Introduction: A Lifetime of Gaffers at the Tigers
Alright, lads and lasses, let's have it right – if you're a Hull City fan like me, born and bred in East Hull, just off Holderness Road, you know our club's history is a proper rollercoaster. From the glory days scraping by in the old Second Division to that mad spell in the Premier League, we've had more ups and downs than a ferry crossing the Humber on a windy day. I've been following the Tigers since I was a nipper, back when Boothferry Park was our fortress, and now at the MKM Stadium, it still feels like home. This article's your go-to resource on every single manager who's ever taken the hot seat at Hull City, from 1904 right up to now in 2026. I'll give you the facts, but I'll chuck in my two penn'orth too – no holding back, because that's how we do it in Hull. We've had legends like Phil Brown who got us to the top flight, and some proper duds who nearly sent us packing to the non-league. Grab a pint of Tetley's (or whatever they're serving at The New Clarence these days), and let's dive in.
The Early Days: Building the Foundations (1904-1930s)
Hull City kicked off in 1904, and our first gaffer was James Ramster, who sorted out the friendlies before we proper got going. No competitive games under him, but he laid the groundwork – respect to that. Then came Ambrose Langley from April 1905 to 1913, managing 318 games with a solid 45% win rate. He got us into the Football League and kept us steady in the Second Division. Proper pioneer, that one; without him, we might still be playing on the pitches down Anlaby Road.
Harry Chapman took over till 1914, winning about 44% of his 45 games – not bad, but World War I chucked a spanner in. Fred Stringer and David Menzies (first spell) handled the wartime bits, with Stringer nailing over 50% wins in his 43 matches. Post-war, Percy Lewis and Billy McCracken – McCracken was a Northern Irish lad who stuck around from 1923 to 1931, 375 games, but only 36% wins. He kept us afloat after relegation to the Third Division North, but honestly, it was turgid stuff. I reckon if he'd had the backing like today's owners, things might've been different.
Haydn Green perked things up from 1931 to 1934, smashing nearly 50% wins in 123 games. He got us that Third Division North title in 1932-33 – our first proper silverware. Legend has it he was a sharp tactician, much like how we'd chat tactics over a pie at Hull Fair. Jack Hill and Menzies' second go were forgettable, low win rates, and we were scratching around the lower leagues.
Post-War Struggles and Steady Hands (1940s-1960s)
After the war, Ernest Blackburn from 1936 to 1946 (with a break for the big one) won 43% of his 117 games. Solid, but nothing flashy. Frank Buckley and Raich Carter followed – Carter, from 1948 to 1951, was a player-manager gem, 47% wins in 157 games. As a Sunderland lad, he brought some class; I remember me grandad raving about him, saying he was better than half the England side.
Bob Jackson, Bob Brocklebank, and Cliff Britton defined the 50s and 60s. Britton from 1961 to 1969 managed 406 games, 42% wins – he got us promoted to the Second Division in 1965-66. Proper Bristolian, but he fit right in; think of him as the gaffer who'd buy you a round at The Adelphi after a win. Those were the days when we'd pack out Boothferry, chanting away against teams like Leeds or Sheffield Wednesday.
The Rollercoaster 70s and 80s: Near Misses and Heartache
Terry Neill (1970-1974) and John Kaye kept us mid-table, but then it got rocky. Bobby Collins and Wilf McGuinness were disasters – McGuinness won just 10% of his 10 games! Ken Houghton, Mike Smith, and Bobby Brown tried to steady the ship, but we were sliding.
Colin Appleton's first spell (1982-1984) was a highlight: 52% wins, promotion from Division Four in 1982-83. Proper Scarborough lad, he saved us from the abyss. Brian Horton (1984-1988) built on that, 39% wins, but Eddie Gray and Appleton's return were flops. Stan Ternent from 1989-1991 dragged us out of trouble – tough as old boots, that one, like a proper Hull docker.
