for%20an%20undisclosed%20fee.|title=West Bromwich Albion: Kamil Grosicki and Lee Peltier join Baggies|date=31 January 2020|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=13 August 2024}} Bowen in particular was crucial to the team's success, having scored 16 goals in 29 games so far that campaign prior to his move to West Ham United.{{soccerbase season|74852|2019|accessdate=13 August 2024}} In a season delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hull lost 16 of their last 20 games, a run that included the club's joint-worst league defeat ever, when they lost 8–0 away at Wigan Athletic.{{cite news |title=Grant McCann: Hull City defiant as he looks to win over fans |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53512700 |accessdate=23 July 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 July 2020}}{{cite news |title=Wigan Athletic 8–0 Hull City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53316000 |accessdate=17 July 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=14 July 2020}} On 22 July 2020, after losing 3–0 away to Cardiff City, Hull were relegated to League One.{{cite news |title=Cardiff City 3–0 Hull City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53412702 |accessdate=23 July 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 July 2020}} It would be the first time the club had played in the third tier of English football in 15 years.{{cite news |title=Championship final day latest: West Brom, Brentford & Fulham battle for promotion |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/52970098 |accessdate=20 August 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 July 2020}}

Despite relegation, McCann continued as head coach for the 2020–21 season. This decision would prove successful, as Hull were promoted back to the Championship at the first time of asking. After a 2–1 victory away at Lincoln City on 24 April 2021, promotion was confirmed.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56781903|title=Lincoln City 1–2 Hull City|date=24 April 2021|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=24 April 2021}} A week later, on the final day of the campaign, a 3–1 win at home to Wigan Athletic saw the Tigers crowned League One champions. It was only the fourth-ever league title that the club had won, and the most recent since the victorious 1965–66 Third Division campaign, 55 years prior.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56869267|title=Hull City 3–1 Wigan Athletic|date=1 May 2021|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=1 May 2021}}

On 19 January 2022, Turkish media mogul Acun Ilıcalı and his company Acun Medya completed a takeover of Hull City, ending the club's controversial 11-year ownership under the Allam family.{{cite news

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2022/january/club-statement/

| title = Club Statement

| date = 19 January 2022

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| accessdate = 19 January 2022}} On 25 January 2022, Grant McCann was sacked,{{cite news

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2022/january/club-statement-grant-mccann/

| title = Club Statement: Grant McCann

| date = 25 January 2022

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| accessdate = 25 January 2022}} but he was quickly replaced by Shota Arveladze as the new head coach two days later.{{cite news

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2022/january/shota-arveladze-appointed-new-head-coach/

| title = Shota Arveladze appointed new head coach

| date = 27 January 2022

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| accessdate = 27 January 2022}} The former Georgia international helped Hull achieve Championship survival in the 2021–22 season in relatively comfortable fashion,{{cite news

| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61280939

| title = Hull City 1–1 Nottingham Forest

| date = 7 May 2022

| work = BBC Sport

| accessdate = 11 June 2022}} before he too was sacked, on 30 September 2022, after four consecutive league defeats.{{cite news

| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63088042

| title = Shota Arveladze: Hull City sack head coach just hours before Luton game

| date = 30 September 2022

| work = BBC Sport

| accessdate = 30 September 2022}}

On 3 November 2022, the club announced former player, Liam Rosenior, as head coach, on a two-and-a-half-year deal.{{cite news

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2022/november/rosenior-appointed-new-head-coach/

| title = Rosenior appointed new head coach

| date = 3 November 2022

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| accessdate = 3 November 2022}} Having strengthened both the team's defensive record and the team's away record since his arrival, Rosenior guided Hull to a 15th-placed finish at the end of the 2022–23 season.{{cite news

| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65445642

| title = Luton Town 0–0 Hull City

| date = 8 May 2023

| work = BBC Sport

| accessdate = 8 May 2023}} Despite Rosenior overseeing a very positive 2023–24 campaign, one where he was nominated for the EFL Championship Manager of the Season award{{cite news

| url = https://www.efl.com/news/2024/april/03/efl-awards-2024--shortlists-revealed/

| title = EFL Awards 2024: Shortlists revealed

| date = 3 April 2024

| work = EFL

| accessdate = 23 May 2024}} and had brought the Tigers within three points of a play-off place, he was sacked on 7 May 2024.{{cite news

| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cz7420r56d4o

| title = Hull sack boss Rosenior after not making play-offs

| date = 7 May 2024

| work = BBC Sport

| accessdate = 23 May 2024}} Owner Ilıcalı swiftly explained that Rosenior had been dismissed on good terms and that the departure was due to a difference in "football philosophy", with the Englishman unwilling to play the aggressive attacking style that Ilıcalı was demanding.{{cite news | title=Hull City: Owner Acun Ilıcalı explains Liam Rosenior sacking | website=BBC Sport | date=8 May 2024 | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/crgyx2ne089o | accessdate=8 May 2024}}

With Rosenior sacked, much of the previous season's playing squad left. Among these, young talents Jacob Greaves and Jaden Philogene were now considered ready for the Premier League,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c8vdeg99529o|title=Jacob Greaves 'ticks a lot of boxes'|date=12 July 2024|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=10 August 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c4ng6e1j4r0o|title=Toffees target Philogene set to join Ipswich|date=9 July 2024|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=10 August 2024}} and were soon bought by Ipswich Town{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c1vdx411vdzo|title=Ipswich sign Hull City defender Greaves|date=12 July 2024|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=10 August 2024}} and Aston Villa{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ce586ek0nmyo|title=Winger Philogene returns to Villa from Hull|date=19 July 2024|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=10 August 2024}} respectively. Other notable losses were the end of loans for Fábio Carvalho, Liam Delap, and Tyler Morton,{{cite news|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2024/may/18/thank-you-to-departing-players-/|title=Thank You to Departing Players|date=18 May 2024|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=10 August 2024}} whilst cult hero Ozan Tufan returned to his native Turkey with Trabzonspor.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ce7810j89xyo|title=Trabzonspor sign Hull City forward Tufan|date=27 June 2024|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=10 August 2024}} Greg Docherty and Matt Ingram, both key members of the squad who won promotion from League One in 2021, also left.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/clmyrlygmm7o|title=Docherty joins Charlton on three-year deal|date=19 July 2024|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=10 August 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cyr7m0j50gxo|title=Ingram joins Oxford from Championship rivals Hull|date=19 July 2024|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=10 August 2024}}

During this period of transition, Tim Walter was appointed as Rosenior's replacement, beginning his new role on 1 July 2024.{{cite news|title=Walter appointed new head coach|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2024/may/31/walter-appointed-new-head-coach/| accessdate=31 May 2024|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|date=31 May 2024}} However, he was removed from his post on 27 November 2024, after enduring a league run of four straight defeats and nine games without a win.{{cite news|title=Club Statement: Tim Walter|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2024/november/27/club-statement--tim-walter/|accessdate=27 November 2024|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|date= 27 November 2024}} At the time, Hull were 22nd in the Championship, sat just inside the relegation zone.{{cite news|title=Tim Walter: Hull City sack boss after 17 league games|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c170nlp8wnko|accessdate=29 November 2024|work=BBC Sport|date= 27 November 2024}} On 6 December 2024, Rubén Sellés was appointed as head coach of the club on a two-and-a-half-year deal, taking up his position from 9 December.

