Tim Iroegbunam: 'I've loved every second' at Hull City as midfielder lifts lid on Acun Ilıcalı and Everton exit
Tim Iroegbunam says he is loving life at Hull City after his summer move from Everton, revealing Acun Ilıcalı's hands-on approach and Sergej Jakirovic's man-management. The 23-year-old made his first Premier League start of the season against Brentford and is still waiting to move into his new home.
- Player: Tim Iroegbunam, 23, joined Hull City from Everton in a big-money deal.
- First Premier League start: Against Brentford on Sunday.
- Next fixture: Hull City host Ipswich Town at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.
- Manager: Sergej Jakirovic handed Iroegbunam his maiden Tigers start.
- Owner: Acun Ilıcalı played a pivotal role in the transfer.
Team news
Tim Iroegbunam made his first Premier League start of the campaign for Hull City against Brentford on Sunday. The midfielder had previously come off the bench against his former club Everton in a 2-2 draw earlier this month, and then played more minutes in the defeat at Fulham. He was handed his maiden Tigers starting berth by boss Sergej Jakirovic.
What was said
"Every decision you make in football is gonna be hard. It was more like having almost a clean start. Just making a new change. I've loved it, every second of it."
"The owner said a lot of good things, you could just tell, even like now I'm here and like how much involved he is. It's not really normal for the owners to be here all the time. You can tell that's the feeling around the club. I spoke to Ryan Giles because I've known him from being around and living in the same area. He said a lot of good things, and all those little bits of information I was hearing just wanted me to come even more. You can tell he (Ilicali) wants to get to know everyone; he has conversations with everyone. It just shows how much he loves the football club."
"No, he looks very good, though. We've watched a few of them."
"He's a good guy. You can tell just the way he talks. Players in the squad, players on the bench, and injured players; he involves everyone, and that gives everyone a good feeling. If you're speaking to everyone, you're all feeling involved, regardless of whether you're playing or not. It gives everyone opportunities, and everyone wants to do their best, which is a good thing."
"I feel like I've got a lot I can provide both on and off the pitch. I feel like I'm a good character to have. If it's foreign players, if it's young players, I feel like I'm good at conversing with everyone. Then it's more just doing my best to stay fit so that I can help on the pitch too, as best as I can. I'm still in a hotel. I'm just waiting to move in. It's alright, there's no worries at all."
The numbers
Iroegbunam made 29 top-flight outings for Everton, impressing in the second half of last season. His move to Hull City was a big-money deal, with Everton boss David Moyes telling Hull Live he wasn't keen to let him go. The 23-year-old has had an injury-hit start to life at the MKM Stadium but is now building fitness.
How to watch
Hull City host Ipswich Town at the MKM Stadium on Saturday in a crucial game between two newly promoted sides. Details of TV coverage and kick-off time have not been confirmed in the source article.
Iroegbunam's seamless transition under Jakirovic
Tim Iroegbunam's move to Hull City was driven by a desire for a clean start after his Everton exit. The midfielder, who made 29 top-flight appearances for the Toffees, felt the time was right for a new challenge, and City made it clear early in the close season that he was a primary target. His first Premier League start against Brentford marked a significant step in his integration under Sergej Jakirovic.
Iroegbunam has been impressed by the Croatian's man-management, highlighting how Jakirovic involves everyone—from starters to substitutes to injured players—creating a unified squad ethos. That approach has helped the 23-year-old settle quickly, even as he waits to move into his new home and continues to build fitness after an injury-hit start.
Off the pitch, Iroegbunam has been struck by Acun Ilıcalı's hands-on ownership, a contrast to his experience at Everton. The owner's regular presence at the training ground and his personal conversations with players have reinforced the sense of togetherness at the club. Iroegbunam also revealed he has yet to face Ilıcalı in foot-tennis, joking that the owner 'looks very good' from what he has seen.
Talking points
- Ilıcalı's involvement: Iroegbunam says the owner's constant presence is 'not really normal' but fosters a family feel at Hull City.
- Jakirovic's man-management: The head coach's inclusive approach has made every player feel valued, according to the midfielder.
- Everton's loss: David Moyes was reluctant to let Iroegbunam leave, and some Everton fans were disappointed, but the player felt a new challenge was needed.
What happens next
Hull City host Ipswich Town at the MKM Stadium on Saturday in a crucial game between two newly promoted sides. Iroegbunam will be hoping to build on his first Premier League start and continue to settle into life in East Yorkshire. Once he moves into his new home, he will look to establish himself as a key figure in the Tigers' dressing room.
Frequently asked questions
When did Tim Iroegbunam make his first Premier League start for Hull City?
He made his first Premier League start of the campaign against Brentford on Sunday.
What did Iroegbunam say about Acun Ilıcalı's involvement?
He said Ilıcalı's hands-on approach is unusual but shows how much he loves the club, and that the owner wants to get to know everyone.
Why did Iroegbunam leave Everton?
He felt it was time for a new challenge and a clean start, with Hull City making it clear early in the close season that he was a primary target.
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