NEW Hull owner Acun Ilicali says the club are about to embark on ‘an incredibly exciting time’ after sacking manager Grant McCann.
The Tigers released a statement confirming the departure of McCann and his No 2 Cliff Byrne, who led them to the League One title last season.
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Former Peterborough boss McCann, 41, arrived at Hull in June 2019 after a year in charge of Doncaster.
The Tigers’ third-tier success last season was their first league title in 55 years, but they have had an inconsistent campaign in the Championship and are 19th.
Turkish businessman and media personality Ilicali, 52, completed a takeover of the Tigers last week.
He said: “Grant has done an excellent job for this football club in difficult circumstances, most specifically during the takeover process, and for that I offer my sincere thanks.
“These matters are never easy and are more often than not protracted.
“During the process, Grant has always remained professional and fully focused on the team, and will forever be a friend of the Tigers.
“I’m sure he will be successful in whatever his next challenge is.”
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McCann won 53 of his 136 matches in charge at the MKM Stadium – including their last two matches – but Ilicali felt it was the right time for a change.
He added: “Now is the time for change and for me to start to build, in what I believe will be an incredibly exciting time for the club.
“I have a philosophy and a belief that our project should start as we mean to carry on and that involves having my team in place.
“I understand the timing may look odd, after two good wins, but I wouldn’t be fair or honest if I merely waited for a defeat to change manager.”
Ilicali said McCann’s replacement ‘will be announced very shortly’ and former Georgia boss Shota Arveladze, who is currently unattached, has been linked with the position.