{{Football kit box |

align = right |

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pattern_b = _collarblack_laced |

pattern_ra = |

pattern_sh = |

pattern_so = _blacktop |

leftarm = FFAA00 |

body = FFAA00 |

rightarm = FFAA00 |

shorts = 000000 |

socks = FFAA00 |

title = Traditional home colours

}}

{{Football kit box |

align = right |

pattern_la = |

pattern_b = _collarwhite_laced |

pattern_ra = |

pattern_sh = |

pattern_so = _hoops_blue |

leftarm = 0040FF |

body = 0040FF |

rightarm = 0040FF |

shorts = FFFFFF |

socks = FFFFFF |

title = 1935–36 home colours

}}

{{Football kit box |

align = right |

pattern_la = |

pattern_b = _collarwhite_laced |

pattern_ra = |

pattern_sh = |

pattern_so = |

leftarm = 6FC2E2 |

body = 6FC2E2 |

rightarm = 6FC2E2 |

shorts = FFFFFF |

socks = 000000 |

title = 1946–47 home colours

}}

Sources:{{cite web|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/april/11/kitted-out/|title=Kitted Out|work=Hull City A.F.C.|date=11 April 2025|accessdate=12 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/ranking-the-50-best-soccer-jerseys-of-all-time|title=Ranking the 50 Best Soccer Jerseys Of All Time|work=si.com|date=7 February 2025|accessdate=12 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.90min.com/posts/6403145-50-worst-football-shirts-of-all-time|title=50 Worst Football Shirts of All Time|work=90min.com|date=8 May 2024|accessdate=12 April 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2024/september/26/1904--celebrating-120-years-of-hull-city/|title=1904: Celebrating 120 Years of Hull City|work=Hull City A.F.C.|date=26 September 2024|accessdate=12 April 2025}}

Hull City's traditional home colours are black and amber. There is a prevalent myth that the club's earliest kits featured plain white shirts with black shorts and socks. In reality, the Tigers wore black and amber striped shirts, with black shorts and socks right from the very beginning. This is highlighted by Hull Daily Mail coining the club's nickname in March 1905, which came as a response to the kit colours.

Aside from design changes, only a handful of occasions have seen Hull's strip altered in the years since. White shorts were introduced in the early 1920s, before a more dramatic, wholesale change was made for the 1935–36 season. Blue shirts, white shorts, and blue and white hooped socks suddenly became the club's new home kit, likely to match the civic colours of Kingston upon Hull. However, this strip was short-lived, as it was abandoned the following season for a return to black and amber.

Ahead of the restart of football after the Second World War, the limited supplies of dye, thanks to rationing restrictions, left the club with little choice but to return to blue shirts, albeit they were much paler than they had been a decade before. Worn with white shorts and black socks, the kit was only used in the 1946–47 season.

Although once again returning to black and amber, Hull's home shirt was slightly different in the post-war era. The Tigers' iconic stripes had been dropped in favour of plain amber shirts with minimal black trim. This was until the early 1960s, when stripes were reintroduced on a semi-regular basis. The club even debuted an all-amber strip for the 1964–65 campaign, but this was unpopular amongst supporters, and consequently retired at the end of the season. In the mid-1970s, both stripes and white shorts made welcome returns.

The next notable development in Hull's home kits was the addition of red trim in the 1980s, whose duration went no further than this. Eccentric print designs became commonplace in the 1990s, and Hull's 1992–93 home shirt was one of the more extreme examples. Its all-over tiger-print design divided opinions and has since featured in lists for some of the best and worst kits of all time. In the 21st century, the club have worn all sorts of designs, although usually they are either striped black and amber shirts or simply plain amber shirts along with black shorts and socks.

In 2024, a commemorative all-black strip, with gold trim, was worn for the club's 120th anniversary, in a fixture against Cardiff City. Precisely 1,904 shirts were available for fan purchase, as a nod to the club's founding year.

File:Hull old badge.png

File:Hull City Crest 2014.svg

Sources:{{cite journal |last=Phillips |first=David Llewelyn |date=Spring 2015 |title=Badges and 'Crests': The Twentieth-Century Relationship Between Football and Heraldry |url=https://www.theheraldrysociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CoA-229-Phillips-paper.pdf |journal=The Coat of Arms |volume=XI Part I |issue=229 |page=40,41,43 |doi= |accessdate=31 January 2022 }}{{cite news|url=https://www.hullcitytigers.com/hull-city-introduce-new-club-crest/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015832/https://www.hullcitytigers.com/hull-city-introduce-new-club-crest/|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 February 2019|title=Hull City Introduce New Club Crest|date=9 February 2019|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=8 June 2019}}

In their early history, Hull City had no crest. One was eventually introduced in the form of the three civic crowns of Kingston upon Hull, which was first embroidered onto the club's shirts for the 1935–36 season, matching their new, city-honouring blue and white kit colours. Their next crest was the inception of the club's first tiger head, featuring inside an amber shield for the 1947–48 campaign, having returned to black and amber kits the same year.

Variations of the tiger's head were used for the next 28 years, before the club's initials, 'HCAFC', were adopted as the official crest for the upcoming 1975–76 season. That same year, the now-iconic tiger's head was granted as a heraldic badge by the College of Arms to the English Football League. After four years of using the club's initials, the crest reverted to the tiger's head ahead of the 1979–80 season.

The tiger's head has been used ever since, appearing in various forms and often joined by the club's name and founding year, among other features. Before the 2014–15 campaign, the crest was changed to just the tiger's head and '1904' inscribed beneath it, all inside an amber shield. This crest was hated by supporters for dropping the club's name, and a supporter-led redesign began after the close of the 2017–18 season. The process was finally concluded in February 2019, when the new crest was unveiled. It was used from the start of the 2019–20 season.