The Dark Days Turn to Dawn: 1990s to Early 2000s
Terry Dolan from 1991-1997 had 323 games but only 31% wins – long but uninspiring. Mark Hateley (1997-1998) was a big name, but 22% wins? Nah. Warren Joyce perked up to 38%, then Brian Little (2000-2002) hit 42% and got us play-off semis.
Jan Mølby was a brief flop, but Peter Taylor from 2002-2006? Magic. 42% wins, back-to-back promotions from League Two to Championship. He turned nobodies into heroes – think Windass and Myhill. I was at the promotion party in Yeovil; Hull took over the town!
Premier League Dreams and Nightmares: 2000s Onwards
Phil Parkinson flopped, but Phil Brown (2006-2010) – oh, lad! 33% wins, but he got us to the Prem via that Wembley play-off final against Bristol City in 2008. Dean Windass' volley? I cried in the stands. Brown's half-time team talk on the pitch at Man City? Bonkers, but brilliant. Iain Dowie couldn't save us from relegation.
Nigel Pearson stabilized, Nick Barmby caretaker'd well, then Steve Bruce (2012-2016): 41% wins, promotion in 2016, FA Cup final in 2014 (lost to Arsenal, gutted). Mike Phelan struggled in the Prem, Marco Silva impressed but couldn't stop relegation.
Leonid Slutsky, Nigel Adkins, Grant McCann (promotion in 2021), Shota Arveladze, Andy Dawson (caretaker), Liam Rosenior (2022-2024) – Rosenior was class, nearly got us play-offs. Tim Walter (2024) sacked quick, Ruben Selles interim till May 2025, now Sergej Jakirović from June 2025. Fingers crossed he brings some Balkan flair to the MKM.
The Full Hull City Managers List
Here's the complete list, lads – every gaffer from day one:
My Final Thoughts: What Makes a Great Tigers Boss
Looking back, the best managers – like Taylor, Brown, and Bruce – understood the Hull spirit: gritty, no-nonsense, with a bit of flair. We've had our share of foreigners now, from Silva to Jakirović, and that's grand – brings fresh ideas to our corner of East Yorkshire.
Hull City ain't just a club; it's our lifeblood, from the fish docks to the estates. No matter who's in charge, we'll back 'em – because that's what Tigers do. Up the City!
Alright, lads and lasses, let's have it right – if you're a Hull City fan like me, born and bred in East Hull, just off Holderness Road, you know our club's history is a proper rollercoaster. From the glory days scraping by in the old Second Division to that mad spell in the Premier League, we've had more ups and downs than a ferry crossing the Humber on a windy day. I've been following the Tigers since I was a nipper, back when Boothferry Park was our fortress, and now at the MKM Stadium, it still feels like home. This article's your go-to resource on every single manager who's ever taken the hot seat at Hull City, from 1904 right up to now in 2026. I'll give you the facts, but I'll chuck in my two penn'orth too – no holding back, because that's how we do it in Hull. We've had legends like Phil Brown who got us to the top flight, and some proper duds who nearly sent us packing to the non-league. Grab a pint of Tetley's (or whatever they're serving at The New Clarence these days), and let's dive in.
The Early Days: Building the Foundations (1904-1930s)
Hull City kicked off in 1904, and our first gaffer was James Ramster, who sorted out the friendlies before we proper got going. No competitive games under him, but he laid the groundwork – respect to that. Then came Ambrose Langley from April 1905 to 1913, managing 318 games with a solid 45% win rate. He got us into the Football League and kept us steady in the Second Division. Proper pioneer, that one; without him, we might still be playing on the pitches down Anlaby Road.
Harry Chapman took over till 1914, winning about 44% of his 45 games – not bad, but World War I chucked a spanner in. Fred Stringer and David Menzies (first spell) handled the wartime bits, with Stringer nailing over 50% wins in his 43 matches. Post-war, Percy Lewis and Billy McCracken – McCracken was a Northern Irish lad who stuck around from 1923 to 1931, 375 games, but only 36% wins. He kept us afloat after relegation to the Third Division North, but honestly, it was turgid stuff. I reckon if he'd had the backing like today's owners, things might've been different.
