SERGEJ Jakirovic has revealed that a top-10 finish was the peak of his ambition ahead of the reverse fixture between Hull City and Coventry City on the opening weekend of the 2025-26 season in August.

Given the circumstances - Hull were hit with transfer window restrictions last summer - the Tigers' head coach felt that 'between 10th to 15th place' was the more realistic expectation.

What has followed since is one of the EFL's most wholesome stories of the campaign with six games remaining in the regular season. And hopefully a few more from Hull's perspective.

Champions-elect Coventry - who visit the MKM Stadium on Monday evening (8pm kick-off) - have provided the stellar tale in the second tier in 25-26, for sure, alongside Millwall.

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic celebrates in front of the fans following victory in the Sky Bet Championship match at Deepdale, Preston in January. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

placeholder image — Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic celebrates in front of the fans following victory in the Sky Bet Championship match at Deepdale, Preston in January. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

But Hull's own journey is also a stand-out one.

Bosnia-born Jakirovic, deserving of high praise in his maiden managerial post - and first season - in English football, told The Yorkshire Post: "We didn't expect this. I can be completely honest.

"I was thinking we would be in the top 10 and maybe between tenth and 15th place.

"Because this is normal when you look at our circumstances and what we had - embargoes and everything.

Hull City keeper Ivor Pandur, who will return in goal against Coventry City. Photo: Tony Johnson.

"But I think that together with Mr Chairman (Acun Ilicali), Jared (Dublin - sporting director) and Hodgey (Martin Hodge - head of recruitment), we built a good team; a 'character' team.

"The work ethic is good and they give everything on the pitch. Sometimes it's better, sometimes (results are) less better.

"I can say we've overachieved; I can say it like this. But we are there.

"We need to use this moment. Maybe next season, God knows what will happen…

"If we reach the play-offs, then we start a new tournament."

Heading into Monday's programme, Hull - who drew 1-1 at lowly Oxford United on Good Friday - lie in fifth place, four points clear of Southampton, who currently sit just outside the play-off spots and have a game in hand.

In-form Saints visit the side occupying the last top-six position, Wrexham, on Tuesday night.

The Tigers, who have won just two of their last six home matches, have work to do to secure a place in the end-of-season lottery.

But Jakirovic has scoffed at any notion of pressure.

The City chief, who confirmed that Ivor Pandur will return in goal after Dillon Phillips deputised for the rested Croatian at Oxford following his international commitments, continued: "I don't feel this pressure because we have to enjoy this moment. What is the pressure?

"We are playing football. We love football. It's doing your job. Ninety minutes plus five to six (minutes) additional time.

"That's it. And then go home. Take one beer and go home.

"It's an unbelievably competitive league.

"No matter where you play: home or away. At Sheffield Wednesday, who were relegated, they make it difficult for you. This is good for the league, of course."

Coventry can put themselves on the cusp of promotion if they win in East Yorkshire and results go their way, but realistically, it's a case of when - not if - their elevation is confirmed.

Jakirovic, whose side drew 0-0 at the CBS Arena in his first game in charge on August 9, said: "They are a great team; the best team with a winning mentality.

"Maybe they had a little bit of a drop (before). But then, especially after this (home) game against Middlesbrough, they showed quality and strength.

"They will be first. They will be champions. They will go to the Premier League. This is a nice challenge for us."