{{Commons|Hull City A.F.C. kits}}

File:Jake Livermore v Cardiff 2014.jpg away kit, manufactured by Adidas and sponsored by Cash Converters]]

File:Robert Snodgrass Liverpool vs Hull City 2016-09-24 (cropped).jpg away kit, manufactured by Umbro and sponsored by SportPesa]]

File:9H-CXG 737 Corendon VBY.jpg began sponsoring the club in 2022]]

|}

|}

File:KC Stadium.JPG]]

Hull City initially played their home games at rugby league ground, the Boulevard, before briefly relocating to the Circle, a local cricket ground.{{cite news| first = Andy| last = Beill| title = The Boulevard| url = http://www.hullcity-mad.co.uk/feat/edy3/the_boulevard_186694/index.shtml| work = Hull City Mad |publisher=Digital Sports Group| date = 6 November 2007| accessdate = 26 February 2011}} Eventually, Anlaby Road would be built to become the club's first permanent home, opening in March 1906.{{cite news| first = Andy| last = Beill| title = Anlaby Road| url = http://www.hullcity-mad.co.uk/feat/edy3/anlaby_road_186695/index.shtml| work =Hull City Mad |publisher=Digital Sports Group| date = 6 November 2007| accessdate = 26 February 2011}} The Tigers played there until they were forced to suspend their operations in 1941 due to the Second World War.

When league football resumed in 1946, Hull moved into the newly built Boothferry Park. First planned in 1929, the stadium had seen slow development due to financial difficulty and the impact of the war on the city, particularly the Hull Blitz.{{cite web| title=A History of Boothferry Park| url=http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/BoothferryPark/0,,10338,00.html| publisher=Hull City A.F.C.| date=27 May 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213125529/http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/BoothferryPark/0%2C%2C10338%2C00.html| archive-date=13 February 2010| accessdate=11 July 2011| url-status=dead}} In 1951, Boothferry Halt railway station opened to serve supporters travelling to the stadium. It would ultimately close in 1986 because of safety concerns.{{cite web| url=http://www.oldgrounds.co.uk/boothferry_park_hull.htm| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627090741/http://www.oldgrounds.co.uk/boothferry_park_hull.htm| archivedate=27 June 2009| title=Boothferry Park Hull City| work=Old Football Grounds| accessdate=25 July 2024}}

Boothferry Park would be the Tigers' home for 56 years before they left for the new KC Stadium in December 2002. By this time, the old ground had fallen into disrepair and the Taylor Report had enforced its ruling that clubs in the top two divisions of English football must have all-seater stadiums.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6444083.stm |title=Call grows for return of terraces |first=Matt |last=Slater |date=14 March 2007 |accessdate=25 July 2024 |website=BBC Sport}} Although Hull fell outside the restrictions at the time, playing in the fourth tier, it showed the club's ambition to progress.

City were joined at the new ground by Hull F.C. of the Super League. In 2006, the stadium was named "Best Ground" at the inaugural EFL Awards.{{cite web| title = Prestigious Award for The KC Stadium| url = http://www.kcstadium.co.uk/newsstory.asp?id=545| accessdate = 4 September 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080108082715/http://www.kcstadium.co.uk/newsstory.asp?id=545| archive-date = 8 January 2008}} When its sponsor, the KCOM Group, rebranded in 2016, the stadium was renamed to the KCOM Stadium.{{cite web|title=Hull's KC Stadium to change name to KCOM Stadium|url=http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Hull-s-KC-Stadium-change-KCOM-Stadium/story-28962649-detail/story.html|website=Hull Daily Mail|accessdate=25 July 2024|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701200005/http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/hull-s-kc-stadium-change-kcom-stadium/story-28962649-detail/story.html|archive-date=1 July 2016}} It was again renamed in 2021, becoming the MKM Stadium when MKM Building Supplies bought the stadium's naming rights.{{cite news| url = https://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/2021/june/mkm-stadium-announcement/| title = SMC & MKM Announce New Stadium Sponsorship Deal| date = 25 June 2021| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.| accessdate = 25 July 2024| archive-date = 29 June 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210629090151/https://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/2021/june/mkm-stadium-announcement/| url-status = dead}}

File:Hull City supporters.jpg

File:FA Cup Final 2014 Wembley stadium.jpg against Arsenal]]

Sources:{{cite web|url=http://www.footballfanscensus.com/issueresults/Club_Rivalries_Uncovered_Results.pdf|title=Rivalry Uncovered!|work=Football Fans Census|accessdate=15 July 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304004344/http://www.footballfanscensus.com/issueresults/Club_Rivalries_Uncovered_Results.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://fanbanter.co.uk/the-top-five-rivals-of-english-footballs-top-92-clubs-revealed/|title=The top five rivals of English football's top 92 clubs revealed|work=Fan Banter|date=18 October 2020 |accessdate=23 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/burnley-v-hull-city-15-may-1984-139669/|title=Burnley v Hull City, 15 May 1984|work=11v11.com|accessdate=23 April 2025}}

Hull City are one of very few clubs in English football to have no clear rival. They do contest the Humber derby with both Grimsby Town and Scunthorpe United, however Hull supporters tend to see Leeds United as bigger opponents than either of the two Lincolnshire teams. On the other hand, Leeds fans consider Manchester United as their main rivals, even contesting the Roses rivalry. Additionally, both Lincoln City and York City fans hold unrequited beliefs that Hull are their main rivals.

Some older Hull supporters also view Sheffield United as minor rivals. This dates back to the 1983–84 season, when the Blades won promotion at Hull's expense. The teams had ended up level on points and goal difference, however the Tigers had scored an inferior amount of goals. Furthermore, 33 of the South Yorkshire side's goals had been scored ex-Hull striker Keith Edwards. To make matters worse, Hull had even had fate in their own hands ahead of their final game of the season away at Burnley. The match had been rescheduled due to bad weather, and so took place after the rest of the league had finished their campaigns. Knowing they had to win by more than two goals, they could only manage a 2–0 victory in front of a crowd which included a number of United fans, and lost out on promotion in agonising fashion.

According to Andy Nicholls and Nick Lowles, in their book Hooligans: The A–L of Britain's Football Hooligan Gangs, the club's main hooligan firm appears to be the Hull City Psychos, dating back to the 1960s.{{cite book | last1 = Nicholls | first1 = Andy | author-link = Andy Nicholls | first2 = Nick |last2 = Lowles | title = Hooligans: The A–L of Britain's Football Hooligan Gangs | publisher = Milo Books | date = September 2005 | location = Wrea Green | isbn = 1-903854-41-5 | page = 272}}

File:Assem Allam 1.png, owner of Hull City between 2010–2022]]

In August 2013, owner Assem Allam announced that the club had re-registered as "Hull City Tigers Ltd," and that the team would be marketed as "Hull City Tigers," removing the "Association Football Club" that had been part of the name since the club's formation in 1904.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/aug/09/hull-rebranded-hull-city-tigers-name|title=Hull City to be renamed as Hull City Tigers 'to strengthen identity'

|date=9 August 2013|agency=Press Association|accessdate=18 January 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23629379|title=Hull City AFC change name to Hull City Tigers|date=9 August 2013|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=22 April 2021}} Vice-chairman Ehab Allam said "AFC" would remain on the club badge for the 2013–14 season, but be removed after.{{close paraphrasing inline|date=February 2024|reason=compare: 'Vice-chairman Ehab Allam confirmed that although "AFC" will remain on the club badge for... this season, it will be removed thereafter'.}}

