Hull City Poised to Appoint Reading Manager Selles as Head Coach

Ruben Selles has departed Reading to assume the role of head coach at Hull City, according to information obtained by BBC Radio Berkshire. The manager of the Royals is expected to transition from a League One promotion campaign to a Championship relegation struggle with the Tigers. He will succeed Tim Walter, who was dismissed from his position last week. It is understood that both clubs are in the process of concluding compensation arrangements for Reading. Additionally, Selles’s visa, required for an international coach, necessitates amendment. Acun Ilicali, the owner of Hull City, has acted promptly to secure the services of a highly-regarded manager recognized for his performance under challenging conditions in Berkshire. During his tenure with the Royals, the 41-year-old Spaniard has contended with points deductions, transfer embargoes, and unsuccessful takeover attempts, yet he has successfully led a youthful squad into play-off contention. Hull has also experienced a period of instability, with Selles becoming their third manager in seven months. This follows the dismissal of Liam Rosenior in May, despite the team achieving a seventh-place finish in the Championship last season. Walter, for his part, served for just under five months, securing victories in only three of his 17 league fixtures. Conversely, Selles, despite an unsuccessful four-month spell in 2022-23 where he could not prevent Southampton’s relegation from the top flight, has performed exceptionally well at Reading. Following a 17th-place finish in 2023-24, which included a six-point deduction, Selles has guided Reading to sixth position in League One, having won nine out of their 17 league matches. Selles is anticipated to be present at Hull’s match against a strong Blackburn Rovers side on Saturday, though his presence in the dugout is yet to be confirmed.