Hull City owner rejects punditry claims of relegation

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has criticized football pundits Joe Cole and Carlton Cole following their skeptical predictions regarding the club’s Premier League prospects. During a podcast, Joe Cole suggested that Hull City were “already relegated” and claimed they had entered the top flight “through the back door,” despite the club earning promotion via the Championship play-off final.

Ilicali dismissed the commentary as “laughable,” stating that such assessments underestimate the club’s strategic direction and the significant investments being made to ensure competitiveness.

In addition to the relegation comments, Joe Cole claimed he placed his phone on “do not disturb” to avoid being booked by TNT Sports to provide punditry for Hull City’s opening fixture. However, insiders at TNT Sports have expressed bewilderment at this claim, stating that the broadcaster had never actually approached him for the role.