In response, a Premier League spokesman said, "We have not been informed of a change in the name of the actual club. They will still be known as Hull City as far as the Premier League is concerned when results or fixtures are published."{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}

According to its chairman, by 2014, the club would be further renamed "Hull Tigers," because, as he claimed, "in marketing, the shorter the name the more powerful [it is],"{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/sep/12/hull-city-assem-allam-premier-league|title=Assem Allam courts controversy and hands Hull City an identity crisis|date=12 September 2013|first=David|last=Conn|newspaper=The Guardian|accessdate=2 December 2013}} while "Association Football Club" made the name too long. Allam stated he dislikes the word "City", as it is too "common" and a "lousy identity", since it is associated also with other clubs, such as Leicester City, Bristol City and Manchester City.{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=nothing in the next source about 'common', 'lousy identity', Bristol, Leicester, etc.}} He told David Conn of The Guardian that "in a few years many clubs will follow and change their names to something more interesting and I will have proved I am a leader," adding that if he were the owner of Manchester City, he would change their name to "Manchester Hunter."

Allam justified the intended name change as part of his plans to create "additional sources of revenue" for the club, after Hull City Council refused to sell him the stadium freehold so he could develop, as he had stated, "a sports park" on the site.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} The council has refused to sell in order, as they stated, "to preserve the annual Hull Fair held on the adjacent car park."{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} After the collapse of the negotiations, Allam stated: "I had in mind £30 million to spend on the infrastructure of the club, to increase the stadium by 10,000 and to have commercial activities around the stadium — cafeterias, shops, supermarkets — to have all this to create income for the club so that in the future it can be self-financing and not relying on me." He asked rhetorically, "What if I dropped dead tomorrow?"{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}

Supporters' groups expressed opposition to the name change. Bernard Noble, chairman of Hull City's official supporters club said he was disappointed, although he agreed that Allam had saved the club from liquidation and that it was "his club".{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} Blogger Rick Skelton called the name change "a pointless exercise" and said, "Mr Allam's assertion that the name 'Hull City' is irrelevant and too common, is as disgusting a use of the English language as his new name for the club."{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} Before the first home match of the season on 24 August 2013, a group of supporters marched in protest against the name change, and unfurled a banner that read, "Hull City AFC: a club not a brand".{{close paraphrasing inline|date=February 2024|reason=compare: 'supporters... marching... A banner was also unfurled that said'...}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Hull-City-protesters-banner-game/story-19709067-detail/story.html|title=Hull City protesters: 'Our banner will be at every game'|first=James|last=Campbell|newspaper=Hull Daily Mail|date=26 August 2013|accessdate=18 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019070630/http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Hull-City-protesters-banner-game/story-19709067-detail/story.html|archive-date=19 October 2013}} Allam dismissed complaints by fans, stating "nobody questions my decisions in my business."{{close paraphrasing inline|date=February 2024|reason=is there another word like 'dismissed' that is not 'dismissed', so that it is not the same as the source?}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24920893 |title=Hull City: Tigers chairman dismisses fans' protests|work= BBC Sport|date= 12 November 2013|accessdate=18 January 2014}}

In a comment published on 1 December 2013 in The Independent in response to supporters' chants and banners of "City Till We Die", Allam said, "They can die as soon as they want, as long as they leave the club for the majority who just want to watch good football."{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25174266|title=Hull owner Assem Allam: Critics 'can die as soon as they want'|date=1 December 2013|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=2 December 2013}} The supporters responded with chants of "We're Hull City, we'll die when we want" during that day's home match against Liverpool. Manager Steve Bruce credited the controversy for creating " a fantastic atmosphere" but added, "I have got to have a conversation with him because I don't think he quite understands what it means in terms of history and tradition."{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/dec/01/hull-city-steve-bruce-tigers-liverpool|title=Steve Bruce admits threat of rebranding makes Hull City burn bright|date=1 December 2013|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Andy|last=Hunter|accessdate=2 December 2013}} However, Bruce also said that, because of the money Allam had invested in the club, "If he thinks Hull Tigers is his way forward then we have to respect it."{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/dec/11/hull-tigers-city-steve-bruce-assem-allam|title=Hull City formally apply to FA for name change to Hull Tigers|date=11 December 2013|agency=Press Association|accessdate=13 December 2013}}

On 11 December 2013, a spokesman for Hull City announced that the club had formally applied to the Football Association to have its name changed to "Hull Tigers" from the 2014–15 season onwards.{{close paraphrasing inline|date=February 2024|reason=compare: 'formally applied to the Football Association to change the club's name to Hull Tigers from next season.'}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25341248 |title=Hull City: Hull Tigers name change submitted to FA|work=BBC Sport|date=11 December 2013|accessdate=18 January 2014}} The FA Council, which has "absolute discretion" in deciding whether to approve the plan or not, stated the next day that it would follow a "consultation process" with stakeholders, "including the club's supporter groups".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/dec/12/fa-hull-city-tigers-name-change|title=FA to consult Hull City fan groups before considering Tigers name change|first=David|last=Conn|newspaper=The Guardian|date=12 December 2013|accessdate=13 December 2013}}

Some brand and marketing experts came out in support of the name change. Nigel Currie, director of sports marketing agency Brand Rapport, stated that "the whole process has been conducted badly with the supporters, but [the name change] is a pretty sound idea."{{close paraphrasing inline|date=February 2024|reason=compare: 'Nigel Currie, director of sports marketing agency Brand Rapport'.}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25749335 |title=Could Assem Allam's Tigers name change benefit club?|work=BBC Sport |date= 16 January 2014|accessdate=18 January 2014}} Simon Chadwick, professor of Sport Business Strategy and Marketing at the Coventry University Business School, opined that the objective of opening up lucrative new markets for shirt sales, merchandise and broadcast deals shows commercial vision and could bring benefits, but "this needs to be backed up by a proper marketing strategy and investment." He said, "it's no use thinking changing the name or the colour of the shirt will pay instant dividends."{{close paraphrasing inline|date=February 2024|reason=compare: 'open up lucrative new markets for shirt sales, merchandise and broadcast deals shows commercial vision and could bring benefits, but'...}} David Stern, commissioner of the National Basketball Association in the United States, warned: "I would say a wise owner [of a sports club] would view his ownership as something of a public trust, in addition to the profit motive, and you really do want to allow the fans a little bit more input than I think is being allowed, with respect to Hull."

