Tan Kesler, the Vice President of Hull City, a team in the English Championship, stated that the club is undergoing significant changes and plans to finish the season in the upper ranks, aiming for promotion to the Premier League. Under the ownership of Acun Ilıcalı, Hull City conducted a training camp in Antalya during the international break and has returned to England.
Kesler emphasized that their primary goal is always promotion to the Premier League, saying, “This year, we are on the same path. We are undergoing serious changes, and at the point where this adaptation is completed, I believe we will finish the last part of the league in the upper ranks and become one of the biggest candidates for promotion.”
CLUB PLANNING IN ENGLAND
He noted that clubs in England remain committed to their planning, discussing how, in Turkey, there is a strong passion for football, leading to a desire for quick success. “In Europe, especially in England, clubs stick to their planning. They adhere to their transfer strategies and sponsorships to develop the club,” he said. Kesler also highlighted differences in gameplay, mentioning that the duration the ball remains in play is significantly different between the Championship and Turkish leagues.
ACUN ILICALI’S COMMITMENT TO TURKISH FOOTBALL
When asked whether they aim to purchase a third team after Hull City and Maribor, Kesler replied that this decision rests with Acun Ilıcalı, who is their leader and visionary. He expressed confidence in their team and emphasized their focus on making Hull City and Maribor successful to alleviate Ilıcalı’s workload. Kesler also acknowledged that Ilıcalı is committed to supporting Turkish football.
SUPER LIG QUALITY IS ABOVE CHAMPIONSHIP
Kesler stated that they track both Turkish and foreign young players, believing that “the quality of the Super Lig is above that of the Championship.” He mentioned the challenges some Turkish players face in adapting to foreign leagues, noting that they are particularly attentive to finding players who fit their style.
FAST GROWTH IN AUDIENCE AND SPONSORSHIP
He highlighted the rapid growth in sponsorship revenue and brand value at Hull City, stating that many clubs seek their insights. “We have managed to grow our club quickly, doubling our fan base in two years and increasing our sponsorship revenues significantly,” he noted, expressing gratitude to their sponsors for their support.
Kesler concluded by reaffirming Hull City’s ambitions and commitment to improving their standing in English football while fostering a strong connection with their supporters and sponsors.
