Former Hull City star makes Tigers Premier League claim with transfer caveat

Robert Koren has backed his former club to win promotion to the Premier League after the appointment of German head coach Tim Walter.

City came agonisingly close to snatching a place in the Championship's play-offs under Liam Rosenior, missing out by just three points, and Koren, who captained City to promotion during a terrific career in East Yorkshire, feels a club he holds dear to his heart are not too far away.

Owner Acun Ilicali has bankrolled the Tigers since taking over in January 2022 and in appointing Walter, hopes the former Hamburg head coach will be the one to guide City to the top flight.

READ MORE: Five players who could save Hull City millions this summer

"I’ve been following Hull and have seen the new owners, the culture there is really passionate," he told OLBG. "They're putting a lot of energy into leading the club as well. They have a goal there, they want to get to the Premier League in one or two years.

"They have to change some things and hopefully they will build a good team. The atmosphere will be good and like I said, because I played for this club, I hope next year they will go to the Premier League.

"I recently went to Hull to watch them play against Leicester and I chatted to Liam for about 30 minutes because we used to play together. They had a really good style but unfortunately, they finished outside the top six which was the target."

The Slovenian maestro admits seeing former teammate Rosenior lose his job at the end of the Championship campaign in early May was tough, and believes with a good transfer window, the Tigers can challenge.

"Of course I'm not happy because I know Liam and he did a great job," he continued. "They played a really good style of football and it was a joy to watch. I’m sad to see Liam leave the club and I'm sure he will find the right place where he can continue with his coaching.

"Hull City have a goal of being in the Premier League and it’s 50/50 whether you improve after changing your manager. But definitely there will be some good players coming in, some new players coming in and they will try to build a better atmosphere in the dressing room. If they get this team spirit, they can bounce back as well and do even better next year."