On 17 March 2014, the FA membership committee advised that the name change application be rejected at the FA Council meeting on 9 April.{{close paraphrasing inline|date=February 2024|reason=compare 'The Football Association has been advised by its membership committee to reject Hull City's plan to change their name to Hull Tigers... the FA council to reject... change their playing name... FA council meeting on 9 April'.}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26618670|title=Hull City: FA set to reject name change to Hull Tigers|date=17 March 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=17 March 2014}} In response, the club published a statement saying the FA was "prejudiced", and criticised the committee's consultation with the City Till We Die opposition group.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/mar/18/hull-city-fa-prejudice-tigers-name-change|title=Hull City accuse FA of 'prejudice' over bid to change name to Tigers|date=18 March 2014|agency=Press Association|accessdate=26 March 2014}} The following week, the club opened a ballot of season ticket holders over the name change. Opponents of the name change criticised as "loaded" the questions, which asked respondents to choose between "Yes to Hull Tigers with the Allam family continuing to lead the club", "No to Hull Tigers" and "I am not too concerned and will continue to support the club either way", on the grounds that voters were not given the option to reject the name while keeping the Allam family as owners.{{cite news|url=http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Hull-City-Tigers-ballot-Fans-group-says-loaded/story-20841707-detail/story.html|title=Hull City 'Tigers' ballot: Fans' group says 'loaded' question will skew result|date=22 March 2014|newspaper=Hull Daily Mail|accessdate=26 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326090044/http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Hull-City-Tigers-ballot-Fans-group-says-loaded/story-20841707-detail/story.html|archive-date=26 March 2014}} Of 15,033 season ticket holders, 5,874 voted in all, with 2,565 voting in favour of the change and 2,517 against, while 792 chose the "not too concerned" option.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26921004|title=Hull City: Fans narrowly back Tigers name change in ballot|date=7 April 2014|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=8 April 2014}}

On 9 April 2014, the FA Council announced its decision, carried by a 63.5% vote of its members, to reject the club's application for a name change.{{close paraphrasing inline|date=February 2024|reason=compare: 'Hull City's proposed name change to Hull Tigers has been rejected by the Football Association Council. The Council's decision – carried by a 63.5% vote of its members'...}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26960502|title=Hull City: FA Council rejects proposed name change to Tigers|work=BBC Sport|date=9 April 2014|accessdate=9 April 2014}} The club's owner, Assam Allem, responded by stating it would appeal the decision. However, since there was no appeal process with the FA and its council, the decision was final. On 11 September 2014, Allam mentioned that an appeal against the FA's ruling was being sent to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He also held a news conference confirming the club had been put up for sale due to the English FA's decision on 9 April 2014.{{additional citation needed|date=February 2024|reason=for 'held a news conference'?}}{{close paraphrasing inline|date=February 2024|reason=Compare: 'the club had been put up for sale... after the FA's decision'.}}{{cite news

| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29135764

| title = Hull City: Owner Assem Allam says club put up for sale

| date = 11 September 2014

| work = BBC Sport

| accessdate = 11 September 2014}}

In October 2014, interviewed by the BBC, Allam confirmed that he would "not invest a penny more in the club" unless he is allowed to change the club's name to Hull Tigers.{{clarify|date=February 2024|reason=is this a quote directly from the BBC? 'not invest a penny more in the club'. but no quote marks. first line of source. not the owner? what the owner says has quote marks?}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29460187 |title=Assem Allam: Hull City owner prepared to stop spending|work=BBC Sport|date= 3 October 2014|accessdate=29 March 2014}} In the same interview, Allam said, "I have never been a football fan. I am still not a football fan. I am a community fan."

In March 2015, an independent panel appointed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that the decision of the Football Association Council to block the name change "cannot stand" on account of the process having been "flawed."{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=not what the source says. 'on account of the process having been flawed' is what Hull claimed before this. nothing to do with independent panel, if source is correct.}}{{close paraphrasing inline|date=February 2024|reason='blocked by the Football Association Council... after Hull claimed the process was flawed, an independent panel... ruled the decision cannot stand'.}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31913338 |title=Hull City told they can reapply for Tigers name change|work=BBC Sport|date= 16 March 2015|accessdate=17 March 2015}}

In July 2015, the Football Supporters Federation confirmed that a 70/30 decision was made in favour of Hull City A.F.C. not changing their name after an FA vote.{{cite news

|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33483016

|title = Hull City lose FA vote to change name to Tigers for the second time

|date = 11 July 2015

|work = BBC Sport

|accessdate = 11 July 2015}}

In the club's annual report for the 12-month period up to 31 July 2009, auditors Deloitte stated that £4.4 million had gone out of the club and stadium company to owner Russell Bartlett's holding companies in loans, while at least £2.9 million of it was used in the take-over itself of the club. A further £560,000 was paid, according to the audit, by the stadium company to Bartlett's holding companies in "management fees," while at least £1 million was owed to him personally as a "salary". After the warning from Deloitte, Bartlett gave the club a £4 million loan,{{vague|date=February 2024|reason=where is there 'a £4 million loan' to the club? 'bank debt down to only £4.6m' / 'In fact, £4.4m had gone out of the club and stadium company to Bartlett's holding companies in loans' / 'Overall nearly £5m left the club to Bartlett and his companies, in two loan payments totalling £4.4m, and £560,000 in management fees.' / 'The football club themselves, still in the Championship, immediately paid out £3.2m as a loan to Bartlett's other holding company' / and so much more that suggests Bartlett did not give 'a £4 million loan' to the club. and that the club was giving away money? this arrangement is very confusing and probably needs an expert to look at it.}}{{cite news|url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/david-conn-inside-sport-blog/2010/mar/31/hull-city-russell-bartlett-tigers |title = Hull City owner Russell Bartlett trades £4m loan deals with the club |first = David |last = Conn |newspaper = The Guardian | date = 31 March 2010| accessdate = 26 January 2014}} "which brought the money he had taken out and put in since taking over to about even."

The corporate entity that owns the football club, "The Hull City Association Football Club (Tigers) Ltd," is currently owned by Allamhouse Limited, a private, limited-liability company with a share capital of £10 million ({{as of|2012|October|lc=y}}),{{additional citation needed|date=February 2024|reason=for 'share capital of £10 million (as of October 2012'.}}{{failed verification|date=February 2024|reason=Allamhouse Limited is the 'corporate entity that owns the football club, The Hull City Association Football Club (Tigers) Ltd'. the source does not call it 'The Hull City Association Football Club (Tigers) Ltd'? no 'Ltd', no 'Association Football Club'... 'Tigers' is not in parentheses. if this is different nowadays, it needs to be verified.}}{{cite web| url = http://companycheck.co.uk/company/07042898 | title = Allamhouse Limited profile | work = CompanyCheck| accessdate = 26 January 2014}} registered in Jersey.{{cite web | url = http://www.christianaid.org.uk/images/blowing-the-whistle-caweek-report.pdf | title = Blowing the whistle: Time's up for financial secrecy | publisher = Christian Aid | date = May 2010 | accessdate = 26 January 2014 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20100602010932/http://www.christianaid.org.uk/images/blowing-the-whistle-caweek-report.pdf | archivedate = 2 June 2010}} The beneficial owners of Allamhouse Limited, established in 2009,{{cite web | url = http://www.companiesintheuk.co.uk/ltd/allamhouse | title = Allamhouse Lts legal information | work = CompaniesInTheUK | accessdate = 26 January 2014 }} are the Allam family.{{cite web | url = http://www.hullcitytigers.com/club/whos_who | title = Who's Who at the KC | publisher = Hull City A.F.C. | accessdate = 26 January 2014 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140626074324/http://www.hullcitytigers.com/club/whos_who | archive-date = 26 June 2014 }}

On an "Opacity Score" out of 100, where zero indicates complete openness and 100 complete secrecy, the company which owns the club has been rated by Christian Aid at 87.