Haydn Green perked things up from 1931 to 1934, smashing nearly 50% wins in 123 games. He got us that Third Division North title in 1932-33 – our first proper silverware. Legend has it he was a sharp tactician, much like how we'd chat tactics over a pie at Hull Fair. Jack Hill and Menzies' second go were forgettable, low win rates, and we were scratching around the lower leagues.
Quick tip: If you're researching old Tigers history, head to the Hull History Centre on Worship Street – they've got archives that'll make your head spin.
Post-War Struggles and Steady Hands (1940s-1960s)
After the war, Ernest Blackburn from 1936 to 1946 (with a break for the big one) won 43% of his 117 games. Solid, but nothing flashy. Frank Buckley and Raich Carter followed – Carter, from 1948 to 1951, was a player-manager gem, 47% wins in 157 games. As a Sunderland lad, he brought some class; I remember me grandad raving about him, saying he was better than half the England side.
Bob Jackson, Bob Brocklebank, and Cliff Britton defined the 50s and 60s. Britton from 1961 to 1969 managed 406 games, 42% wins – he got us promoted to the Second Division in 1965-66. Proper Bristolian, but he fit right in; think of him as the gaffer who'd buy you a round at The Adelphi after a win. Those were the days when we'd pack out Boothferry, chanting away against teams like Leeds or Sheffield Wednesday.
The Rollercoaster 70s and 80s: Near Misses and Heartache
Terry Neill (1970-1974) and John Kaye kept us mid-table, but then it got rocky. Bobby Collins and Wilf McGuinness were disasters – McGuinness won just 10% of his 10 games! Ken Houghton, Mike Smith, and Bobby Brown tried to steady the ship, but we were sliding.
Colin Appleton's first spell (1982-1984) was a highlight: 52% wins, promotion from Division Four in 1982-83. Proper Scarborough lad, he saved us from the abyss. Brian Horton (1984-1988) built on that, 39% wins, but Eddie Gray and Appleton's return were flops. Stan Ternent from 1989-1991 dragged us out of trouble – tough as old boots, that one, like a proper Hull docker.
Honest take: The 80s were grim; I skipped school to watch us get hammered at places like Scunthorpe. But it's what makes us Tigers fans resilient – we've seen worse than most.
The Dark Days Turn to Dawn: 1990s to Early 2000s
Terry Dolan from 1991-1997 had 323 games but only 31% wins – long but uninspiring. Mark Hateley (1997-1998) was a big name, but 22% wins? Nah. Warren Joyce perked up to 38%, then Brian Little (2000-2002) hit 42% and got us play-off semis.
Jan Mølby was a brief flop, but Peter Taylor from 2002-2006? Magic. 42% wins, back-to-back promotions from League Two to Championship. He turned nobodies into heroes – think Windass and Myhill. I was at the promotion party in Yeovil; Hull took over the town!
Premier League Dreams and Nightmares: 2000s Onwards
Phil Parkinson flopped, but Phil Brown (2006-2010) – oh, lad! 33% wins, but he got us to the Prem via that Wembley play-off final against Bristol City in 2008. Dean Windass' volley? I cried in the stands. Brown's half-time team talk on the pitch at Man City? Bonkers, but brilliant. Iain Dowie couldn't save us from relegation.
Nigel Pearson stabilized, Nick Barmby caretaker'd well, then Steve Bruce (2012-2016): 41% wins, promotion in 2016, FA Cup final in 2014 (lost to Arsenal, gutted). Mike Phelan struggled in the Prem, Marco Silva impressed but couldn't stop relegation.
Leonid Slutsky, Nigel Adkins, Grant McCann (promotion in 2021), Shota Arveladze, Andy Dawson (caretaker), Liam Rosenior (2022-2024) – Rosenior was class, nearly got us play-offs. Tim Walter (2024) sacked quick, Ruben Selles interim till May 2025, now Sergej Jakirović from June 2025. Fingers crossed he brings some Balkan flair to the MKM.
