Hull owner slams Cole brothers' 'laughable' Premier League jibes

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali, who has run the club since January 2022, has publicly rebuked former England and Chelsea midfielders Joe Cole and Carlton Cole after they mocked Hull’s chances of Premier League survival on The Dressing Room podcast.

Pundits mock Hull’s Premier League hopes

Speaking on The Dressing Room podcast, former England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole said he had turned down the opportunity to appear as a pundit for Hull’s opening Premier League match. He added he would be “stunned if they stayed up” and joked, “They’ve come here through the back door. They’ve slipped in.”

The Cole brothers’ remarks were aimed at Hull’s ability to avoid relegation, a point that quickly drew ire from the club’s hierarchy. Their comments suggested Hull had entered the top flight through an easy route, a view the owner found insulting. The accompanying photo is credited to Getty ImagesImage.

Owner and manager fire back

Acun Ilicali responded on social media, writing, “It is disappointing to see my beautiful city criticised by people who should know better. As a club we are used to being underestimated and we enjoy it, and we enjoyed it more when we were promoted last season.” He added that the Cole brothers’ jokes were “more laughable than the things they were laughing at.”

Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic also addressed the criticism on Thursday, calling it “a great motivation to prove them wrong, if it’s possible.” He warned that the challenge would be tough but stressed the squad “has nothing to lose” and must “show their potential on the pitch.”

Later, Carlton Cole – a former Chelsea and West Ham player who earned seven England caps – posted a video calling the podcast banter and saying he “loved Hull City.” He defended the light‑hearted tone of the discussion despite the owner’s displeasure.

Hull secured promotion to the Premier League with a last‑minute victory over Middlesbrough in the play‑off final at Wembley in May. This will be the club’s first top‑flight season since 2017, having survived a drop to League One on goal difference in 2025.

The Tigers have already spent £70 million on new signings this summer and will open their Premier League campaign against Manchester United on Saturday, a pre‑match test of their survival ambitions.