Hull City's corporate accounts, {{as of|2013|July|lc=y}}, showed a £25.6 million loss, on revenues of £11 million, after player and management costs of "just under £23 million." The club has "future tax losses" available of more than £45 million. Another Assam Allam company, Allam Marine, also wholly owned by Allamhouse Limited, revealed in its 2012 accounts that "utilisation of tax losses from group companies" reduced its tax liability by £3.8 million over 2011 and 2012.

As reported,{{by whom|date=February 2024}} HM Revenue and Customs are in the process of{{when|date=February 2024}} an inquiry at Hull City AFC, as part of the British tax authorities' targeting of football clubs over "tax-free payments to players under image rights' deals and the provision of benefits in kind.{{cite journal| title = Planet Football: Hull City | journal = Private Eye | issue = #1355| date = December 2013| page =33}} For Hull City AFC, the provision for benefits in kind was reported at £682,000 as of July 2011, growing to £810,000 by July 2012.

{{updated|6 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/teams/|title=First Team|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|access-date=23 August 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2024/august/09/squad-numbers-2024-25/|title=Squad Numbers 2023–24|date=9 August 2024|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|access-date=9 August 2023}}

{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=FFBF00|color=000000|border=000000}}

{{fs player |no=1 |nat=CRO |pos=GK |name=Ivor Pandur}}

{{fs player |no=2 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Lewie Coyle |other={{small|captain}}}}

{{fs player |no=4 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Charlie Hughes}}

{{fs player |no=5 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Alfie Jones |other={{small|vice-captain}}}}

{{fs player |no=6 |nat=IRL |pos=DF |name=Sean McLoughlin}}

{{fs player |no=7 |nat=CAN |pos=FW |name=Liam Millar}}

{{fs player |no=11 |nat=TUR |pos=FW |name=Doğukan Sinik}}

{{fs player |no=12 |nat=ITA |pos=FW |name=João Pedro}}

{{fs player |no=14 |nat=IRL |pos=MF |name=Harry Vaughan}}

{{fs player |no=15 |nat=IRL |pos=DF |name=John Egan}}

{{fs player |no=16 |nat=BRA |pos=MF |name=Lincoln Henrique |other={{small|on loan from Fenerbahçe}}}}

{{fs player |no=17 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Finley Burns |other={{small|on loan from Manchester City}}}}

{{fs player |no=19 |nat=COL |pos=MF |name=Steven Alzate}}

{{fs player |no=20 |nat=COL |pos=MF |name=Gustavo Puerta |other={{small|on loan from Bayer Leverkusen}}}}

{{fs player |no=22 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Louie Barry |other={{small|on loan from Aston Villa}}}}

{{fs mid|nonumber=|bg=FFBF00|color=000000|border=000000}}

{{fs player |no=23 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Cody Drameh}}

{{fs player |no=24 |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Matt Crooks}}

{{fs player |no=25 |nat=ECU |pos=MF |name=Óscar Zambrano |other={{small|on loan from L.D.U. Quito}}}}

{{fs player |no=27 |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Regan Slater}}

{{fs player |no=28 |nat=SCO |pos=FW |name=Kyle Joseph}}

{{fs player |no=29 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Matty Jacob}}

{{fs player |no=30 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Joe Gelhardt |other={{small|on loan from Leeds United}}}}

{{fs player |no=32 |nat=FRA |pos=GK |name=Thimothée Lo-Tutala}}

{{fs player |no=33 |nat=ALG |pos=FW |name=Mohamed Belloumi}}

{{fs player |no=34 |nat=ENG |pos=GK |name=Harvey Cartwright}}

{{fs player |no=36 |nat=BEL |pos=MF |name=Eliot Matazo}}

{{fs player |no=37 |nat=MAR |pos=MF |name=Nordin Amrabat}}

{{fs player |no=44 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Abu Kamara}}

{{fs player |no=45 |nat=JAM |pos=MF |name=Kasey Palmer}}

{{fs player |no=48 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Mason Burstow}}

{{fs end}}

{{updated|6 April 2025}}

{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=FFBF00|color=000000|border=000000}}

{{fs player |no=3 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Ryan Giles
|other={{small|at Middlesbrough until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = Giles joins Middlesbrough on loan

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/january/23/giles-joins-middlesbrough-on-loan/

| accessdate = 23 January 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 23 January 2025}}

{{fs player |no=8 |nat=GER |pos=MF |name=Marvin Mehlem
|other={{small|at Paderborn until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = Mehlem joins Paderborn on loan

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/january/03/mehlem-joins-paderborn-on-loan/

| accessdate = 28 January 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 3 January 2025}}

{{fs player |no=10 |nat=TUR |pos=MF |name=Abdülkadir Ömür
|other={{small|at Çaykur Rizespor until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/february/10/omur-joins-caykur-rizespor-on-loan/

| title = Ömür joins Çaykur Rizespor on loan

| date = 10 February 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| accessdate = 10 February 2025}}

{{fs player |no=18 |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Xavier Simons
|other={{small|at Wycombe Wanderers until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = Simons joins Wycombe on loan

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/february/03/simons-joins-wycombe-on-loan/

| accessdate = 3 February 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 3 February 2025}}

{{fs player |no=21 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Brandon Fleming
|other={{small|at Forest Green Rovers until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = Fleming joins Forest Green Rovers on loan

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/february/14/fleming-joins-forest-green-rovers-on-loan/

| accessdate = 14 February 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 14 February 2025}}

{{fs mid|nonumber=|bg=FFBF00|color=000000|border=000000}}

{{fs player |no=26 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Andy Smith
|other={{small|at Gillingham until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = Smith seals Gillingham loan switch

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/february/03/smith-seals-gillingham-loan-switch/

| accessdate = 3 February 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 3 February 2025}}

{{fs player |no=31 |nat=SUI |pos=GK |name=Anthony Racioppi
|other={{small|at 1. FC Köln until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = Racioppi joins Köln on loan