The Full Hull City Managers List
Here's the complete list, lads – every gaffer from day one:
- James Ramster (Aug 1904 - Apr 1905)
- Ambrose Langley (Apr 1905 - Apr 1913)
- Harry Chapman (Apr 1913 - Sep 1914)
- Fred Stringer (Sep 1914 - Jul 1916)
- David Menzies (Jul 1916 - Jun 1921)
- Percy Lewis (Jul 1921 - Jan 1923)
- Bill McCracken (Feb 1923 - May 1931)
- Haydn Green (May 1931 - Mar 1934)
- John Hill (Mar 1934 - Jan 1936)
- David Menzies (Feb 1936 - Oct 1936)
- Ernest Blackburn (Dec 1936 - Jan 1946)
- Frank Buckley (May 1946 - Mar 1948)
- Raich Carter (Mar 1948 - Sep 1951)
- Bob Jackson (Jun 1952 - Mar 1955)
- Bob Brocklebank (Mar 1955 - May 1961)
- Cliff Britton (Jul 1961 - Nov 1969)
- Terry Neill (Jun 1970 - Sep 1974)
- John Kaye (Sep 1974 - Oct 1977)
- Bobby Collins (Oct 1977 - Feb 1978)
- Wilf McGuinness (Feb 1978 - Apr 1978)
- Ken Houghton (Apr 1978 - Dec 1979)
- Mike Smith (Dec 1979 - Mar 1982)
- Bobby Brown (Mar 1982 - Jun 1982)
- Colin Appleton (Jun 1982 - May 1984)
- Brian Horton (Jun 1984 - Apr 1988)
- Eddie Gray (Jun 1988 - May 1989)
- Colin Appleton (May 1989 - Oct 1989)
- Stan Ternent (Nov 1989 - Jan 1991)
- Terry Dolan (Jan 1991 - Jul 1997)
- Mark Hateley (Jul 1997 - Nov 1998)
- Warren Joyce (Nov 1998 - Apr 2000)
- Billy Russell (Apr 2000 - Apr 2000)
- Brian Little (Apr 2000 - Feb 2002)
- Billy Russell (Feb 2002 - Apr 2002)
- Jan Mølby (Apr 2002 - Oct 2002)
- Billy Russell (Oct 2002 - Oct 2002)
- Peter Taylor (Oct 2002 - Jun 2006)
- Phil Parkinson (Jun 2006 - Dec 2006)
- Phil Brown (Dec 2006 - Mar 2010)
- Iain Dowie (Mar 2010 - May 2010)
- Nigel Pearson (Jun 2010 - Nov 2011)
- Nick Barmby (Nov 2011 - May 2012)
- Steve Bruce (Jun 2012 - Jul 2016)
- Mike Phelan (Jul 2016 - Jan 2017)
- Marco Silva (Jan 2017 - May 2017)
- Leonid Slutsky (Jun 2017 - Dec 2017)
- Nigel Adkins (Dec 2017 - Jun 2019)
- Grant McCann (Jun 2019 - Jan 2022)
- Shota Arveladze (Jan 2022 - Sep 2022)
- Andy Dawson (Oct 2022 - Nov 2022)
- Liam Rosenior (Nov 2022 - May 2024)
- Tim Walter (Jul 2024 - Nov 2024)
- Ruben Selles (Dec 2024 - May 2025)
- Sergej Jakirović (Jun 2025 - Present)
My Final Thoughts: What Makes a Great Tigers Boss
Looking back, the best managers – like Taylor, Brown, and Bruce – understood the Hull spirit: gritty, no-nonsense, with a bit of flair. We've had our share of foreigners now, from Silva to Jakirović, and that's grand – brings fresh ideas to our corner of East Yorkshire.
Hull City ain't just a club; it's our lifeblood, from the fish docks to the estates. No matter who's in charge, we'll back 'em – because that's what Tigers do. Up the City!