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/january/31/racioppi-joins-koln-on-loan//

| accessdate = 31 January 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 31 January 2025}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=IRL |pos=DF |name=James Furlong
|other={{small|at AFC Wimbledon until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

|url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2024/july/29/furlong-signs-for-wimbledon-on-loan/

| title = Furlong signs for Wimbledon on loan

| date = 29 July 2024

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| accessdate = 29 July 2024}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=WAL |pos=MF |name=Callum Jones
|other={{small|at Morecambe until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2024/july/12/jones-joins-morecambe-on-loan/

| title = Jones joins Morecambe on loan

| date = 12 July 2024

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| accessdate = 12 July 2024}}

{{fs end}}

{{Main|Hull City A.F.C. Reserves and Juniors}}

{{updated|6 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/teams/u21-team|title=Under-21s|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=13 August 2024}}

{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=FFBF00|color=000000|border=000000}}

{{fs player |no=38 |nat=BER |pos=MF |name=Sincere Hall}}

{{fs player |no=42 |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Rocco Coyle}}

{{fs player |no=46 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Zane Myers}}

{{fs player |no=47 |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Nathan Tinsdale}}

{{fs player |no=55 |nat=IRL |pos=DF |name=Jevon Mills}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Pharrell Brown}}

{{fs mid|nonumber=|bg=FFBF00|color=000000|border=000000}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Jaedyn Chibanga}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Kyle Fanning}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Brandon Harriman-Annous}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=IRL |pos=FW |name=Hugh Parker}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=ENG |pos=GK |name=George Wilson}}

{{fs end}}

As of the 2024–25 season, Hull City's development squad compete in the Professional Development League North Division.{{cite news|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2024/august/11/under-21s-2024-25-fixtures/|title=Under-21s 2024/25 Fixtures|date=11 August 2024|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=12 August 2024}} The team's home matches are played at various grounds, including the MKM Stadium, but are usually played at the LNER Community Stadium in York.

{{updated|6 April 2025}}

{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=FFBF00|color=000000|border=000000}}

{{fs player |no=35 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Alfie Taylor
|other={{small|at Cleethorpes Town until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = Taylor joins Cleethorpes Town on loan

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/march/18/taylor-joins-cleethorpes-town-on-loan/

| accessdate = 6 April 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 18 March 2025}}

{{fs player |no=40 |nat=ENG |pos=GK |name=Owen Foster
|other={{small|at Torquay United until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = Foster joins Torquay United on loan

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/march/27/foster-joins-torquay-united-on-loan/

| accessdate = 6 April 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 27 March 2025}}

{{fs player |no=41 |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Tyrell Sellars-Fleming
|other={{small|at Gateshead until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = Sellars-Fleming joins Gateshead on loan

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/february/14/sellars-fleming-joins-gateshead-on-loan/

| accessdate = 14 February 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 14 February 2025}}

{{fs player |no=52 |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Noah Wadsworth
|other={{small|at Boston United until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = Wadsworth joins Boston United on loan

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/march/27/wadsworth-joins-boston-united-on-loan/

| accessdate = 6 April 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 27 March 2025}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=ENG |pos=GK |name=Shea Callister
|other={{small|at Brighouse Town until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = Callister and Gray extend loans at Brighouse

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/february/15/callister-and-gray-extend-loans-at-brighouse/

| accessdate = 15 February 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 6 April 2025}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Cameron Gray
|other={{small|at Brighouse Town until 30 June 2025}}}}

{{fs mid|nonumber=|bg=FFBF00|color=000000|border=000000}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Paul Iggulden
|other={{small|at Stocksbridge Park Steels until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = Iggulden extends loan at Stocksbridge

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/february/26/iggulden-extends-loan-at-stocksbridge/

| accessdate = 23 March 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 26 February 2025}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Jake Leake
|other={{small|at Oldham Athletic until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = Leake joins Oldham Athletic on loan

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/january/17/leake-joins-oldham-athletic-on-loan/

| accessdate = 17 January 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 26 February 2025}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Jack Leckie ({{small|captain}})
({{small|at Chorley until 30 June 2025}}){{cite news

| title = Leckie joins Chorley on loan

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/march/22/leckie-joins-chorley-on-loan/

| accessdate = 22 March 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 6 April 2025}}}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=IRL |pos=DF |name=Cathal McCarthy
|other={{small|at University College Dublin until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = McCarthy signs for Hull City Academy

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/february/01/mccarthy-signs-for-hull-city-academy/

| accessdate = 23 March 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 1 February 2025}}

{{fs player |no= |nat=ENG |pos=GK |name=Callum Yam
|other={{small|at Emley until 30 June 2025}}}}{{cite news

| title = Yam heads out on loan to Emley

| url = https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2025/march/28/yam-heads-out-on-loan-to-emley/

| accessdate = 6 April 2025

| publisher = Hull City A.F.C.

| date = 28 March 2025}}

{{fs end}}

{{Main|Hull City A.F.C. Reserves and Juniors}}

{{updated|6 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/teams/u18-team|title=Under-18s|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=13 August 2024}}

{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=FFBF00|color=000000|border=000000}}

{{fs player |no=43 |nat=IRL |pos=DF |name=Stan Ashbee}} {{small|(2nd Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Joe Batty}} {{small|(2nd Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Ramell Carter}} {{small|(1st Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=SLE |pos=DF |name=Cayden Cole}} {{small|(1st Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Lucas Dawson}} {{small|(2nd Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Ed Devine}} {{small|(2nd Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Aidan Durkan}} {{small|(2nd Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=POL |pos=DF |name=Oskar Gruszkowski}} {{small|(1st Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=FW |name=Stan Hewitt}} {{small|(2nd Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=GK |name=Jack Hopper}} {{small|(1st Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=GK |name=Archie Howard}} {{small|(2nd Year)}}

{{fs mid|nonumber=|bg=FFBF00|color=000000|border=000000}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=WAL |pos=FW |name=Zac Jagielka}} {{small|(1st Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Charlie Leach}} {{small|(1st Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Rory Leech}} {{small|(1st Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Alfie Maskell}} {{small|(1st Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Josh Ocaya}} {{small|(1st Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=NGA |pos=DF |name=Calvin Okike}} {{small|(1st Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Alfie Perry}} {{small|(2nd Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=DF |name=Harry Revill ({{small|captain}}) {{small|(2nd Year)}}}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ALB |pos=MF |name=Aidon Shehu}} {{small|(2nd Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=ENG |pos=MF |name=Reuben Silk}} {{small|(1st Year)}}

{{fs player |no=– |nat=TAN |pos=FW |name=Jack Topley}} {{small|(1st Year)}}

{{fs end}}

Below is a list of all the official club captains Hull City has had since the 2002–03 season. Temporary captains are not included in the list.

|}

Below is a list of all the recipients of Hull City's Player of the Year award since the 1988–89 season.

|

|}

On 18 October 2017, Hull City announced the creation of its own Hall of Fame to honour the numerous legendary figures from throughout the club's history, with the first inductees to be decided in February 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/club/history/hall-of-fame/|title=Hall of Fame|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=11 August 2024}}

|

|}

{{Main|Hull City Ladies F.C.}}

Hull City Ladies F.C. are not a registered affiliate of Hull City A.F.C. and their men's team, however, they do share a number of similarities, namely their club colours and crest. As of the 2024–25 season, they compete in the FA Women's National League North. The Tigresses, as they are known, play their home games at the Easy Buy Stadium in nearby Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire.{{cite web|url=https://bartontownfc.co.uk/2022/06/01/hull-city-ladies-to-play-at-easy-buy-stadium-for-2022-23-season/|title=Hull City Ladies to play at Easy Buy Stadium for 2022/23 season|work=Barton Town F.C.|accessdate=2 May 2025|date=1 June 2022}}

{{updated|28 January 2025}}

|}

{{Main|List of Hull City A.F.C. managers}}

{{updated|26 April 2025}}

Only professional, competitive matches are counted.{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=1310&teamTabs=managers |title=Hull: Managers |work=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |accessdate=19 September 2017}}

|}

{{Further|List of Hull City A.F.C. records and statistics}}

{{updated|8 August 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/club/history/club-records/|title=Club Records|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=8 August 2024}}{{cite book|last= Peterson|title= The Definitive Hull City A.F.C.: A statistical history to 1999|page= 5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/premier-league-2009-2010-hull-city-liverpool-fc/|title=Hull City – Liverpool FC 0:0 (Premier League 2009/2010, 38. Round)|publisher=worldfootball.net|accessdate=8 August 2024}}

Jock Davidson holds the record for the most appearances for Hull City. He featured 520 times for the Tigers in the league, and 579 times in all competitions. Garreth Roberts is second on the all competitions appearances list with 487, just ahead of Chris Chilton on 477. In the league alone, Roberts stands at 414, one behind Chilton on 415, who comes third. Between him and Davidson is George Maddison, with 430 league appearances.

The youngest debutant the club has seen was Matt Edeson. At 16 years and 60 days old, he came off the bench against Fulham on 10 October 1992.{{efn|Hull City's website incorrectly records Edeson's debut as being on 10 December 1992 with him aged 16 years and 63 days old, neither of which is true{{cite news|url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hull-city-record-matt-edeson-601028|title=The incredible story of how Matt Edeson made Hull City history|date=24 December 2020|work=Hull Daily Mail|accessdate=8 August 2024}}}} Hull's oldest debutant is Andy Hessenthaler, who played against Chesterfield on 1 February 2005 at 39 years and 168 days old. However, Steve Harper was the oldest player to appear for the Tigers. On 24 May 2015, at 40 years and 60 days old, Harper was in goal for the 0–0 draw against Manchester United that saw Hull relegated from the Premier League.

Theodore Whitmore of Jamaica holds the record for the most international caps won whilst playing for Hull City. During his time in black and amber between 1999 and 2002, Whitmore amassed 28 caps for his nation.

Chris Chilton holds the record for the most goals for Hull City. He scored 222 goals in all competitions between 1960 and 1971, with 193 of those being league goals. Ken Wagstaff, Chilton's strike partner for much of that time, comes second on both lists, with 173 of his 197 goals in black and amber coming in the league. Sammy Stevens is third in the all competitions list with 116 goals, whereas Paddy Mills and his 101 goals ranks him third amongst the league goalscorers.

The club record for the most goals scored by a single player in a competitive fixture belongs to Duane Darby. Against Whitby Town in an FA Cup first round replay on 26 November 1996, Darby scored six times in an 8–4 goalfest at Boothferry Park. The club record for the most goals scored by a single player in a single season is the 42 goals Bill McNaughton scored in the 1932–33 season.

Hull City's biggest margin of victory in a competitive fixture was their 11–1 drubbing of Carlisle United at Anlaby Road on 14 January 1939. The Tigers' biggest competitive away win was their 8–2 thrashing of Stalybridge Celtic on 26 November 1932 in the first round of the FA Cup.

Hull have been beaten 8–0 twice in their history, which is their biggest ever losing margin in a competitive fixture. Firstly, they lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers on 4 November 1911. This humiliating defeat was then equalled over a century later when Wigan Athletic beat the Tigers on 14 July 2020.

The record for the highest ever attended competitive fixture involving Hull City stands at 89,345 spectators. This was set on 17 May 2014 for the 2014 FA Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium, which ended with the Tigers being beaten 3–2 in extra-time.

Hull's highest ever home attendance for a competitive fixture was recorded on 26 February 1949, when a crowd of 55,019 attended an FA Cup sixth round tie against Manchester United at Boothferry Park. Since moving to the MKM Stadium, the record stands at 25,030 spectators. This was set on 9 May 2010, when the Tigers played out a 0–0 draw with Liverpool on the final day of the 2009–10 season.

The largest transfer fee Hull City have ever paid for a player is the rumoured £13 million they paid Tottenham Hotspur for Ryan Mason in 2016. The largest transfer fee the club has ever received is £22 million, when West Ham United bought Jarrod Bowen in 2020.{{efn|Hull City's website incorrectly lists the largest transfer fee the club has ever received as the £17million Leicester City paid for Harry Maguire in 2017{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jan/31/west-ham-united-jarrod-bowen-hull-city-transfer-window-january|title=West Ham sign Hull forward Jarrod Bowen for £22m on deadline|date=31 January 2020|work=The Guardian|accessdate=8 December 2024}}}}

{{Main|Hull City A.F.C. in European football}}

Source:

|}

;Notes

• 3Q: Third qualifying round
• PO: Play-off round

Source:{{cite web |url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/club/history/club-honours/ |title=Club Honours |publisher=Hull City A.F.C. |accessdate=23 April 2024}}

League

• Championship (level 2)
• 2nd place promotion: 2012–13
• Play-off winners: 2008, 2016
• Third Division North / Third Division / League One (level 3)
• Champions: 1932–33, 1948–49, 1965–66, 2020–21
• 2nd place promotion: 1958–59, 2004–05
• 3rd place promotion: 1984–85
• Fourth Division / Third Division (level 4)
• 2nd place promotion: 1982–83, 2003–04

Cup

• FA Cup
• Runners-up: 2013–14
• Associate Members' Cup
• Runners-up: 1983–84
• Watney Cup
• Runners-up: 1973

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/ Hull City A.F.C.] – official website
• {{BBC football info|BBClinkname=hull-city}}

{{Hull City A.F.C.}}

{{Hull City A.F.C. seasons}}

{{Premier League}}

{{EFL Championship}}

{{EFL League One}}

{{Kingston upon Hull|state=collapsed}}

{{Sport in Hull}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1904 establishments in England

Category:Association football clubs established in 1904

Category:English Football League clubs

Category:Football clubs in England

Category:Football clubs in the East Riding of Yorkshire

Category:Premier League clubs

Category:Sport in Kingston upon Hull